Deciding on a Vacation Destination

(Photo credit: Steve Richey/unsplash.com)

Do you want to take that special someone on a getaway that she will never forget? If this is the case, there are certainly many places that you can go. However, you should put some effort into your decision. Doing some planning in advance will make it much more likely that your vacation will turn out to be a smashing success.

There are a number of factors that you need to consider. Obviously, every vacation destination has its own set of variables that will become part of the equation. However, there are a few considerations that should remain constant regardless of where you are planning to go.

Here are some helpful hints that you can utilize during your quest to find the perfect place to take your vacation.


1. Will there be a lot of tourists?

People go on vacation for different reasons. For example, many people like to see famous landmarks and other tourist attractions that have a great historical significance. However, there are other people who do not want to deal with the large crowds that are inevitable when you go to see popular tourist attractions. These people simply want to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. What type of vacation are you looking to have? Knowing the answer to this question will make it much easier for you to find the ideal location for you and your significant other to enjoy.


2. Do you want to take your vacation in an area that is surrounded by nature? 

Are you someone who enjoys nature and all of the beauty that goes along with it? There are obviously some vacation destinations that will provide you with a much greater nature experience than others. For example, Beavers Bend cabin lodging is in a scenic area that is peaceful and quiet.


3. What activities will be available to you during your stay?

You might be an avid skier. You might enjoy kayaking occasionally. You need to verify in advance that these activities will be available before you book any reservations. Get a complete list of all the activities that the vacation destination has available. These should be listed on their website. You can then determine if there will be enough activities to keep you occupied while you are there. If not, look for a place that has the activities that you are interested in doing.

Your November Travel Guide for 2016 is Here

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Are you planning a trip this winter time? How about getting some inspirations for a trip in the offing? undecided of the destination or simply looking for a short getaway this coming holidays? What ever the reason may be, your November Travel Guide is loaded with plenty of prime destinations to visit.

Check it out!

These offers are valid up to 29 November 2016.

5-Day Game Of Thrones Iceland Tour

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October Travel Guide

Hello October! It's pretty cool now and the influx of travellers last summer are all back to their regular day-to-day lives. Now's the perfect time to enjoy a cool travel before the cold months creep in.

So, if you're planning to enjoy a cool weather getaway this October, check out this month's Travel Guide for you.

OCTOBER TRAVEL GUIDE

Next Stop, Budapest!

Yes! My friend and I got our visas few days ago. It was rather fast, around 5 days tops only. This is the first time my friend is travelling with me and her first to to travel in Europe. So she's excited.  I am too. Why, this is my first time to visit Central Europe and Hungary at that!

We both applied for a multiple entry visa but has been granted only single entry with a very short duration. I am too embarrassed to state the duration here. This is the very first time I have been granted a single entry ever since my family and I have been travelling to Europe. I am not sure what was the basis of their decision but who cares. We have our visas so the trip is on!

We are on a tight budget for this trip because I am in the process of applying for another visa for my husband and myself. I will tell you more about it next time when we also get that visa (wink!). For now, my budget is all allocated to travelling as much as I can because I want to enjoy it while I can and able.

I booked for an apartment for my friend and I and it is way cheaper than staying in a hotel. I got the good deal from Booking.com.  I also got a nice rate for return airport transfers with an add-on of Hop-on and Hop-off tour.

The apartment I booked is within walking distance to St. Stephen's Basilica and other notable landmarks in the area. So, as soon as we settle ourselves in the apartment, we'll head out the door and explore.

I am also excited with the souvenirs! I love collecting knicks and knacks from my travels abroad. I can't wait to get my hands on the fridge magnets, snow globes, and shot glasses.

We are leaving for Budapest this September and will be back shortly. It's just a short vacation during the Eid Holidays. It is a vacation that I have been dreaming about since I was little, to visit Budapest someday, and that someday is on Sept. 10, 2016.

Budapest, here we come!

The Travel Bug Is Biting

People close to me know that I am a traveler and I love it! I enjoy going out of town even for just a day. I love seeing new places and it is my way of de-stressing. It's a semblance of normality for me when I go somewhere and just soak in the beauty of a new place I haven't seen yet.

Just last Monday, my colleague and I applied for a Schengen Visa. It is her first time and it's my 5th time. I love visiting Europe because I love their culture, the beautiful architecture and old cobblestone streets. I just love the old feel of Europe. It's something I always miss each time I fly back to Dubai from Europe. I just look forward to the next one.

I am not divulging the whereabouts of my next European sojourn. Let's just say, it's a very beautiful place and somewhat farther from the other European countries I have been to in the past. We will be visiting this place for just 4 days and 3 nights. We both can't afford a longer vacation at this time since I am spending Christmas back home.

I am excited! I wish to get approved for multiple entry as I plan to visit the Christmas Market before flying to Manila for the Christmas holidays.

Going On A Camping Vacation? Make Sure You Have These Essentials With You

Camping can be an excellent choice of vacation for many people. Families can enjoy the great outdoors just as much as couples or a group of friends. There is something quite relaxing about heading out to a campsite and setting your tent up for the night. It’s about cooking outdoors and being one with nature. So if this is something you are considering doing then this post will be for you. I thought it would be a good idea to share with you some of the essentials you need for a great camping vacation.

Sourced image

Tent and sleeping essentials

One of the first things to think about when heading out for a camping vacation is the tent and sleeping arrangements. You need an easy to assemble tent that is durable to bad weather. Depending on where you are going the weather can change quite drastically. You will also need a sleeping bag and mat. A mat will protect you from sleeping on the hard floor. If there are a few of you, there might be a few different tents to administer. Or if you are sharing the one tent work out who will be the one to carry and transport it in their backpack.

Toiletries and personal items

When you go camping, especially into the wilderness, then showers and the niceties go out of the window for a few days. However, it is always good to keep on top of personal hygiene. So take with you some essentials to keep you going. Things like wet wipes and string deodrant are small and can fit in any backpack, but will keep you feeling fresh. You might also want to consider things like toilet paper. Make sure you pack a change of clothes and also ensure your building is protected by waterproof outerwear. This will come in handy if it rains but also if you find yourself in a humid area.

Hunting gear and essentials for starting a fire

You will need to consider what you eat while you are camping, and how you plan to cook things. So making sure you pack essential hunting gear will be one of the first things you organise. If you are unsure of what you might need to consider visit websites like chandlerrodandgunclub.com. They will be able to offer more information on what’s available. It would also be a great idea to pack with you some of the essentials to start a fire. Not only will this be handy for cooking what you hunt but also at night for keeping warm and deterring predators away from your camp.

A decent backpack to store everything in

Finally, it’s all well and good considering all of these items, but if you haven't got a decent backpack to take it all in, then it’s useless. A decent backpack needs to be many things. It needs to carry all of your essentials with ease. It needs to be comfortable to carry for long distances and be waterproof so it is protected from the elements.

I hope this helps you if you have a camping vacation coming up soon.

Cherry Blossoms In New York's Central Park

I love New York and I already sound like a broken record saying that. Everybody who knows me too well know for a fact that I am quite fussy when it comes to traveling and I have my set criteria for me to like a certain place. And New York has that charm that draws me to it like moth to a fire.

We've been to New York a number of times already. Most of our travels are during autumn and spring and never on winter. Why not winter? It is because, you'll never know when you'll get stuck because of a blizzard. We have had the misfortune of getting stuck in New York during Hurricane Sandy and we wouldn't re-live the fear by exposing ourselves to inclement weather system during winter. It can be brutal. So, we prefer the not-so-cold seasons of Spring and Autumn.

We spent few days last April 2012 in New York City. It was only 3 nights and 4 days but I made sure to check another bucket item in my bucket list - to see Cherry Blossoms regardless of country or city. And April was the perfect time to view the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom.

We went straight to Central Park because they have lovely Cherry Blossoms there. We had fun with the photo op under the Cherry Tree branches filled with lovely pink blooms. I feel bad though that our daughter couldn't come because her passport was being renewed. So, I took these lovely snaps for her to view and enjoy virtually.

This is my favorite photo, the jump shot! :)

Seeing these pretty flowers in the flesh is a dream come true! Next goal is to see them in their country of origin - Japan!

Prepare Your Travel Essentials For Spring

Spring is here! Most schools are already in their spring break mode. A lot may have already planned in advance for the spring vacation. However, if you are amongst those who are still in the planning stage when spring has sprung (no pun intended), then here are some tips to help you prepare your travel essentials.

Travel documents

This is the most important aspect of everybody's trip - the travel documents. This applies particularly to those who are travelling overseas. Ensure you have your visas (if needed), plane tickets, passports, traveller's cheque (if you prefer to carry this), credit and debit cards, vaccination cards (if necessary to your destination), travel insurance, hotel voucher, and land tours. It is really wise to have all these ready few weeks in advance.

If you are travelling by road, it is best to still carry a travel insurance just to make sure you can make claims if the needs arise, but I sure hope you won't have to use that. This vacation is all about fun!

Toiletries

Photo credit: glamorganicgoddess.com

Bring only what is necessary for your trip. Most hotels and resorts have provisions for free bathroom amenities including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner and even body soap. You can bring few portions on travel sizes. If you are travelling by air, please always check the allowed size for bringing toiletries in your hand carry.

Flu shots and other inoculation required

Spring break doesn't necessarily have to be heading out to the beach. For us expatriates here in the Middle East, our usual go-to places are the US/Canada areas, Europe and Far East Asia. Why? It's because the spring weather is very inviting before we embrace the arduous heat of the long summer months. Even the locals prepare to go to colder climate to unwind and take in the beauty of nature.

So, it is necessary to also consider checking the vaccinations required for the country you are visiting. I remember taking a flu shot the first time we flew to the US during spring time. We were prepared for the allergies and whatever spring has in store for us.

Warm clothing

Why warm clothing? Well, spring in other continents can be cold unlike spring on the other side of the planet. With that said, make sure you also check the weather forecast just so you have an idea of what to bring. A light cardigan or sweater will be perfect.

I have had spring vacations in the US and in Europe. If I have to compare the two, both continents still have a rather "wintry spring" temperature. So, I always carry my puffy jacket as well. Just make sure you bring some warm clothing you can layer and remove when necessary as the weather temperature rises or dips towards the day.

Insect repellent

This is one of the necessity that I bring during my spring break travels. With the spread of Zika virus and other bug-related diseases out there, I always carry a small insect repellent ant also wear wear protective clothing like long sleeve shirt during my vacation.

Make sure you read the label before applying the insect repellent. Test a small area on your skin to ensure you are not allergic. Also, take caution when applying this to smaller kids.

Sun block, shades and hat

Just because spring time is a great weather to be out and about does not mean you have to ditch the sunscreen. You are still exposed to the sunlight when you are outdoors. Apply sunscreen when needed and wear those nice shades or hat to ward of the sunlight against your face.


Enjoy your vacation and make the most of spring!

Amazing Ways To Enjoy The Water On Vacation

I travel a lot, and I love taking vacations overseas. But a lot of my favorite destinations have something in common. They are all close to the coast. I love getting out into the water. The sea breeze and the sound of the ocean lapping on the sand are intensely relaxing. I know I’ve arrived somewhere special as soon as I dip my toe in the water. And getting out onto the water is a great way to build up an appetite for the local cuisine too!

I love lazing on a warm, sandy beach and just listening to the sounds of the ocean. But being a bit of a travel bug, I love getting out and about and doing lots of adventurous things too. Water skiing is not for the faint-hearted. It takes a lot of core strength and balance to get it right even for just a few seconds. It’s fast and wet, and a lot of fun. Make sure you choose a reputable company to try this one out, or you could end up with a few bruises!

Surfing is something everyone should try once in their lives. There are some stunning places around the world to try and catch some great waves. Strangely, the most popular ones are in UK waters that are really cold! But you can enjoy surfing in the sun too in places like Australia. There are different sizes of surfboards, and a good surf school will help you choose the right approach for you.

Picture courtesy of Kconnors

Scuba diving is one of those activities that can give you an experience of a lifetime. You might be diving to see wrecks, or you might be looking for some of the most beautiful fish in the world. Queensland in Australia is one of my favorite places for scuba diving. But to make the most of it, you should definitely get some scuba diving classes in closer to home. This qualifies you to hire the equipment and visit the best dive sites. It’s certainly worth it too!

Swimming with dolphins is really hard to do in the wild these days. But If you want this incredible experience, there are several parks around the world. They have captive dolphins that are trained. Mexico is a great place to visit, and you can swim with dolphins here. The trainers are really good at helping you get this incredible experience. The dolphins might even take you for a ride.

Hiring a yacht is one of the most incredible things to do if you visit the Mediterranean. You can stop along the coast to visit several different countries. And traveling on a luxury yacht makes the whole experience even more incredible. This is the playground of the rich and famous, so you might even get a little celebrity spotting in while you’re there.

Getting out on the water provides some amazing experiences while you are away on vacation. And if you have the travel bug, why not include a boat or yacht as part of your travel plans? Enjoy the water safely while you are away.

My Tips For A Brilliant Trip To Florida

Are you planning a trip to Florida? While some people see the state as plastic others love the picturesque setting and gorgeous sandy beaches. Not to mention the theme parks that are fun-filled zones no matter how old you are. As you’ve probably guessed, I’m in the latter group. I love Florida and that’s why I want to make sure your trip there is the best it can be. So here are my tips on how to make the most of this wonderful vacation spot.

Book At The Right Time

Typically, people find that they have to counter the price of a Trip to Florida with the weather forecast. Ideally, you want to avoid the storm season while also not hitting the summer rush. That’s why despite the fact that October is the cheapest time to visit Florida I don’t recommend you head over during that time. This is when the chances of hurricanes are at their highest. It will certainly put a dampener on having a beach outside your window if you can’t go out and enjoy it. Also, you’ll find most of the theme park rides will be closed during a storm. However, you also don’t want to head over in July or August. The crowds are immense at this time of year, and you’ll be lucky to find a single spot of shade where you can sit down and relax. Instead, take my advice and head over in the spring. The weather isn’t too hot, the crowds haven’t arrived, and you’ll be in for a wonderful time.

Alternates To A Hotel

Hotels in Florida are wonderful, but it’s difficult to ignore how much they are for what you get. Even the resort hotels are ridiculously priced considering they often consist of one room and a bathroom. Instead, I recommend that you look into renting a privately owned accommodation. A vacation rental by owner offer will allow you to stay in a luxury apartment overlooking the beautiful sandy beaches of Florida. The price will be reasonable, and you will have the freedom you simply can’t get in a hotel. Enjoy Florida your way by skipping the hotel and getting a little more for your money.

Source Of File

Beaches And Theme Parks

Obviously, one of Florida's biggest draws is the beautiful sandy beaches that stretch for miles along the coast. There, you can try your luck on the open waves with a surfboard. Or, you can relax staring up at a perfect velvet blue sky.

Then there are the theme parks of which there are now too many to name. If you’re heading over at the end of this year, I’m sure you’ll be checking out the magic of Disney at Christmas. There’s nothing quite like it, and it’s the only place that you’ll find snow in Florida

But don’t forget there’s a lot more to Florida than that. For instance, you should certainly take a hover boat ride across the swamps to see the natural habitat of the alligators. And don’t forget that you might be lucky enough to see a rocket blast enough at Kennedy Space Centre. There’s no question that there’s a lot more to Florida than first meets the eye. I hope you have a wonderful time.   

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Celebrating Christmas At Disney

Disney has been known as the happiest place on earth. I know. I have been to many Disney parks and I don't get tired spending my precious vacations on them.

Going to Disney is one of my passions. I just lose myself when I am there. I forget for a moment that I am an adult. Yes, and adult on a mission - to enjoy my and my family's stay at Disney.

If you have a vacation to spare and would like to spend Christmas differently, choose celebrating the wondrous occasion at any Disneyland parks.

Disneyland has plenty of activities in store for you in any of their parks and resorts. You can be assured of a real fun time when you spend your holidays there. Each resort will have its own parade, events, and programme to follow for their guests to enjoy. You can visit Disney's website to check out what is in store for December's activities and plan your vacation accordingly.

Enjoy!

My Guide To Making The Most Of A Trip To Italy

I am a real travel lover, as are my family. This summer, I spent a couple of weeks travelling around Europe bonding with my teenage daughter. While we were away, we spent some time in Italy, which got me thinking about how amazing the country is.

Italy is somewhere that I love; it’s just such a beautiful place. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this amazing country a few times and have loved each city I have been to. Italy is crammed full of fantastic things to see and do, which can make it hard to know what to do while you are there.

Source for photo

That’s why I want to share a few tips and ideas for making the most of a trip to Italy, with you, here:

See as many places as you can

Italy is a country that has so many beautiful cities and towns to explore, so if you can, aim to see as much as possible. Obviously, how many areas of the country you can travel to will depend on how long your trip is. The longer you are on vacation for, the more time you will have to explore.

Milan, Florence, Venice, Rome, and Naples are all must-sees, so if you get the chance, make sure to visit them all. Ensure that before your trip that you plan where you will visit, as well as how long you will stay in each place for.

Stay somewhere amazing

Often, when we visit Italy we stay with family, but if you can afford it, there are plenty of amazing places to stay. If you are travelling as part of a larger group, you will find that renting out a large villa can be surprisingly affordable.

From beautiful guest houses in Milan to Tuscany holiday villas, there are many types of accommodation to choose from. In many of Italy’s cities, you will find hostels, which are a great option if you are travelling on a budget. So even if money is tight, you should be able to find accommodation that is suitable.

Taste the local food

By all means eat in the restaurant of your hotel, but if you want to experience the real Italy, you need to taste the local cuisine. Before your trip, take some time to research all the best locally run restaurants near where you are staying. That way, before you travel, you will know where all the most authentic places to eat are.

If you are unable to afford to eat in restaurants, make time to visit lots of street markets. One of the best ways to sample the nicest local dishes is by visiting street markets - the food is both affordable and delicious. Before your trip, Google when the street markets are held where you are going, so that you don’t miss out on experiencing them.

Speak to the locals

When it comes to experiencing a place properly, I have found that the key is to speak to the locals. Often, there are some amazing things to see and do that aren’t in the guidebooks, which is why asking the locals for advice is important.

If you want to make the most of a trip to Italy, taste the local food, visit the most amazing places, and most importantly, do lots of research before you go.

Alternative Modes Of Transport For Your Next Vacation

The most wonderful thing about traveling is the destination. But the journeying between places is pretty awesome too. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to sample some of the weirdest and most wonderful modes of transport. Often, I'll do anything to get me from A to B. Admittedly, some of it is boring, like waiting in a departure lounge for a delayed flight! There are many ways to get around so I thought I would put together my favorites for you to sample next time you travel:

Speed

For speed, you can’t beat a plane. It’s been more than 12 years since Concorde retired, but it has left a legacy. It’s the plane to beat when it comes to speed. For now, our journeys to the other side of the world will have to continue to take us twenty-four hours or more. But once you’re there, why not enjoy the speed of a jet ski across the Bay in the Cayman Islands? Beautiful hot weather and plenty of beachfront activities to enjoy here.

This pic is from Flickr.com

Luxury

If you want to travel surrounded by some of the most incredible luxuries in the world, then you need to find a yacht for rent. Sail around the resorts in Dubai, or make a celebrity entrance on the French Riviera. With gorgeous beaches and marinas in some of the hottest destinations, a luxury yacht could be exactly what you’re looking for. Perfect for dropping in on the world’s rich and famous.

This pic is from Flickr.com

Class

To arrive in style, you should travel in style. One of the most beautiful modes of transport is the train. And the classiest train in the world has to be the Orient Express. Overnight travel on this world class train is usually booked up well in advance. Sadly, it’s not something you can just hop on at a whim. But for the happy holidaymaker, this could be the trip of a lifetime. Gorgeous accommodation and first class dining make this a dream vacation.

This pic is from Flickr.com

Economy

Nothing compares to a good old fashioned hike for the economic traveler. Your own two legs can carry you twenty miles per day with the right footwear. This is ideal when you want to venture into the wilderness and be at one with nature. Take shortcuts across fields, clamber over rocks and mountains, or even wade through the river. Waterproofs, blister pads, and a large backpack may be all you need for an incredible travel adventure.

This pic is from Flickr.com

RV

For the ultimate road trip with your pals, you have to hire a big old RV and head out to the great American Highways. There are thousands of miles of roads to choose from. With countless amazing destinations, the American road trip is the travel dream of millions. Always best with some company, and some idea of where you’re headed!

This pic is from Flickr.com

I love traveling, and I like to do something different every time I head out. Yes, I love traveling in style and luxury. But I also like to get the legs working, especially if I’ve had a long-haul flight to get there! Where will you travel next?

Milan, Venice and Barcelona in a Week

Bonding with my daughter this summer for our mini-Euro trip was the best decision I have made to spend my bonus money. To some, it may not even be a good decision because there are bills to pay. I couldn't care less about the bills. Money will come and go but the time I spend with my daughter is more precious than money can ever buy. So, I decided to spend the bonus for this mini-Euro trip and my daughter and I can actually vouch for this - WE HAD FUN!

Milan was the first stop. We stayed with relatives in Milan for 3 days. My hubby's cousins took us to the usual spot like Duomo, the Galleria and nearby places of interests we've seen the first time we toured Milan in 2008. However, this time, my daughter and I climbed the Duomo to see the Golden Virgin Mary on top of the church roof. Well, the experience was very enchanting but climbing up the stairs when you're not physically fit (I'm not an active person) had me gasping for air sometimes. I need to really, really work out because when you travel, there are lots of walking involved. I have just realised how "not physically" fit I was while climbing the stairs. It wasn't very steep but I lost count how many steps we have climbed to see the majestic Virgin Mary on the roof top. I'm glad my daughter was there to cheer me on and gave me encouragement to keep going because I was already throwing a hissy fit. I just had to tell myself it was a sacrifice I wanted to offer for the Lord so I needed the extra strength to climb the last few steps.

Seeing the top of Duomo is a must when you visit Milan. You'll get a bird's eye view of the town centre from the top. Aside from the great view, you'll see the Golden Virgin Mary, the details of the Duomo spires, and other sculpture that was there that time we visited.

Going down was a breeze. You now have an option to use the lift (and guess what, we did!) or the stairs. I wish they had installed that while going up especially for the elders who would need help climbing.

We had snacks at the nearby Galleria and went in the middle part of the Galleria where the peak of the glass dome is. Rumour has it that when you stand in the middle of the glass dome and make a wish, it will come true. My daughter and I wished and let's see. Hmmmm...

We walked around Galleria and the nearby places of interests then took the train back home. We slept early for our Venice day trip by car.

June 13 was Venezia day. It was a long drive from Milan. I think it was almost 3 hours and we had several stops in between to rest and grab snacks in Autogrill. I like the Autogrill because it has plenty of merchandise and the deli is fab! There are plenty of Autogrill along the way and I lost count how many I've seen.

Finally, Venezia (Venice) was on the horizon. Seeing the cruise ships around the port and the smaller yachts signalled the entrance to the famous Venice. We parked near the cruise ships port and walked towards the main entrance to Venice. We took the ferry to take us to San Marco rather than make pit stops elsewhere. San Marco is one of the famous sites to visit in Venice and we wanted to see it right away. From there, we just walked and visited different alleys and checked out shops. We had some snacks in a small deli near San Marco. We even got lost at some point because we didn't carry any map and relied to our GPS in the phone which was not much of a help if you are not familiar with N, S, E, W directions. We finally found our way back to San Marco Piazza and decided to just walk along the main canal route so we wouldn't get lost again. It was very hot that day and much as I appreciate the beauty around me, I could only take so much "heat" and we all decided to head back to the main train station of Venice which is also the main entrance.

It was another long drive back home and we left around 5:30 p.m. The sun was still up so we just took one pit stop to another Autogrill to refresh and unwind. We reached home almost around past 9:00 and amazingly, the sun was still up so we felt like it was not yet late.

June 14 was just a rest day as we headed to Malpensa Airport Terminal 2 in the afternoon. Our flight to Barcelona was not until 6:30 a.m. the next day. I have decided to book a night's stay at Moxy Malpensa Milan Airport because it was just in front of Terminal 2. We didn't want to cause any inconvenience to our cousins as they have to work the next day. The hotel was superb! I would book there again.

We checked out at 4:30 a.m. to give us ample time to have breakfast in the airport. The hotel was just a mere 3-5 minutes walk from the Terminal 2 of Malpensa Airport where we would board for our EasyJet flight to Barcelona. There were plenty of people already at that time so walking wasn't scary. Amazingly, there were some luggage trolleys outside the hotel's entrance door so we grabbed one and the walk was convenient for us. It was a bit rainy and dark but the place was already buzzing with people catching their flights and the nearby offices made the area ok. There were ample lighting as well on the posts so walking from the hotel to the airport terminal was ok.

My daughter and I decided to have our mini-breakfast inside the airport as soon as we passed the immigration and before we headed to the boarding gate. The flight left on time and was just more than an hour before we landed at El Prat Airport in Barcelona. Ola Espana!

June 15 to 18 was our intended stay in Barcelona. As soon as we arrived, we followed the signs leading to the baggage carousel and headed to the nearest exit. I was a bit surprised that we didn't go through immigration anymore. It's been a while since I travelled to Europe so the borderless travel concept seemed so foreign to me.

We looked for the Aerobus ticket booth so I could exchange the ticket voucher I bought online for our return trip bus passes. We boarded the Aerobus, and we arrived at Plaça Catalunya in less than 45 minutes without any traffic jam. From there, we just walked to our hotel.

The rest of the day was spent walking around Barcelona's famous plaza. More details of out trip in separate posts.

We had a marvelous time and wished the vacation was longer. We are definitely going back to Spain and next time we will visit other places like Madrid, Sevilla, and probably even go on a side trip to Lisbon.

There's another Euro trip in the offing but maybe next year when I figure out when due to my daughter's school roster.

Hostal Natura Barcelona Review

This is the first time my daughter and I visited Barcelona. I thought I would have a hard time looking for this property. I had to search the place and check the map several times. I even Googled it and checked the street view from where we would alight from Plaça Catalunya.

Hostal Natura Barcelona was not very difficult to find. After alighting at Plaça Catalunya from the airport, we just walked for 15 minutes and we were already in front of the hostel. It is tucked in a residential building so it does not have any lobby with concierge. You actually have to ring the bell and allowed to get inside. 

We were surprised to see a big room and it was enough for me and my daughter. It had basic amenities but no mini bar. There are vending machines in the hallway so you can buy hot coffee or sodas and water if you want. I also liked the fact that the hostel management provided us with a box of chocolates which my daughter and I loved so much. They were delicious and it's a rare treat to find a gift when you come to your room.

The room allotted for us was Room no. 3 which was in the middle. It didn't have a balcony but it has a small enclosure, like a pocket garden minus the plants that we have access to. The room was dark because the ceiling was high. Even if we switched all the lights on, it's just not as bright as I would like my room to be. However, the big window provided natural light even until past 8PM when the sun was still up.

The a/c works well but we couldn't change the thermostat as instructed because it was centralised. We were also asked to keep our TV in low volume esp at night. However, we found out that other guests were not as quiet as us as we would hear them bang the doors and talk loudly in the hallway. That didn't prevent us from getting a decent sleep.

They offer free wi-fi too!

The bathroom was just enough for us. The sink was too compact for use. The bath towels were replaced regularly during our stay and the room cleaned well.

The location is really great. There are nearby eateries if you want to grab a munch. There's a small grocery too in the same area where you can buy some essentials. Walking distance from the hostel is the Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, Diagonal Ave. and during a nice weather, you can walk towards other places of interests too.

I would definitely recommend this place to my family and friends and I don't mind staying in here again in our next visit.

Hostal Natural Barcelona is located at Calle Roger de Lluria 33, ppal 2, 08009 Barcelona, Spain.

Nearby attractions:
Plaça Catalunya
Sagrada Familia
Las Ramblas
Casa Batllo
Diagonal Avenue
La Pedrera
Passeig De Gracia



My recommendation: 4 out of 5

I am giving this property a 4 star rating. It is located in a very nice place which is walking distance to Plaça Catalunya. There are nearby eateries and you can actually walk to some attractions. The hotel is very clean, spacious (for European standards) and quiet. Getting a taxi is not an issue as you can walk few metres away to hail a cab. There is a small grocery just a building away so you can buy some food and beverage when you get hungry as the hotel does not provide any food except for a coffee and soda vending machine in the hallway.

This hotel is perfect to unwind after a long day of walking in Barcelona. The price is just right for a European stay.

If you want to book this hotel in Barcelona or want to get great deals on your next stay, search and book here:
Booking.com
Disclosure:
This hotel review is my personal review. I have paid for this stay and in no way sponsored by the property nor Booking.com. I love to book via Booking.com because I always find a very competitive rate or great deals when compared to other booking sites. My opinion is 100% mine and may vary from yours

Reasons to Join a Vacation Club Instead of Buying a Vacation Home

Are you thinking of purchasing a vacation home for family getaways? You may think of this kind of retreat as an investment that will provide you with fun and memories to last a lifetime. While this may be true, there are disadvantages to owning a vacation home such as property taxes, maintenance costs, time spent on upkeep and returning to the same destination year after year. An alternative that meets the travel needs of many is a vacation club. This kind of travel membership allows you to visit quality properties located in a wide variety of destinations. Let's take a look at the many benefits joining a vacation club can offer. 


Variety of Destinations

Unlike a vacation home you return to year after year, vacation club membership allows you to visit a new place every time you travel, even multiple times per year. You'll be able to offer your family a variety of new experiences and cultures. In addition, various types of accommodations are available for the choosing. You'll never have the same vacation twice, unless you decide to. 


No Maintenance

People often neglect to consider the time and money involved in owning a vacation home. This property will require regular maintenance, repair and upkeep just like your primary residence. All of that adds up financially. If your getaway house is far from home, you may even have to pay someone else to take care of everything for you. Don't forget about the regular upkeep involved like mowing the grass or cleaning the pool. With a vacation club membership, it's all taken care of for you. 


Lower Upfront Costs

The membership fee of a vacation club is usually far less than a down payment would be on a home that you purchase. Not to mention the monthly mortgage costs and property taxes on a vacation home can be pretty steep. With a vacation club, you only pay for the vacation time that you use. 


No Depreciation Worries

When you buy a vacation home, there's always risk involved. A popular area could lose its appeal in the future, driving your property value down. When you join a vacation club, you don't have to be concerned with losing your investment. It's a win-win. You get the use of well-maintained properties in several locations without the risk. 

As you can see, vacation clubs like Bluegreen Resorts offer a number of benefits compared to traditional vacation home ownership. You'll enjoy the memories without the commitment.