Lazing around on the beach with a cocktail in your hand is what holidays are all about, and Lanzarote in the Canaries is famed for providing just that. However, it’s important to get away from the beach or poolside every now and then and head off on an excursion, so that you can get to grips with the culture, attractions and activities that the island has to offer. Lanzarote has plenty of exciting day trips to choose from that will keep the whole family entertained, and here are just a few of them.

Meet the wildlife at Rancho Texas Park

Located in the Puerto del Carmen part of the island, Rancho Texas Park is a must for any animal-lovers. The park, stylised as a south-western ‘dude ranch’ from the States, primarily features reptiles and birds, including a bird show, crocodiles, alligators, and enormous Komodo dragons. The fun doesn’t end at sundown, either; the ranch offers country and western themed nights – an all-inclusive evening with an all-you-can-eat Texas barbeque, horse riding, line dancing competitions, and a bouncy castle for the kids.

Zoom around the island with Mega Fun

Mega Fun is an excursion that gives you the opportunity to zoom around the island on a quad bike. The three-hour journey takes in all of the main sights of Lanzarote, partly on-road but 80% off-road. Drivers must have a valid driving licence to take part, and children over the age of 7 are permitted to ride on the back of a quad bike driven by an adult. Beware; this one isn’t for the faint hearted, as the off-road course over volcanic terrain makes for a very bumpy ride.

Submarine Safaris

An excursion unlike many others, Submarine Safaris offers visitors the chance to get on-board a specially-modified submarine unit, which then carries them down into the briny depths of the ocean. A scuba diver accompanies the vehicle underwater, dispensing fish feed so that various marine life cluster around the portholes, providing some fantastic photo opportunities for the everyone aboard. The underwater excursion lasts around an hour, and it’s worth mentioning that the submarine is a small craft, and it does go rather deep under the surface (up to 100 feet); this isn’t one for sufferers of claustrophobia – once the submarine has begun its submersion there’s no changing your mind!

Splash and slide at Aquapark

The perfect antidote to a roasting hot day, the Costa Teguise water-park of Aquapark offers dozens of different slides, rides and pools for you to cool off and experience some adventure at the same time. Rides range from white-knuckle vertical drops to the more sedate rubber ring rides and wave pools, and free shuttle buses operate between the park’s entrance and many of the major tourist resorts and hotels in Lanzarote. Trained lifeguards patrol every pool, so you can let your kids go nuts on the slides safe in the knowledge that they’re being looked after.

So with all those activities to choose from, if you’re planning to spend your summer holidays in Lanzarote, all that remains is to find some time for dozing on the beach.

photo by peteoshea

But what if you are planning a round the world trip? Should you add Barcelona to a round the world itinerary? There are both pros and cons to adding a city like this to your trip. If you are from Europe, it might not make much sense as it’s easy to get to Barcelona any other time, and most RTW travelers have a pretty tight budget, so spending time in an expensive western European city might not be the best idea.

If you are not from Europe, though, you may think about adding Barcelona despite the high costs and number of tourists who visit. There are plenty of ways to get a true indie travel experience in Barcelona, you just have to try a little harder. Sometimes travelers get the most authentic experience by simply wandering around a new city and taking in the different neighborhoods, cafes, restaurants, and bars. There aren’t many better cities to wander than Barcelona, with the amazing architecture, friendly locals, small, windy streets, and fantastic tapas bars and restaurants. Getting lost in Barcelona doesn’t cost a dime, so you may want to think twice about nixing it from your round the world itinerary.

In preparation for the festive season, I’ve complied a wide range of things any Spain lover would love to have –from a bottle of La Rioja wine to movies set in Spain. With so many excellent products coming from Spain, it’ll be hard not want at least a few of the items on this list.

To cater to various types of Spain fans, here are some specific Christmas gift ideas:

For Wine Lovers: A Bottle of La Rioja

Spanish wines are known to be some of the best in Europe, with the finest coming from the La Rioja region in the western part of the country. For wine connoisseurs, nothing beats bringing them an original bottle of La Rioja wine from Spain. Sweet, fragrant with a tinge of spice, it’s all the flavors of Spain blended into one.

>> Buy ‘The Finest Wines of Rioja and Northwest Spain: A Regional Guide’ on Amazon

For Food Lovers: Local Food Produce

For most Spain lovers, the thing they often miss most about the country is Spanish food and drinks. What other foods say Spain more than olives and the accompanying olive oil? Produced locally from the finest seasonal products, olives found in Spain are of the best caliber. Next to olives, the Spanish cured ham, jamon, is one of heavenly status. These produce can easily be found in airtight packs to be carried in your suitcase. For a foodie, you can’t go wrong with such gifts.

For Sports Lovers: A Real Madrid Football Jersey

A Real Madrid football fan or not, any sports fan would be proud and happy to adorn a Real Madrid football jersey. Especially with the Spanish football team’s World Cup win in 2010, football fever has swept through the country and doesn’t look like it’s about to end. Head to the Real Madrid F.C. original store in Puerta del Sol to stock up on the football team’s souvenirs.

>> Buy a Real Madrid football jersey on Amazon

For Music Lovers: Flamenco Music CD

While a Spanish guitar might be too costly as a Christmas gift, you might like to consider buying a CD of traditional flamenco music for music-lover friends. These CDs are compilations of the best pieces from veteran flamenco singers, and showcase the country’s style in music and performing arts.

>> Buy ‘The Best of New Flamenco’ on Amazon

For Movie Lovers: Films Set in Spain

Any Spain fan would love to indulge in a movie with Spain as the beautiful backdrop. There is no shortage of Hollywood movies set in Spain, with probably ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ as the biggest blockbuster till this date. Set in various parts of Spain (majority of it filmed in Barcelona), the Woody Allen hit is a romantic comedy injected with plenty of Spanish flavor. Other popular movies set in Spain include Pedro Almodovar´s Volver, The Spanish Apartment and Javier Bardem’s, The Sea Inside.

>> Buy ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ DVD on Amazon
>> Buy ‘Volver’ DVD on Amazon
>> Buy ‘The Sea Inside’ on Amazon

For Book Lovers: Novels Set in Spain

Most literary fans would know that a plethora of novels and non-fiction books set in Spain have been published to date. Depending on which type of books your friend enjoys (be it non-fiction, romance or thriller), you might like to look through your local bookstore for a list of them. Famous books worth checking out include the ‘Driving Over Lemons´ by Chris Stewart, ‘The Sun Also Rises’ by Ernest Hemingway and ‘Tales of the Alhambra’ by Washington Irving.

>> Buy ‘Driving Over Lemons’ on Amazon
>> Buy ‘The Sun Also Rises’ on Amazon
>> Buy ‘Tales of the Alhambra’ on Amazon

For Fashion Lovers: A Traditional Scarf

During traditional festivals, Spanish ladies like to put on mantillas, black silk scarves with beautiful flower embroidery on them. Although most of these scarves are made in the Philippines, they are still part of the Spanish culture and make for excellent souvenir for your lady friends. They can be found in old boutiques in Plaza Mayor, Madrid.

>> Buy a mantilla on Amazon

Drawing inspiration from famous journeys can also upon up new horizons for our vacations. I plan to do the Camingo de Santiago one day , especially because it involves walking the entire paths.

The benefits to traveling by foot , aside from the obvious fact that you get to work out and keep fit in a very nice way, also include: avoiding the crowds, getting to know the locals, enjoying nature in a more personal way and feeling like you belong there.

There is no set route for Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims just set off from their homes – wherever it may be – and walk to the tomb of St. James, which is located in the cathedral of Santiago in Santiago de Compostela. Traditionally though, the route starts on the French side of the Pyrenees in St. Jean Pied de Port and finishes in Spain, after the pilgrims have walked for about 800 km.

There are many refugios (hostels with basic facilities) available along the route, especially in churches and monasteries. But you can also look for hostels across Spain if you still want to keep the costs down but want a bit more privacy.

If you are looking for a less challenging approach, you can bike the entire route.

Photo credit

Sponsored by PETA, the event sees hundreds of naked – and scantily clothes – participants run through the streets of Pamplona. While at one time, this side event was less than welcome, over time city officials have warmed to the idea. After all, more people means more money for restaurants and hotels in Pamplona.

Though the Running of the Nudes is known as one of the biggest  nude events around the world, it’s not just a party. Though the participants all seem to have a good time with the run, there’s a more serious side to the event as well. Runners and spectators are generally there because they oppose the practice of the Running of the Bulls and bullfights in general, and are hoping to raise awareness, secure donations, and encourage others to take action to bring the tradition to an end.

Whether you are headed to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls, or the Running of the Nudes, you’ll need to buy your tickets to Barcelona in advance. The event is held in July and in Spain, like much of the rest of Europe, that’s high season in Spain. Flights and hotels will be more expensive, cities will be more crowded, and when there’s a huge festival or event like the Running of the Bulls, you’ll find that to be even more true.

Photo by mikebricephotography

Seven islands make up the group of the Canaries, each unique and each offering various things to do. Fuerteventura is the oldest in the group and is known for its superb beaches. Gran Canaria is a mini continent and where you’ll most like land as airfare to Las Palmas is affordable thanks to the many low cost airlines and charter airlines flying here.

Tenerife also boasts a diverse landscape and La Gomera is the mountainous island. La Palma is a heaven for those wanting to experience ecotourism, while El Hierro is not very known among travelers.

When planning a vacation on any of these islands you need to consider the budget. The bulk of it will be the airfare and accommodation. Avoid flying during the high season and choose September or even October for your vacation. You can get away with €170 per person RT from London into Las Palmas. As for the Spanish hotels , even on such popular islands they range from budget to luxury. Book ahead and look for deals on line. You can easily find double rooms from €68 per night in Fuerteventura.

To travel between the islands you can choose the ferries. They are the cheap option and you get to see the super scenery as you move from one island to another.

Photo credit

If that’s you…what are you waiting for? It’s time to book last minute flights to Barcelona for the festival of San Fermin which kicks off July 6. The festival, also known as the Running of the Bulls, attracts over 1 million people to Pamplona each year.  The main draw is when crazy people from around the world run in front of a herd of bulls, but the festival is also celebrated with parades, dancers and street performers.

The celebrations kick off at 12 noon on the 6th July, though the actual Running of the Bulls event takes place on the 7th of July. The celebrations, feasting and partying ends at midnight of 14th July, so if you can’t make it for the main event, you can still partake in the party for a few days afterwards.  This may be an especially attractive option is you can’t find a hostel in Pamplona, which is a real possibility if you arrive without a reservation. But then again, if you’re crazy enough to willingly be chased by bulls, you’re probably adventurous enough to make do without accommodation in exchange for the experience!

Photo by oscar alexander

Spreading across a massive area, the urban sprawl that makes up Madrid’s historic centre can be quite difficult to navigate at times. Stretching from the city’s arterial street, Gran Via, to the main square of Plaza Mayor, the old quarter is packed to the brim with hotels, ranging from simplistic budget guesthouses to luxurious five-star hotels.

Hotel prices in Madrid are relatively higher than in other parts of Spain. Your best bet would be to find a hotel that is tucked in a quiet alley or at least in a secondary street. Facing a busy road might mean a constant flow of noise to the wee hours of the morning, considering that this area is studded with popular nightspots and let’s not forget the Spaniards like to party till dawn.

Here is a list of popular hotels in the area, although not a complete one. To see more hotels and their prices, here is a complete list  of cheap hotels in Madrid.

Cheap Hotels in Madrid’s Historic Center

Hotel Plaza de España

One of the cheapest budget options in town, this hotel offers great value for money and an excellent location. Situated at Plaza de España, the hotel gives a fantastic view of the nearby Royal Palace of Madrid and its beautiful gardens. The hotel rooms come in the form of apartments – with separate living and sleeping areas, and some with terraces – making it a family-friendly option.

Hotel Class: 3-star
Parking: Yes. Not included
Wi-Fi: Yes. Not included


Ibis Madrid Centro

Ibis is a popular, economical chain of hotels with simplistic and affordable rooms. This particular branch is located in the Malasaña area, known for the raving nightlife. Just minutes from Plaza Bilbao, you are within a hop and jump away from Plaza Mayor and the city’s attractions. Its rooms are fitted with all-white furnishing, comfortable linens and sleek design. For those looking for comfort and have a tight budget, this might just be up your alley.

Hotel Class: 2-star
Parking: No
Wi-Fi: Yes. Not included

Room Mate Mario

A funky, stylish boutique hotel, Room Mate Mario might be part of a Spanish hotel chain, but its pocket size and personal services let you think otherwise. It is centrally located near Opera metro station, minutes away from the Royal Palace of Madrid and Madrid’s popular clubs. For the young and tasteful, I’d highly recommend this quirky hotel to spice up your trip. Rooms are decked out in white walls, bright-colored furniture and glass bathroom doors.

Hotel Class: 2-star
Parking: No
Wi-Fi: Yes. Included

Hotel De Las Letras

Housed in a historically-rich heritage building along Gran Via, this hotel smells of sophistication and extravagance. An interesting blend of old meets new is on display here as you walk through its antique facade into a world of sleek, modern interior. Its 103 rooms are designed in a minimalistic manner, with parquet flooring, comfortable furnishing and WiFi acess. If you’re looking to splurge, then this is the place for ultimate indulgence. The hotel’s best feature is perhaps its world-class spa: beautifully decked out in blue mosaic tiles to exude a soothing effect.

Hotel Class: 4-star
Parking: No
Wi-Fi: Yes. Included

Emperador Hotel

Decked out in extravagant chandeliers and carpeted flooring, this hotel retains the 19th century Spanish feel with plush furnishing and high ceilings. The Hotel Emperador building is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city, majestically poised along the mid-section of Gran Via. Its outdoor rooftop pool offers the best panorama of Madrid’s skyline in town, so be sure to take a dip when you’re here.

Hotel Class: 4-star
Parking: No
Wi-Fi: Yes. Not included

Hotel Maria Elena Palace

Located just 500 meters from the heart of the city, Plaza Mayor, this hotel puts you right in the center of all the happenings. All the rooms in this vintage-style hotel are tastefully furnished with plush blue-and-white upholstery, floral walls and marble-floored bathrooms equipped with hydro-massage showers. If you think you’re going to spend all your time in the museums, then this hotel will suit you perfectly due to its proximity to the city’s major museums.

Hotel Class: 4-star
Parking: No
Wi-Fi: Yes. Not included

>>Read more on Hotels in Spain.

A quick glance at a map, for instance, will show you that your Eurail Pass may not be the best option for getting from Barcelona to Rome. Sure, the two cities are connected by land, but that’s a long route to take. There are ferries that make the overnight trip, but these days the fastest choice also happens to (often) be the cheapest – flying. With the abundance of low-cost airlines in Europe now, it’s fairly easy to find cheap flights between Rome and Barcelona, even one-way.

Within some European countries, train travel is still the easiest method of transportation to use, and it remains an economical choice most of the time as well. In other countries, however, the rail network isn’t as intricate. In Spain, for instance, buses are the best choice for some routes, and with the low cost of many domestic flights in Spain it’s also possible to fly from one city in Spain to another for a reasonably cheap fare.

It’s easy to overlook flying as a way to get from place to place during what’s supposed to be a budget-conscious vacation – flying in other parts of the world is often the most expensive way to go and we’re quick to rule it out if money is tight. But in Europe, budget travelers aren’t forced to stick with ground transportation in order to save money – and in some cases, flying is even cheaper than trains or buses.

The bottom line is that while budget travelers are all quite familiar with money-saving tips like “stay in hostels in Barcelona instead of hotels,” the old wisdom about flight always being too expensive is no longer applicable across the board. It’s important to do your homework on actual prices before you make your transportation choices.

photo by Allplane

To get off the beaten path in Barcelona, simply head to one of the city’s “other” neighborhoods. These areas may not have many famous sights, but they do offer a look at what life is like in Barcelona for a local. Most hotels in Barcelona won’t be located in these areas, but they are easy to reach for a day of exploring.  Try the Sant Marti, Poble Nou and Barceloneta neighborhoods to stay close to beaches but just a walk (or bus or subway ride) to the Old Town.  For some alternative sightseeing take, the Teleferic de Montjuic a cable car that goes up to the hilltop of Montjuic and offers great views of the city.

There are dozens of different neighborhoods in Barcelona, each with its own unique feel. Some have quite cobbled lanes while others boast wide busy streets. Some are affluent and others more working class, and each offers a different look at like in Barcelona. So go to see the major sights – ride the elevator to the top of Sagrada Familia, stuff your face with tapas in La Boqueria, and wander the narrow alleyways of the Barri Gotic – but don’t forget to stray from the crowds sometimes as well. After all, you didn’t buy a ticket to Spain to see only one aspect of the country, and a wander off the beaten path ensures you’ll see the whole beautiful, colorful picture.

Photo by danflo