The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, when will you take yours? The Take Twelve Trips series is a travel challenge I joined back in 2015/2016 to expand my travels. Our recent adventures came in a form of Barcelona where I took my parents for a couple of days. This was my second time visiting the city and it was just an incredible as the first time I went.
A job can fill your pocket but an adventure goes beyond and fills your soul, best quote ever. When I decided to start solo travels, my intention was to maximise my travels. Little did I know that in doing so, I was slowly filling my soul with every adventure. It is for this very reason why I decided to start sharing my adventures abroad with my parents. In the Take Twelve Trips May 2018 edition, our aim is to share Barcelona Highlights of the trip.
Take Twelve Trips – May 2018 Barcelona Highlights
Life is what you make of it but I think adventure is relative term, it differs for every person. On our recent trip to the Spanish city, my highlight was seeing my parents enjoy themselves. Where as for my parents it could be seeing the city for the first time or just jetting off to another country. As you can see adventure is what you make it and not how others define it.
Thinking of what things made it to the Barcelona highlights list, a few things come to mind. Mainly visiting the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Gothic Cathedral and shopping. I can without a doubt say shopping was one of my mum’s highlights. We were able to purchase some Barcelona football merchandise which my little cousins will love. But when I asked her she added that the bus tour we did and Port Veil was her favourite.
Every single time I travel with my parents I love to check what places were most memorable for them. When I asked dad here is what he said and I quote:
Port Veil and the Catalonia square was fantastic. Visit to Sagrada familia architect was another exciting feature. SATA Apartments second to La Marchesa in Italy. Scenery of the buildings quite outstanding!! Many smaller things but a joy to watch/see.
Barcelona Highlights – Our Recommendations!
If you’re planning an adventure abroad to Barcelona, then check out How-to Spend 48-hours in Barcelona. The city is massive and you need to decide what you want to see or do the most. I know I need to return to the city a couple more times before I can say, I have truly explored the Spanish capital.
Our suggestion of Whereto Stay in Barcelona: Sata Apartments located in Sagrada familiar area. This is the perfect location if you want to spend as much time as you possible can admiring the minor basilica. Often when I book accommodation, I don’t book to close to popular attractions. Because the prices are higher than other places but on this occasion it was worth it and affordable.
Reasons to-do the Take Twelve Trips
Often people ask me who I manage to travel so often and my answer is always, planning. I plan ahead, I search for good deals and book what I can in advance. But what if you can’t afford to travel abroad often, then what? Well that shouldn’t stop you from wanting to travel at all, here is how you can:
- Local Adventures– I am a National Trust member and English Heritage member. Between them there are a dozen locations within the UK that I can visit for free and make an adventure out of it.
- Book in advance – this is no brainer but booking in advance often helps with costs. For those with families, Zena’s Suitcase has some great Family Travel ideas.
- Search for deals – I am a sucker for a good deal and often use Booking.com, Groupon and Skycanner. Use my affiliate link for booking.com to get 10% back on your booking. What do I get out of this, £20 back after your stay.
- Visit friends – I am fortunate to have a couple of friends abroad so all I need is a flight.
There are other ways one can maximise their travel on a budget, it does require some sacrifice but is doable. I don’t know everyone’s financial situation, only you know what would work and what wouldn’t.
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
Barcelona is such a lovely place. I am planning to visit it soon. Wish me luck!
Lauretta at Home and Horizon says
A good plan starts a good travel or adventure. You can surely save a lot when you book in advance and plan ahead.
Jess says
I’ve been meaning to visit my friend who lives in Barcelona for months! Being linked to this blog post must have been a sign for me to book lol.
Sarah Bailey says
It sounds like you had an amazing time in Barcelona and how cool you got to take your parents and experience their joy as well.
Danielle says
barcelona is one of my favourite cities. I can’t wait until all the work is finished on the cathedral.
Rhian westbury says
Barcelona sounds great and it’s so nice that you went with your parents, this place has been on my wish list for a while x
Katrina says
Friends abroad would be fab would save so much money on accommodation although ive used booking.com a lot and never been disappointed with the deals
Elizabeth says
I admire you for being so well organised to travel so much! It’s not as easy where I live as it takes so long and costs so much just to get off the island.
Jenni says
I would love to return to Bracelona, I havent been since I was young. My cousin went a few weeks ago and it looked stunning
Charli Bruce says
I love Barcelona, I have been a couple of times. It’s lovely you got to take your parents too x
Charli Bruce says
I love Barcelona, I have been a couple of times. It’s lovely you got to take your parents too x
Candice Nikeia says
Aww!! This post brought back so many great memories of my time living in Spain! I miss Barcelona and Madrid so much! Glad you had a wonderful time!
Candice Nikeia says
Aww!! This post brought back so many great memories of my time living in Spain! I miss Barcelona and Madrid so much! Glad you had a wonderful time!
Kara says
We did Barcelona for my 30th but would love to go back and explore and see what has changed
Kara says
We did Barcelona for my 30th but would love to go back and explore and see what has changed
Emily Leary says
I love the idea of Take Twelve Trips. Barcelona is an amazing city and it’s good to hear that your parents had such a lovely break. I’d love to go back there one day and venture out a little further to discover even more hidden gems! I’m sure my hubby and kids would love it.
Emily Leary says
I love the idea of Take Twelve Trips. Barcelona is an amazing city and it’s good to hear that your parents had such a lovely break. I’d love to go back there one day and venture out a little further to discover even more hidden gems! I’m sure my hubby and kids would love it.
Katrina says
Friends abroad would be fab would save so much money on accommodation although ive used booking.com a lot and never been disappointed with the deals
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
It’s great you have friends abroad you can visit and stay with. These sorts of trips can be far less costly and also great fun too.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
It’s great you have friends abroad you can visit and stay with. These sorts of trips can be far less costly and also great fun too.
Jenni says
I would love to return to Bracelona, I havent been since I was young. My cousin went a few weeks ago and it looked stunning
Elizabeth says
I admire you for being so well organised to travel so much! It’s not as easy where I live as it takes so long and costs so much just to get off the island.
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
Barcelona is such a lovely place. I am planning to visit it soon. Wish me luck!
Danielle says
barcelona is one of my favourite cities. I can’t wait until all the work is finished on the cathedral.
Rhian westbury says
Barcelona sounds great and it’s so nice that you went with your parents, this place has been on my wish list for a while x
Ana De-Jesus says
I like how you said that a job can fill our pocket but an adventure can fill our soul because its so true! I would love to go to Barcelona but I do agree that there is plenty to do locally as well!
Sarah Bailey says
It sounds like you had an amazing time in Barcelona and how cool you got to take your parents and experience their joy as well.
Ana De-Jesus says
I like how you said that a job can fill our pocket but an adventure can fill our soul because its so true! I would love to go to Barcelona but I do agree that there is plenty to do locally as well!
Jess says
I’ve been meaning to visit my friend who lives in Barcelona for months! Being linked to this blog post must have been a sign for me to book lol.
Lauretta at Home and Horizon says
A good plan starts a good travel or adventure. You can surely save a lot when you book in advance and plan ahead.