Posts Tagged ‘Spain’

Problems using U.S. credit cards in Europe

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

Frommers, the respected travel information source wrote an excellent article on problems Americans are having in the Europe when trying to pay by credit card with a card issued in the U.S.

The problem is serious and in this case we refer you to this article in Frommers online publication on this subject. It describes the problem and suggests workable solutions, although not all are completely fail safe. If you are traveling to Europe, be sure a read this carefully.

Carry your passport with you at all times as it will help you identify yourself to merchants that accept credit cards. Be sure your passport is valid before leaving.

 

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Planning a trip? Is your passport up to date? Click here to order a Passport.

Cruises: Making Sense Of The Options

Saturday, October 20th, 2007

By Kimberly Carlson

If you’re like most couples or families, taking a cruise for your vacation always sounds like a great idea. On the other hand, there are some many different cruises to choose from that it can sometimes seem easier to just take a road trip to the nearest campground or amusement park.

The key to making sense of all the cruises out there is to narrow it down to the ones that you might like. To do that, all you need to do is decide where you want to go, when you want to go, and what cruise line to use. After that, you’ll be left with a few great options and you can’t lose.

Where to Go

The short answer is anywhere. Most people think of the Caribbean when they think of cruises, but there are so many more options to choose from. There are great trips that sail around Alaska. There are other trips that sail in the Mediterranean. Still more go to South America, but just because there are a lot of options doesn’t mean they’re all right for you and your family.

The best way to narrow down your options is to decide what types of things you want to do while the ship is in port. Most boats will be pretty similar while you’re on the boat but will change drastically when you get off. If you want a lot of outdoor adventures while you’re in port, look at the Alaskan cruises. There will likely be lots of things you wouldn’t be able to experience anywhere else. If history is more your thing, look at the Mediterranean cruises. They usually make stops in Italy, Spain, and France. Try to tailor your current interests towards making your cruise as enjoyable as possible.


When to Go

Again, the short answer is anytime. Cruises are offered by various cruise lines year-around. However, there’s more to think about. When will it be most relaxing? When can you afford to make your cruise everything it can be? Basically, when will it be most enjoyable? Popular times to take a cruise include during winter vacation, spring vacation, or the summer. On the other hand, you can get great deals on cruises during other off-peak times, like the fall.


What Cruise Line to Go On

Finally, you just need to decide which cruise line you want to use. Some might not travel to the location you want to go, so that will be the first step in narrowing down your choices. Others might cater to families, couples, or singles. If you’re taking a family on a cruise, you should definitely avoid using a cruise line that attracts singles. Some might offer amenities that you definitely want to take advantage of, others might offer amenities that you really don’t want to pay for. Once you’ve established where to go, when to go, and what cruise line to go on, the decision won’t be too difficult to make.

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Planning a cruise? You might need a visa. Click here to find out visa requirements for various countries.

About The Author:

Kimberly Carlson is an avid traveller and prefers to do all her own research and bookings on line. She has learned the ins and out on cruise holiday pricing and options. You can find more of her interesting articles at Cruise and Tours Online.

Cruises: Making Sense Of The Options

Saturday, October 20th, 2007

By Kimberly Carlson

If you’re like most couples or families, taking a cruise for your vacation always sounds like a great idea. On the other hand, there are some many different cruises to choose from that it can sometimes seem easier to just take a road trip to the nearest campground or amusement park.

The key to making sense of all the cruises out there is to narrow it down to the ones that you might like. To do that, all you need to do is decide where you want to go, when you want to go, and what cruise line to use. After that, you’ll be left with a few great options and you can’t lose.

Where to Go

The short answer is anywhere. Most people think of the Caribbean when they think of cruises, but there are so many more options to choose from. There are great trips that sail around Alaska. There are other trips that sail in the Mediterranean. Still more go to South America, but just because there are a lot of options doesn’t mean they’re all right for you and your family.

The best way to narrow down your options is to decide what types of things you want to do while the ship is in port. Most boats will be pretty similar while you’re on the boat but will change drastically when you get off. If you want a lot of outdoor adventures while you’re in port, look at the Alaskan cruises. There will likely be lots of things you wouldn’t be able to experience anywhere else. If history is more your thing, look at the Mediterranean cruises. They usually make stops in Italy, Spain, and France. Try to tailor your current interests towards making your cruise as enjoyable as possible.


When to Go

Again, the short answer is anytime. Cruises are offered by various cruise lines year-around. However, there’s more to think about. When will it be most relaxing? When can you afford to make your cruise everything it can be? Basically, when will it be most enjoyable? Popular times to take a cruise include during winter vacation, spring vacation, or the summer. On the other hand, you can get great deals on cruises during other off-peak times, like the fall.


What Cruise Line to Go On

Finally, you just need to decide which cruise line you want to use. Some might not travel to the location you want to go, so that will be the first step in narrowing down your choices. Others might cater to families, couples, or singles. If you’re taking a family on a cruise, you should definitely avoid using a cruise line that attracts singles. Some might offer amenities that you definitely want to take advantage of, others might offer amenities that you really don’t want to pay for. Once you’ve established where to go, when to go, and what cruise line to go on, the decision won’t be too difficult to make.

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Planning a cruise? You might need a visa. Click here to find out visa requirements for various countries.

About The Author:

Kimberly Carlson is an avid traveller and prefers to do all her own research and bookings on line. She has learned the ins and out on cruise holiday pricing and options. You can find more of her interesting articles at Cruise and Tours Online.

A Brief Guide To Barcelona

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007

By Dan Oldfield

Outside the city limits of Barcelona lie intriguing suburbs, a striking coastline and amazing mountains. All lie in wait for the intrepid visitor.

Antonio Gaudi, the late famous architect, commissioned Parc Güell, a peculiar array of vibrant ceramic benches, large ornamental lizards, mosaics and pavilions of knotted stone. It is located behind the city and commands a great view of Barcelona. Initially constructed with a view to being a market, the 84 stone columns of the Sala Hipóstila are well worth a visit. Gaudi resided for his last 20 years in the Casa Museu Gaudí the spired house found on the same site.

A well established home of learning, Gràcia has a very down to earth feel. Vibrant nightlife can be found in its Plaça del Sol which is also a great place to visit by day.

People either love or hate the Temple del Sagrat Cor, a majestic basilica near the centre of Barcelona. Fantastic views and an amusement park are two of the attractions at Tibidabo, a peak among a wooded range that sits behind the city. Tibidabo is serviced by a glass lift that
reaches 115m to the peak.

Constructed over 900 years ago and still attracting pilgrims to its La Moreneta (The Black Virgin), the Monestir de Montserrat is situated among a mountain range 50 km north west of Barcelona.

Accommodation in Barcelona is vast and varied. There is so much to choose from whether you are into hostels or modern, luxurious five star hotels. There are backpacker lodgings and various hotels spread across the city. It is not difficult to find a lodging that provides easy access to the cities main attractions.

Dining in Barcelona is a wonderful experience. The city has all there is to offer in means of great food and wine. There are plenty of Cervecerias which are bars that serve beer and various other drinks. There are dozens of restaurants scattered through the city that offer a variety of international cuisine. If traditional sea food dishes are your thing then head to one of the many marisquerias.

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Planning a trip to Spain? Get your visa for Spain here. Need a visa for another country? Click here to order or renew your visa.
About The Author:

This article was written by Dan Oldfield. Dan works and writes for ASAP UK and produced this brief guide to Barcelona.