Essential Barcelona for a Quick Trip

While I was studying abroad in England, one of my friends invited me to join her on a weekend trip to Barcelona, where (rumor had it) the sun still shined. I decided to come along at the absolute last minute.

We flew in on a budget plane (RyanAir) Saturday morning, spent one night in the city, and were back to London by Sunday evening. Below is my list of essential things to see and do, no matter how short your visit.

Sagrada Família

When I first heard of Sagrada Família, an unfinished basilica started in 1883, I wasn’t that interested. Modern? Bleh. But boy, was I wrong.

Prometheus72 / Shutterstock.com

Prometheus72 / Shutterstock.com

I stepped inside, and gaped. There is a feeling unique to cathedrals, where you’re suddenly small and yet your heart lifts and your chest swells. It’s a bit like looking at the night sky. When you see as many cathedrals as I have, it gets harder and harder to feel this. But walking into Sagrada Família was entirely different from anything I’ve experienced.

Because the architect Antoni Gaudí wanted his design centered around nature, it’s rather like discovering a forest of marble and white. The stained glass windows are pure color instead of pictures, and where they are complete everything is coated in vivid hues. It’s amazing.

If you are in Barcelona, do not miss this!

Marina99 / Shutterstock.com

Marina99 / Shutterstock.com

SHARE ON

Advertisement

Keep Your Flight Boarding Pass and Get Discounts on Your Vacation

After boarding a flight, most people just stuff their boarding pass into their carry-on and forget about it. By doing this, you’re missing out on potential savings. Many airlines offer discounts and freebies for those who keep their boarding pass. Depending on where you land, you could score savings on tourist attractions, restaurants, wine, or even airport transfers.

The Most Common Scams from Around the World

There’s nothing like traversing the world and exploring new countries and cultures, but sometimes the experience is spoiled by dishonorable people preying on uninformed travelers. If you make an effort to learn about the classic scams, you’re unlikely to fall victim to them and can just enjoy the positive side of your trip. To help, here’s a list of common scams around the world for you to get acquainted with.

How to Make Friends During Your Trip

One of the biggest fears of people who want to embark on a solo trip is being alone. They think meeting new people will be a struggle, and if they can’t find a partner to travel with, they just cancel or postpone their adventure. The truth is that with a little bit of planning and initiative, it’s actually harder to be alone than you think. The travel community is extremely welcoming and one doesn’t need to try hard to be part of it.