One month and 6 rounds later, the last city standing in The Best City To Visit Travel Tournament 2011 is Porto, Portugal. Congratulations to Portugal’s second largest city – getting by Madrid, Sydney, Bratislava, Jerusalem, Chiang Mai, and runner-up Prague was no simple feat. Originally nominated by Stephen, he’ll receive the contest prize of $150 $200 for being a subscriber later this week.
I’m Going To Porto Before The End Of The Year
I can’t not visit the city all of you nominated as the best one to visit in 2011, so sometime before the end of this year I’ll be going to Porto. Portugal is one of the few western European countries I haven’t been to yet and (relatively) nearby Lisbon is also where I’ll begin The Ultimate Train Challenge in September. That’s where I’ll attempt to break the world record for longest continuous train journey.
The Best City To Visit Contest 2012, A Macbook Air, And Another Trip For You
I plan on running the tournament again next year, with a few modifications – including allowing people to write posts to pitch their city (thanks for the idea Priyank), as well as having a pool alongside the voting. That way, you can still participate when and if the city you nominate is eliminated. The prize pot will also be larger.
- 5 Ultimate Tech Guide For Travelers Readers Will Receive $100 Apple Gift Cards: As I mentioned late this past February, March was a month of contests on foXnoMad. My hope with The Ultimate Tech Guide For Travelers is to make it an ebook that’s alive; so as promised, along with 6 months of included personal tech support, 5 people who purchased a copy in March will have $100 Apple gift cards waiting in their inboxes later today.
This summer I’ll also have a Macbook Air for one of you and later in the year hopefully send one of you anywhere in the world you want to go. I don’t want to inundate you with plans but sometime in the coming months I’ll probably be hanging out in one place, catching up on heaps of writing, along with putting together ideas to help you travel more, for less. The best way to find out about the various contests I run throughout the year is to sign up for my bi-monthly newsletter, that group always finds out first.
You can view the entire tournament bracket in full size or click the image to view in wide-screen.
A Month Of Photos Slowly Catch Up With My Travels
I hope you’ve enjoyed the travel photos from this past month, along with the larger image format and shorter, more personal stories. Although I haven’t quite caught up to my movements (not even mentioned Bulgaria yet), we’re at least a few steps closer. Through Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and my favorite city in the world, perhaps we’ll finally cross digital paths in Cairo, Tokyo, or somewhere else.
Don’t worry if you missed this contest, I run several throughout the year. You can be the first to find out about the next one by signing up for my email updates, RSS feed, or bi-monthly newsletter.
How do you get all these prizes to give away???
Almost always, it’s a matter of me putting a bit aside from my income each month. I try to give back to the people who read and support me (like you guys!) which let’s me do this in the first place.
Well, extremely generous of you…I am not sure how at all to do it, but perhaps someday we will be able to make a little cash on our upcoming travel blog as well.
Regarding the “best city to travel”, I think this was a crazy cool idea, and as luck would have it our rtw journey will begin in Spain/Portugal just seems like a no brainer… we should be there sometimes in August!
If you have any specific questions along the way, feel free to ask ๐ I’ve also written about monetizing blogs a bit here: http://travelblogadvice.com/
Have fun starting out in Portugal/Spain, I’ll be right on your heels around then too. Who knows, we might even cross paths. If that’s the case, first beer’s on me ๐ … or if you guys prefer, something more like that drink in your gravatar ๐
I’m really happy to see the love for Porto. I was there two years ago and it is an incredibly beautiful, cultural, and down-to-earth city.
I keep hearing nothing but good things about it. Anything I should see/do in particular you recommend when I visit?
I was only there for one night, but stay down in the world heritage old town along the Douro. Gorgeous. Be sure to check out Vila Nova de Gaia’s Port lodges for a taste of the local spirit. A boat ride wouldn’t be out of the question, either.
Awesome, thanks Keith. I’ll save this comment for the fall ๐
Thanks everybody for all the love you’ve shown to Porto! And thanks, Anil, for hosting this awesome tournament! I did not nominate Porto because I thought it would win, but rather it really is my favorite city to visit…I didn’t think so many of you would agree with me. It is beautiful city with amazing people that I will visit again and again in my life.
My absolute pleasure Stephen, I enjoy this contest so much because it really highlights cities expected and not. I think you’ve really helped put Porto on many people’s maps. I know it’s on mine now ๐
Congratulations again and keep an eye on your inbox soon…
I am very excited to see Porto won! Although I love Prague (and many of the other cities mentioned) Portugal tends to get overlooked in my opinion and it’s absolutely an amazing country. I traveled from Lagos to Lisbon to Porto last summer and it was amazing to me the differences and similarities between each place.
Porto is a fabulous city; can be either a very romantic place down on the river or a very fun place up by the Uni ๐ Look forward to seeing more people visiting and posting about it!
I’ll try and do it justice this fall! Portugal also has some very highly rated and unique hostels, looking forward to it all.
I’m so proud to see my city win it ๐ A city that was born in 940, older than Portugal. Hope you would like it when you come to visit this magical city ๐
I can’t imagine not Jorge! Got a specific food I should eat from a local’s perspective?
Anil
You gotta eat the famous “Francesinha” ๐ DELICIOUS!!! ๐
Thanks!! Just looked it up, can’t wait for those pictures to be a reality for me ๐
YES Porto won!!! And oh my goodness- I cannot wait to hear about your ultimate train ride- I went to the link and checked out the rules and the site- oh my word, I just wish it was sooner….I’m so impatient!!! I’ll be rooting for you.
I was wondering, if you are on the train the whole time- even sleeping etc- will you be able to have wireless access? (I mean for updating the blog)
Also- amazing contest prizes and things to look forward to!
Thank you very much Anjuli. It should be a good time – my biggest obstacle in planning actually will be the wireless. I need a lot of online time to manage blogging so if there’s any hindrance to me racing, it would be that. I can’t wait for the day someone blankets the globe with free wi-fi…I wish!
Come visit Porto, and taste our worldwide famous Port Wine!!! And also you must taste our really good food!!!
Everything you need for a memorable stay in Porto!!!
You had me at wine!
ah ah Good! ๐
I was in Porto 21 years ago – for my 10th wedding anniversary. Loved the city. But in 31 years of anniversary meals, the one that we had in Porto ranks as the worst. But that’s OK because we’ll never forget it and that’s what traveling is all about – good memories & bad.
Fun contest even if Boulder got dumped early on.
Sometimes the bad memories are just, if not more memorable…but in a good kind of way ๐
Too bad about Boulder, maybe next year!
If you want to visit my town outside of tourist circuits, and the better use of time, I have great pleasure in preparing a very interesting program. Different restaurants, the best parts of the city, its culture and its history. I am born in Oporto, and I am passionate about this city. Contact me by e-mail.
Thanks for the offer. I had a great time in the city and excellent guides when I was there.