11 Hacks To Travel Light

Travelling light gives you extra freedom and flexibility that you just don’t have with heavy luggage. You can move quickly through airports and train stations and it’s so much easier to take public transport with a small bag. You’ll save money by not having to check your bags in on a plane and you can keep your luggage close when you’re on trains and buses. You’re also less likely to lose things when you travel light because it’s easier to keep track of your belongings. Below are 11 Hacks To help you to Travel Light. Hope you enjoy them :-)

1. Carry a lightweight case

Use a small suitcase or backpack so you can’t possibly fit too much in it. Don’t be tempted to get a case that’s slightly too big because you will fill that space with unnecessary stuff.

2. Minimise toiletries

If you’re staying in a hotel you can guarantee you’ll be provided with shampoo and shower gel so leave these at home.

3. Pack just 2 pairs of shoes

Shoes can often be the bulkiest items in our bags so never travel with more than 2 pairs. Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane and an easy to carry pair in your bag.

4. Use packing cubes

Not only do they keep your bag organised but they help make the most of your space and stop you overpacking. I tend to travel with four packing cubes. One for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and one for evening clothes. Once each packing cube is full you can’t possibly squish anything else in so you’re forced into packing light whether you like it or not.

5. Wash your clothes while you are travelling

No matter where in the world you’re travelling, it doesn’t need to be expensive to get your clothes washed. Laundrettes and apartments with washing machines will become your best friend if you’re travelling for a few weeks or more.

6. Audio books

Instead of packing heavy books which you will end up finishing and carrying around with you even though they no longer have any use; download a few audio books on your phone or iPad in order to save space and weight.

7. Style properly

Pack clothes that are interchangeable. Ensure you are able to mix and match all pieces of clothing you bring. This is in order to be able to wear ALL clothing as often as you need. This will save you from bringing unnecessary clothing.

8. Dry laundry bar

If you have no access to a washing machine, by bringing a dry laundry bar, you are able to hand wash any pieces of clothing such as socks and underwear and maintain clean and fresh throughout your trip.

9. Roll Roll roll

Roll all your clothes up into burritos in order to save space. By doing this you will able to fit much more in your case that you would if you folded them normally. You will also be able to see everything you packed at a glance by stacking them next to each other, saving you time and frustration.

10. Limit those “just in case” items

We all like to bring items we MIGHT need on our trips, but most of the time will not end up using them. Try to limit those items in order to save space; if you really need an item such as an umbrella, you can always purchase it when you need it.

11. Bottoms at the bottom

Pack your trousers, shorts, etc at the bottom of your case as they are more bulky and can be squashed down by the rest of your items.

By Nicole Fernandez Medina

Barcelona Travel Guide

Barcelona, Spain is a wonderful city.  It is full of life, culture and full of sun.The locals speak Catalan. They also speak Spanish. So to get a taste of the local lifestyle, remember to greet locals by saying ‘Bon dia’ (Good Morning), ‘Bona tarda’(Good Afternoon) or ‘Bon vespre’ (Good Evening).  These greetings are sure to start things on a positive note when interacting with the locals.

In Barcelona, there is so much to do. It’s the place for shopaholics, football fans, creatives, designers and architects. It has something for every body. If you are a true shopaholic you have to check out Passieg de Gràcia. It is one of Barcelona’s prominent shopping and business areas. It has all the top global brands and designer brands. The area has a lot of wonderful architecture and culture. It is said to be the most expensive street in Spain. Another shopping hotspot is Barri de Gracia. In this cool urban location there are small fashion boutiques, if you are looking make a few unique purchases.

If you are a football fan you have to make some time to catch a football game at Camp Nou. It doesn’t matter what football team you support at home. It is truly a great opportunity to experience The Barcelona Football Team and enjoy the epic atmosphere in the stadium.

If you want some design inspiration you should make time to visit Basilica of the Sagrada Familia.  No trip to Barcelona is complete without making a visit here. It is still under construction, but seeing the structure in real life is truly breathtaking. If you want avoid waiting in long queues for hours you should get a ticket online and this will fast track you to gain access. Another famous building to check out is the Casa Batlló in the center of Barcelona. Antoni Gaudí redesigned it. Throughout Barcelona you will see more amazing buildings designed by the famous architect, such as the Casa Milà and many more.

La Pedrera

In addition, you should check out Las Ramblas. It is so vibrant, full of energy and there is so much to see and do. Also, definitely explore Mercat de la Boqueria it’s a super cool market, full of fresh produce and it is a wonderful opportunity to try some Catalan cuisine.

Barcelona

Pickpocketing Hotspots in Barcelona

When it comes to being a victim of pickpocketing. We believe prevention is better than the cure. So we wanted to share the pickpocketing hotspots so you are vigilant, prepared and two steps ahead. Please be aware that pickpockets change their location from time to time. But from our experience we have managed to find the common hot spots where pickpockets operate in Barcelona.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is a huge tourist location. The street is buzzing with noise, activity, crowds and movement. It is very easy to get lost in the distraction and become a target for a pickpocket. When in Las Ramblas be very vigilant or better still you can bring your High Spirit backpack with you for extra security for your belongings. The backpack with zips against your back will prevent any pickpockets from stealing your possessions. This will enable you to fully be care-free, especially in places where large crowds gather and there is a lot of entertainment going on.

Sagrada Familia

Pickpockets have been known to operate in this area. Due to the fact that it is a famous tourist attraction, pickpockets will be waiting around to take advantage of their target. In addition, they have been known to target people waiting in queues, so make sure you have your belongings stashed away in your High Spirit backpack or leave your more important items locked in the hotel.

The Metro

Millions of people travel through the Metro, but there have been many pickpocketing incidents in the Metro stations in different locations across the city. As it is a crowded and enclosed place remember to stay vigilant throughout your metro travels.

10 Easy Tips and Tricks to Avoid Tourist Traps

When visiting a country you want to take in the culture, the food and the entertainment to create positive memories. Sometimes your positive experience can be tainted by tourist traps. Tourist traps are establishments or businesses solely for tourists where they overcharge you for things such as food, entertainment, souvenirs etc. They divert you away from cheaper, and more positive alternatives. Tourist traps are aware that you are a tourist and they are also aware that there is a high chance that you will not return. So they are simply after your money and care very little about giving you a positive customer experience. Tourist Traps are to be avoided, especially if you are travelling on a limited budget, but want to have the full experience of the country you are visiting. We know that some of you will be thinking of your travel plans for spring and summer so we wanted to help with your planning process. Tourist traps are everywhere, so to help you guys out we wrote 10 easy tips and tricks to avoid tourist traps. Here you go. Enjoy :-)

1.    Avoid High Season

If you want to visit a tourist destination, avoid high season. Usually this helps to avoid the dense crowds and also enables you to avoid long queues. 

2.    Use Public Transport

Figure out the metro or train systems. They are a lot cheaper for getting around. In highly populated tourist areas, taxis may overcharge for a short taxi ride, so if you want to avoid that, take a train, or bus to your destination. This will enable you to get a better insight into how the city works and will enhance your experience of the city. Also, if you are travelling with your high spirit bag, the antitheft zips against your back will take away an anxiety about keeping your stuff safe while you explore the city safely. As an added bonus, you will not need to worry about being caught off guard by pickpockets.

3.    Travel with Hand Luggage

Travel with hand luggage if you can. One thing to be aware of is that some taxis will charge extra for putting bigger luggage into the boot of their car. This is important to be aware of, especially if you will be getting a taxi ride from the airport to your hotel. When negotiating the taxi fare make sure there is an agreement on the fee before you get into the taxi. This takes away any possibility of unexpected fee charges. Also, before you arrive at your destination, find out the average price for a taxi ride from the airport to your hotel or the city centre. This is so you have that base figure in mind when negotiating the price with the taxi driver.

4. Avoid Restaurants near Tourist Attractions    

Avoid going to restaurants near tourist attractions, as these places will cost a lot of money. Also avoid the restaurants and bars that explicitly state that they cater to tourists. It is more than likely that they will overcharge and the service and quality will not be great. You can usually find quality restaurants on the side streets that are densely populated with tourists.

5.    Understand the Menu

Be aware of the menu costs. If you are not sure of how the costing works, it is best to avoid the restaurant all together. Some restaurants will overcharge on their service charge or charge by the weight of food or portion size rather than by a standard portion. Save yourself the extra stress.

6.   Plan, Plan, Plan

Plan before you leave for your destination. Get an understanding of how things are organised there. For example, are you required to tip? Are there any tollgates fees that you have to pay for in order to gain access to the city with your car? Etc. Remember that in some places you get free transport with your hotel, or a discount on travel tours. In addition, with your hotel you may also get a discount on restaurants, bars and entertainment. So take advantage of these when you can.

7. Book Tickets in Advance  

If there are any sites, museums or attractions you want to see that may require a ticket. It is best to book the tickets in advance, as it will be a lot cheaper and you will also avoid the long queues.

8.    Ask the Locals for Recommendations

Get recommendations from taxi drivers, security guards, doormen and the locals. The locals have a very good experience of their city so they will recommend their favourite places that will not be tourist traps. Just remember to be nice and friendly and they will steer you in the right direction.

9.    Ignore Hawkers and Touts. 

They will waste your time and lead you to places where it will cause you to waste your time, overspend and get a below standard experience. Always check beforehand to make sure you are getting the best deal.

10.   Understand the Local Currency

It is important to understand the local currency. Get familiar with the different coins, notes and their value. This is especially important if you are visiting a country where the conversion values are so vastly different. For example a meal in Bangkok, Thailand costs on average 800 Thai baht, but in dollars it is equivalent to about $25 dollars. The reason it is important to understand the currency is because sometimes some stores, restaurants, or bars will accidentally or even purposely give you the wrong change, which can you cause you to run out of your money faster than you expected. This very useful especially if you will be spending with cash during your trip. This seems so obvious, but it is often neglected and causes people to unknowingly lose money very quickly on their trip.