Monthly Archives: January 2019

Why You Should Get Travel Insurance When You Travel

a man swinging in a jungle swing
Posted: 1/17/2019 | January 17th, 2019

I’ve written about buying travel insurance a lot. I’ve talked about how to find the right policy, discussed why World Nomads is my favorite company, and answered a few of the most common questions on the subject.

But while I’ve talked about the practical “how-to” part of getting insurance, I’ve never really focused on the why of travel insurance.

So let’s talk about that today.

Why should you buy travel insurance?

Why is it important?

What’s in it for you?

Peace of mind.

And the potential not to go broke.

And the ability to get care when you need it.

Many of us believe we’re invincible: we think we’ll never get sick on the road, robbed, or be involved in an accident. As someone tweeted to me “I’ve traveled extensively for more than a decade and never once ever *considered* buying travel insurance. Still no issues.”

But the past is not prologue.

I never thought I’d break my camera or pop an eardrum while scuba diving. My friend never thought he’d break his back. My other friends didn’t plan on bike and car accidents, or getting their stuff stolen, or their dad dying and having to suddenly fly home.

But all those things did happen.

And travel insurance was there for each of them.

You’re not Superman or Wonder Woman. You can’t fight off criminals, bend steel, or fly. You can’t fall from the sky and walk away.

When you’re a budget traveler, spending a few hundred extra dollars on something that only might be used can be a hard pill to swallow. When every penny counts, the temptation is to just roll the dice and hope nothing happens.

I can give you thousands of examples of people who bought travel insurance and were thankful they did.

I can also give you thousands of examples of people who didn’t buy it and regretted it when something went wrong.

a man wearing a cast gives the thumbs up

Travel is all about the unknown — and that unknown is a double edge sword bringing exciting adventures or disaster.

Don’t fall for the logical fallacy that because something hasn’t happened before, it’s not likely to happen in the future.

The past is NOT prologue.

Just because you haven’t gotten sick on the road doesn’t mean you won’t get sick in the future. If you’ve never had something stolen from you, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future.

Getting sick happens all the time.

Getting robbed happens all the time.

Getting injured happens all the time.

Getting delayed in transit happens all the time.

Breaking something happens all the time.

Travel insurance will be there in all those situations. It is comprehensive coverage that will protect you when you get sick or robbed or hurt, suffer an accident, have your flight delayed or canceled, or need to cancel your trip because of an emergency.

Travelers also often think, “Well, insurance is cheaper in other parts of the world, so I can just pay for it out of pocket. It’s all socialized health care, right?”

Wrong.

U.S. health insurance doesn’t cover you overseas. Neither do all those socialized medical programs in other countries.

When you travel, you’re not covered. You’re still going to have to pay out of pocket, and if you’re seriously ill or have to go home, those costs will add up!

When you need casts and airlifts and serious medical attention, it’s not cheap. I mean, here are just emergency medical evacuation costs in some popular destinations around the world:

  • Mexico: $15,000-$20,000
  • South America: $100,000
  • Germany, France, or other developed European nations: $50,000-$100,000
  • Russia: $90,000-$150,000 (weather conditions can dramatically increase costs)
  • Asia, Australia, and the Middle East: $220,000

That’s a ton of money! Who can pay that?

Travel insurance, that’s who!

While many credit cards offer insurance on things you buy with those cards (like flights and hotels), their service and coverage is very limited.

For example, if you used the Chase Sapphire Reserve, they will reimburse up to $10,000 per trip (for nonrefundable expenses like passenger fares, tours, and hotels) if it’s canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, or certain other situations. They’ll also cover up to $3,000 for checked or carry-on luggage that is damaged or lost by the carrier, and they’ll cover up to $500 for delayed flights (for things like lodging and meals). If you are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000.

But most cards will not pay out if you get sick while on the road. The less premium Chase Sapphire Preferred card has the same delay and cancellation reimbursements as well as coverage for lost or damaged luggage but there’s no reimbursement for medical treatment or an emergency.

Not everyone has premium credit cards and, even then, most are stingy about paying out medical claims.

Contrast that with World Nomads Travel Insurance (my favorite company), which covers everything that happens while you’re on the road. You get $100,000 for emergency accident or medical treatment, $750 for emergency dental treatment, and $300,000 for emergency evacuation. Luggage loss and trip delays are also included, with up to $3,000 reimbursed for lost personal effects, $2,500-10,000 for trip cancellation, $2,500-10,000 for trip interruption, and $250/day for trip delay.

Additionally, travel insurance covers trip delays caused by and nonrefundable tickets that you can’t use because of a death in the family, a strike, or a natural disaster. Nearly 162,000 flights were delayed and around 15,000 flights were canceled last year. That’s a lot of chances to get stuck.

In short, travel insurance is far more generous and comprehensive than your credit card’s insurance.

***

When we travel, we embrace the unknown.

But with that unknown comes the increased likelihood that something could go wrong.

Travel insurance is your hedge against that.

At just a few dollars a day, it’s the peace of mind you need to know that if something does go wrong, you won’t be out of pocket even more money and that you can get the help you need.

Get covered!

Because you don’t want to end up like my friend who broke her arm after deciding that, since she never got hurt on the road, it was pointless to renew her insurance plan….and then immediately regretted.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post Why You Should Get Travel Insurance When You Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Surprise! I’m Moving to Paris

sunset over the Eiffel Tower and the rooftops of Paris
Posted: 1/14/19 | January 14th, 2019

Ever since I first set eyes upon it, I’ve wanted to move to Paris. It was everything I’ve imagined it to be. A city that oozed sophistication and history from its cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, cafes, restaurants, and Parisians strolling down the street.

I loved the lights, the food, the music, the people, that special je ne sais quoi.

I know I idealize Paris.

I know living somewhere is a lot different than dropping in for a few weeks at a time.

But I’ve always wanted to be the clichéd American travel writer who wakes up, has his coffee, and writes on his balcony or in some café while lingering over wine for hours.

I’ve always wanted to immerse myself in Paris. To learn the language and everything one could possibly know about the city.

And so, since there is no time like the present, it’s time to finally do it.

I’m moving to Paris!

Not forever. Just until June.

Maybe “moving” is a strong word. Maybe an “extended stay” might be a better term.

I don’t care.

I feel that is long enough to say I’m (temporarily) “moving” to Paris.

It will be my base of operations. My sole domicile. My home.

Next month, I’ll return from Colombia, pack my things, and by the end of the month, be ensconced in the City of Lights.

The Arc de Triomphe lit up in the evening, in Paris

I know my time there will fly by. I remember the summer I spent in Stockholm and how quickly that came to an end. Right as I started meeting people, it was time to go.

Luckily, Americans get to stay six months in France, so I’ll have a longer time to play with.

I have a lot of plans for that time:

I am going to write — a lot!

I’m going to find a ’20s swing dance group.

I’m going to seek out all the best jazz the city has to offer.

I’m going to visit every tourist attraction in town. Just because.

I plan to learn French.

My 2019 mantra is “do less but better.” I plan to cut down the number of things I do — but go deeper into them.

I’m going to focus on living. I plan to work in the mornings, sightsee in the afternoon, check in with the team, and have long dinners.

Nomadic Matt posing in front of the Eiffel Tower

Paris is the first step in making that happen.

I’m not over New York. Just over living there.

New York City will always be a part of me, and I’m glad I was here so much this year, but I don’t have good habits in the city: I’m out too often and too late, and I don’t find myself sleeping a lot. I don’t have a productive workspace or a kitchen. Many of my friends have started to move away or are planning to have kids.

The life I want to lead is not found there any longer.

My time there has come to an end.

And I’m OK with it. Since I decided to do this, I haven’t had one moment of regret.

So before June brings TravelCon and July brings my next book and book tour (more on that later), I feel like this is the perfect window to live out all my Paris writer dreams.

Opportunity is knocking.

If you don’t answer the door, it will move on to the next person.

So I’m doing it.

I’m finally going to live in Paris!

And I’m pretty damn excited about it!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

Nomadic Matt's Guide to ParisFor more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started.

Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. Some of my favorite places to stay in Paris are:

  • St. Christopher’s Canal – Comfy spot on the canal. During the summer months, the terrace is hopping!
  • 3 Ducks Hostel – This hostel has one of the cheapest bars in the city, and it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.
  • Les Piaules – Fantastic chimney lounge, a cool bar, and a rooftop space. It’s a great place to meet people!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Paris?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Paris with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

The post Surprise! I’m Moving to Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

My 12 Favorite Hostels in Bangkok in 2019

Bangkok at night
Posted: 1/10/2019 | January 10th, 2019

Bangkok is a wonderful city full of history, gorgeous temples, and excitement. It’s an excellent place for travelers, as there is a lot to do and see here. It is one of my favorite cities in the entire world, and I can never get enough of it! Stick me in a Thai market surrounded by food stalls and I’m a happy man!

Bangkok is the hub for travel in Southeast Asia, and chances are you’re likely to pass through it on your travels around the region.

The city has thousands of guesthouses and hostels. There are so many that it can take hours to narrow down your choices when looking online.

Luckily, as I’ve been visiting since 2005, I’ve stayed all over town and know the best hostels and guesthouses in Bangkok. Rather than waste hours searching online or reading tons of reviews, I’ve created this list so you can save time and just stay at an awesome place without having to worry if you made the right decision!

Just stay at one of these places on your next visit!

The 12 Best Hostels in Bangkok

1. Bella Bella House

Bella Bella House
This multistory guesthouse is centrally located, close to the river and Khao San Road, and attracts a calmer crowd. The rooms are super basic (they only have beds in them), but they’re cheap, clean, and quiet. For rooms with shared bathrooms, you only have cold-water showers; the air-conditioned private rooms have hot showers. The beds are pretty comfy, but the pillows are hard as a rock. The staff is friendly and helpful. There are tons of rooms, so walk-ins aren’t normally an issue.

Single rooms from 220 THB/$7 USD (fan, shared bathroom), double rooms from 320 THB/$9.75 USD (fan, shared bathroom)

2. Lub d Bangkok Silom

Lub d Bangkok Silom
Lub d Silom is a very popular spot for backpackers looking to stay somewhere other than Khao San Road. The hostel is kept in good condition, the rooms are spacious and have electronic key locks, the staff speaks fluent English, and there are plenty of group activities. It’s a more European-style hostel than traditional Asian guesthouse.

Beds from 305 THB/$9.30 USD (discounts for booking ahead and longer stays)

—-> Book your stay at Lub d Bangkok Silom

3. Golden Mountain Hostel

Golden Mountain Hostel
About a mile away from crazy Khao San Road and near the famous Golden Mountain Temple is this small, family-run hostel. It’s one of the newest and nicest hostels in the city. The dorm beds are actually cubbies built into the wall for added privacy, and each room sleeps eight people. The décor is super beautiful and well thought out. The mattresses are soft, the pillows and comforters are cozy, and the bathrooms are beautiful and clean (two showers, toilets, and sinks for each eight-person room!). This is a great hostel if you want some peace and quiet. It’s one of the best in Bangkok.

Beds from 350 THB/$10.60 USD

—-> Book your stay at Golden Mountain Hostel!

4. Khaosan Immjai Hostel

Khaosan Immjai Hostel
This hostel has air-conditioned dorm rooms and a lovely staff and is a good choice for solo travelers looking to meet other people and get fairly cheap beds. It’s only a 10-minute walk to Khao San Road, so you’re close enough to the action without being kept up all night by it. The staff is friendly, the beds are cheap, and the place is kept clean. There’s also a women-only floor. Overall, it’s a solid guesthouse. You can’t go wrong.

Beds from 350 THB/$10.60 USD

—-> Book your stay at Khaosan Immjai Hostel!

5. HQ Hostel

HQ Hostel
Another European-style hostel, HQ has amazing beds with reading lamps, electrical outlets, and digital lockboxes. The facilities are clean and modern. The staff is incredibly helpful, and there’s also exercise equipment to work off all those Chang beers! Located in Silom, it’s also one of the best hostels in the city, even if it’s slightly more expensive than the rest.

Beds from 360 THB/$11 USD (discounts for groups and longer stays)

—-> Book your stay at HQ Hostel!

6. Mad Monkey Hostel

Mad Monkey Hostel
Another backpacker institution near Khao San Road, this is probably the best hostel in Bangkok if you want to party. It has a restaurant, pool, and tour desk with some of the cheapest and most competitive prices in town. Additionally, you’ll get comfy beds, a cozy blanket, and your own outlets and lamps! All the rooms have air-conditioning. Even though it’s slightly more expensive than other places in the area, you’re making up for it with one of the best social scenes! If you’re looking to meet backpackers, it’s easy to do here!

Beds from 410 THB/$12.45 USD, rooms from 1,000 THB/$30.40 USD (book through their own website for the cheapest rates)

—-> Book your stay at Mad Monkey Hostel!

7. Green House Hostel

Green House Hostel
This large hostel is a backpacker institution, with large rooms, tour services, a bar, a pool table, and a decent restaurant. It’s the best overall hostel in Bangkok! As an added bonus, you can negotiate your room price if you walk in. The rooms are really basic (as you can see from the photo of my room above), and while the beds are hard, the pillows are pretty soft. There’s a nice desk, and the bathrooms are cleaned every day — they are simple but the water pressure is great! Tip: Avoid rooms in the front of the building, as the noise from the streets blasts up and you won’t get any sleep.

Beds from 410 THB/$12.45 USD, double rooms from 620 THB/$18.86 USD. There’s a 3% credit card fee, so pay in cash.

—-> Book your stay at Green House Hostel!

8. @Hua Lamphong Hostel

@Hua Lamphong Hostel
This hostel is pretty straightforward, with six-bed mixed-gender dorms, huge lockers, and en suite bathrooms. It’s slightly more expensive than others in the area, but the private rooms are hotel quality. This is the best hostel for travelers taking the train, as Bangkok’s train station is right across the street.

Beds from 420 THB/$12.75 USD

—-> Book your stay at @Hua Lamphong Hostel!

9. New Siam Guesthouse III

New Siam Guesthouse III
This place isn’t great. The beds are kind of hard, and the rooms a bit dull under the fluorescent lights, so why is it on a list of the best hostels in Bangkok? Because it offers some of the cheapest private rooms in the Khoa San/Rambuttri area. The rooms come with water, a desk, A/C, and hot water. Most of the rooms in the area with those kinds of amenities cost over 1,000 baht! If you’re looking to save money on a private room, you should stay here!

Double rooms from 840 THB/25.55 USD.

—-> Book your stay at New Siam Guesthouse III!

10. D&D Inn

D&D Inn
D&D Inn is an institution on Khao San Road (it’s been around for decades) and perfect for those with last-minute travel plans. There are always rooms available, and reception is open 24 hours. There’s a bar and a pool on the rooftop that gets packed with travelers. They also upgraded the facilities and rooms in recent years. The rooms are cleaned often, some have fridges and hairdryers, the water pressure is great, the beds are soft, and there are a lot of beautiful wood finishings around.

Double rooms from 920 THB/$30 USD.

—-> Book your stay at D&D Inn!

11. Baan Kachitpan

D&D Inn
This home-turned-guesthouse makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time. There are fresh flowers all over, and the light switches look like they’re from the 1920s. The owner, Jam, and her mother (who grew up in this house) live right next door. You can tell that Jam put her heart into making this guesthouse feel like a home, too. The beds are not the softest, but the water is hot, and the place is pristinely decorated and very clean. It is only a six-minute walk to Victory Monument and a 20-minute walk to the Grand Palace.

Single rooms from 950 THB/$28.89 USD, double rooms from 1,590 THB/$48.36 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Baan Kachitpan!

12. Bangkok Tree House

Tree House
Located just south of town along the river, this eco-friendly guesthouse is a wonderful place to get away from the concrete jungle of Bangkok. The floors, walls, and ceilings are all made of reclaimed wood and local bamboo, juice cartons provide the insulation, and renewable energy provides electricity. The accommodations are basic, but you get to wander one of the more pristine parts of town. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, it’s probably the most unique accommodation in Bangkok. They have lots of land to ride bikes on too!

Rooms from 4,590 THB/$139.60 USD (15% discount for buying online, bringing a bike, being an expat, and staying more than four nights)

—-> Book your stay at the Bangkok Tree House!

****
Bangkok is a huge city with a lot of accommodation options, but if you stay in one of these amazing and unique hostels, you’re going to be centrally located, comfortable, and able to save money and meet people! Win-win!

These are the hostels I return to time and time again. I hope you do too!

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Bangkok!

Nomadic Matt's Guide to BangkokMy detailed, 80-page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while in Bangkok, a city I used to call home (so I know it really well!). You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!

Book Your Trip to Bangkok: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Get Your Guide
Check out my detailed guide to planning a visit to Bangkok with suggested itineraries and information on places to stay, things to do, where to eat, and how to get around. Just click here to get the guide and continue planning today!

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money — and I think they will help you too!

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13

The post My 12 Favorite Hostels in Bangkok in 2019 appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

UPDATES: New and EXPANDED Editions of Our Guidebooks!

a man and woman looking out at a lake in Canmore, Alberta
Posted: 1/9/2019 | January 9th, 2019

Happy 2019, my fellow travelers!

This is going to be a big year at Nomadic Matt HQ. I have some big personal news I’ll be sharing next week (no, I’m not getting married. Yet.) and big news about the direction of this website (I used the holidays to map out my vision for 2019) that I’ll also be sharing soon (hint: we’re going back to basics).

But, right now, I want to talk about our books.

As you all know, we offer detailed how-to guides to destinations around the world to help you plan your trip better.

They’re like a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide…but way better!

My guides are for those of you who want to break the mold and get off the well-trodden tourist path. They take what you love about this site and supercharge it. They include my favorite hostels, restaurants, and bars — spots you probably won’t find listed elsewhere!

We’re constantly expanding and improving the books so that you, the reader, can have the most up-to-date and robust information possible!

Last year, we put all our books on Kindle, solved our map issue, and added more family-friendly activities.

At the beginning of every year, we do a massive overhaul! Over the last couple of months, we have been updating these guides based on your feedback to our previous editions.

In addition to the normal updates of prices, practicalities, etc., we have also greatly expanded our books. These new editions include a bunch of new sections:

  • Interesting facts about each destination
  • Information about local cuisine (so you know what to try!)
  • Expanded transportation sections
  • A chart with the distances to/from nearby destinations
  • Tips on traveling as a senior
  • Tips on traveling if you’re disabled
  • Ways to stay safe and scams to look out for
  • Month-by-month guide listing great festivals and events to attend
  • Price guide so you get an idea of how much everything should cost

Additionally, you’ll find all sorts of other good stuff in each book:

  • Suggested budgets
  • In-depth ways to save money
  • Suggested itineraries (with maps)
  • What to do and see (with a focus on free, cheap, and off-beat attractions)
  • My favorite places to eat
  • My favorite places to sleep
  • Nightlife suggestions
  • Practicalities (business hours, tourist information centers, public holiday info, electricity, phones abroad, emergency and legal information, visa guidelines, LGBTQ travel tips, best times to visit, etc.)
  • Transportation maps
  • A history section
  • Book and movie suggestions related to the destination
  • Language sections

Below is a list of all our destination guidebooks (if you purchase a book as a PDF, you get the second one for an additional 50% off too):

NOTE: PDFs can be read on iPads and iPhones via the iBooks app if you get the PDF version.

Additionally, we’re now offering bundles of our books too:

  • The Asia Bundle – Get all our Asia guides PLUS our travel hacking guide for one low price! This bundle is only $50 $24.99!! That’s 50% off the original price!
  • The Europe Bundle – Get all our Europe guides PLUS our travel hacking guide for one low price! This bundle is only $60 $24.99!! That’s 60% off the original price!
  • Our Complete Collection – Get EVERY guide we sell for one low price! This bundle is only $120 $39.99!! That’s 66% off the original price!

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Hacking

Lastly, we just updated our book on travel hacking. If you’re looking to learn how to master points and miles in the new year and not pay for flights or accommodation, pick up our new edition. The price is $9.99 (regularly $29.99), and the new update includes:

  • New award charts (and other charts throughout the book)
  • Best new cards to get
  • Completely updated information on credit and credit scores
  • More tips on how to manufacture spending in 2019
  • Everything in the book has been updated (as you know this information changes quickly, so be sure to get this version to make sure you know how to travel hack the right way for 2019)

You can pick up this book and save money on flying for just $9.99!

(Note: If you already own a copy of this book, a new version is on its way to you! After all, you get updates for life when you purchase this book!)

So that’s it for today!

I’ll have more news and regular stories coming next but we worked hard on these books and I want to share our new beautiful babies with you!

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments!

– Matt

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post UPDATES: New and EXPANDED Editions of Our Guidebooks! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Barcelona Itinerary: How to Spend Your Time in This Incredible City in 2019

Gaudi architecture in Barcelona
Posted: 1/7/19 | January 7th, 2019

Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. It’s a city that I’ve been to many times.

Once a major city in the Roman Empire, the city still places an important role in the region and is home to millions of residents and visitors enjoying all the delicious sangria and gin, mouthwatering food, stunning beaches, warm weather, the rich history and culture, and unique architecture that Barcelona is famous for.

Barcelona is one of the most vibrant, fun, energetic cities in the world.

Barcelona is such a popular place that in recent years it’s even had to clamp down on “overtourism” to help reduce the number of visitors. (This is something I fully agree with since cities must learn to balance tourism with local life.)

With so much to see and do in and around Barcelona, where do you begin? How many days do you need to visit?

I think to really get a feel for Barcelona you should plan for four or five days. While you could see it in less, you’ll do yourself a disservice if you rush your visit. This is a city of late night dinners, late morning, and afternoon siestas.

Life isn’t rushed here and neither should your visit.

This 2-5 day itinerary highlights all the best things to see and do and help you organize your visit so you can see it all!

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 1

Take a free walking tour
a young woman exploring Barcelona on foot
I love free walking tours. I think they are a wonderful way to get to know a new city, find your way around, and learn some history in the process. (And, since they are filled with traveler too, they can also be a good way to meet other people.) My recommended walking tour companies in Barcelona are:

Get lost in the Barri Gotic
Barcelona's gothic quarter
Barcelona’s old Gothic Quarter is my favorite part of town, filled with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings. Spend a few hours getting lost in this district. To me, it’s the most beautiful area in the city. The area also has numerous attractions worth seeing:

  • Barcelona History Museum – Barcelona has one of the best city history museums I’ve ever visited, including 4,000 square meters of Roman ruins beneath the museum that you can walk through. There is a free, detailed audio guide and meticulous explanations of the exhibits. If you do one thing in the city, make it this. I visit every time I’m in Barcelona. The ruins are just stunning. Admission is €7. Address: Plaça del Rei.
  • The Grand Royal Palace – The Palau Reial Major (near the history museum) was the home of Barcelona’s counts and later the kings of Aragon. It has a very detailed history about the city and region through the centuries. Admission is €7. Free on the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday after 3pm. Address: Plaça del Rei.
  • Chapel of Santa Àgata – This royal chapel was built in 1302. The most interesting thing inside is the beautiful altarpiece, made by Jaume Huguet, that was added in the 15th century. It contains beautiful paintings of religious symbols in the style of the Middle Ages. Don’t miss it! Admission is €7. Address: Plaça del Rei.
  • Barcelona Cathedral – Built in the late 13th to early 15th centuries, this is a classic Gothic cathedral with huge spires, colorful stained glass, and incredible wood carvings. If you go inside, pay the extra €3 to visit the terraces, where you’ll get an incredible view of Barcelona. Admission is €7, though you can sometimes get in for free (there’s no apparent schedule to this). Address: Placita de la Seu, 3.

Explore Gaudí’s architecture
Park Güell in Barcelona
Gaudí is Barcelona’s most famous and creative architect. His unique style, use of nature motifs, and catalog of work is legendary – and part of the reason so many people visit the city. No visit to the city is complete without a tour of Gaudí’s works. You can find them everywhere — in addition to the buildings listed below, he even designed lampposts, monuments, and sculptures. Here are the best sights to see:

  • Park Güell – Park Güell is a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900 to 1914. It’s since been converted into a municipal garden and is now a World Heritage Site. The focal point of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. Known for incorporating various themes into his work, Gaudí incorporated artistic elements of Catalan nationalism as well as ancient poetry and mysticism into this work. The park is right near La Sagrada Familia so it’s easy to visit both. I like how colorful everything in the park is! Tickets are €8.50, at the ticket office, or €7.50 when you order in advance online. Children six years old and younger are free. Address: Carrer d’Olot.
  • La Sagrada Família – The most famous of Gaudí’s work….and one that seems to never be finished. The church has been under construction for over than 100 years (the groundbreaking was in 1882 and is supposed to be done in 2030!). Gaudí was a devout Catholic and spent the last 10 years of his life working on this project. The church blends influences of man, nature, and religion in its detailed architecture. The audio guide is worth purchasing as it covers the history of the church in great detail. Try to visit mid-morning to late afternoon so you can witness the sunlight cascade throughout all the stained glass. Admission is €15 online/€18 at the door. Address: Plaça de la Sagrada Familia.
  • Casa Batlló – Casa Batllo is a building restored by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. He spent 2 years on the project completely revamping the exterior, main floor, patio, and roof. With its undulating shape, it’s definitely one of the more eye-catching of his creations. Located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, it (like everything Gaudí designed) was heavy influenced by the Art Nouveau style. The facade was decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles that he collected from the trash of a nearby glass shop. The roof is arched and has been likened to the back of a dragon. It’s one of my favorite Gaudí buildings. Admission is €24.50 online/€28.50 at door. Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43.
  • Casa Milà (also called La Pedrera) – From 1906 to 1910, Gaudi work on Casa Mila, also known as “La Pedrera” (the stone quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. The goal was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. Gaudí, himself a Catholic and a devotee of the Virgin Mary, also planned for the Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol and included many religious elements like an excerpt from the rosary prayer on the cornice and statues of Mary, St. Michael, and St. Gabriel. Casa Milà became run down and partially abandoned until it was restored in the late 1980s to its original form. Admission is €22 online/€25 at door. Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92.
  • Palau Güell – Located off La Rambla, Palau Guell (Guell Palace) building doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. Built from 1886-88, it was designed for one of Gaudi’s patrons, Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around the main room used to entertain high-society guests. The main party room has a high ceiling with small holes near the top where lanterns were hung at night from the outside to give the appearance of a starlit sky. There are colorful tree-like chimneys on top. It’s a bit creepy and gothic to me. One of my favorites too! Admission is €12 (free on the first Sunday of every month). Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5.

Note: Advanced reservations are recommended for Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo so you can skip the lines!

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2

Visit the Picasso Museum
two women admiring the artwork in the Picasso Museum, Barcelona; Photo by Alex Grechman (flickr:@grechman)
While I’m not a huge fan of most of Picasso’s later work, it’s still interesting to learn about the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. With more than 4,000 pieces of art, there certainly is a lot to see here. Admission is €11, with discounts available for students and seniors. Free Thursday evenings, 6-9pm and on the first Sunday of each month. Address: Carrer Montcada, 15-23.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art; Photo by Rob Green (flickr:@keekat)
This museum has over 5,000 works, including an extensive collection of pieces by Spanish artists such as Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. There are also works by Americans Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder (who is known for his innovative mobiles). If you love modern art, be sure to add this to your itinerary. Admission is €10, with discounts available. Free Saturdays, 4-8pm. It’s always free for anyone under 14. Address: Plaça dels Àngels, 1.

La Boquería
Barcelona's Boqueria
This public market has an amazing array of food stalls and restaurants. It’s been at this location for hundreds of years, in a building with a beautiful iron entrance. It’s right off La Rambla (a long, popular central thoroughfare, see below), so the market is typically very busy. But grab a snack or an inexpensive lunch of ham, bread, cheese, and fruit and enjoy the scene. There’s a wide variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, octopus, and oysters, as well as nuts, candy, wine, and tapas.

NOTE: Due to overcrowding, tourist groups are now restricted to 15 people or less. You’ll have no problem moving about on your own, but if you’re in a large group….well, be prepared to get kicked out! The city is (appropriately) trying to take back the markets for locals. Watch for changes to

Take a stroll on La Rambla
busy La Rambla, Barcelona; Photo by xiquinhosilva (flickr:@xiquinho)
The popular 1.2km long boulevard with a broad but crowded walkway in the center has many beautiful buildings along it including the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the city’s opera house. Near the theater, you can also see a mosaic by Joan Miró. And there are street performers galore here (they even have their own union). While this street is ground zero for tourists in the city (don’t eat at the restaurants here, they suck), it’s worth a stroll down at least once.

Hit the beach
the beach in Barcelona
You’ve done a ton of walking so far, so take the afternoon to relax! Barcelona has a wide and long beach, Barceloneta, that is incredibly popular year-round. The water is good to swim in, the sand is golden colored, and there are a lot of good restaurants on the boardwalk. It’s always busy with tourists and locals, however, so walk further from the center to reach some quieter and cleaner beaches, such as Sant Sebastià in the south and Somorrostro in the north.

Watch some flamenco
Flamenco dancers
Spend your evening watching flamenco at one of these places:

  • Los Tarantos – This is Barcelona’s oldest flamenco venue. It’s a short show (just 30 minutes) so it’s a good place for an introduction to the art and won’t take up your entire night. Admission from €15. Address: Plaça Reial, 17.
  • Palau Dalmases – One of the best things about the flamenco shows here is the venue. This palace has amazing décor and incredible architecture. Admission is €25, with one drink included. Address: Carrer de Montcada, 20.
  • Tablao Flamenco Cordobes – This show is in a convenient location on Barcelona’s main walkway, but it’s pricey. Admission is €45 (drink and show) or €79.50 (dinner and show). Address: La Rambla, 35.
  • Tablao de Carmen – This show typically features excellent performers, and it’s in an interesting venue that’s a replica of a Spanish village. Admission is €43 (drink and show) or €61 (dinner and show). Address: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13.

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 3

Ride the harbor cable car
riding the harbor cable car in Barcelona; Photo by Ivan Mlinaric (flickr:@eye1
The 1,450-meter-long harbor aerial tramway with red cars connects Barceloneta and Montjuïc (a prominent hill). The 10-minute trip gives you incredible views of Barcelona. You’ll see the port and sea on one side and the city on the other. Also, at the top of the 78-meter Sant Sebastià (San Sebastián) tower in Barceloneta, there’s a restaurant accessible by an elevator. A round-trip ticket is €16.50; a one-way ticket is €11.

Explore Montjuïc Hill
Barcelona's Montjuïc Hill
When you arrive on the hill from the cable car (or bus #150 if the cable car isn’t in your budget), you’ll find there’s a lot to do here. You can explore the Castell de Montjuïc (a large 18th-century fortress), as well as gardens, a Spanish village, and the Olympic Stadium. Be sure to also visit the Magic Fountain for the colorful water show. You’ll be able to enjoy a sweeping view of the city; watching the sunset from here is amazing too. Some highlights of Montjuïc:

  • Castell de Montjuïc – This is an old fortress that’s now a museum featuring military displays and information on the history of the castle. The surrounding garden is a beautiful collage of color. Admission is €5. Free Sundays after 3pm and on the first Sunday of each month. Address: Carretera de Montjuïc, 66.
  • Joan Miró Foundation – Joan Miró was one of Catalonia’s most famous artists. Many of the surrealist’s works are on display in this museum. Admission is €12. Address: Parc de Montjuïc.
  • Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – This art museum houses Catalonian art, particularly Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works. The fountain out front has a spectacular free show that takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm-9pm (from October-December and February-April), and Thursdays-Sundays from 9pm-11:30pm (from May-September). Admission is €12. Free Saturdays after 3pm, the first Sunday of each month, and for visitors under 16 or over 65. Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc.
  • Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) – The Spanish Village was built in 1929 to resemble an actual traditional village with 117 buildings from different Spanish regions. There’s an Andalusian quarter, a section of the Camino, a monastery, and more. There are also various exhibits here devoted to crafts and contemporary art. It’s a good family activity. Admission is €12.60, with discounted rates for children, students, and seniors. The village is open daily, year-round starting at 9am and closing no earlier than 8pm. Address: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13.
  • The Olympic Ring – When Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, all of the excitement centered around the Olympic Ring: the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi, and the Olympic Esplanade. You can roam the entire space for free. Address: Parc de Montjuïc.

Take a food tour or cooking class
exploring food in Barcelona
Barcelona is a very food-centric city, so I highly recommend a cooking class or a food tour! You’ll learn about traditional Catalan cooking, selecting the freshest ingredients, and using new techniques. You’ll prepare your own meal and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Some companies to check out are:

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 4

Take a day trip to Girona
Girona, just outside Barcelona
This medieval city, just 100km from Barcelona, is one of my favorite destinations in Spain – and far too overlooked by travelers. Here you can climb atop the city walls, wander the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter, and soak up the ambiance at one of its many cafés. They filmed Game of Thrones here too! There’s a lot of history and delicious food in the city!

The Renfe train ride is about 80 minutes on the normal train (return tickets from €20); the high-speed train gets there in 38 minutes (return tickets from €30).

Other things to see and do in Barcelona

the monastic buildings at Montserrat
If you have more than four days in Barcelona, you’re in luck. There are plenty of other activities to fill your time:

Head to Montserrat – The Montserrat mountain range is just outside of the city and makes for a great getaway from Barcelona’s urban atmosphere. You can reach the area by taking a one-hour train ride. Once there, pay a visit to the famous shrine of the Black Madonna at the monastery and walk around the park. The Benedictine monastery and the valley of unique, rocky pillars make for some really awesome photography. Return train tickets are around €20, and you’ll also need to decide whether to take the cable car (my preference) or funicular up the mountain.

Take a food tour – Barcelona has some of the best food in Spain, and there’s no better way to spend your morning than learning about the food culture of the city. I strongly recommend Context Travel’s food tour, which takes you around the Barri Gothic and the food markets there to highlight the food history and delicacies of the region. One of the most informative and delicious tours I’ve been on in a while; it’s not the cheapest food tour in the city, but I got everything I paid for.

Visit an old-school amusement park – Tibidabo Barcelona, built in 1899, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. On a tall mountain in the Serra de Collserola, it also offers an incredible view of Barcelona and the coastline. It’s open on the weekends, except in the winter. Admission is €28.50 for adults, €10.30 for children under 1.2m tall, and free for children under 0.90m tall. Address: Plaça del Tibidabo, 3.

Catch an outdoor film – If you’re in Barcelona in July or August, consider going up to Montjuïc Castle to catch an outdoor film on the lawn of the castle’s moat. Screenings take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and are preceded by some cool live music.

Watch a soccer match – The first “football” game I ever saw was in Barcelona. It was Espaynol versus Valencia. I still have the shirt I bought that day. Barcelona’s two teams are Espanyol and FC Barcelona and, if a match is going on, try to take in one. Locals are obsessed with the sport and you’ll make a lot of good friends at the game! If you can’t make a game, you can tour the stadium and the FCB (or Barça) Museum. Tour admission is €26 online/€29.50 at the door. Match tickets are from €29, depending on the opponent. Address: C. d’Aristides Maillol, 12.

Visit the aquarium – Perfect for a rainy day, the Barcelona Aquarium has more than 11,000 animals, showcasing species from a variety of underwater ecosystems. The walk-through tunnel is the best part. Admission: €20. Address: Moll d’Espanya, del Port Vell.

Gaze at Barcelona’s free public art – Gaudí outdid himself with the huge fountain located in the Parc de la Ciutadella, a tribute to the god Neptune. I absolutely love the art and fountain here. Gaudi designed the famous Cascada Fountain when he was an architecture student. On a warm day, I just like to sit and stare at the fountain. There’s also a zoo in the park and some short walking paths. Take a bottle of wine, grab some ham, and have a picnic.

Other offbeat Gaudí works include the lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau, and the Miralles gate and wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona. Barcelona native Joan Miró’s work is found throughout town, and you can see his famous “Woman and Bird” sculpture at Parc de Joan Miró. There are also Miró mosaics on La Rambla and at the airport.

Take a free bike tourFree Bike Tour Barcelona offers jaunts around the city every day. The tours are typically at 10am and 2pm, but check the website (freebiketourbarcelona.com) to be sure, as there may be just one tour a day in the off-season. They last about three hours and cover all the major sights. Just be sure to tip your guides!

Where to Eat in Barcelona

Paella, a traditional Spanish dish
For some excellent food, be sure to check out some of my favorite places:

  • Les Quinze Nits – Delicious food at a great price in the famous Plaça Reial. It’s a bit touristy, but even the locals come here for the value. It has a typical Spanish menu. Avoid the long lines at dinner by going for lunch instead. Address: Plaça Reial, 6.
  • La Fonda – Good food with large portions, near Plaça Reial. Its set menu will give you more than you can eat, and it features beautiful décor and a robust wine selection. Address: Escudellers, 10.
  • Allium Restaurant – This is a natural food restaurant that prepares its meals with delicious, local ingredients. It has a nice rustic décor and a friendly staff. It is well priced and my favorite restaurant in Barcelona. Address: Carrer del Call, 17.
  • Pinotxo Bar – Just inside the Boquería food market, this little stall is always packed and serves some of the most famous tapas in the area. I stopped there while on a food tour, and it was delicious. Try the chickpea salad! Address: La Boquería, La Rambla, 91.
  • The Four Cats – This was one of Picasso’s favorite haunts and a popular hangout for artists in the early 1900s. Grab a drink and maybe some tapas (the patatas bravas are delicious!) and soak up the place’s history. Address: Carrer de Montsió, 3.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Kabul, a hostel in Barcelona
Here’s a list of my favorite places to stay in the city:

  • Kabul – This is one of my favorite hostels in Europe. It attracts travelers who are looking for a good time. This isn’t a quiet hostel, so be prepared to party. The dorms are very clean, the beds are comfy, and the showers have high pressure. But what makes Kabul so wonderful is the downstairs common area. It takes up a whole floor of the building and comprises a café, bar, tables, internet kiosks, and a pool table. The hostel is booked out weeks in advance, especially during summer, so don’t book at the last minute! Beds from €10.71. Address: Plaça Reial, 17.
  • Hello BCN – This location is clean, and the beds are comfortable. There’s a super breakfast, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Make sure to ask them for tips about hidden places in town. This is not a party hostel, and you should be able to get some good shut-eye. Beds from €11. Address: Carrer de Lafont, 8-10.
  • St. Christopher’s Inn – This hostel near La Rambla is all about location: it’s perfect. I really love the curtains on the dorm beds and the gigantic bar/outdoor area next to the hostel. The bar/restaurant has good food and cheap drinks, so you should definitely check it out (even if you don’t stay here). In general, I really like the St. Christopher’s brand; it offers fun, clean, sociable, and modern hostels all over Europe. Beds from €9.90. Address: Carrer de Bergara, 3.
  • Sant Jordi-Sagrada Família – This is an interesting hostel with a skateboarder vibe. The common area décor is all about urban arts, and the rooms are clean and spacious. The kitchen is big, and you can often find yoga lessons, cheap dinners, and free pub crawls. There’s also a half-pipe, which I’ve never seen at a hostel before. Just watch out for the spotty Wi-Fi. Beds from €14.31. Address: Carrer del Freser, 5.

***

Barcelona has something for everyone. You could squeeze in the real highlights of Barcelona in two or three days, but taking four, five, or even six days for the above itinerary will give you enough time to gorge on Iberian ham, tapas, and sangria while not rushing around.

The city moves slowly. And so should you.

Sleep late, take breaks, eat lots, and just enjoy Barcelona at a Spaniard’s pace!

Book Your Trip to Barcelona: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Barcelona?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Barcelona with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 5, 6, 8, 11,

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