Fall at London 2019

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Dear friends,

Right now I'm back from the World Trade Markets, and guess what? I'm 39000 ft high on a super-easy Easyjet.com U27631 flight with spectacular sunshine over the Biscay’s Gulf in the middle of the afternoon!

This trip to London had 2 goals; the first was to see the reality and new market trends at the  WTW 2019 and the second was to feel the atmosphere of the Great London from an Economic and Social perspective.

Before describing the 1st point , and since it was a day is quite extensive in the agenda, I left home very early (0500) and went to central London to feel the Capital in a more macro perspective due to the limitations of time. So I went via dlr to Bank (Bank of England) station, then I started to see the typical red buses (like 30 years ago I see them on tv, finally I saw them live, more modern of course, such as the famous taxis but already equipped led lights and all the modernity’s we know.) At breakfast already in a boutique cafe I was surprised with only card payments.

Then to the center, I crossed the London Tower bridge and was very pleased that while I was exchanging a few words with guard of the tower Mr. Gary, I hear a big horn that the bridge will open.

 A spectacle! It was a huge Dutch frigate.

Bridge guard Mr. Gary said that, in the past it was to open around 200 (two hundred) times a day, when London was supplied by ships as they enter Southend on sea up the Thames to London.

The power of London identity and culture was evident…

Returning to the 1st point; on the train I saw the urban sprawl in London Poplar area. With massive buildings on one side and the imposing buildings of KPMG, BARCLAYS, CITYGROUP, and HSBC at Canary Wharf...

In conclusion of the point, yes there are social problems, but the kids still go to school in uniform. The Bank of England continues to maintain its role in stabilizing inflation and moderate economic growth (I think it is a laudable fact) in the midst of so much uncertainty.

Arriving at Prince Regent Station, there was already a huge crowd. Access to the event was free and a welcome pack was delivered (pre-registration was required).

The rest of the day went very well, with dynamics, everyone's willingness to participate and get to know the event WTW at London Excel.

The Portugal area was massive , as big as ours neighbours Spain and covered all the country from the Algarve to Madeira , Lisbon , Oporto , Alentejo and all others.

Here in the Algarve is now starting the bear season, where we are starting to hibernate to mitigate low demand. Who knows what deals can you find now? Have a look and send us an email with your special request.

Warmest Regards

Barros

Reasons To Visit The Algarve In Winter 2019/2020

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With around 12 hours of sun each day, it’s a great choice if you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can lead to lead to mild depression and anxiety. It’s still the low season, so you can enjoy endless stretches of Europe’s most beautiful beaches all to yourself. And with daytime temperatures reaching 18°C, it’ll still be warm enough to wear a t-shirt during the middle of the day. Temperatures are warm, but not el scorchio. Now is a good time to go if you fancy a round of golf, a hike along a section of the Via Algarviana, or a lazy day tasting the produce at one of the region’s exciting new wineries.

Accommodation is cheap. Hotel prices are often at least 50% cheaper in February than they are in July and August.

There’s quite a bit going on. People are getting back into gear after their Christmas break, and are preparing for the shoulder season which starts next month.

What’s On In The Algarve In February?

Volta Ao Algarve

Participants cover more than 690 kilometres in Volta ao Algarve, the region’s biggest bicycle race. If you’re not around to watch the cyclists go by, you can watch from home on Eurosport or ITV4.

For more information and dates, visit voltaaoalgarve.com

Carnival, Loulé

Who needs Rio de Janeiro? The Algarve’s oldest carnival has a fantastic atmosphere, too. The three day event takes place over Shrove Tuesday and features plenty of dancing, street food and a parade with themed floats. Some can be quite political, so we’re excited to see what’s on display after Brexit and Trump.

Semana De Chocolate, Loulé

If you haven’t already broken that New Year’s Resolution, here’s the perfect opportunity to do so. Every year in February, Loulé hosts the Semana de Chocolate at Loulé market. Producers and exhibitors from across Portugal come and set up stall, offering some of the best gourmet chocolates for sale.

 This event usually takes place in the second half of February. For more information, visit Loulé Market’s Facebook page.

 Want to know what else is happening? Check out the month-by-month guide to what’s on in the Algarve for a complete list of events on the Algarve.

 Weather In The Algarve In February

The average daytime temperature is 13°C, although it can rise up to (and beyond) 18°C. There are only five days of rainfall on average for the whole month, so you’d have to be pretty unlucky to arrive during a week with poor weather. It’s generally warmer down by the coast, although we wouldn’t recommend swimming in the sea (a chilly 14°C at this time of year).  Sunshine is bright, and you can expect six hours of it a day on average.

 Have you visited the Algarve in February? What did you think? Would you come back? Share your thoughts and reviews or ask a question by leaving a comment below.

 Warmest Regards,

Barros

 

And the uncertainty goes on…

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Hello my friends!

Here we go to one more winter at the Algarve. This one is quite scary since the region was affected by Thomas Cook bankruptcy and other external events that affects demand to the region.

As I am writing this post at Oslo center this Saturday, I also was quite impressed with the Brexit votes during this morning/afternoon. For the 4th time, things are not progressing and for the 3+ plus years of uncertainty, more damage has been done to the UK Economy compared if the process had been started couple of years ago. For shure the markets and the pound would already adapted and the EU didn’t toy around with the UK. In my native land we have centuries of trade with the UK ( even Ricardo used trade between UK and Portugal for his first economic model of international trade) , so to perpetuate this issue is a loose-loose for everyone specially for the UK and his long time partners like us here at the Algarve. Hope things can come to an end and move foward, for a must needed economic refresh. Warmest regards to you all, Barros

Summer 2019

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Dear Friends!

As the Brexit Saga continues, our focus goes now to the Summer 2019. This is peak season here at the Algarve and Andalucia. All beach places are packed until the end of August and Vilamoura is a must visit for everyone. But if you look for a place where you can realax and disconnect from this fast paced world, we @ barros.one can organize other destinations in the Algarve or southern Spain with a best price/quality so you can regain focus for another high productive year. Also if you are looking to get head of BREXIT and make some investiments here in the ALGARVE, do not hesitate to contact me or my team! We would be delighted to help you to do the best choice without comprimise.

Warmest Regards

Barros

The Brexit Effect...

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Hello to you all !

Here its February and the winter is almost coming to an end. At this time, my guest would already decide to come once again to the Algarve. But this year is different, this year we have Brexit , that in my point of view in the long term , the UK will be better off, but until then, no one escapes the uncertainty of the political roadshow of leaving or else? I do hope that the UK gets their best from this process and we at the Algarve are always ready to receive our UK guests without any constraints or any kind of changes for what they are used to from the Algarve. By the way if Brexit is really Brexit , Portugal and the UK have almost 1000 years of military cooperation , so it wouldn't be now things would change for both of us…

The Fall has come!

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Hello to you all!

This 2018 summer was somehow different… we had mild temperatures until the end of July and then, suddenly , the temperatures went up the roof to max of 40+ Cº in some areas in Portugal. That effect seems to had contributed to a good September month that bolstered some extra guests to my units. At the moment im still meeting new people but the Fall has come and with that the end of IATA summer. The number of flights will abruptly reduce and forces us here at Algarve to dedicate some focus to other projects. With that said, the rains (that are very welcomed) have arrived and we are now heading to the Christmas and New Years Eve for some activity. I will keep you posted about any news that im working for you (new personalized units and services just for you) as soon as i have them ready! My best Regards to you all! Barros

Finally Summer!

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Finally the summer arrived, a little bit latter but here it is! This season is the busiest and also the best to enjoy the excellency of the Algarve! So my advice is to all my guests and travelers to schedule your holidays with some time ahead for keeping your schedules here at the Algarve stress free. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I wish you a great holiday season. Barros
 

Easter 2018

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Hello again my dear friends! Once again the Easter season has arrived and with it the good weather, im very happy for that! My concern is just that once again the roads here at the Algarve are packed and to make things even harder, some structural roads and access are cut to make repairs. So for a safe driving and enjoyable experience, dont forget to use some apps like Waze or similar to identify any traffic delays. 

Last but not least, dont drink and dont text while driving.

Happy hollidays

Barros