Costa Brava may very well be the best kept secret in Spain. This September, I spent time in this region of Catalonia for the first time ever, and I was blown away by its sheer beauty, the variety of things to do, and its warm hospitality. From beaches to cities, from jamon to tomatoes, Costa […]
13 Reasons to Fall in Love with Costa Brava, Spain Read More »
Early this year, I visited Spain for the first time and quickly declared it one of my favorite countries. The culture, the architecture, the food, the beautiful men — how could I not fall for Spain? Of all the cities, I found myself falling for Granada and Sevilla the most. But my new favorite? I
Girona: My New Favorite City in Spain Read More »
There are few better ways to learn about yourself than to travel solo long-term. When you spend lots of time alone in a new and different environment, you start noticing quirks about your personality for the first time — the little things that make you happiest or irritate the hell out of you. Traveling Asia
Ambivalence in Rainy Barcelona Read More »
If you’re going to Las Fallas, you’ve pretty much signed up to be surrounded by both fire and explosions for five days straight. Know this, and embrace it early on. And it’s not just ordinary fire — those crafty Valencians have figured out several diverse ways to bring more fire into the festival. Here are
Adventurous Kate Plays with Fire Read More »
“What I love about festivals in Spain is that they’re all ingrained in religion somehow, and their traditions have been passed down for generations,” our Busabout guide, Dax, told us. “Well, except for La Tomatina. That’s just a tomato fight. But the rest of them, they’re about religion.” Dax is right — and being in
Traditional Valencian Costumes and Rituals at Las Fallas Read More »
During Las Fallas, Valencia is a heaving mass of people in costume, bands playing, and firecrackers exploding every minute. And that’s honestly not an exaggeration at all. Want to see how insane it was? Check out the view from our balcony at Purple Nest Hostel: Seriously. Imagine that, nonstop, all day and all night. After
Valencia: More Than Just Fire Read More »
My biggest reason for visiting Spain? Attending the Las Fallas festival in Valencia — the festival filled with a week of fireworks, explosions, and giant burning effigies! And it almost ended in disaster. Read through to the end of this piece to see how I averted one of the most horrifying calamities that I can
Las Fallas: Spain’s Festival of Fire Read More »
Madrid originally wasn’t on my Spain itinerary. With all I wanted to see in Andalusia, and needing to get to Valencia in time for Las Fallas, I didn’t think I’d have the time. But after I announced this, there was a mild mutiny on my Facebook page. “DO NOT SKIP MADRID,” my friend Hilary implored.
Madrid in One Day — As Curated By You! Read More »
In my life, I have experienced a few travel moments so spellbinding, so breathtaking, so fascinating, that they have left me short of breath. They’re not common. After visiting 28 countries, I can think of only about five instances that have affected me so deeply. And one of those was visiting the Alhambra in Granada.
Absolute Enchantment at the Alhambra Read More »
I had the feeling I would love Granada before I even arrived. And I was right — after 24 hours, I was thrilled to death with this city in southern Spain. And more importantly, I felt like I could live here. Easily. (Not all cities I love have that quality.) So what is it that
Granada — Yes, I Would Live Here Read More »