Bloom

Three Barcelona Freebies

Let’s face it – traveling isn’t cheap. Even with today’s fortunate travel steals, travel comes with a price. Between airfare, accommodations, and your budgeted daily allowance for food, transportation, attractions, souvenirs, etc. – travel has its expenses. Luckily for travelers, Barcelona is home to a few freebies, all of which create lifelong memories, cushion your daily travel allowance, and sneak in a little exercise. Views and a Show. Whether art enthusiasts or not, visitors can appreciate the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Here, extraordinary views of Barcelona await you. Located in Palau National in the Montjuic section of Barcelona, visitors can relax on the ...

Travel Stays: Hotel Murmuri

[caption id="attachment_1810" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Privilege Room"][/caption] Finding a hotel abroad can be a challenge, especially with so many options. Whenever we research travel accommodations, we consider three things: price, location, and the popularity index on TripAdvisor. What we found during our Barcelona research was how Hotel Murmuri would cost $165 a night over New Year’s, how its location was within walking distance to many attractions, and how its popularity ranking on TripAdvisor was #25 out of 578! With this in mind, we happily booked our 5 night stay. Upon arrival in Barcelona, we checked in and were greeted enthusiastically and professionally by the front desk clerk. From that moment ...

Bed Bugs: The Exterminators’ Guide for Travelers

The curtain sways with the cool night air, the glow of the street below lingering just for a second. The room is silent except for the deep rhythmic breathing of the couple that lies there. Asleep they are unaware of the vile creature that lurks in the darken corners, waiting for a taste of their warm blood. It may not be a story about vampires, but Bed Bugs are a real concern to many, especially those that travel. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a luxury hotel or in a hostel, if you’re abroad or in the states. What really matters ...

The Degas Tour – Art History in New Orleans

Located at 2306 Esplanade Ave in New Orleans, Louisiana lies the Degas House, where the famous French Impressionist painter, Edgar Degas stayed for a few months during 1872 - 1873 with his family, the Musson’s. The Degas House is located approximately 11 blocks north of the French Quarter - a short five minute, $5 taxi ride from the French Quarter for two people. Joan, Edgar Degas’ great grand niece, hosts a guided tour of the Degas House explaining the lengthy background of Edgar Degas and the Musson family while simultaneously explaining the history of the surrounding area during the late 1800s. At the ...

Prague, Czech Republic: Travel Tips

Airport Shopping Unlike many airports in the United States, the airports in Europe tend to have a second security checkpoint at the entrance of departing gates. This is the case at Ruzyne-Prague Airport. Therefore, after you’ve checked in with your airline and are off to find your departing gate – do not expect that you’ll be able to bring liquid purchases onboard via your carry-on bag(s) even though the duty free shops sell liquids. With that in mind, you won’t be caught off guard or feel scammed when security confiscates your liquid purchases at the second checkpoint. Taxis Taxis are a pain in ...

Barcelona Walks: Gotic

No visit to Barcelona is complete without exploring Barri Gotic - the oldest section of the city. Barcelona Walks hosts a two hour guided walking tour through the heart of the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) where ancient architecture surrounds you in the most romantic setting. Here Roman ruins, maze-like alleyways, chapels, and palaces greet visitors while boutiques, cafes, art, and museums stir up imagination and creativity. The Gothic Quarter will please those looking for a historical escape within a modern city while an experienced tour guide creates a one-on-one intimacy with the use of individual headsets. Tour goers, be prepared to fall in love with the romance of royalty, feel saddened by the heartbreak ...