Monthly Archives: January 2019

UPDATES: New and EXPANDED Editions of Our Guidebooks!

a man and woman looking out at a lake in Canmore, Alberta
Posted: 1/9/2019 | January 9th, 2019

Happy 2019, my fellow travelers!

This is going to be a big year at Nomadic Matt HQ. I have some big personal news I’ll be sharing next week (no, I’m not getting married. Yet.) and big news about the direction of this website (I used the holidays to map out my vision for 2019) that I’ll also be sharing soon (hint: we’re going back to basics).

But, right now, I want to talk about our books.

As you all know, we offer detailed how-to guides to destinations around the world to help you plan your trip better.

They’re like a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide…but way better!

My guides are for those of you who want to break the mold and get off the well-trodden tourist path. They take what you love about this site and supercharge it. They include my favorite hostels, restaurants, and bars — spots you probably won’t find listed elsewhere!

We’re constantly expanding and improving the books so that you, the reader, can have the most up-to-date and robust information possible!

Last year, we put all our books on Kindle, solved our map issue, and added more family-friendly activities.

At the beginning of every year, we do a massive overhaul! Over the last couple of months, we have been updating these guides based on your feedback to our previous editions.

In addition to the normal updates of prices, practicalities, etc., we have also greatly expanded our books. These new editions include a bunch of new sections:

  • Interesting facts about each destination
  • Information about local cuisine (so you know what to try!)
  • Expanded transportation sections
  • A chart with the distances to/from nearby destinations
  • Tips on traveling as a senior
  • Tips on traveling if you’re disabled
  • Ways to stay safe and scams to look out for
  • Month-by-month guide listing great festivals and events to attend
  • Price guide so you get an idea of how much everything should cost

Additionally, you’ll find all sorts of other good stuff in each book:

  • Suggested budgets
  • In-depth ways to save money
  • Suggested itineraries (with maps)
  • What to do and see (with a focus on free, cheap, and off-beat attractions)
  • My favorite places to eat
  • My favorite places to sleep
  • Nightlife suggestions
  • Practicalities (business hours, tourist information centers, public holiday info, electricity, phones abroad, emergency and legal information, visa guidelines, LGBTQ travel tips, best times to visit, etc.)
  • Transportation maps
  • A history section
  • Book and movie suggestions related to the destination
  • Language sections

Below is a list of all our destination guidebooks (if you purchase a book as a PDF, you get the second one for an additional 50% off too):

NOTE: PDFs can be read on iPads and iPhones via the iBooks app if you get the PDF version.

Additionally, we’re now offering bundles of our books too:

  • The Asia Bundle – Get all our Asia guides PLUS our travel hacking guide for one low price! This bundle is only $50 $24.99!! That’s 50% off the original price!
  • The Europe Bundle – Get all our Europe guides PLUS our travel hacking guide for one low price! This bundle is only $60 $24.99!! That’s 60% off the original price!
  • Our Complete Collection – Get EVERY guide we sell for one low price! This bundle is only $120 $39.99!! That’s 66% off the original price!

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Hacking

Lastly, we just updated our book on travel hacking. If you’re looking to learn how to master points and miles in the new year and not pay for flights or accommodation, pick up our new edition. The price is $9.99 (regularly $29.99), and the new update includes:

  • New award charts (and other charts throughout the book)
  • Best new cards to get
  • Completely updated information on credit and credit scores
  • More tips on how to manufacture spending in 2019
  • Everything in the book has been updated (as you know this information changes quickly, so be sure to get this version to make sure you know how to travel hack the right way for 2019)

You can pick up this book and save money on flying for just $9.99!

(Note: If you already own a copy of this book, a new version is on its way to you! After all, you get updates for life when you purchase this book!)

So that’s it for today!

I’ll have more news and regular stories coming next but we worked hard on these books and I want to share our new beautiful babies with you!

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments!

– Matt

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post UPDATES: New and EXPANDED Editions of Our Guidebooks! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Barcelona Itinerary: How to Spend Your Time in This Incredible City in 2019

Gaudi architecture in Barcelona
Posted: 1/7/19 | January 7th, 2019

Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. It’s a city that I’ve been to many times.

Once a major city in the Roman Empire, the city still places an important role in the region and is home to millions of residents and visitors enjoying all the delicious sangria and gin, mouthwatering food, stunning beaches, warm weather, the rich history and culture, and unique architecture that Barcelona is famous for.

Barcelona is one of the most vibrant, fun, energetic cities in the world.

Barcelona is such a popular place that in recent years it’s even had to clamp down on “overtourism” to help reduce the number of visitors. (This is something I fully agree with since cities must learn to balance tourism with local life.)

With so much to see and do in and around Barcelona, where do you begin? How many days do you need to visit?

I think to really get a feel for Barcelona you should plan for four or five days. While you could see it in less, you’ll do yourself a disservice if you rush your visit. This is a city of late night dinners, late morning, and afternoon siestas.

Life isn’t rushed here and neither should your visit.

This 2-5 day itinerary highlights all the best things to see and do and help you organize your visit so you can see it all!

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 1

Take a free walking tour
a young woman exploring Barcelona on foot
I love free walking tours. I think they are a wonderful way to get to know a new city, find your way around, and learn some history in the process. (And, since they are filled with traveler too, they can also be a good way to meet other people.) My recommended walking tour companies in Barcelona are:

Get lost in the Barri Gotic
Barcelona's gothic quarter
Barcelona’s old Gothic Quarter is my favorite part of town, filled with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings. Spend a few hours getting lost in this district. To me, it’s the most beautiful area in the city. The area also has numerous attractions worth seeing:

  • Barcelona History Museum – Barcelona has one of the best city history museums I’ve ever visited, including 4,000 square meters of Roman ruins beneath the museum that you can walk through. There is a free, detailed audio guide and meticulous explanations of the exhibits. If you do one thing in the city, make it this. I visit every time I’m in Barcelona. The ruins are just stunning. Admission is €7. Address: Plaça del Rei.
  • The Grand Royal Palace – The Palau Reial Major (near the history museum) was the home of Barcelona’s counts and later the kings of Aragon. It has a very detailed history about the city and region through the centuries. Admission is €7. Free on the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday after 3pm. Address: Plaça del Rei.
  • Chapel of Santa Àgata – This royal chapel was built in 1302. The most interesting thing inside is the beautiful altarpiece, made by Jaume Huguet, that was added in the 15th century. It contains beautiful paintings of religious symbols in the style of the Middle Ages. Don’t miss it! Admission is €7. Address: Plaça del Rei.
  • Barcelona Cathedral – Built in the late 13th to early 15th centuries, this is a classic Gothic cathedral with huge spires, colorful stained glass, and incredible wood carvings. If you go inside, pay the extra €3 to visit the terraces, where you’ll get an incredible view of Barcelona. Admission is €7, though you can sometimes get in for free (there’s no apparent schedule to this). Address: Placita de la Seu, 3.

Explore Gaudí’s architecture
Park Güell in Barcelona
Gaudí is Barcelona’s most famous and creative architect. His unique style, use of nature motifs, and catalog of work is legendary – and part of the reason so many people visit the city. No visit to the city is complete without a tour of Gaudí’s works. You can find them everywhere — in addition to the buildings listed below, he even designed lampposts, monuments, and sculptures. Here are the best sights to see:

  • Park Güell – Park Güell is a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900 to 1914. It’s since been converted into a municipal garden and is now a World Heritage Site. The focal point of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. Known for incorporating various themes into his work, Gaudí incorporated artistic elements of Catalan nationalism as well as ancient poetry and mysticism into this work. The park is right near La Sagrada Familia so it’s easy to visit both. I like how colorful everything in the park is! Tickets are €8.50, at the ticket office, or €7.50 when you order in advance online. Children six years old and younger are free. Address: Carrer d’Olot.
  • La Sagrada Família – The most famous of Gaudí’s work….and one that seems to never be finished. The church has been under construction for over than 100 years (the groundbreaking was in 1882 and is supposed to be done in 2030!). Gaudí was a devout Catholic and spent the last 10 years of his life working on this project. The church blends influences of man, nature, and religion in its detailed architecture. The audio guide is worth purchasing as it covers the history of the church in great detail. Try to visit mid-morning to late afternoon so you can witness the sunlight cascade throughout all the stained glass. Admission is €15 online/€18 at the door. Address: Plaça de la Sagrada Familia.
  • Casa Batlló – Casa Batllo is a building restored by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. He spent 2 years on the project completely revamping the exterior, main floor, patio, and roof. With its undulating shape, it’s definitely one of the more eye-catching of his creations. Located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, it (like everything Gaudí designed) was heavy influenced by the Art Nouveau style. The facade was decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles that he collected from the trash of a nearby glass shop. The roof is arched and has been likened to the back of a dragon. It’s one of my favorite Gaudí buildings. Admission is €24.50 online/€28.50 at door. Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43.
  • Casa Milà (also called La Pedrera) – From 1906 to 1910, Gaudi work on Casa Mila, also known as “La Pedrera” (the stone quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. The goal was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. Gaudí, himself a Catholic and a devotee of the Virgin Mary, also planned for the Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol and included many religious elements like an excerpt from the rosary prayer on the cornice and statues of Mary, St. Michael, and St. Gabriel. Casa Milà became run down and partially abandoned until it was restored in the late 1980s to its original form. Admission is €22 online/€25 at door. Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92.
  • Palau Güell – Located off La Rambla, Palau Guell (Guell Palace) building doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. Built from 1886-88, it was designed for one of Gaudi’s patrons, Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around the main room used to entertain high-society guests. The main party room has a high ceiling with small holes near the top where lanterns were hung at night from the outside to give the appearance of a starlit sky. There are colorful tree-like chimneys on top. It’s a bit creepy and gothic to me. One of my favorites too! Admission is €12 (free on the first Sunday of every month). Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5.

Note: Advanced reservations are recommended for Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo so you can skip the lines!

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2

Visit the Picasso Museum
two women admiring the artwork in the Picasso Museum, Barcelona; Photo by Alex Grechman (flickr:@grechman)
While I’m not a huge fan of most of Picasso’s later work, it’s still interesting to learn about the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. With more than 4,000 pieces of art, there certainly is a lot to see here. Admission is €11, with discounts available for students and seniors. Free Thursday evenings, 6-9pm and on the first Sunday of each month. Address: Carrer Montcada, 15-23.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art; Photo by Rob Green (flickr:@keekat)
This museum has over 5,000 works, including an extensive collection of pieces by Spanish artists such as Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. There are also works by Americans Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder (who is known for his innovative mobiles). If you love modern art, be sure to add this to your itinerary. Admission is €10, with discounts available. Free Saturdays, 4-8pm. It’s always free for anyone under 14. Address: Plaça dels Àngels, 1.

La Boquería
Barcelona's Boqueria
This public market has an amazing array of food stalls and restaurants. It’s been at this location for hundreds of years, in a building with a beautiful iron entrance. It’s right off La Rambla (a long, popular central thoroughfare, see below), so the market is typically very busy. But grab a snack or an inexpensive lunch of ham, bread, cheese, and fruit and enjoy the scene. There’s a wide variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, octopus, and oysters, as well as nuts, candy, wine, and tapas.

NOTE: Due to overcrowding, tourist groups are now restricted to 15 people or less. You’ll have no problem moving about on your own, but if you’re in a large group….well, be prepared to get kicked out! The city is (appropriately) trying to take back the markets for locals. Watch for changes to how they allow tourists into the market.

Take a stroll on La Rambla
busy La Rambla, Barcelona; Photo by xiquinhosilva (flickr:@xiquinho)
The popular 1.2km long boulevard with a broad but crowded walkway in the center has many beautiful buildings along it including the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the city’s opera house. Near the theater, you can also see a mosaic by Joan Miró. And there are street performers galore here (they even have their own union). While this street is ground zero for tourists in the city (don’t eat at the restaurants here, they suck), it’s worth a stroll down at least once.

Hit the beach
the beach in Barcelona
You’ve done a ton of walking so far, so take the afternoon to relax! Barcelona has a wide and long beach, Barceloneta, that is incredibly popular year-round. The water is good to swim in, the sand is golden colored, and there are a lot of good restaurants on the boardwalk. It’s always busy with tourists and locals, however, so walk further from the center to reach some quieter and cleaner beaches, such as Sant Sebastià in the south and Somorrostro in the north.

Watch some flamenco
Flamenco dancers
Spend your evening watching flamenco at one of these places:

  • Los Tarantos – This is Barcelona’s oldest flamenco venue. It’s a short show (just 30 minutes) so it’s a good place for an introduction to the art and won’t take up your entire night. Admission from €15. Address: Plaça Reial, 17.
  • Palau Dalmases – One of the best things about the flamenco shows here is the venue. This palace has amazing décor and incredible architecture. Admission is €25, with one drink included. Address: Carrer de Montcada, 20.
  • Tablao Flamenco Cordobes – This show is in a convenient location on Barcelona’s main walkway, but it’s pricey. Admission is €45 (drink and show) or €79.50 (dinner and show). Address: La Rambla, 35.
  • Tablao de Carmen – This show typically features excellent performers, and it’s in an interesting venue that’s a replica of a Spanish village. Admission is €43 (drink and show) or €61 (dinner and show). Address: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13.

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 3

Ride the harbor cable car
riding the harbor cable car in Barcelona; Photo by Ivan Mlinaric (flickr:@eye1
The 1,450-meter-long harbor aerial tramway with red cars connects Barceloneta and Montjuïc (a prominent hill). The 10-minute trip gives you incredible views of Barcelona. You’ll see the port and sea on one side and the city on the other. Also, at the top of the 78-meter Sant Sebastià (San Sebastián) tower in Barceloneta, there’s a restaurant accessible by an elevator. A round-trip ticket is €16.50; a one-way ticket is €11.

Explore Montjuïc Hill
Barcelona's Montjuïc Hill
When you arrive on the hill from the cable car (or bus #150 if the cable car isn’t in your budget), you’ll find there’s a lot to do here. You can explore the Castell de Montjuïc (a large 18th-century fortress), as well as gardens, a Spanish village, and the Olympic Stadium. Be sure to also visit the Magic Fountain for the colorful water show. You’ll be able to enjoy a sweeping view of the city; watching the sunset from here is amazing too. Some highlights of Montjuïc:

  • Castell de Montjuïc – This is an old fortress that’s now a museum featuring military displays and information on the history of the castle. The surrounding garden is a beautiful collage of color. Admission is €5. Free Sundays after 3pm and on the first Sunday of each month. Address: Carretera de Montjuïc, 66.
  • Joan Miró Foundation – Joan Miró was one of Catalonia’s most famous artists. Many of the surrealist’s works are on display in this museum. Admission is €12. Address: Parc de Montjuïc.
  • Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – This art museum houses Catalonian art, particularly Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works. The fountain out front has a spectacular free show that takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm-9pm (from October-December and February-April), and Thursdays-Sundays from 9pm-11:30pm (from May-September). Admission is €12. Free Saturdays after 3pm, the first Sunday of each month, and for visitors under 16 or over 65. Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc.
  • Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) – The Spanish Village was built in 1929 to resemble an actual traditional village with 117 buildings from different Spanish regions. There’s an Andalusian quarter, a section of the Camino, a monastery, and more. There are also various exhibits here devoted to crafts and contemporary art. It’s a good family activity. Admission is €12.60, with discounted rates for children, students, and seniors. The village is open daily, year-round starting at 9am and closing no earlier than 8pm. Address: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13.
  • The Olympic Ring – When Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, all of the excitement centered around the Olympic Ring: the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi, and the Olympic Esplanade. You can roam the entire space for free. Address: Parc de Montjuïc.

Take a food tour or cooking class
exploring food in Barcelona
Barcelona is a very food-centric city, so I highly recommend a cooking class or a food tour! You’ll learn about traditional Catalan cooking, selecting the freshest ingredients, and using new techniques. You’ll prepare your own meal and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Some companies to check out are:

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 4

Take a day trip to Girona
Girona, just outside Barcelona
This medieval city, just 100km from Barcelona, is one of my favorite destinations in Spain – and far too overlooked by travelers. Here you can climb atop the city walls, wander the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter, and soak up the ambiance at one of its many cafés. They filmed Game of Thrones here too! There’s a lot of history and delicious food in the city!

The Renfe train ride is about 80 minutes on the normal train (return tickets from €20); the high-speed train gets there in 38 minutes (return tickets from €30).

Other Things to See and Do in Barcelona

the monastic buildings at Montserrat
If you have more than four days in Barcelona, you’re in luck. There are plenty of other activities to fill your time:

Head to Montserrat – The Montserrat mountain range is just outside of the city and makes for a great getaway from Barcelona’s urban atmosphere. You can reach the area by taking a one-hour train ride. Once there, pay a visit to the famous shrine of the Black Madonna at the monastery and walk around the park. The Benedictine monastery and the valley of unique, rocky pillars make for some really awesome photography. Return train tickets are around €20, and you’ll also need to decide whether to take the cable car (my preference) or funicular up the mountain.

Visit an old-school amusement park – Tibidabo Barcelona, built in 1899, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. On a tall mountain in the Serra de Collserola, it also offers an incredible view of Barcelona and the coastline. It’s open on the weekends, except in the winter. Admission is €28.50 for adults, €10.30 for children under 1.2m tall, and free for children under 0.90m tall. Address: Plaça del Tibidabo, 3.

Catch an outdoor film – If you’re in Barcelona in July or August, consider going up to Montjuïc Castle to catch an outdoor film on the lawn of the castle’s moat. Screenings take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and are preceded by some cool live music.

Watch a soccer match – The first “football” game I ever saw was in Barcelona. It was Espaynol versus Valencia. I still have the shirt I bought that day. Barcelona’s two teams are Espanyol and FC Barcelona and, if a match is going on, try to take in one. Locals are obsessed with the sport and you’ll make a lot of good friends at the game! If you can’t make a game, you can tour the stadium and the FCB (or Barça) Museum. Tour admission is €26 online/€29.50 at the door. Match tickets are from €29, depending on the opponent. Address: C. d’Aristides Maillol, 12.

Visit the aquarium – Perfect for a rainy day, the Barcelona Aquarium has more than 11,000 animals, showcasing species from a variety of underwater ecosystems. The walk-through tunnel is the best part. Admission: €20. Address: Moll d’Espanya, del Port Vell.

Gaze at Barcelona’s free public art – Gaudí outdid himself with the huge fountain located in the Parc de la Ciutadella, a tribute to the god Neptune. I absolutely love the art and fountain here. Gaudi designed the famous Cascada Fountain when he was an architecture student. On a warm day, I just like to sit and stare at the fountain. There’s also a zoo in the park and some short walking paths. Take a bottle of wine, grab some ham, and have a picnic.

Other offbeat Gaudí works include the lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau, and the Miralles gate and wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona. Barcelona native Joan Miró’s work is found throughout town, and you can see his famous “Woman and Bird” sculpture at Parc de Joan Miró. There are also Miró mosaics on La Rambla and at the airport.

Take a free bike tourFree Bike Tour Barcelona offers jaunts around the city every day. The tours are typically at 10am and 2pm, but check the website (freebiketourbarcelona.com) to be sure, as there may be just one tour a day in the off-season. They last about three hours and cover all the major sights. Just be sure to tip your guides!

Where to Eat in Barcelona

Paella, a traditional Spanish dish
For some excellent food, be sure to check out some of my favorite places:

  • Les Quinze Nits – Delicious food at a great price in the famous Plaça Reial. It’s a bit touristy, but even the locals come here for the value. It has a typical Spanish menu. Avoid the long lines at dinner by going for lunch instead. Address: Plaça Reial, 6.
  • La Fonda – Good food with large portions, near Plaça Reial. Its set menu will give you more than you can eat, and it features beautiful décor and a robust wine selection. Address: Escudellers, 10.
  • Allium Restaurant – This is a natural food restaurant that prepares its meals with delicious, local ingredients. It has a nice rustic décor and a friendly staff. It is well priced and my favorite restaurant in Barcelona. Address: Carrer del Call, 17.
  • Pinotxo Bar – Just inside the Boquería food market, this little stall is always packed and serves some of the most famous tapas in the area. I stopped there while on a food tour, and it was delicious. Try the chickpea salad! Address: La Boquería, La Rambla, 91.
  • The Four Cats – This was one of Picasso’s favorite haunts and a popular hangout for artists in the early 1900s. Grab a drink and maybe some tapas (the patatas bravas are delicious!) and soak up the place’s history. Address: Carrer de Montsió, 3.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Kabul, a hostel in Barcelona
Here’s a list of my favorite places to stay in the city:

  • Kabul – This is one of my favorite hostels in Europe. It attracts travelers who are looking for a good time. This isn’t a quiet hostel, so be prepared to party. The dorms are very clean, the beds are comfy, and the showers have high pressure. But what makes Kabul so wonderful is the downstairs common area. It takes up a whole floor of the building and comprises a café, bar, tables, internet kiosks, and a pool table. The hostel is booked out weeks in advance, especially during summer, so don’t book at the last minute! Beds from €10.71. Address: Plaça Reial, 17.
  • Hello BCN – This location is clean, and the beds are comfortable. There’s a super breakfast, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Make sure to ask them for tips about hidden places in town. This is not a party hostel, and you should be able to get some good shut-eye. Beds from €11. Address: Carrer de Lafont, 8-10.
  • St. Christopher’s Inn – This hostel near La Rambla is all about location: it’s perfect. I really love the curtains on the dorm beds and the gigantic bar/outdoor area next to the hostel. The bar/restaurant has good food and cheap drinks, so you should definitely check it out (even if you don’t stay here). In general, I really like the St. Christopher’s brand; it offers fun, clean, sociable, and modern hostels all over Europe. Beds from €9.90. Address: Carrer de Bergara, 3.
  • Sant Jordi-Sagrada Família – This is an interesting hostel with a skateboarder vibe. The common area décor is all about urban arts, and the rooms are clean and spacious. The kitchen is big, and you can often find yoga lessons, cheap dinners, and free pub crawls. There’s also a half-pipe, which I’ve never seen at a hostel before. Just watch out for the spotty Wi-Fi. Beds from €14.31. Address: Carrer del Freser, 5.

***

Barcelona has something for everyone. You could squeeze in the real highlights of Barcelona in two or three days, but taking four, five, or even six days for the above itinerary will give you enough time to gorge on Iberian ham, tapas, and sangria while not rushing around.

The city moves slowly. And so should you.

Sleep late, take breaks, eat lots, and just enjoy Barcelona at a Spaniard’s pace!

Book Your Trip to Barcelona: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Barcelona?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Barcelona with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 5, 6, 8, 11,

The post Barcelona Itinerary: How to Spend Your Time in This Incredible City in 2019 appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

TravelCon 2019: New Speakers and Info!

TravelCon 2019 in Boston, MA
Posted: 1/3/2019 | January 3rd, 2019

Are you looking to get into the travel media industry?

Would you like to take your career to the next step?

Well, good!

Because it’s time to talk TravelCon (again).

TravelCon is a conference to help travel creators develop business and professional skills in order to succeed in the travel media space. TravelCon is where you go for hands-on photography and writing lessons, and practical, actionable advice from the best in the industry on marketing, making money, developing long-term partnerships with brands, and so much more.

This year, TravelCon is going to be held in Boston, MA, June 27–29, 2019 at the Westin Copley.

Over the last few months, we’ve been putting the event together more and more and, today, I want to share some of our plans!!!

First, let’s talk about our speakers. This year we have an incredible lineup of keynoters, panelists, and workshop leaders to help you develop your career in the industry. Check out this awesome crew:

Keynote Speakers

Breakout Session Speakers

Kristin Addis

Be My Travel Muse

Faith Adiele

Author, Meeting Faith

Kirsten Alana

Photographer

Gary Arndt

Everything Everywhere

Gloria Atanmo

The Blog Abroad

Derek Baron

Wandering Earl

Michael Booth

Author, The Almost Nearly
Perfect People

Carol Cain

Girl Gone Travel

Edin Chavez

Shut Your Aperture

Jason Cochran

Frommers

Mike Corey

Fearless & Far

Heather Davis

Globetrotting Mama

Jessica Festa

Jessie on a Journey

Rachel Friedman

The Good Girls Guide to
Getting Lost

Don George

Author, The Way of Wanderlust

Catharine Hamm

Los Angeles Times

Evelyn Hannon

Journey Woman

Clay Hebert

Branding Expert

Jordan Harbinger

The Jordan Harbinger Show

Andrew Hickey

Scott’s Cheap Flights

Spud Hilton

Travel Writer

Mike & Anne Howard

Honey Trek

Rainer Jenss

Family Travel Association

Johnny Jet

Johnny Jet

Matthew Karsten

Expert Vagabond

Stefan Krasowski

Rapid Travel Chai

Gary Leff

View From The Wing

Lebawit Lily Girma

Sunshine and Stilettos

Kent Johnson

Black & Abroad

Jeremy Jones

Living the Dream

Silvia Lawrence

Heart My Backpack

Kristin Luna

Camels & Chocolate

Eric Martin

Black & Abroad

Brian Massey

Conversion Scientist

Laurence Norah

Finding the Universe

Sean Ogle

Location Rebel

Sol Orwell

Examine.com

Annette Richmond

From Annette

Sam McRoberts

VUDU Marketing

Erick Prince

Minority Nomad

Kristen Sarah

Hopscotch the Globe

Patricia Serrano

Fresh Traveler

Thomas Swick

Writer, Unquiet Days

Nadine Sykora

Hey Nadine

Brent Underwood

Brass Check

Siya Zarrabi

Hopscotch the Globe

Ricky Zhang

Prince of Travel

Pretty awesome list, right?

These speakers are experts in their fields and are going to share their successes — and failures — so you can start making money doing what you love. I brought in people from inside and outside of the travel sphere because both have valuable things they can teach us!

And we’re not done yet. We’ll be announcing our final batch of speakers sometime in February. There are still a few more talks and speakers to confirm regarding LGBT travel, sustainability, luxury travel, family travel, and more. Stay tuned!

Second, this year we’re making lots of improvements to the event!

I don’t want to give away too many of our secrets (because that would ruin the surprises we have planned) but some of the improvements we have made over last year include:

  • An opening night “round the world” happy hour bingo
  • Appointments with sponsors throughout the event (not just the last day)
  • Spreading our meetups over two days
  • Scheduled book signings with our speakers
  • A musical guest
  • Longer lunch and coffee breaks
  • Some trip giveaways

That’s just the start! As the months go by, we’ll be announcing more speakers, workshops, and brands that will be attending.

To meet demand for the event (we sold out last year), we’re also increasing the number of available tickets to 800.

Ticket are currently $399. With your ticket, you’ll get:

  • All the keynotes and sessions
  • Workshop registration
  • Networking events
  • Marketplace appointments
  • Expo hall access
  • A virtual pass (Can’t make a talk? Don’t worry. You get all the recordings for free!)
  • Evening parties
  • Any included lunches

Additionally, we have a 60-day refund policy and 30-day transfer policy. I hate conferences that don’t let you get a refund because I know how fluid things are in travel. Life gets in the way sometimes.

So don’t worry if something changes. You’ll be able to get a refund or transfer your ticket without any worry!

We’ve currently sold over 400, so if you’re interested, get them while they last, as we will definitely sell out again! Prices also go up at the end of the month.

So click here to join us in Boston for the best and biggest travel media event of the year!

Can’t wait to see you there!

– Matt

The post TravelCon 2019: New Speakers and Info! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

TravelCon 2019: New Speakers and Info!

TravelCon 2019 in Boston, MA
Posted: 1/3/2019 | January 3rd, 2019

Are you looking to get into the travel media industry?

Would you like to take your career to the next step?

Well, good!

Because it’s time to talk TravelCon (again).

TravelCon is a conference to help travel creators develop business and professional skills in order to succeed in the travel media space. TravelCon is where you go for hands-on photography and writing lessons, and practical, actionable advice from the best in the industry on marketing, making money, developing long-term partnerships with brands, and so much more.

This year, TravelCon is going to be held in Boston, MA, June 27–29, 2019 at the Westin Copley.

Over the last few months, we’ve been putting the event together more and more and, today, I want to share some of our plans!!!

First, let’s talk about our speakers. This year we have an incredible lineup of keynoters, panelists, and workshop leaders to help you develop your career in the industry. Check out this awesome crew:

Keynote Speakers

Breakout Session Speakers

Kristin Addis

Be My Travel Muse

Faith Adiele

Author, Meeting Faith

Kirsten Alana

Photographer

Gary Arndt

Everything Everywhere

Gloria Atanmo

The Blog Abroad

Derek Baron

Wandering Earl

Michael Booth

Author, The Almost Nearly
Perfect People

Carol Cain

Girl Gone Travel

Edin Chavez

Shut Your Aperture

Jason Cochran

Frommers

Mike Corey

Fearless & Far

Heather Davis

Globetrotting Mama

Jessica Festa

Jessie on a Journey

Rachel Friedman

The Good Girls Guide to
Getting Lost

Don George

Author, The Way of Wanderlust

Catharine Hamm

Los Angeles Times

Evelyn Hannon

Journey Woman

Clay Hebert

Branding Expert

Jordan Harbinger

The Jordan Harbinger Show

Andrew Hickey

Scott’s Cheap Flights

Spud Hilton

Travel Writer

Mike & Anne Howard

Honey Trek

Rainer Jenss

Family Travel Association

Johnny Jet

Johnny Jet

Matthew Karsten

Expert Vagabond

Stefan Krasowski

Rapid Travel Chai

Gary Leff

View From The Wing

Lebawit Lily Girma

Sunshine and Stilettos

Kent Johnson

Black & Abroad

Jeremy Jones

Living the Dream

Silvia Lawrence

Heart My Backpack

Kristin Luna

Camels & Chocolate

Eric Martin

Black & Abroad

Brian Massey

Conversion Scientist

Laurence Norah

Finding the Universe

Sean Ogle

Location Rebel

Sol Orwell

Examine.com

Annette Richmond

From Annette

Sam McRoberts

VUDU Marketing

Erick Prince

Minority Nomad

Kristen Sarah

Hopscotch the Globe

Patricia Serrano

Fresh Traveler

Thomas Swick

Writer, Unquiet Days

Nadine Sykora

Hey Nadine

Brent Underwood

Brass Check

Siya Zarrabi

Hopscotch the Globe

Ricky Zhang

Prince of Travel

Pretty awesome list, right?

These speakers are experts in their fields and are going to share their successes — and failures — so you can start making money doing what you love. I brought in people from inside and outside of the travel sphere because both have valuable things they can teach us!

And we’re not done yet. We’ll be announcing our final batch of speakers sometime in February. There are still a few more talks and speakers to confirm regarding LGBT travel, sustainability, luxury travel, family travel, and more. Stay tuned!

Second, this year we’re making lots of improvements to the event!

I don’t want to give away too many of our secrets (because that would ruin the surprises we have planned) but some of the improvements we have made over last year include:

  • An opening night “round the world” happy hour bingo
  • Appointments with sponsors throughout the event (not just the last day)
  • Spreading our meetups over two days
  • Scheduled book signings with our speakers
  • A musical guest
  • Longer lunch and coffee breaks
  • Some trip giveaways

That’s just the start! As the months go by, we’ll be announcing more speakers, workshops, and brands that will be attending.

To meet demand for the event (we sold out last year), we’re also increasing the number of available tickets to 800.

Ticket are currently $399. With your ticket, you’ll get:

  • All the keynotes and sessions
  • Workshop registration
  • Networking events
  • Marketplace appointments
  • Expo hall access
  • A virtual pass (Can’t make a talk? Don’t worry. You get all the recordings for free!)
  • Evening parties
  • Any included lunches

Additionally, we have a 60-day refund policy and 30-day transfer policy. I hate conferences that don’t let you get a refund because I know how fluid things are in travel. Life gets in the way sometimes.

So don’t worry if something changes. You’ll be able to get a refund or transfer your ticket without any worry!

We’ve currently sold over 400, so if you’re interested, get them while they last, as we will definitely sell out again! Prices also go up at the end of the month.

So click here to join us in Boston for the best and biggest travel media event of the year!

Can’t wait to see you there!

– Matt

The post TravelCon 2019: New Speakers and Info! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

How I Research My Solo Travel Destinations

Kristin Addis in Thailand
Posted: 1/2/2019 | January 2nd, 2019

Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes our regular column on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought in an expert to share her advice for other women travelers to help cover the topics important and specific to them! In this month’s article, she shows you how she researches and plans her trips!

What’s the best way to go about researching your next trip when all of the decisions will fall to you as a solo traveler? Where should you go, what should you do, how will you navigate in your new surroundings? Where do you even begin to get answers to these questions?

Over the past six years, I’ve been mostly nomadic, traveling solo for the bulk of that time. Since I’ve been chief decision-maker for all of those trips, there are tricks I’ve learned along the way to help me save time in the long run, avoid spending too much and getting scammed, and make sure I know my way around before I even touch down.

The following is a step-by-step system to help you research your travel destinations. Most of these tips only take a few minutes but could save you big-time in terms of money, headaches, and confusion.

Ready to plan the solo trip of a lifetime? Let’s jump in!

1. Initial online research

I get a lot of my ideas from Instagram. I mostly follow travel accounts, and when I see a place that looks particularly beautiful, I use Instagram’s bookmark feature and put it in an album. I have one for Japan, one for New Zealand, and so on. When decide to travel to one of those destinations, I look back through my albums and consider if my budget, the time of year, and the activities I want to do there are all in alignment. (I suggest taking a look at Pinterest boards for those destinations as well.)

Using Instagram to research travel destinations

Chances are you already have a few destinations in mind and you just want to make sure that they will work for you. Evaluate the cost of traveling, think about the season it will be there, and make a decision based on those factors.

If you’re really not sure where to start, I have a list of some of the best countries for solo female travelers.

(I also take to heart word-of-mouth suggestions. It’s what led me to Mozambique and Patagonia. If someone I know has really loved a place, then I add it to the top of my list.)

2. Is the destination good for solo travelers?

Kristin Addis in Iceland
After six years of solo traveling, I’ve learned that the following criteria are almost guaranteed to produce a more social experience for solo travelers:

  • A well-known activity/draw: Is there a reason why people come to this place? Is it famous for surfing, rock climbing, scuba diving, or something else? When this is the case, you are much more likely to find other solo travelers participating in that experience.
  • A festival: If there’s some kind of cultural event or festival at the time you’re visiting, you can bet that a lot of other travelers will be coming through as well, so you are unlikely to be lonely.
  • Popularity: While I love off-the-beaten-path travel, I also know that the farther away from tourist centers I head, the more likely it is that I will spend more time alone. If I know I want to have a more social trip, I will head to places that are popular, like Thailand or Iceland. If you’re not sure where to start, this list has the most visited places in 2018.

Next, I try to mitigate the possibility of being the only solo traveler there by researching whether I’m about to head to a honeymoon destination or hotel. That said, I had fantastic experiences in Maui and Bali, which are usually thought of as couples’ destinations. I believe that as long as you pick a social activity that attracts other solo travelers, like surfing or scuba diving, you won’t feel like the odd one out.

So if you want to go somewhere beachy, don’t rule it out automatically just because you’re afraid you’ll be the only single person there. Unless you’re going to a truly tiny place, chances are there are parts of whatever country or island you’re looking at that will be less “romantic” and more social.

The only place I can think of off the top of my head that might truly be primarily couples-only is the Maldives, and even then you can still head to other islands, or to surf resorts, or do a live-aboard dive experience, so that your trip will be less lounging on the beach and more about meeting people.

3. What is the visa situation?

Visas are the next thing I want to know about before I get too far into planning. Do I need a visa to visit this country? Is that something I need to apply for ahead of time? What does it cost?

Wouldn’t it be annoying to plan a trip to India or China only to realize you can’t get the visa in time? Wouldn’t it be better to get a longer visa ahead of time, like for Thailand or Indonesia, instead of having to do visa runs, which are required in many countries to extend a typical 30-day tourist visa, if you plan a longer trip?

I do visa research on Google and the US Department of State website and/or the foreign embassy website, and encourage you to do the same for your destination to see what the visa requirements are for you.

4. What is there to do there?

Kristin Addis in Japan
Now it’s time to figure out what I want to do there. In some cases, I already know, because I picked the place based on its good diving or great hiking. But in some cases, I really have no idea, other than it fits my budget, it’s the right time of year, or I just want to go somewhere warm.

For example, I recently wanted to know what the best things to do in Tokyo were. So I just typed that exact question into Google, found some appealing options, and saved places in Google Maps with “want to go” flags for later.

Using Google Maps to plan trips

(In some cases, there’s not a lot of information online. That’s when you know you’ve found a true adventure, someplace there will not be that many other tourists. I love this kind of trip too, but you may have to make peace with the fact that you will be doing a lot of recon on the ground. This is the point at which I encourage you to ask yourself what your tolerance is for uncertainty and whether or not that’s what you desire out of your trip.)

5. Downloading offline maps

Now that I have put markers into Google Maps for the places I want to go, I make sure that I can access these without an Internet connection, just in case. I usually save Google maps offline; if I’m going to be hiking, I really like maps.me offline maps as well. It’s great to have both downloaded while you are still at home and have a strong internet connection, so that you know they’ll be accessible when you arrive.

downloading offline maps

6. Booking the hotel

When it comes to accommodation, I almost always use either booking.com or Airbnb. I type in my destination and then I go directly to the map function. Which place has the best reviews at the best price and is going to be closest to the things I’m interested in seeing or doing? Or if I know I will be there only for a short while and will fly or take the train thereafter, which lodging is going to be the most convenient to catch that flight or train?

researching your hotel

Generally, hostels will be more social than hotels, followed by Airbnb, unless you stay with a host who wants to show you around, which I wouldn’t count on. That said, you can look to couchsurfing if you want to be able to hang with your host – just read the reviews thoroughly first and be in full communication to make sure it’s a comfortable situation.

It also depends what part of the world you’re in. Bed-and-breakfasts might be quite social in South America, but a lot less so in Europe. I almost always read reviews to help me make my final decision.

I also don’t pressure myself to book a place for my entire stay. I want to be able to change my mind. Unless it’s high season (you can Google this too, but generally high season is when the weather is best) or there’s a holiday that I know is going to make it hard for me to move, I will just book a few days and then decide to move on or stay.

7. Research the best way to get to the hotel

Next I weigh my transportation options. Does the country I’m going to have Uber? Is it better to take the train? Is there an airport hotel shuttle, or bus from the airport to my hotel? In many cases, the hotel will provide this information in their correspondence with you or on their website. If it’s not listed, feel free to contact them and ask.

I also find TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet Thorntree, and Nomadic Matt’s forums are helpful because people are always asking this exact same question.

8. Research scams and dangers

Unfortunately, airports are the epicenter of tourist scams in many countries. The Denpasar airport in Bali, Indonesia, is one of the worst. In order to get out without getting scammed, you would need to know that the SIM card they are selling is marked up about 10 times what it would be once you leave the airport. You would also need to know that they do the same thing with taxi prices. (As a general rule, get the names of reputable companies before you go, never get in an unmarked taxi, and always know what the price of your ride should be before you get in. Google will help you with all of this.) And you would need to be aware that you can book an Uber for much cheaper if you meet the car at the departures level and ignore everyone who tries to tell you Uber “isn’t allowed” there.

When I fly into Bali, I just walk right through the mayhem with my head held high, because I have already done my research.

To get this info, I Google the airport name along with the word “scam” to see what other travelers have experienced, and then I know to be prepared when I get there. This removes so much stress when arriving in a new country.

9. SIM cards

I also research what a SIM card should cost, whether the airport is a good place to get it or not, and which company is the best. Again, Google and online forums are usually pretty helpful with this information.

I always travel with an unlocked phone so that I can get local SIMs. They are the cheapest method for staying connected, sometimes just a few dollars per gigabyte, and it simplifies getting to the hotel by allowing me to book an Uber immediately. Most of the time, it makes sense to buy a SIM card at the airport if you can, although sometimes, like in the aforementioned case of Bali, it’s much better to wait until you get to town. If you research this beforehand, you’ll already know.

It’s worth mentioning that you cannot count on there being reliable airport Wi-Fi. So try not to leave your taxi or SIM card research until you’ve already landed, because then it could be too late.

10. Final step: See if you already know anyone there

Kristin Addis in South Africa
Finally, I sometimes post on my personal Facebook page to see if I have any connections at my destination. In the case of South Africa a few years ago, I met up with a friend of a friend, which was the impetus for one of the most friendly and social traveling experiences I’ve had. You never know who you might know and where.

You can also look into Couchsurfing, even if it’s just for a social event rather than actually staying with the person. There are also plenty of Facebook groups these days for connecting with others. Some are regional, like Backpacking Africa, or you can join one specifically for solo female travelers, like the BMTM Solo Female Traveler Connect.

Though I didn’t always know to do all of this research prior to my trips, after a few blunders, I’m glad to have finally learned what’s important to know ahead of time. Though it might seem like a lot of research, these tips can help you avoid overspending and to have a more relaxed and easy trip.

What are some of your favorite ways to research before you travel solo?

Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

conquering mountains: solo female travel by kristin addisFor a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin’s new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling alone. It features over 20 interviews with other female travel writers and travelers. Click here to learn more about the book and start reading it today!

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post How I Research My Solo Travel Destinations appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.