English
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
Español
Travel Tips
Summer Plans Under €30
There’s something about summer that just seems to burn a hole in our pockets. I can come up with many generic summer plans, like going to a summer movie screening, visiting a winery and attending a wine tasting, doing a cycling tour anywhere in the world, having a picnic in a park, camping and any other outdoor activities, having a BBQ, or watching the sunset. However, in this post I’ll suggest some very specific plans- everyday plans under 30 euros to have the best time this summer.
Mountains vs. Seaside, Which Would You Rather?
Now that summer is around the corner, many of you will be looking forward to spending a few days away on holiday. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice some people always opt for field or mountain getaways in places like the Pyrenees or the Swiss Alps; while others like to relax by the seaside, choosing places like the Balearic Islands, Greece, or towns along the Italian coast instead. There are also those of us that can’t seem to agree with our partners, and thus have to compromise and find something in between. But it goes without saying that we all have our own personal preference based on our personality, and here some of the peculiarities that characterize those at either side of the scale. Sea lovers- Like a duck takes to water If you love the sea, then you also love the beach. Those rushing that rush off to islands when it comes to taking a break from their work routine tend to love hot weather and everything that it implies: sunbathing, long afternoon naps, and going out at night for drinks wearing little clothing. In fact, beach enthusiasts tend to be lazier during the day hours but their energy picks up at night. They love to party and they have more friends than they can count: friends at the beach, friends at that nightclub, friends from their hometown, friends of their friends, friends of their partner… well, let’s just say they’re very sociable. When it comes to eating habits, beach lovers often like light foods: rice, salads, fish… not only because these dishes just seem to...
Magic and Rituals on Saint John’s Eve
Bonfires to welcome the summer solstice, jumps that are nearly impossible to clear, a moonlit dip in the sea, dancing around the glowing embers until dawn, and all that with a good sprinkle of magic. I can’t think of a better way to spend the coming eve of St. John. And let’s not forget the rites and rituals that shroud every corner of the Spanish geography in mystery on the eve of June 24th. To believe, or not to believe- that is the real question. And here are some suggestions for a very special night:
Geocaching: Play and Travel While You Exercise
For those of you not familiar with it, the key to geocaching is a GPS receiver. The game consists in hiding and searching for small treasures hidden anywhere in the world. The only clues provided (on specialized websites) are sets of GPS coordinates, so there is obviously no point to the game without a GPS receiver. And though it’s been practiced for years, geocaching has only just recently started to gain popularity.
The Walking Dead Route through Atlanta
Are you a fan of zombie shows? Do you like The Walking Dead? TV series, as you’ll learn in this post, are also a good excuse to travel. And we don’t just mean travel through our screen (as a virtual journey of sorts) but actually visiting the filming locations and setting foot on some of the places your favorite characters visit regularly. And that is precisely what we are going to do with this TV series about the living dead. This is where The Walking Dead Route takes off.
Out of Doors in Barcelona, London and Berlin
If there is anything to rival the museums and cuisine of cities like Barcelona, London or Berlin, it would have to be those beach strolls down the Barceloneta, those slow picnics at Hyde Park, or the sharp contrasts of Berlin’s neighborhoods. There is no question about it: a leisurely walk through the streets and alleyways of a city is the best way to discover its roots. Besides, there are about one thousand things to do for a perfect and easy day out, be it with your family, love interest, or friends. But what better plan than spending time outdoors? These are some of the activities you can’t miss out on… Film Festivals Suitable for all audiences and mostly free of charge- film festivals are a most welcome night out when the evenings start to get warmer. Barcelona Barcelona’s Sala Montjuïc will be screening shorts and hosting picnics and concerts from July 4th to August 7th, in addition to full length feature films such as The Great Budapest Hotel, Boyhood or Her (all in their subtitled original version). Tickets are sold in packs that include a movie night, a short screening, and a concert (and in a nod to all couch potatoes out there, there are lounge chairs for rent). There’s also the option to add a guided tour of Montjuïc Castle to the pack for a small surcharge. London Similar festivals are also held in London all summer long. One of the most remarkable ones is perhaps Luna Cinema, held from July 1st to September 20th, at amazing locations all over the city: from royal palaces, to large green...
Literary Routes around the World
Literary Routes around the World: Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, Millennium (Stieg Larsson).
Gay Pride Takes Over Madrid, London, Berlin and New York
Pride Parades for the LGBT community (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) are held annually around June 28th, commemorating the date of the 1969 Stonewall riots, a key moment that marked the start of this social movement. Pride parades are public events celebrating tolerance and equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals. When the 28th falls on a Sunday, the parade is usually scheduled for the previous or following Saturday, as is the case of cities like Berlin and London that will celebrate their Pride parades on June 27th; or cities like Madrid, where the celebrations won’t begin until July 1st through 5th. Gay pride is a multi-ethnical and cultural celebration open to everyone; an accurate reflection of the diversity of our modern-day society. Are you ready to partake in one of the biggest events of the year? Madrid Over 500 businesses in Madrid cater to LGTB audiences, making Madrid Pride (held the first Saturday in July) one of the largest in Europe. It was awarded MTV’s Best Annual Gay Destination Event in 2009 and in 2010. The party kicks off at 6:30pm on July 4th, with several musical performances in Plaza de Colón, among them many acclaimed DJs, and then the parade itself. Good vibes in the Spanish capital, all doused with activism and music, making it the perfect combination for a party that will live long in your memory. But a little rest is always welcome after an partying. Discover our Madrid apartments and live this fiesta like a true local. London London’s Gay Pride, to be held on June 27th, is the biggest one in Europe,...
Coastal Towns on the Four Corners of Spain
North, South, East and West. Spain can boast of its coastal towns like few other countries can. Charming little villages that are very different from one another, and with strong traditions that we’ll explore in this post. Here are 4 towns that will leave their mark on you, not only for their people and cultural heritage but also for their inner beauty. Yes, you read that right. Inner beauty is not an attribute exclusive to humans alone; certain parts of Spain harbor unexpected treasures that you can only discover once you are there yourself.
All You Need to Know About the Eurovision Song Contest 2015
Remember Conchita Wurst? How to forget the memorable “bearded woman”, right? She was the winner of the last edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (with her song “Rise Like a Phoenix”) and now it’s Austria’s turn to organize it in Vienna. This isn’t the first time Austria hosts the contest; it already did so back in 1967. And here are some of the things you should know about Eurovision 2015.
