Top Ten Insider Travel Tips

The El Born district is considered one of the richest in the medieval area of Barcelona, comparable to the district of Soho in the centre of London. This district is bordered to the East by the Gothic district (barrio gótico) and to the North East by el Parc de la Ciutadella. Towards the South, we find Barceloneta beach and to the South East, the long street Vía Laietana.

If you are planning on spending a few days on holiday in Barcelona, I would recommend staying in a apartment in Barcelona in this district or in a hotels Barcelona as it will be economic and what is more, you will love it! The best part of la Ribera is without doubt Passeig del Born, where you will find the majority of the fashionable shops and restaurants. There you will be able to taste delicious tapas and wander around the gothic palaces and streets until you come across el Parc de la Ciutadella.

One of the biggest attractions of the city is the Picasso Museum, situated in Carrer Montcada. In the same area you will notice gothic buildings from the XIII century with patios filled with light that are truly magnificent. The museums works are grouped in three collections: paintings and drawings, films and ceramics. The period of the artists life which is best represented here are his early years as a painter.

In la Plaça del Rei, the City’s History Museum awaits you. This museum occupies a gothic building. Here you can see the city’s old sewage system, baths, pieces of mosaics and an old roman road. From the highest floor, dedicated to the post – Roman development of the city, you gain access to a section of the old wall. The old Roman wall, erected in century III can be seen from different points: la Plaça del Rei, la Plaça de l’Angel, carrer Subteniente Navarro, carrer Tapinería and in la Plaça Nova, on the outside of the cathedral. The walls are 9 metres high and supported by a tower.

The Music Palace is another monument that you without doubt, have to visit. El Palau de la Música Catalana is a modernist building with magnificent glass. The main concert hall is illuminated with natural Light. It was the brainchild of the architect; “Lluis Doménech i Montaner” and was completed in 1908. The façade, made from red brick, is difficult to appreciate from the street outside (Sant Pere Més Alt) but it has pillars covered in mosaics and finished with busts of famous composers. Inside the building, the auditorium is illuminated by an immense crystal dome covered in singing angels…it’s fantastic…. The music hall is decorated with sculptures designed by Domenech and finished by the artist Gargallo.

Stay in a hotels Barcelona near here!

A visitors insurance plan can be purchased for visitors from abroad. This visitors insurance can protect the host family from financial ruin in case visitors fall sick. Ensure that the coverage includes the days they are in transit between the home country and the destination country.

Once you have purchased the visitors insurance coverage make sure you receive the insurance cards and proof of coverage. They are emailed immediately upon purchase of the plan. Visitors can carry the cards with them at all times and present to the provider when required.

Ascertain if the visitors health insurance plan follows a preferred network of providers. Insurance companies typically offer the most benefits if you visit providers from within the network. So, use a physician and hospital within the network wherever you travel.

Make a note of the number to call to verify benefits. Contact the insurance company to confirm coverage and to follow the procedures in case you need to get medical service. If surgery is recommended or the treatment involves hospitalization, pre-certification may be necessary.

If there is a life threatening emergency you must call 911 for assistance. In other cases it is best to make an appointment with a physician. If you need help outside of normal business hours, you could go to an Urgent Care Center. Do not go to the Emergency Room if it is not an emergency. Most visitors insurance will not cover ER visits if the visit does not lead to hospitalization or is not of an emergency nature.

The medical provider determines whether to bill the visitors insurance company directly or bill the insured. If the insured has made a payment then the insured can fill out a claim form, include itemized receipts and seek reimbursement for the payments made. The insurance company may request additional information and the entire reimbursement process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Christmas time in Barcelona is to say the least, very special. This is a time for family, friends and fun, and whether you’re young or old, there is something for everyone to do here. It is important to have things to do at Christmas time because for many of us who have to spend copious amounts of time with family, (namely really old relatives or really young annoying cousins), the festive period can be a bit boring or trying, and thus it’s a good idea to plan ahead a bit in advance. This includes getting your flights and apartments in Barcelona or hotels in Barcelona sorted!

Then relax in your Barcelona accommodation and put your Tio Nadal (Christmas Log) on the ground. This little chappy is the Catalan’s answer to Father Christmas and is a small figure with eyes, a nose and mouth. This log has the strange and magical ability to poo delicious treats such as sweets, nuts and torrons. Just like children believe Father Christmas is the one who brings all their presents on Christmas Eve, Caca Tió (the pooping log) brings the childrens’ presents too. When the children have sung the song to Caga Tió, (Caga Tió, almonds and turron, if you don’t poo sardines that are too salty or poo turrones that are the yummiest, Caga Tió, almonds and turron, if you don’t want to poo, I’ll hit you with the stick!) and hit Caga Tió with the stick, they lift up his cloak and underneath a heap of goodies is revealed. However, when the children find out that it is mummy and daddy who hide the sweets under Caga Tió’s cloak just before they sing the song, it is a sad day for all.

Make sure you stick around in Barcelona for 6th January. This special date is something that you should not miss, as it is the night of the Three Wise Men. This night is the night of presents and there are many parades with camels and trucks full of presents through the streets of Barcelona. The children of the city believe this is a unique event and thus every effort is made to pretend that it is only happening in Barcelona. The shops stay open until 12pm for parents to do last minute present shopping, and toddlers are weened off their dummies because they collectively give their dummies to the Three Wise Men.

Fireworks light up the sky, and at a certain time during the night, a special event takes place at the Town Hall, the mayor comes outside and presents the Three Wise Men with a huge magical golden key so that they can unlock all the doors of the city to bring the children their presents…

Fitness spa resorts has all the reasons why it is now on the upper register of health and exercise services. They are now also gaining a huge deal of popularity when it comes to traveling options. Aside from the uniquely complete physical programs fitness spa resorts offer, they are also located in a confined location close to nature to shield you from the environment that greatly contributes to your worries and stress.

Health fitness spas are such a blessing. Imagine spending hours working off those extra pounds with a long walking tour or with the latest fitness machines available at the resorts. After the hours of work out, you can then relax and enjoy yourself with any of the pampering facial and body treatments that they offer.

As much as I hate to say it, as I’m a firm believer in that good old saying ‘when in Rome……’, but sometimes you just crave a bit of home. Whether it bee for that good ole pint of Ale, that wholesome plate of bangers and mash or just for a good old British Barman/maid smile and chat, an English pub can put the smile back on your face if you’re feeling a little homesick while living abroad. While Barcelona is cultural, fun and exciting, every now and again it’s nice to go have a chat with some fellow Brits and to see those TV adverts in between the footie that we all love to hate. So here are some of the best British pubs in Barcelona so that you can feel at home when you’re a bit down in the dumps.

The George and Dragon – Passiege de Gracia with Diputación

This bar claims to be one of the oldest English Pubs in the city. Whether that be true or not, what’s certain is that authenticity oozes from this local boozer. Owned and ran by English owners, the bar is popular with both Spanish and British locals along with tourists. It’s authentic menu of Bangers and Mash, Steak and Ale pie and Full English Breakfasts amongst others will warm you up on those wintry days. Its range of English Beer, such as London Pride, Blackthorn cider and Guinness (maybe not quite as English) and a good list of quality malts will make sure your thirst is quenched, no matter what your tipple. The pub often holds live band nights, comedy acts and entertainment; with Spanish x-factor filming there earlier this autumn the pub shows all major sporting events and the staff are some of the friendliest I know (who all speak fluent English). http://www.georgeanddragon-bcn.com/

The Manchester Bar – Carrer Milans

For a slightly quirkier option, the Manchester Bar is the place to be. Traditional smoke filled, music blasting, after dark English hide away, The Manchester Bar will keep you entertained till the early hours of the morning. The bar will have you singing along to its cool collection of good old English pop-rock tunes such as The Strokes and Oasis, while sipping, or gulping (it’s up to you) away at some of their quite ridiculously reasonably priced beverages. You’ll find an interesting mix of people, including locals and tourists so the Manchester Bar is a great place to make some friends. http://www.myspace.com/manchesterbar

There’s no shortage of British bars in Barcelona. So next time you fancy a good old pint of Ale, or a nice n greasy English breakfast, go and visit one of these bars. You can find a full list of the city’s best at the following website: http://www.barcelonayellow.com/component/option,com_mtree/task,listcats/cat_id,180/Itemid,26/

Make sure to book your accommodation (alojamiento Barcelona) ahead of time as apartments (apartamentos Barcelona) and hotels (hoteles en Barcelona) het booked up quite quickly in the centre.

I think you should get the newest information regarding your passport if you are thinking about travelling soon. Air travel between the United States and Canada has altered in recent months and it’s got some people scrambling to obtain a passeport. If you’ve been over the border by air previously you know that you could get by with only a birth certificate and driver’s license. That is not the situation anymore and if you’re looking for passport information there’s plenty to be found on the Web.

If someone wants to apply for one of these official government papers there’s some things they are going to necessitate. One is an original of their confirmation of their nationality. For most of us this means a birth certificate. For others it may be their citizenship or immigration documents. All passport information Internet sites will confirm this point, so get that document before you even start the application process. In case you misplaced or lost this certificate, you’ll have to replace it first before you apply for a passport.

Pictures are naturally necessary when you are looking for a passport. Unfortunately you can’t take a beauty shot so you look fabulous in the picture. There are very specific rules about the size of the image and how you can look. The government’s passport information outlines these requirements and it is best to go to a photo shop that specializes in passport images. The cost is low and you know that the photos will be acceptable.

In the 8th and 18th arrondissements you will find this lovely village, with old houses, packed together tightly, and winding little streets with flower baskets. Although this village became part of the city of Paris in 1860, but remained fiercely independent. In 181 it fended off government troops and you will see the plaque dedicated to this on rue du Chavalier-de-la-Barre. Make sure you get your apartments in Paris or hotels Paris booked nearby to enjoy all Montmartre has to offer.

This quaint little windmill village used to be filled with working class families going about their everyday business, but as Monmartre swelled and with the industrial boom, peasants swarmed in from the countryside and set up camp in industrial Paris. Nowadays, although Montmartre is a popular tourist attraction, Montmartre offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle and to enjoy one of the most romantic parts of this wonderful city.

Montmartre is the highest point in Paris, and has some spectacular views of the city. Not surprising then, that in the 1880’s, Paris’ artist moved into the area to take advantage of this spectacular place. Renoir got his inspiration whilst sipping coffee in Montmartre’s cafes, and later, Picasso and artists of the Ecole de Paris, Utrillo and Modigliani paid Montmartre regular visits.

But what is there to see in this fantastic place you ask yourself? In Montmartre you will find, amongst many, a wonderful street; “rue des Abbesses” which offers delicious food shops, cafes and wine merchants and pretty little boutiques. The street winds its way up the hill and is adjoining with rue Lepic. This street is home to two of the village’s only remaining windmills; the Moulin due Radet, (moved here in 7th century from rue des Moulins near Palais-Royal), and the Moulin de la Galette, (today a smart restaurant and site of the celebrated dancehall depicted by Renoir).

The basilica of Sacré-Coeur, situated on 35 rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre was completed in 1914 and consecrated in 1919. This mock Romano-Byzantine basilica with its striking white appearance, is a must see in Montmartre. The basilica was commissioned after the nation’s defeat by Prussia in 1870, voted for by the Assemblée Nationale and built from public subscription. Although swarmed by tourists normally, this beautiful basilica boasts a range of mosaics on the interior, as well as fantastic views over Paris and thus, is definitely worth leaving your accommodation in Paris and a paying it a visit.

Finally, don’t forget to wander along rue Muller, then down through the park to the Halle St-Pierre. This market is now used for shows of art, but the surrounding square and streets, commonly known as “Marché St-Pierre” nowadays, offer a wealth of fabric shops and other quaint shops.

Here’s a smart suggestion for a very special visit to Rome. The capital, in fact, has an incredible range of attractions that are less known than the famous Colosseo, Piazza di Spagna, Fontana di Trevi and Basilica di San Pietro…A holiday in the Italian capital (sleeping in one of the beautiful apartments (appartamenti a Roma)) can give lots of amazing experiences in more of a low-key way.

As if there weren’t already enough on the surface, the eternal city also holds a complete subterranean world below the concrete. And in the bowels of Rome there is much to discover. It is precisely this dark atmosphere, both unsettling and mysterious, below the earth which makes its exploration so attractive and exciting.

At the age of 2500 years, the sewerage system in Rome is the oldest in the world, and due to this you will be able to discover many traces and findings dating from Antiquity. Beneath the bustling Roman streets, a complete network of streets is to be found, replete with temples, houses, aqueducts and imposing murals. The largest sewer of them all, known by its Latin name of Cloaca Máxima, extends below the Forum Romanum and was constructed in the 6th Century B.C.

Access to this hidden world, as with the discovery of numerous antiquities and Christian findings, was principally granted thanks to the Roma Sotterranea (Subterranean Rome) Association.

Upon hearing the word “subterranean”, one tends to think immediately about the metro, the sewerage system and gas pipes. In Rome, however, “subterranean” is about getting lost, under the busy metropolis, in a parallel universe that holds a veritable labyrinth of streets and walkways, the beginnings and endings of which nobody knows with scientific certitude, making you feel like Indiana Jones on a treasure hunt.

The strongest element to this subterranean world are the Calixtiano Complex’ Catacombs which spread over an area of 15 ha and have a depth, in some parts, of 20 metres. The Catacombs are, in reality, a subterranean Christian cemetery. One of the most famous is the imposing Cemetery, or Catacomb, of San Sebastián.

You can book guided visits to this subterranean world in Rome on the web-page www.tourinrome.org, where you can also choose between different routes.

As far as accommodation is concerned, I would recommend one of the magnificent holiday apartments (appartamenti Roma), where you will be able to relax and reflect upon the day’s activities. Or, as you prefer, a different type of accommodation in a hotel (Roma hotel), with all the luxury you need.

Having more than 15.000 members, the Hertha BSC is one of the biggest sporting clubs in Berlin and even though it has more sectors, the club is mostly known for its football.

The Hertha BSC was founded on the 25th July 1892 as BFC Hertha 1892. After it merged with the Berliner Sport Club (BSC) in 1923 they got the name they are known for today.
Therefore, the history of the club goes back for more than 116 years.

The colours of the club are blue and white and their home matches take place at the Berliner Olympiastadion which has enough space for 74.500 people. You can visit the stadium every day except on days where events take place of course. If you participate in a 90-minute tour through the stadium you have the chance to see the changing rooms and the VIP-area. You can find the stadium at Hanns-Braun-Straße Friesenhaus and you can easily get there by all of the public transport.

Beside football, the Hertha BSC also has sectors for bowling, boxing and ping-pong.
The most famous players of the club might be the captain Arne Friedrich as well as Kaká from Brazil. The coach is Lucien Favre from Switzerland.

Everyone can become a member of the club and therefore become a ‘Herthaner’. Just sign in on the homepage. You have to pay a small amount of money per month which is used for sponsorships. You will get a lot of discounts and other advantages. For example, you get 10% off on tickets and a special advantages for getting a seasonal ticket. Furthermore, you will get a discount of 10% for all fan goods and you will get all important news about the club.
Some well known people like Guildo Horn, Dirk Nowitzki and Barbara Schöneberger are already members. If you want to see the dates of training or matches you should take a look at their homepage.

Since the Olympiastadion is one of the most important sights in Berlin anyway, you should take the chance and watch a Hertha BSC match if you are visiting the city. Inform yourself about the accommodation (Unterkünfte Berlin) options so theat you can start your journey without any worries. If you travel in a group, an apartment (Ferienwohnung Berlin) is a very good idea. There you can all sit together in one room, something you can’t do in a Hotel Berlin that easily. It’s much better than separating your group and an apartment is also cheaper than a hotel.

Second Language
What are the best ways to learn a new language? If you are serious about learning a foreign language, there are a few ideas you should think about to make sure you get to fluency as quickly as possible.

First, study every day, even if for only a little bit. Studying once per day a little bit for many days is many times better than studying in one large chunk of time once per week. You want to keep the material fresh in your mind and build off of what you learned the previous day. If you end up studying one per week, you will find that you will spend most of your time reviewing what you should have learned before. Short sessions each day will keep you moving forward.

Second, for any new language, vocabulary is essential. If you don’t know the words, you won’t understand what you are reading or hearing no matter how much grammar you know. Make sure that you keep a list or have some other method of keeping track of the new words you come across in order to learn them efficiently. It’s best if you have a systemized way of memorizing and reviewing them so that you don’t waste any time on learning them or end up forgetting them by not reviewing enough.

Third, do something fun in the language! Don’t just sit around reading textbooks and grammar books all the time. If you do boring things all the time, you will not be able to study as long and you will not learn as much. Instead, watch a movie, read a magazine or visit a blog written in the language you are trying to learn. I guarantee that you will learn a few new words and if nothing else, you will be exposed to the structure of the language and become more used to it thereby increasing your progress in the language. If you do these fun things in the language, you will also likely end up spending more time “studying” the language than you would have if all you were doing was grammar exercises in your textbook.

The Fastest Method
If you implement these three points, not only will you have good language learning habits but you will be well on your course to fluency and mastery. Of course, these are just introductory concepts. If you are interested in more advanced techniques to turboboost your language learning, I highly recommend checking out my website which will provide you with free articles and information on my book that will show you the fastest method to learn a language so that you will become fluent in a foreign language in a matter of months, learn thousands of words without worrying about forgetting them, master grammar and do all of this in an enjoyable, painless manner! Speak A Foreign Language