• Malta Holiday - Best Choice for a European Vacation

    06Aug
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Luki Johnson asked:


    a small but amazing island that measures no more than 30 kilometers from one to another. Widely known for its rocky beaches, Malta has lot more to its kitty to attract tourist across the world, which makes it a perfect destination for holidaying.

    When visiting Europe, Malta becomes quite a primary option for a vacation and which is why this tiny island is never short of tourists. ‘Maltese’ people are known for their warm and friendly nature, which is why even a first time visitor does not face any problem touring the island.

    There are lot many reasons for you to plan your next holiday to Malta, but before finding out about the reasons it is always better to have small but decent information about the nation you are choosing as your destination. Situated in the Mediterranean, the island has quite a dense population and its capital Valetta is known for its architecture. Tourist also do not have to worry much about the language problem, as the second most spoken language there is English.

    So many reasons for visiting Malta

    As for the reasons why one should think of Malta as their European holiday destination, the island has something for everyone. Ranging from beach and sun to magnificent architecture and heritage, from water sports to sparkling nightlife, it has it all. The location of Malta makes it a great sports and adventure destination, thus you can easily find yourself surrounded with options like scuba-diving, yachting, wind surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking and Para-gliding. To make its adventure and sports popular among people visiting from other countries, local people or Maltese make sure that the equipments and the facilities are available in cheap prices. The island is full of places to practice and enjoy such adventures, for example Gozo due to its steep and rocky cliffs is famous among mountain biking and climbing lovers.

    Visit Valetta

    This archeologically rich capital of Malta is well known for its touch of ancient and old era of the knights of St John. The place is surrounded with beautiful churches and buildings of high architectural values, which is why Valetta is also a world heritage site as declared by UNESCO.

    Cherish the beaches

    The Maltese coastline is not only famous for its breathtaking views, but also for the enticing activities like diving, sailing, jet skiing, boat rides, canoeing, Para gliding and more. By touring the Maltese coastline you can also witness the international windsurfing competition hosted by Malta.

    Hiking and walking

    The green valleys and breathtaking views offered by Malta ask for adventure, like hiking and walking through its lush full trails and high cliffs. The best way to enjoy your Malta holiday is to walk and hike through the villages and ancient sites by breathing in the fresh air of Maltese valley.

    Witness the Maltese feast

    Malta host many fests through out the year to celebrate its culture. When visiting Malta it is a good idea to be a part of these fests and to enjoy the cultural drink and food as well as the amazing fireworks and music of Malta.

    The capital of Malta, Valetta, for its richness of architectural monuments is among the world heritage sites as declared by UNESCO. The island is well loaded with captivating history and culture.

    When to visit Malta

    The right time to holiday in Malta coastline, is the summer time which is between April and June (accommodations during these months are relatively cheap), whereas the hotter months like July and August may give you hard time in finding reasonable rates for your stay.



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  • There Is Still Hope For Cheap Airline Tickets

    06Aug
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Daniel Millions asked:


    Many of us you may be itching to go on a long, dreamy vacation after being cooped up all winter. Whoa! There is a fly in the ointment. Gas prices have risen dramatically since last year, and this is putting the skids on many people’s travel plans. Memorial Day traditionally marks the summer travel season. However, with the faltering economy and soaring fuel prices, people are starting to transform the way they commute as well as the ways they may escape.

    Taking nice, long, leisurely road trips, taking cross-country flights and lush European vacations are now giving way to day trips, visits to national parks, drives to nearby family and visiting the mountains and beaches.

    People have to start being innovative with the ways they are going to travel from now on unless prices suddenly decline. One thing that was all over the news is that American Airlines will begin to charge domestic economy-class passengers a whooping $15 each way for the first bag that you check and $25 for each successive bag.

    This all starts on June 15th. American Airlines is also going to cut domestic flights as well as lay off some of its workers as it struggles with the high cost of fuel. Whether the other airlines will follow suit remains to be seen.

    Years ago, gas was only a minor cost of a road trip. I can fondly remember driving down to Florida from Ohio and not thinking at all about the gas. Now, however, we are talking about real money, something that is a huge chunk of the budget of either an extended vacation or even a weekend getaway.

    Gas prices are not the only things that have gone shooting through the roof. Airfares are up by approximately 8% over last year. Hotel and motel rates have seen increases as have the rates for car rentals. When all of this is combined with an uncertainty about the economy, many people will be driven to cut back, but they will still strike out on an adventure.

    Despite the spike in airfares, international travel looks like it will increase by 2.6% this summer. This information came by way of an AAA survey. Due to the weak American dollar, Europe will not be a favorite haven for Americans this year while India and Asia are in. The Olympics which will be held in August in Beijing, China, are driving those trends due to the fact that the dollar will buy you more.

    These trends are more than likely to continue through the summer. Another survey that was taken by AAA on travelers summer plans found that people are still planning to take vacations, but they expect to take either shorter or fewer trips due to the rising travel costs.

    A travel website recently surveyed 4,000 people all over the world, the results showed that 51% of American travelers are making changes to their summer vacation itineraries due to soaring fuel prices. It was found in this survey that 73% will take driving trips. However, 37% will be taking fewer road trips and 18% will definitely be driving shorter distances.

    Don’t get the blues thinking about soaring gas prices and air fares. If you are still bitten by the traveling bug, you just have to think of more creative and innovative ways to do your traveling.



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  • Top Ten Vacations for Under a Thousand Bucks!

    05Aug
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Mike Batta asked:


    Is it time to get away, kick up your heels, and relax a bit? Don’t want to spend and arm and a leg to do so? Here are the top ten cheap vacations for under $1000.

    Cheap Vacation 1: A week of camping with the Family

    You can take the whole family to a State or National park for a full week for under $1000! This includes traveling by car, supplies and food. Invest in some basic outdoor cookware and pack some coolers full of food and drink to grill in the great outdoors.

    Cheap Vacation 2: Disney World!

    Believe it or not, Disney World is one of the greatest values when it comes to family vacations. If you are flying, the Orlando airport usually has many choices for cheap flights from most major cities. The park offers “value resorts” which are specially discounted for family stays. Also look into the off-season rates at these resorts and the savings will add up quick! Check on staying at near by Kissimmee for even deeper discounts.

    Cheap Vacation 3: An Igloo up North!

    In Cochran, located in Ontario, Canada, you and your family can stay in an actual igloo mad of snow and ice. Now, I know what you’re thinking…”cold!” Actually, the igloos are cozy and supplied with modern amenities. They are designed to keep warm on the inside when it’s cold outside. What an adventure! Check the major discount airlines for the best deals in airfare such as AirTran, Southwest, and JetBlue.

    Cheap Vacation 4: Boston

    Believe it or not, Boston can make for a truly affordable vacation since so many of the historical attractions are free and in walking distance of downtown. Airfare, if applicable, and lodging will be your primary expense. Check out the Freedom Trail while there and give your family a history lesson they will not forget!

    Cheap Vacation 5: Hot Springs!

    Visit one of Americas Hot Springs and camp under the stars while soaking in the warm soothing water during the day. Hot Springs Arkansas is a great example. This is somewhere in between true “roughing it” camping and the comforts of a hotel w/ hot bath!

    Cheap Vacation 6: Europe on a budget!

    Two things come to mind when making a Cheap Vacation to Europe: Hostels and Eurorail. Hostels can be found in most major European cities and offer a warm nights stay for little to no money. With a Eurorail pass, you can travel around to many different cities for a very affordable price.

    Cheap Vacation 7: Cruise Vacation

    If you choose an interior cabin on a 4-day cruise from most major ports you can find deals as low as a few hundred buck including all meals! Check the various travel agencies and shop around, these deals are hard to miss and can be a great way to vacation in the sun on a tight budget.

    Cheap Vacation 8: Bus Across America

    Greyhound bus lines offers cheap travel alternatives clear across the United States. You can plan out your trip and choose some cities to stay overnight in, book a cheap motel and see the country on a tight budget!

    Cheap Vacation 9: Cancun on a Budget?

    Cancun is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth. Believe it or not there are a tremendous amount of package deals that can be found on the cheap for a Cancun vacation. One to look at is Dreams resort. You and your loved one can have a three night/four day getaway on the pristine white sand beaches of Cancun for less than $1000!

    Cheap Vacation 10: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

    The Dominican Republic is one of the most affordable island getaways in the Caribbean sea. Hotel rates are extremely reasonable compared to it’s neighboring islands. Most of your food and other expenses are relatively cheap. Punta Cana is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations and believe it or not, it can be a cheap vacation as well!



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  • Cheap vacation spots

    04Aug
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Zeno asked:


    In this world of heavy costs, if one wants to spend his holidays overseas in some cheap amount of money, he has to select an area of the world to visit rather than visiting top ten vacation spots, which are located so distant from each other. Now let us discuss some of the top and relatively cheap vacation-zones of the world.

    The US vacation zone first. It will be cheap for someone, who wants to visit USA if he includes states like Hawaii, Vegas Florida, California, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, Colorado, and Los Angeles. In this stretch of the US vacation Spots one may be able to enjoy the beauty of excellent landscapes of mountains, rivers, desert and forest as well. And also he will be able to enjoy the man-made beauties of some excellent monuments and buildings like Tower Stratosphere, Hollywood, Disney Landand Bear Mountain Bridge etc.

    The Second cheap vacation spot comes to the mind is the European Union Territory. This Territory must include Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark and Netherlands as the vacation spots. London and Paris are two cities where the vacation can be thoroughly enjoyed. River Tames, Big Ben, Eiffel Tower are the special spices to these two cities. Greece and Italy are two countries with lots and lots of historical monuments. Cities of Venice, Rome, and Athens are really worthy places to visit, located in those two countries! If one wants to spend a beautiful vacation span with snows the Switzerland is the best place for him. Three cities Lucerne, Zurich, and Berne have nice holiday spots and resorts!

    The SAAF is another nice place to visit if one wants to spend his vacation is cheap rates. The SAAF area includes countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan. Pakistan will be your choice if you want to spend your holidays in dry condition and Bangladesh if mild climate is wanted. Again Nepal and Bhutan are the places of mountains. Some excellent snow-capped mountains peaks are worth watching in these two countries! Again Maldives and Sri Lanka are must-visited countries if one wants to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of sea beaches. And last but not least, in India you will be able to find every thing mentioned above. India consists of some excellent historical regions to all kind of natural landscapes and excellent man-made monuments too. Cities like Delhi, Kochi, Mumbai, Hyderabad (of India and Pakistan both), Anuradhapura, Dhaka, Katmandu, Thimpu, and Male are really nice places to visit!

    The other option of cheap vacation spot is the Australian zone, which includes Australia and New Zealand. Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Auckland are the cities to watch. Landscapes of Sea Beaches and the forests of these two countries are all time famous.

    The Southeast Asia is also a good option for the cheap vacation places. This area is famous for sea beach landscapes. The Southeast Asia includes the countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Philippines etc.

    There are some other good options in form Japan and Hong Kong too. Now start planning where to visit in this vacation, obviously considering your pocket! Happy vacation!

    For more articles about cheap traveling, check out my Blog at http://www.give50cents.com/BLOG



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  • Tips to Enjoy Your European Packaged Bus Tours

    03Aug
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Jessica Nielson asked:


    Most people dream of roaming around the Avenue des Champs-Elysees but they are not willing to risk their future to finance the trip. However, traveling to Europe may not really cause you to mortgage your future. Anyone can have a cheap holiday vacation over the place. It doesn’t mean though that you have to hitch free rides to strangers or go backpacking. One way to help you reach that European dream is to go for a packaged bus tour.

    Because of the tour operators’ ability to secure group rates on hotel accommodations, sightseeing attractions, and ground transportation, packaged bus tours only offer the best value per day. This is actually hassle-free because you don’t need to get any international driver’s license, or rent a car and memorize those streets and roads so that you won’t get lost, or experience the difficulty of reading train schedules in foreign languages. Everything is all set for you. All you have to do is enjoy!

    For a more enjoyable and hassle-free European bus tour, here are some helpful tips:

    - Prepare Your Camera - Secure the number of batteries you have and bring in some extras. You will get to see many attractions on packaged bus tours. They are usually for one stop only because as you move along, you won’t be able to go back on a certain sight. So take pictures for yourself while you’re on the spot.

    - Keep an Open Mind - European culture is rich in history. Touring around Europe can help you enrich your mind by learning about local culture and traditions, interacting with some locals and even with some passengers to share some ideas and interests with them.

    - Bring Some Gadgets and Stuffs - You will have a lot of traveling on your packaged bus tour to Europe so you may have downtime between attractions. Bring your iPod, PSP, or any thing that will keep you from boredom. A book or a magazine may also preoccupy you while en route to the next destination.

    - Eat Wisely - Prices are usually high on major sightseeing venues, so take advantage of any meal inclusions available in the hotel. Also, bring with you some snacks to munch while on the bus as you may get hungry.

    - Dress in Comfort - You will do a lot of walking, sitting, and riding a bus. So dress sensibly and appropriately. Wear something that you will be comfortable of during the entire tour. You already have the idea on what kind of tour it is so you know what to wear.

    - Always be ready - bring some necessary things that you may think will be useful in case of emergencies. First aid kit, extra clothing, extra cash, and the likes.

    The tips given can really help you enjoy your European packaged bus tour. It is a cheap way to explore Europe and you also get to see a lot of tourist attractions compared to just staying in one place and do things on your own. So while on tour, make the most out of it and enjoy the things that Europe can offer.



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  • European Vacation on a Budget

    03Aug
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Landon Colins asked:


    Organizing a European getaway? I am relatively absolute you have a destination in mind today. But if you haven’t selected one yet, ask yourself what you really want to see, what you like to attain on this travel. A vacation is a form of leisure and a chance for self-discovery. So take the most out of it as well as leave no room for disappointment. And one method to achieve that is to plan meticulously before the time. Get your date, coordinate your itinerary, and reserve your flights and accommodations before the time. Vacationing does not imply you must squander. When you can save on flight as well as hotel reservations, do so. You can book cheap hotels on the World Wide Web or cheap flights from United Kingdom to Amsterdam, for example, once you have the exact date identified.

    When searching for cheaper hotels, you do not simply check out the costs and once you see that it’s within your budget, you go for it. Nope. Confirm if the amenities are right for you, if it’s got everything you may need on your vacation. If the accommodation you have in mind is a romantic bed and breakfast, ensure the room is in a secluded part of the area or it possesses a veranda that oversees the garden or the ocean or the room is just exact and the atmosphere of the room is sweet. If a Paris bed and breakfast that possesses an excellent look of the Eiffel Tower would suit you fine and the cost is just ideal, go ahead then book it before somebody else does.

    Hotels or hostels in Amsterdam may be difficult to get by taking into consideration that this is a relatively little capital that is flocked by foreigners all year round, most specifically during the holidays. You may like to book an accommodation a couple of months ahead. This is also true with other cheap bed and breakfasts located in other European metropolitans that are well-loved among vacationers. Amsterdam transportation is largely dominated by trams, canal bus, as well as bikes. And cars are employing right-hand drive. You would want to take that into account to stop confusion and injuries.

    London is another typical destination. Whether it is to tour the London Eye, the British Museum, Cathedral of St. Paul, or to watch the finals game of your well-loved team on the Stadium of Wembley, you are going to require a venue to stay. There are many budget hotels in London, yet finding a vacant one during peak times could be a dilemma. Better reserve one beforehand. You may find very affordable hotels in London that offer superb service, and you may book them online ahead of time.

    Going on a vacation and spending extravagantly on hotel reservations doesn’t necessarily have to go along together. If it is possible to save a little on hotel rooms to make way for other programs or things that you might enjoy, like sampling the enticing cuisine at the Four Seasons in France or that little black Chanel dress you bought in Oxford St. in London. I would gladly surrender 5-star hotels in Berlin and make a less expensive Berlin hotel booking that also contains marvelous amenities for something truly unforgettable or to acquire something for my loved ones at home. Won’t you?



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  • Budget Travel - Finding Cheap Lodging In Europe

    02Aug
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Paul Hata asked:


    Many first time travelers make the incorrect assumption that a European vacation is beyond their means, but this is often not the case.

    One of the biggest costs associated with any vacation, including travel to countries in Europe, is lodging, but it is possible to fund budget accommodations that are clean, safe and centrally located.

    One of the secrets to finding affordable budget accommodations when traveling to Europe is to check out the many bed and breakfast hotels that are common in Europe.

    The average bed and breakfast in Europe is much different than its American counterpart. Whereas many bed and breakfast’s in the United States are luxurious, and expensive destinations, Europeans generally regard bed and breakfast hotels as inexpensive places to stay, and they can be much more affordable than hotels in similar locations.

    Most bed and breakfast hotels in European destinations are small, family run hotels.In many cases, the family has their living quarters right on the premises, and the hotel generally provides free breakfast with the price of the room.

    There are many places to look for European bed and breakfast hotels, including the Internet, destination travel guides, Internet news groups and travel review web sites.

    While some of the larger bed and breakfast hotels have their own web sites, many do not, and word of mouth is often the best way to find them.

    There are also booking services that will book the bed and breakfast hotel for you for a small fee (usually around 10%). These booking services can be very valuable, especially if you do not speak the local language.

    Even if you did not plan ahead, chances are you will still be able to find an affordable bed and breakfast hotel when you arrive. The arrivals area of most European airports has at least one booking desk to help travelers without reservations find affordable accommodations. Just be sure you have a local map handy so you don’t get stuck with a hotel in the middle of nowhere.

    There are some important things to keep in mind when booking a bed and breakfast or similar budget accommodations in European destinations.

    There are important differences in lodgings between Europe and the United States, and first time travelers to Europe are often caught unawares. Below is a list of items to consider when booking lodging for your European vacation.

    - Your budget accommodations will likely be clean, but basic. In most cases the surroundings will not be fancy or luxurious, but they will be functional and clean.

    - The rooms at a budget hotel or bed and breakfast will probably be small, and closet space may be limited or even non-existent.

    - The least expensive rooms will have bathroom and shower facilities located down the hall, while more expensive rooms may have an in room bathroom and tub.

    - A room that has only a shower will usually be less costly than one that includes a bathtub as well. If this is an important consideration, be sure to ask about the bathroom facilities when making your reservation.

    - Rooms equipped with a double bed are generally less costly than those with twin beds.

    - If you are driving, there is almost always an extra charge for parking. Be sure to ask about the parking charge when making your reservation.

    - Be sure to buy a good map of the city you will be visiting, and make sure the hotel or bed and breakfast you choose is centrally located.

    - It is often better to choose lodging that it within walking distance of several attractions you will be visiting, even if the room is slightly more expensive. Choosing a centrally located hotel or bed and breakfast will save you both time and money for transportation.

    - When booking your lodging, be sure the price you are quoted includes all local taxes and applicable fees.



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  • Some Tips for a Great European Vacation

    01Aug
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Vincent Berkmans asked:


     

    A lot of people are saying – a trip to Europe will soothe your mind. This is perhaps true, as the continent is known for its lush countryside and centuries old architecture. Where else in the world can you find castles built in the olden, which are still in perfect condition? Europe is considered as a center of civilization in the olden times and it is where so many of the things we have today were invented. It is a place where great minds such as Plato and Aristotle proliferated, and it still is the best destination in the world today.

     

    If you are planning to go on a European vacation this year, you will want to plan ahead so your trip does not become like the infamous National Lampoons European Vacation, a 1985 comedy film about a family’s visit to Europe after winning a game show.

     

    Travelling to Europe is an experience of a lifetime and you wouldn’t want to miss anything so you need to be careful about the details of your trip. Choose a travel company, which specializes in European vacation packages. Sure, the do-it-yourself approach will suit you fine but it might not be the best option if you are travelling in Non-English speaking areas. The travel company should book your flights and inform you of your accommodation options. There are actually a lot of Europe vacation home rentals so a hotel isn’t the only accommodation available for you.

     

    Most of Europe vacation home rentals have spacious spaces which are perfect for a group, so whether you are travelling with the whole family or just your friends, it is best to rent out a privately owned house. Also, most of these rental units are regularly used by the owners so you will surely find amenities which will serve your purpose. You can cook, or even launder your clothes without the additional expense! There are also some packages which include cooking, laundering and even housekeeping for an added cost. If you choose the Europe vacation home rentals, your travel agent should give you property listings which include the description and the photo of the property so you know which one will suit your needs.

     

    Another tip when to make the best of your European vacation is to make time to get to know the countries you are going to visit. Europe is the home of so many diverse cultures and that each of them are worth to remember and appreciate. You will find that even neighboring countries offer different things and that by simply learning a few words of their native language can be fun and worthwhile. Also, knowing a little about each country you visit will help you understand and communicate with people from Europe and who knows, you might be able to build lasting friendships!

     

    Planning for a cheap European vacation is much easier if you do it early. This way, you can benchmark and compare prices for transportation and accommodation such as Europe vacation home rentals!



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  • How to organize your European Vacation?

    29Jul
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Veronique Merlin asked:


    s often ask me to plan their European vacations, and more specifically, their vacation in Paris. Why me? Being a native of Paris I have the inside scoop as to cheap hotels, how to get special hotel deals and other cheap vacation tips. I can also tell you about travel weather and other useful information.

    The first step consists of determining who exactly is coming on this trip, your destination, the length of the trip, and when do you plan on going.  Don’t forget the most important consideration- your budget. Believe me, a European tour with two year old toddlers is not the same as the same as a honeymoon or even a vacation in London with just your partner in life. Actually, traveling with a baby may be easier than traveling with a bored teenager. There are ways to get their cooperation however. Young people of all ages, including my 70 years old parents who enjoy “roughing it”, plan very economical European tours living in youth hotels.  

    The time of year makes a great deal of difference as well.  Summer and mid winter are the peak travel seasons, but those who are looking for resort deals along the Mediterranean shores or for ski resorts in the Alps might consider late spring or early autumn. Here retirees have a distinct advantage planning for travel in Europe, or any kind of travel for that matter, since they can be more flexible.

    Talking about time and dates, one of the easiest ways to save money is simply to fly out and return in the middle of the week. Airlines are getting crafty though, and “week-end” can mean Thursday to Monday! That leaves Tuesday and Wednesday as mid-week days.
    Still, if you do fly out on one of those days, it can save you a couple hundred dollars.

    Alright, so you’ve decided on your budget, the number of people in your party, the length of stay and when you want to go. Here are a couple of scenarios.

    First, let’s take a family of four - Mother, Father, 12 year old and 5 year old.  This is their first time so they don’t want to be too adventurous, yet they do want to have fun. The safe part of their trip is London, since they speak English. The adventure is Paris where obviously most people speak French. So our family decides to spend a week in London, and a week in Paris during their children’s Spring Vacation which occurs in April, since that’s outside the peak travel time.

    Another scenario could be two retired couples who decide to travel to Europe together. They’ve been there before and know their way around a bit. This group decides to fly to Paris, stay for a couple of days to see the sights and look up old friends, and then take a fast train down to the Mediterranean coast. There they’ll stay in Montpelier for a short visit before taking a cruise to the Greek Islands. Whether they opt for a luxury cruise or not, they will have a wonderful time at a very economical rate.

    So you see, planning an European vacation is almost as much of a challenge as the vacation itself!

    Veronique Merlin is the owner of VP-Travel.



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  • Barcelona Safety Guide - Essential Reading for a Safer Vacation in Barcelona

    28Jul
    Categories: Other - Europe Comments: 0
    Rich Boulter asked:


    Barcelona is undoubtedly a beautiful and exciting city to be in. I lived and worked there for some time and would thoroughly recommend it as a place that you have to visit if you get the opportunity.

    All major cities have their bad sides, and Barcelona is no exception. There are pickpockets, con artists, bag snatchers, and others who target the tourist.

    So I have compiled a list of TEN potential dangers that you should be aware of.

    1) The first tip is probably the most important.

    Avoid advertising the fact that you are a tourist.

    Standing in the middle of the street, looking lost, with a large map held up in the air is like sending out a beacon to Mr. Pick and Pocket that you are a walking ATM waiting to be emptied!

    Taking some minor precautions will prevent you from putting yourself in unnecessary situations.

    I would suggest that you do not dress chez touriste! Notice what the locals are wearing and blend in as much as possible. I am not saying go out and buy a whole new Catalan wardrobe, but do avoid looking like a tourist as much as possible.

    If you need to refer to a map, then simply step into a shop, bank, or café and take the map out there. Do not wave it around in the street like a matador with his red cape!

    2) Always be mindful of your belongings and where they are.

    Pickpockets are there, they work in groups, and they are quick.

    I always carry a ‘secondary’ wallet when traveling. Leave all your essentials back at the hotel, locked in the room safe. When you go out during the day, or for a meal at night, put only the amount of cash you think you will need into a ‘secondary’ cheap wallet, or purse. That way if it does get stolen you haven’t lost everything. Also, do not carry your wallet in your back pocket. Put it in the front pocket, which is deeper and much easier to keep an eye on.

    If you are carrying a bag, rucksack, or handbag do not have it on your back or over your shoulder.

    Carry the rucksack facing to the front, and the handbag under your arm. This especially applies when you are standing in the metro or walking down Las Ramblas. I have seen thieves walk behind you, unzip a pocket of a rucksack and take what they can get. Usually you don’t even notice until the next time you need something from your bag. They are that good! They will also cut the straps of your handbag and snatch it from you. Less subtle but more effective!

    3) Sitting outside for a meal, or a drink, be aware that you may be approached by people selling something, or just asking for money. Do not leave your bag where it can be easily snatched or tampered with. Do not leave anything valuable like a camera or wallet sitting on the table. Unless of course you do not want it anymore!

    A friend of mine fell victim to someone who was going from table to table selling postcards. The cards she had showed him she laid over his wallet which he had foolishly left sitting on the table. When she picked up her postcards to leave she simply picked up the wallet that was under them.

    4) If you do find yourself alone at night walking back to your hotel, stick to the main streets that are well lit. Do not attempt a shorter route down the darker side alleys.

    5) The metro is a targeted area by pickpockets. Here they operate in pairs or more.

    One particular maneuver to be wary of is played out as you step on and off the metro. One of the thieves will be in front of you as you step on to the train and one behind you. The one in front will bend over right in front of you and block you from moving further on to the carriage. He reaches back and grabs at your ankles or legs. You will then try to beat his hands away, and as you bend over to do this his accomplice behind you will lift your wallet from your pocket. Then just as the carriage doors shut they jump off the train onto the platform, leaving you stranded on the train, unable to catch them.

    6) Another scam involves someone approaching you and explaining that a passing bird has just left it’s business down your back! They then offer to help you clean it off and suggest you take off your jacket. He pretends to wipe off the offending mess and while he does this he is lifting your wallet from your jacket! This really does happen!

    7) A scam that you will see being played out regularly on Las Ramblas is the one that involves a guy, three cups, and a pea.

    This particular ‘play’ is as old as the hills and is used the world-over by con artists so if you do fall for this one then you do not deserve any sympathy!

    The main player will be asking people to bet money on the location of the pea as he moves the cups around a makeshift table. You follow his ‘magic’ hands closely and amazingly manage to pick the cup that the pea is hiding under, every single time.

    The people around you are betting, some winning, and some losing. They encourage you to try your luck and you may well succeed with your first small bet. BUT as soon as the stakes get larger YOU WILL LOSE! The people around you are also in on the scam, making a commotion to attract someone gullible enough to try their luck. They are not making real bets. DO NOT PLAY THIS GAME. YOU WILL LOSE EVERY TIME.

    8) Be cautious of anyone asking for a light for a cigarette. It is safer to just say no.

    A potential thief is looking for a way to start some kind of interaction. They ask you where you are from, steer the conversation on to the subject of football and before you know it they are demonstrating a Barcelona team ‘celebration’ out on you. This involves bodily contact along the lines of high-spirited high-fives, hugging, and ultimately, wallet lifting!

    9) An area to be aware of which shows the seedier side of Barcelona is the southern end of Las Ramblas, near the monument of Christopher Columbus. At night, and the early hours of the morning this area is populated with prostitutes and drug pushers.

    10) When you are relaxing on the beach, again be mindful of your belongings. If you have headphones on, fall asleep, or go for a swim in the water, your possessions become increasingly vulnerable. Thieves will watch out for these kinds of situations and take the opportunity if it presents itself to help themselves.

    So there you have ten great tips to bear in mind if you are considering a visit to one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. It is by no means my intention to scare you into thinking Barcelona is a dangerous place.

    Because it isn’t.

    It does however, like all major cities, have its negative aspects, which I hope to have drawn your attention to. It is my intention to forewarn you against possible dangers that do exist. And with this information I hope your time in Barcelona is free of any travel horror stories.



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