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Last posts

5 Ideal Destinations for Families Traveling with Children

Alba Surís Rankings, Travel Tips

Do you feel somewhat identified with the common story of that travel-savvy couple who got married, had kids, and saw their adventures vanish into thin air? It’s a very common situation, as traveling with kids isn’t easy. It’s not just that you have to carry thrice the luggage, but also the fact that children get bored and tired in most travel-related situations: walking from one end of town to the other, visiting museums with works that mean nothing to them, getting up early to make the most of the day, or listening to the endless explanations of tourist guides. But not being able to travel with children is only an urban myth, as there are countless places that are perfectly eligible for a family adventure. We believe that exploring with kids in tow can be an even more rewarding way to travel, as experiencing new things is the best way to learn. And so, without further ado, we leave you with our list of ideal destinations for traveling with children so that you have no more excuses. Go on and get packing! The Netherlands The flat Dutch landscape makes it ideally suited for cycling trips, with bikes being the typical mode of transport and readily available everywhere, making it a relaxing and fun way for the little ones to get around. Another advantage of Holland and its surrounding regions are the many vast green fields, perfect for family picnics. Some of the towns in the Netherlands look like they’re straight out of the pages of a fairytale, such as the town of Delft. The town of Bruges, a short-train ride... read more

Experience the Gracia Festivities Like a True Barcelonan

Alba Surís Barcelonian, Only-Be, Things to do in Barcelona

Some very special festivities await you in Barcelona from August 15th through 21st… If you thought floating plates and candles were something out of a Harry Potter scene, you may want to reconsider. For the people of Gracia, a neighborhood in the northeastern part of Barcelona, this type of decor is nothing out of the ordinary, and especially so in the summertime. Would you like to know more about this multitudinous event? Keep on reading! Battle of the Neighbors You might be wondering what sets these neighborhood festivities apart from the rest. Well, for one thing, they are visually attractive, as each street is decorated in its own unique theme: movies, animé, tropical jungles, dinosaurs, Asian landscapes…. The list is practically endless! Neighborhood associations start working on their masterpieces months in advance, knowing that they’ll be admired by thousands of locals and curious tourists. However, gaining the appraisal of passerbys is not their only motivation, as there is a price for the inhabitants of the winning street every year. The 2015 edition of the Gracia Festivities will showcase balconies decorated as gold mines, dragons, butterflies, laboratories, and even a ‘garden of earthly delights’. These and many others are some of the themes that have already been registered into the contest, along with their respective participants, who expectantly await the day of the great unveiling. A Full Program And if decorated streets are not enough incentive for you- worry not. The program for the 2015 Gracia Festivities (check it here LINK) includes all type of events for all ages. Little ones will have a great time watching the... read more

The Italian Ferragosto

Carola Gasparini Milanese, Only-Be, Things to do in Milan

August 15th, the feast of the Assumption of Mary, tends to be a festivity across most European countries. But in Italy it’s a lot more than that. For Italians, August 15th marks the start of what is known as the Ferragosto, a celebration with years of tradition that combines the best of all summer festivities: music, food, outdoor activities, fireworks and much, much more. On the night of the 14th you’ll find bonfires on most beaches, groups of friends singing and waiting for the clock to strike midnight to go for a dip in the sea, fireworks that reflect on the surface of the water… and so, it’s inevitable to stay up until well into the am hours. The following day, Italian families share a big meal together, full of the traditional specialties of their local cuisine. One of the most typical recipes with a very long tradition in the area of Tuscany is roasted pigeon, and in the area of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano they prepare aniseed flavored sweets known as ciambelle. In fact, each city across bella Italia preserves its own traditions and events… so let’s explore some of them together! Milan Milan offers countless options when it comes to celebrating the Ferragosto. Starting with the night of the 14th, on the eve of the day, it’s customary to head to Sempione Park, where various types of events are usually held, and then on to Piazza Cannone, where many of the museums open their doors all night so we can admire their treasures. From the Archeological Museum to the Gallery of Modern Art, including museums of the likes... read more