Let Local Guides to Enrich Your Travels

I'm a firm believer in independent travel so you can get off by yourself, come in contact with people and really see a country up close and personal. That's why you'll find me taking public transportation, avoiding the restaurants popular with tourists, and shopping in the local grocery stores, at flea markets, yard sales and public markets.

But, most of us have a limited amount of time when travelling, so it´s important to make the best use of our time. For me, that also means taking advantage of the expertise of local guides to give you an overview (and detailed information if you want it ) about the country you are visiting.

During my travels around the world, I've met an incredible number of guides who are true professionals and absolutely outstanding sources of information about their countries. People such as Ross in Malaysia, Andrea and Bernardo in Rio de Janeiro, Gabriella in Budapest, and Carlos in Portugal are veritable treasure chest of information about their countries. From art to architecture, from nature to nightlife, these guides

(who invariably become my friends ) have an incredibly diverse, in-depth and up-to-date knowledge about their respective countries, and having them share their information with you can make your trip not only easier, but more interesting and, as a result, more fun.

For example, when I visited Portugal last year, Carlos Paz was my guide and, as a journalist, naturally, I peppered him with one question after another. Whether it was about Portuguese cuisine, the country's history, its rich cultural heritage and artwork---or local customs, Carlos always had answers. And, when I wanted to ask questions of local crafts people---or cooks---he provided outstanding translations.

That's why I was delighted when I learned that he and his wife, along with other travel professionals, have established their own business, forming V.Potier ( his wife's name ) and Associates.

"We are a specialist organization whose aim is to provide that special touch that will make visits to Lisbon and Portugal a memorable one," he says. "We will cater to travellers' needs, whether they are on a business trip, a short-stay or a long holiday, or travelling as a single person or as a family with children.''

As with most incoming tour operators, V. Potier and Associates works mainly with travel agents to provide: transfers from the airport to the hotels or private accommodations, car rental, special events, adventure tours, and tours of the city of Lisbon as well as of Portugal and Spain. Basically, you work with your travel agent to decide where you want to go and then V. Potier and Associates carries out those wishes. Of course, if you want suggestions, they will provide those as well.

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