For a more authentic experience, steer clear of the popular ports and head for the hills, where smaller villages host down-to-earth festivals with local flavour.

BBC: The other side of the Algarve

"Hopefully you invite people who will play host down the road to even out the costs and all the time and energy you put into it, " he said.

MSN: The real costs of houseguests

Former five-star hotels that hosted princes and presidents now host the down and out of this macabre unfolding tragedy.

CNN: Liberia: Sweet land of liberty now bitter, broken