The Travel Listicle

Tag: Travel Tips

  • Valencia Sightseeing

    Valencia Sightseeing

    My Travel Listicle Recommendations (by Neighborhood)

    Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences)

    • Walk around this area. There are some beautiful sculptures and buildings that are marvels of engineering and architecture. There’s also an elevated walkway with some great views of the reflective pools.
    • Go to the art or science museum. It’s the largest aquarium in Europe. Tickets can be pricey, but if you purchase a tourist card, it comes with discounts.

    El Carmen

    • A neighborhood with many murals and street art, plenty of bars and restaurants as well.
    • Quart Towers – towers from the 1400s that were once part of a series connected by walls that protected the city. If it’s not raining, you can climb to the top for some great views and pictures.

    El Centro

    • The Central Market of Valencia – the biggest market in Valencia. Yes, people buy their groceries here, but you can also grab small plates and try different wines or tapas. Great place to try a ton of different foods for 1–2 euros.
    • The Silk Exchange – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, you can take a self-guided audio tour of the building and gardens.
    • Tons of plazas, winding roads, little restaurants, and cobblestone-lined streets. Great area to explore.

    Colón

    • Mercado de Colón – market with shops and cafés. A little pricey because it’s a tourist attraction, but still a beautiful visit.

    Beach Area

    • Amazing paella restaurants in this area, and beautiful beaches.
    • Take a catamaran on the Mediterranean and enjoy the Valencian sunsets.

    Exploring more of Spain? Don’t miss my Madrid Sightseeing guide and my Spain Travel Tips for tapas culture, transportation, and more.

  • Spain Travel Tips: How to Live Like a Local

    Spain Travel Tips: How to Live Like a Local

    My Travel Listicle Recommendations

    One of the most wonderful things about Spain is that they truly know how to relax. Everything moves at a leisurely pace. Dinners and lunches might take 2–3 hours, even during work hours. You’ll see the relaxed mindset in every facet of life in Spain.

    Eating

    • Eating at a restaurant in Spain takes time, so if you’re in a rush, it might be best to stop at a café or panadería to grab a quicker bite.
    • At many restaurants during lunchtime (La Comida), they will have a “Menú del Día,” aka the special of the day. The daily special is a 3–4 course meal, often served with wine, for 10–15 euros. It has always been the biggest bang for your buck in terms of food. Often, the Menú del Día will be posted on a chalkboard outside, which makes it easy to see the options.
    • Cafecito is a way of life in Spain. It’s meant to be sipped at a leisurely pace, so it may be hard to find coffee to go. If you want American-style coffee, you’ll have to order an “Americano,” or else they’ll just serve you an espresso.
    • Tipping isn’t required, but you can still tip if you’d like. All hospitality-related jobs are well paid.

    Tapas

    • If you buy a drink at any bar, they’ll give you tapas, a small snack. Tapas can be anything from olives, potato chips, or bread and cheese to something heavier, like a plate of paella. Each bar has its own assortment, and they’ll bring you a new tapa with each drink you order.

    Public Transportation

    • In Spain, the high-speed rail called the AVE (Alta Velocidad España) is operated by a company called RENFE. These trains take about half the time it would take to drive the same distance. It’s also very affordable and easier than flying if you’re planning to travel within the country.
    • The metro and buses are also a great way to get around locally and to get to and from all the airports. The last metro usually runs around midnight to 1 a.m., and it starts back up around 6 a.m.

    Museums

    • Most museums have free hours. Check online before buying tickets. For specific recommendations, see my Madrid and Valencia sightseeing guides.
  • Puerto Rico Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know

    Puerto Rico Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know

    My Travel Listicle Recommendations

    How to Get Around

    • Uber works, but only in the metropolitan area, like San Juan, Condado, and Isla Verde.
    • Parking in Viejo San Juan is difficult, so Uber, taxi, or a hotel shuttle is best.
    • If you aren’t a confident driver, stick to the highways and main roads. The roads towards the interior of the island can be very dangerous for people not accustomed to tiny roads at high elevations.

    Enjoying the Beaches

    • The Caribbean heat is intense, and to avoid turning into a lobster, I suggest going to the beach early in the morning (7–10 a.m.) or late in the afternoon, from around 3 p.m. until sunset. It will still be hot, but the UV won’t be as strong.
    • The beaches in Puerto Rico are beautiful but dangerous. BEWARE of dangerous riptides and white-capped water (like the one in the image gallery). If the locals aren’t jumping in, you probably shouldn’t either.
    • Please respect the power of the ocean and subscribe to Swim Safe Puerto Rico for the latest on the strength of the rip currents and their advisories for swimming.
    • Recommendations for swimming year-round are:
      • Playa Escambrón in San Juan
      • Luquillo Beach
      • Piñones Beach
    • For a full list of my favorite beaches, see my Puerto Rico Beaches guide.

    Other Tips

    • Don’t let mosquitos ruin your trip. Make sure to pack bug spray for any adventures!
    • FUN TIP: The little frog pictured in the gallery below is called a Coquí, Puerto Rico’s national animal. These tree frogs are unique to Puerto Rico and earn their name from the noise they make. They can mainly be heard at night, very loudly, like crickets. They are very hard to spot, but if you do, it’s good luck!
    Puerto Rico beach travel photo
    Common coquí tree frog Puerto Rico's national animal