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People In Portugal Are Not Happy About Digital Nomads

Portugal's recent surge in digital nomads is turning heads, with tens of thousands flocking to its shores. However, as the number continues to rise, questions about the consequences of this trend are beginning to surface. From the challenges of gentrification to the opportunities for local communities. Lets take a look,

Nomad List currently reports that around 16,000 digital nomads have already made Lisbon their home sweet home!

Which could increase even further. With a new visa scheme introduced in October, remote workers have the opportunity to settle down there.

But people are not happy about this.

“Local people are really fired up,” says Guya Accornero, a sociology researcher at the University Institute of Lisbon. “They aren't happy at all.”

• Digital nomads tend to have significantly higher salaries compared to local workers? In order to qualify for the special visa in Portugal, they need to earn at least €2,800 per month,

• while over half of all workers earn less than €1,000, as shared by Portugal's Labour Minister.

The impact on Portugal's economy

Catarina Viegas from Climáximo, an anti-capitalist collective, argues that their economic influence is driving up prices, exacerbating an already sky-high inflation problem in the country.

She highlights that digital nomads compete for short-term rentals that are already under pressure from tourists and foreign investors.

Because of which that house prices in Portugal have doubled since 2015, leading many to believe that the country is grappling with a housing crisis, with prices skyrocketing far beyond people's incomes as reported by The International Monetary Fund.

According to Accornero, the tourism industry in Portugal has made the country attractive for digital nomads.

However, Viegas argues that this industry is dominated by international companies, which leaves locals with little benefit.

“People say that it's good for the economy, but who is getting the benefits?” she asks. “It's not the people that actually live here”.

Gentrification

Tourism hotspots like Lisbon and Porto have experienced gentrification as the character of their populations has shifted over time, says Viegas, resulting in an exclusion of locals from a market that is no longer designed for them.

“Gentrification means the market is no longer even made for the people in Portugal,” she continued. “We have been excluded”.

Lisbon's rent prices have been soaring due to a massive tourism boom, leading to repeated protests by anti-gentrification groups from all over Europe.

Going Deeper

Portugal shook things up last month with a bold move to address its housing crisis head-on.

They decided to pull the plug on their controversial Golden Visa program and even put a ban on issuing new licenses for Airbnbs. This significant step, started back in 2013, offered residency permits to deep-pocketed non-EU individuals if they pumped money into the country.

Viegas, however, believes there's much to learn from these actions that can guide us in the future.

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HAPPENING
Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

01: SpaceX and NASA's Ambitious Plan to Create the Largest Space Station Ever

SpaceX is planning to launch the world's first commercial space station, called Vast Haven-1, as early as August 2025! They're aiming to develop a multi-module base in the future.

So the Vast Haven-1 space station will function independently at first, but eventually connect to a larger Vast space station, and the ultimate goal is to develop a 100-meter-long spinning artificial gravity space station.

You can even reserve your own seat.

02: Emirates Takes Off To The Future With Paperless Boarding Passes 

From 15th May, all you need is your mobile boarding pass and the Emirates agents and airport staff will simply scan the QR code as you move through the airport and onto the aircraft.

Here’s how the entire process will work in detail.

03: Uber Takes To The Skies: UK Users Can Soon Book Flights On The Ride-Hailing App

Travellers will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for both domestic and international flights through the app, powered by Hopper.

When you're ready to book a flight, just enter some key information like your destination, departure point, and travel dates in the app. Once you've got that covered, you can easily choose your preferred departing and returning flights.

Here's something exciting: if you're flying with major carriers, you might even have the option to select your seats right within the app! It's like having the power to choose your spot on the plane without any hassle. And the best part? You can conveniently pay for your tickets through the app, just like you would for any other service on Uber.

04: Canada Unveils New Passport Design: Here's What You Need To Know

Instead of using ink printing, personal information of passport holders will now be laser engraved. The pages show pictures of Canada's individuals, landscape, and wildlife that are visible solely under ultraviolet light.

Here’s how it will improve security.

LOOKING FORWARD TO

1. 76th Cannes Film Festival | Tue, May 16, – Sat, May 27, 2023

   Venue: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, France

   
   

2. EDC Las Vegas 2023 - May 19-21, 2023

   Las Vegas, NV | Venue: Las Vegas Motor Speedway

   
   

3. Head in the Clouds Festival 2023 - May 20-21, 2023

   New York City, NY | Venue: Forest Hills Stadium

   
   

4. Scarborough Renaissance Festival 2023 - May 20-21, & May 27-29, | Waxahachie, TX

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📰 Read - Air New Zealand Unveils Its Sleep Pods - Sweet Dreams At 30,000 Feet

Launching in September 2024, the Skynest will feature six cozy pods equipped with everything you need for a peaceful sleep: a full-size pillow, sheets, and a blanket.

To ensure your uninterrupted rest, each pod comes with earplugs, a personal reading light, and a seatbelt for any turbulence. Plus, you can stay connected with a personal device USB outlet while enjoying a refreshing flow of air from the ventilation outlet.

You can enjoy the comfort of Air New Zealand's Economy Skynest sleep pods for a 4-hour session, with prices ranging from approximately NZ$400 to NZ$600 (around $253 to $379).

All the available routes ➜ the skynest will be located at.

👁️‍🗨️ Watch - Taking Flight with a Sea Goddess

Lady luck smiled upon a Chinese seaman who found himself seated next to a statue of the revered sea goddess Mazu during a flight. He even took a selfie with the goddess.

Considered a fortuitous encounter, this unexpected seating arrangement was seen as a favorable sign of good fortune. Mazu has long been known as the guardian and protector of seafarers, so it's like having the ultimate travel buddy.

This isn’t the first time ➜ the goddess has travelled by air.

😲 React - Portofino Bans Taking Selfie in Tourist Hotspots, New Rule to Tackle Crowds

Well, guess what? The mayor of Portofino had a brilliant idea to tackle the chaos caused by hordes of tourists. They've created "no-waiting zones" where if you hang around on the quay for too long between 10:30am and 6pm, you could end up with a hefty fine of €270. 

Why ? It's like a way to nudge people to keep moving and prevent those massive tourist groups from clogging up the pier.

When ? This ban will be in effect until the holiday season ends on October 15th, giving everyone a breather from the madness.

How else is ➜ Italy Combating Overtourism ? 

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST
Where History Whispers its Secrets of Timeless Beauty

📍 Parque Del Retiro, Spain, Madrid
More than 40,400 Excellent ratings | See 360^o degree view

In the heart of Madrid, there lies a verdant sanctuary steeped in history, where the whispers of the past intertwine with the vibrant colors of the present. This verdant refuge, once a clandestine retreat for Spanish royalty, now embraces all who seek solace in its lush embrace. Welcome to the Parque del Retiro,

In the 17th century, the Count-Duke of Olivares donated land to King Philip IV, who commissioned the construction of El Retiro. Designed by Cosimo Lotti, this Renaissance-style park featured a picturesque pond, chapels, wide pathways, and exquisite sculptures. It served as a retreat for the royals and hosted grand plays and operas, becoming a renowned artistic wonder of its time.

When you visit the Parque del Retiro, you'll discover a treasure trove of experiences that will enrich your journey in Madrid. Let me tell you how you can benefit from exploring this captivating place.

• First and foremost, the park offers you a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. It's a perfect spot to unwind, recharge, and find tranquility amidst nature's embrace. Take a leisurely stroll along the winding pathways, feel the soft caress of the breeze on your skin, and let the park's soothing ambiance wash over you.

• If you're a lover of the arts, you're in for a treat. The park hosts free concerts by the Banda Sinfónica de Madrid every Sunday at midday. Find a cozy spot near the bandstand, immerse yourself in the beautiful melodies, and let the music transport you to another world.

• Bookworms rejoice! The Parque del Retiro is home to an annual Book Fair where you can explore a treasure trove of literary delights. Lose yourself in the sea of books, indulge in the joy of finding hidden gems, and perhaps stumble upon a literary masterpiece to accompany you on your journey.

• For fitness enthusiasts, the park offers a myriad of opportunities to stay active. Discover the outdoor exercise area designed for both the young and old, with equipment tailored to stretch and keep you energized.

• The Parque del Retiro is not just a place for adults to unwind; it's also a haven for children. Let your little ones release their energy in the multiple playground areas scattered throughout the park. And don't miss the stone slide inside the Palacio de Cristal.

• As you explore, you'll encounter street performers, puppet shows, and fortune tellers adding their own touch of magic to the park's vibrant atmosphere. Immerse yourself in this lively spectacle.

• Lastly, don't forget to indulge in a leisurely boat ride on the Estanque Grande. Rent a rowboat, glide across the tranquil waters, and bask in the beauty of the surrounding scenery. And if you're seeking a touch of nostalgia, let the rhythmic clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages carry you back to a bygone era.

In the Parque del Retiro, there's something for everyone—a haven of relaxation, cultural enrichment, and outdoor adventure. So, venture forth, immerse yourself in the park's wonders, and let its magic leave an indelible mark on your journey through Madrid.

A Recent Review - “We visited here twice. The park is massive and there is lots to see and do. There are some cafes as well and play grounds for kids which my daughter loved. We hired a boat and rowed on the lake, 6 euros per boat for 45 mins which is a bargain and great fun.”

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS 
Luxury on a Budget

Discover the art of indulging in luxury travel experiences without breaking the bank..

💯 Utilize loyalty programs and redeem points 
By signing up for airline and hotel loyalty programs, you can start accumulating points or miles with each trip you take.

These loyalty points can then be redeemed for upgraded accommodations, such as luxurious suites or rooms with stunning views. Additionally, you may have access to exclusive perks like airport lounge access, complimentary breakfast, or spa credits, enhancing your overall travel experience.

🏡 Opting for Botique hotels & Vacation Rentals - Boutique hotels often offer unique and stylish accommodations that rival larger luxury chains but at more affordable rates.

These intimate properties often boast personalized service, elegant decor, and attention to detail that create a luxurious ambiance.

Alternatively, opting for vacation rentals can provide spacious and well-appointed accommodations with the added benefit of a kitchen or living area, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of a home away from home.

✨ Taking Advantage of Day Passes - or limited access to high-end resorts. Many luxury resorts offer day passes that grant visitors access to their stunning pools, private beaches, and luxurious amenities for a fraction of the cost of a full stay.

This allows you to bask in the opulence of a luxury resort, lounging by the pool, indulging in world-class service, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings for a day.

Have some of your own ?
Sound off in the comments below, (available only on website) / tweet at us.

TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. Mortal Kombat announced their next installment with a trailer.

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4. Winners and losers of NBA Draft Lottery.

5. Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade split their bills 50 / 50

GUESS THE PLACE

This Country Has the Most Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the World.
(Answer revealed in next issue, Post your guesses in the comments

- - A - -

Hint - 5 letters, think Europe

Last week’s answer to:
What is the Second highest mountain on earth ? - K2 Mountain

• At 8,611m (28,251ft), K2 is the second-highest mountain on Earth.
  Only Mount Everest at 8,848m (29,029ft) is higher – by 237m (778ft).

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