travel

Best Things to Do in Barcelona

February 7, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Best Things to Do in Barcelona

A city laden with grand art and masterful architecture, rich cultural sites full of exciting stories, Barcelona is indeed a beauty to behold. You can see in the parks, museums, and churches, both old and modern, even when you stroll around the streets of the city.

Being one of the world’s oldest cities, Barcelona is a city with so much history. You can see in the parks, museums, and churches, both old and modern. It is also home to top-class restaurants and beautiful beaches, truly a place that will never run out of things to offer to anyone lucky enough to visit her and see her grandeur. Here are a few of the best things to do in Barcelona:

Sagrada Familia

One of the most recognizable architectural works of a world-famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, Sagrada Familia, must be one of the destinations you should see when you visit Barcelona. Works on the iconic church began about 150 years ago and are currently still under construction. An architectural masterpiece that includes several styles, including Spain’s late-gothic, and Catalan modernism, the structure will surely leave you in awe.

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La Boqueria

The Boqueria market has been around since medieval times and has witnessed trade since then. It is a grid of different stalls selling vegetables, fresh fruits, meats, and cheese. You may also purchase a cerveza and cool off while having Spain’s famous tapa. It’s such a humbling place knowing that something as simple as a market also holds so much history.

The Picasso Museum

Housing more than 3,500 works of art, the Picasso Museum is a must-visit place. You’ll be able to see works that depict and will give you insights about the life and beauty of the city of Barcelona. Even the building itself, a complex of 5 medieval stone mansion, the well-preserved courtyards, staircases, and galleries is just as breathtaking as the art inside. Most of Picasso’s works shown in the museum are from his formative years and demonstrate his artistic genius.

Related: Australia Travel Guide

Camp Nou

If you’re a football fan, you should not skip seeing Camp Nou, especially if you’re fond of FC Barcelona and their superstar, Lionel Messi. The stadium has a display of trophies, multimedia exhibits, and other historical displays that lets you see the club’s past. High-tech touch screen displays will also show you different aspects of the club. Watch videos of masterful goals and live plays of some of the greats that have played for the club, including Ronaldinho, Maradona, and Kubala. You may opt to have the tour around the stadium guided or not.

Palau de la Musica Catalana

Built by Lluis Domenech for Barcelona’s choral society, Orfeo Catala is another masterpiece you can visit in the city. The concert hall is listed in UNESCO as one of its heritage sites and has been a venue for operas, folk music, and symphonies. You’ll be able to appreciate how music and arts have embedded in Catalan’s identity.

Wrap Up

Are you excited to see the beauty that is Barcelona? Let us help you experience a one-of-a-kind trip and experience Barcelona hassle-free!

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Argentina Travel Tips

January 10, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Argentina Travel Tips

Argentina is an amazing country with culture and history. Not to mention mouthwatering food and unique wines. Below are all the things you need to know before you take a trip to Argentina. If you never gave Argentina a thought definitely put it on your bucket list.

A Little History

The history of Argentina dates back thousands of years, with the first human settlements beginning on the southern tip of Patagonia 13,000 years ago. The indigenous people here and in the Pampas were advanced hunters and gatherers and included the Yamana and the Tehuelches. The country’s history has been tumultuous over the years with political instability, military coups, exiled presidents, territorial disputes and dictatorships.

Currency

The Argentine Peso (ARS) is the currency unit for Argentina. The Peso symbol is the same as the dollar sign ($). The Peso is subdivided into centavos; 1 Peso is equal to 100 centavos. The previous currency of Argentina was also called the Peso; however, the currency evolved and fewer zeros are currently being used.

People traveling to Argentina can use a credit card in many locations, as long as it’s a Visa, American Express, Mastercard or Diners Club, which are commonly accepted throughout the country. However, some places prefer that customers pay in cash, or they simply charge more to use a credit card, sometimes 5 to 10 percent more. Many places don’t accept credit cards at all, such as museums, trams, taxis and other public transportation options. Most sit-down restaurants and hotels do accept credit cards, though a tip usually cannot be added to the bill.

Debit cards are generally issued by international brands such as Visa with Electron or MasterCard with Maestro. These cards function through the ATM networks of Banelco and Link in Argentina. Debit cards in Argentina can be used to make payments at businesses such as supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, clothing stores, etc. Businesses that allow payments by debit card can be

recognized by the debit card logos on their establishments.

Related: Secret Spots in Argentina

Weather

Argentina’s climate ranges from the great heat and extensive rains of the subtropical Chaco in the north,through to the pleasant climate of the

central Pampas, and the sub Antarctic cold of the Patagonian Sea in the south. The main central area is temperate, but can be very hot and humid during summer (December to February) and chilly in winter. The most pleasant times to visit Buenos Aires are September-November and February March. The city is best avoided in January,when the heat is at its most intense and many of its residents flee to the coast leaving behind a comparative ghost city.

Tech & Communication

Argentina has a telephone density of about 20 private phones per 100 people. There are also some 12,000 public telephones. Deregulation of the telecommunications industry is ongoing, and service and infrastructure have improved dramatically. Companies such as AT&T, MCI, and

Sprint can now provide long-distance service to a limited degree. There are currently 40 earth stations that support the telephone system’s microwave relay complex and 3 earth satellite stations.

Emergency Numbers

Travelers should note that 107 is the general emergency number for immediate health or medical help. Ambulance services can also be acquired by dialing this number.

Related: Argentina Travel Info

Language

Although Argentina’s official language is Spanish, Argentinian Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. In some ways it sounds more like Italian than Spanish. There are also many other languages spoken in Argentina, including Italian, German, English and French.

Indigenous languages that are spoken today include Mapuche, Guarani, Aymara, Toba and Quechua.

LGBT Travel

Despite the strong influence by the Catholic Church, Argentina is one of the most gay friendly countries in Latin America, and arguably, the world. It was the first country in the continent to legalise gay marriage in July 2010, which also included full adoption rights. This made it the

2nd in the entire continent (after Canada) and 10th in the world. The right to change legal gender has been in place since 2012, and in the same year, legislation was introduced adding life imprisonment to hate crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Big cities

in Argentina have fun gay scenes, particularly in Buenos Aires, Rosario, Cordoba and Mendoza. Even smaller cities like Puerto Madryn are popular gay hotspots.

How to Get There

There are 1,359 airports in Argentina, although only 142 have paved runways. Buenos Aires has 2 major airports. The first, Ezeiza International

Airport, is the main point of arrival and departure for most international flights. Most domestic or regional flights, including those to Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay originate from the second major airport in Buenos Aires, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery.

Must Do Activities

Iguazu falls with Helicopter

Hike to the base of Mt. Fitz Roy – El Chaltén

Dance until Sunrise on a crazy night with new friends

Ride Across the Andes from Argentina to Chile

Partying in Córdoba

Mendoza – Wine tasting

Take a tango lesson

Learn more Spanish

Must Try Foods

Milanesa

Choripan

Llama steak

Argentine ice cream

Locro

Asado

Humita

Provoleta

Empanadas

Alfajores

Must Try Drinks

Milanesa

Choripan

Llama steak

Argentine ice cream

Locro

Asado

Humita

Provoleta

Empanadas

Alfajores

Best Instagram Photo Spots

Glaciar Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz

Quebrada de las Conchas, Salta

Buenos Aires, CABA

Cerro Fitz Roy, Santa Cruz

Bariloche, Río Negro

Parque Nacional Los Alerces, Chubut

Valle de la Luna, San Juan

Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia

Wrap Up

Are you planning to travel to Argentina? If so share with me below when you are traveling and where. I would love to know.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.