The Best Time to Go to Spain

As you guys might have noticed, I absolutely adore Spain. I did a study abroad program there years ago and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I fell in love with traveling then and my wanderlust hasn’t faded one bit.

With endless festivals, world-class beaches, and a renowned nightlife, Spain is amazing 365 days a year.

I could spend years exploring Spain. From Salamanca to Barcelona to Cádiz to Bilbao, it’s such a vibrant country. Whether you hit the slopes of Sierra Nevada, wander the vineyards of Rioja, or worship the sun in the Canary Islands, Spain is guaranteed to impress you any day of the week.

Planning a trip? Check out the best time to go to Spain!

Summer in Spain

• Months: June to August

Did you know that Spain has a whopping 5,000+ miles of coastline? From rocky cliffs to golden sands, you could spend a lifetime exploring all of the stunning shorelines of Spain. The picture-perfect beaches of Andalucía are some of the most gorgeous spots on the planet.

Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz are perfect for every kind of traveler. You can find crazy nightlife, family-friendly resorts, quiet beaches, and everything else you could ever ask for.

Go kiteboarding, windsurfing, or bask in the sun with a glass of sangria in hand. And let’s not forget about the islands! Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands has 150 beaches spread over 220 miles of coastline.

And don’t forget, the famed San Fermín Festival and Running with the Bulls take place in July. Days of festivals, celebrations, and of course, bulls!

A word to the wise, don’t go crazy planning trips to tourist traps. Summers in Spain can be scorching and incredibly crowded. Visit the museums, galleries, and historical points you are dying to see but don’t waste hours in line for things you could live without.

Highlights: San Fermín Festival, Beaches and Beautiful Weather

Autumn in Spain

• Months: September to November

Easily one of the best times of year, autumn has lovely weather and beautiful sights. Go see the changing fall colors and 500-year-old trees in Faedo de Ciñera. Visit the Chestnut Festival at the end of October then go foraging for wild mushrooms with the locals.

Beginning in early September, it is time to taste test the year’s wine harvest. You can visit the bodegas of the Rioja and Ribera for some of the most amazing wine you’ll ever have. It’s definitely a trip that should be on any wine lover’s bucket list.

Highlights: Seasonal Wines & Cusine

Winter in Spain

• Months: December to February

Prices are low, tourists are leaving, and the weather is still pretty great. With average winter high temperature nearing 70 degrees Fahrenheit in many parts of the country, the weather is idea for exploring. While the coastal resort towns will be dead, there are so many places to see all over Spain.

If you are a skier, check out Sierra Nevada, Formigal, or Baqueira Beret. They have great ski resorts and some awesome slopes. Once you work up an appetite, you’re in for a treat. Winter is one of the best times to go on epicurean tours and take cooking classes.

According to Anthony Bourdain, Spain is the single greatest place for culinary achievement in the world outside of Asia. I agree wholeheartedly and so will you when you taste your way through Spain and all of its culinary treasures.

Highlights: Mild Weather, Ski Resorts & Epicurean Experiences

Spring in Spain

• Months: March to May

You’ll fall head over heels for Spain when you see how absolutely spectacular the country is during the spring. From the almond blossoms of early spring to the perfect beach days of late spring, the season is a great time to visit.

Plan to get out and enjoy the marvelous weather. Go hiking, cycling or horse riding in the countryside, or pound the pavement of Spain’s culture-rich cities. Be sure to check the festival schedule before you go. There is a dizzying array of celebrations all over the country that you won’t want to miss.

Some of my favorites are Valencia’s Las Fallas sculpture burning festival, which is packed with stunning parades. One of the biggest celebrations of the year is Semana Santa. This is the holy week leading up to Easter. There are celebrations all over the country with Andalucía and Toledo among the top picks.

Highlights: Outdoor Activities & Festivals

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VIDEO: The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona

San Fermín Festival: The Running of the Bulls

SHOP these awesome Spain-inspired styles!

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The Best Travel Shirt I’ve Ever Worn (You Won’t Believe What It Can Do!)

Amazing Travel Shirts from Ably Apparel

Travel Tips

It’s not often I get excited about clothing. But this amazing new cotton shirt can repel liquid/stains, is quick drying, and super comfortable too! It’s perfect for adventure travel.

I have a confession to make. I’m a sweaty guy. When buying new shirts, I have to be aware of what color they are, because certain colors show my sweaty armpit stains more than others.

White t-shirts don’t stay white for very long either.

Gross I know. But it’s a real problem for many people.

The world is full of sweaty people — and we’ve been searching for a solution.

From what I’ve experienced over the past week, a company called Ably Apparel has just created that solution. A brand new technology for cotton that’s able to repel liquid (including sweat) while also keeping it breathable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.

Last week I tested their new fabric in Mexico’s high-humidity summer heat, and now I don’t want to wear anything else!

Cotton vs. Synthetic

We all know there are many benefits to wearing modern Nylon or Polyester performance fabrics for international travel and outdoor activities. Synthetic blends are somewhat breathable, lightweight, and wick away moisture. They air dry quickly after a wash.

The problem is they aren’t nearly as comfortable as cotton. Synthetics get stinky quickly. Plus they aren’t environmentally friendly like cotton is. Cotton is a plant. It can be grown organically. It’s sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable.

Most chemical fibers are petroleum based, which means they come from nonrenewable resources.

While cotton is renewable, comfy, and breathable, it also absorbs sweat & moisture easily, leaving dark sweat spots. It doesn’t dry fast, and can leave you feeling cold in cooler weather during active sweaty sports like hiking or skiing. That is until Ably came along.

Repels Water Easily

The Perfect Travel Shirt?

Ably’s unbelievably odor and stain repellent natural shirts look and feel like regular cotton shirts. But that’s where the similarities end.

They use a special new technology called Filium™ that makes these incredible shirts stain resistant. Water resistant. Sweat resistant. And quick drying too!

I had to experience it for myself to believe it. It feels as if you’re wearing thin, lightweight, and comfortable body armor against the elements.

Go ahead. Spill wine all over it. Take it to the gym. Wear it for a few days straight. Ably Apparel keeps looking great, smells good, repels stains, sheds liquid, and feels like a regular cotton shirt.

A travel shirt with extraordinary super powers…

Stain Resistant Too!

My Experience

I just returned from a four day trip to Isla Holbox, a small tropical island on the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Temperatures were in the high 80’s with 90% humidity. I wore the Ably shirt for 4 days without washing it.

Walking on the beach in the sun, spending hours on a boat searching for whale sharks, and going out to eat in town. While I sweated plenty due to the Mexican heat, there were no embarrassing sweat stains. No smell.

I experimented by splashing water and even salsa on the shirt. All three liquids rolled off like it was waterproof.

It’s not waterproof though, more like water resistant. If you jump in the ocean, it will get wet. But it air dries fast like a synthetic fiber shirt does.

You get the best of both worlds. Comfortable, breathable, odorless, lightweight, fast drying, and stain resistant to boot. Not to mention environmentally friendly.

I’ve never seen anything like it before, and can’t wait until they are in full production so I can re-stock my entire travel wardrobe with Ably shirts.

Check them out on Kickstarter here, and make a donation to get your own as soon as humanly possible. ★

READ NEXT: 33 Cool Travel Jobs For Travel Addicts

Is this shirt incredible or what? Let me know in the comments!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

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Maldives Inspired Travel Nails

After my first trip to the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka, I decided to make my first trip to the Maldives. The island destinations has been on my list for some time, and as a lover of bikinis, ocean and diving, I couldn’t have been more excited to visit.

In my four days there I was able to experience my first seaplane flight, my first swim with whale sharks, along with two days of amazing diving, and some fun in the tropical sun.

To get ready for this trip, I wanted to try out a travel nails style that was inspired by the pristine green waters that fames the islands!

When picking a new nail design for this trip, I wanted something that had some sparkle and captured the iconic water color of the islands. I chose a lighter shade of mint green for the nail color, and a green “pixie dust” polish for the second layer of shine.

My favorite polish is Zoya Nail Polish because it is the longest wearing, natural nail polish available. All the colors are toluene, formaldehyde, DBP and Camphor Free- can’t ask for anything better!

Shop polish for Maldives-Inspired Travel Nails:

Neely by ZOYA

Vespa PixieDust by ZOYA

Maldives Inspired Travel Nails is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Tips for Traveling Mexico in the Summer

For decades, Mexico has been a favorite summer destination. It’s no wonder why though, as it has affordable prices, tropical beaches and cuisine, and a variety of activities!

Throughout Mexico, you’ll find many different cultures, locals, and even food, as it is a diverse country. From the tip of Baja California to the Yucatan Peninsula, you can spend weeks exploring the country, and still not experience everything it has to offer the traveler.

Here’s my quick guide to traveling Mexico in the summer!

Weather & Packing

Mexico enjoys warm temperatures year-round, with summer a perfect example of 80-degree sunshine. Mexico’s all about sun, so don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses—and remember to drink lots of water.

Wear insect repellent to scare away those nasty mosquitoes. I recently discovered an all-natural spray that protects you from bugs and natural elements- check out “Cactus Juice“!

Since the heat and humidity can be daunting at times, avoid the worst of the humidity by dressing in breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.

Accommodation

There’s no end to accommodations in Mexico—it all depends on your budget and your expectations.From five-star resorts to economical hostels, there’s something for everyone. Low season starts in late spring, so book your hotel in May for the best deals.

Helpful Tip: Try to avoid the winter (especially around Christmas and New Year) as this is the peak season.

Activities

Mexico offers a wide selection of activities depending on where you are. In Cancun, try your hand at paragliding, scuba diving, snorkeling, and yachting; in Puerto Vallarta, you may fancy a game of high-stakes golf.

More into history? Book a tour of the incredible Mayan ruins at Tulum, or spend a day wandering the Spanish colonial streets of San Miguel de Allende.

Read Next: Top Ten Things to Do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Budget

Mexico is a terrific option for summer travelers on a budget as prices tend to be way lower than in the United States. You’ll want to find a good deal on a hotel early and spend your time wandering the beaches for live music festivals and day parties.

Depending on where you’re flying from, roundtrip tickets to Cancun can be as low as $200. If you like to pamper yourself, splurge on the hotel—many top-star places offer excellent spas. If you’re more into the activities, invest in making some memories.

You can usually book great excursions through your hotel at the concierge desk—awesome activities including zip lining, diving, snorkeling, boating, and seeing Mayan ruins.

Food

Break away from the tacos and burritos mold to savor Mexican cuisine as you’ve never tasted it before. Each region boasts its own local specialties, from Mayan-inspired cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork with bitter orange marinade) to pan dulce and melt-in-your-mouth churros.

Read Next: Where to Find the Best Food in Mexico City

Safety

Don’t forget to take all of that common sense on your trip that you have lying around! Know your limits when it comes to alcohol and always try to party with friends.

Even the tranquil beaches of Cancun can have off days… look for those red or black beach flags, which spell out danger for swimmers and surfers. Most beaches do not have lifeguards, so you’re on your own here. In case of emergency, call 066.

Read Next: The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide

 

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SHOP my favorite summer, Mexico-inspired styles!

Tips for Traveling Mexico in the Summer is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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5 Romantic Places for Couples in Milan

One of the fashion capitals of the world and the third largest city in Italy is also one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Milan is filled with beautiful architecture, incredible historic sites, incredibly people, and majestic art.

The city is quite large, but also very navigable. If you know where you’re looking, you’ll be sure to find a number of romantic places throughout Milano.

For couples traveling to Milan this summer check out these 5 romantic places for couples in Milan!

 The Roof of the Duomo

What beats climbing on the roof of one of the most incredible gothic churches in the world?  In regard to man-made architecture, probably not much. If you’re not up for doing much climbing, you can also pay to take the elevator to the top. The view from the top of the cathedral will immediately provide a feeling of romance to you and your partner.

 Galleria Victorio Emanuele

One of the more extravagant outdoor shopping malls in the world is also host to a very traditional mosaic that is quite fun for couples.  This mall extremely opulent and also quite important to Milan tourism. Head over to the bull mosaic, place your heel inside the hole, and spin 3 times. Then, make a wish, and hope it comes true!

Teatro alla Scala

Scala rivals the Metropolitan Opera as one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. What could be a better date night than to grab a wonderful dinner in Milan and then head to Scala to listen to some famous Italian opera? Be sure to check the schedule though as they tend to run with the school schedules.

Castello Sforzesco

Sforza castle is one of the most breathtaking locations in Milan. The cattle is epic. One can literally picture oneself warding off enemies while walking around the center of the castle courtyard. Guys, pretend to be the Duke of Milan with your beautiful partner.

Shopping Areas

Regardless of what people say each year as this destination seems to change, Milan is the fashion capital of the world. Shopping and walking around the fashion exposes of this city can be quite romantic.

Yes, for the guys, it will be annoying after a while, but go treat yourself to a nice new hand-made Italian outfit and then get dressed up for a romantic dinner.

And hey, guys, if you’re bored while your partner is enjoying some shopping, grab some gelato. Gelato solves all of life’s major problems.

READ NEXT: Top Romantic Getaways in Italy for Couples

 

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SHOP my favorite travel essentials!

5 Romantic Places for Couples in Milan is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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The Best Destinations to Travel to in July

The trick with traveling in July is finding a place that is not too hot or overrun with crowds but that still provides ample opportunity for sun and sightseeing. If you have some free time, time off work, or that wanderlust itch… book a plane ticket for one of these amazing travel destinations.

Here are some of the best destinations to travel to in July this year!

– – Iceland – –

July is the best month weather-wise to check out Iceland. Long days and melted highlands mean easier travel and more time to explore the natural landscape, like driving the Golden Circle or visiting the Blue Lagoon.

The sunlight stretches out to 20 hours per day, and temperatures range roughly between 46 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit—positively balmy for Iceland! Expect to get the most out of your vacation to the Land of Fire and Ice.

Prices do go up at this time, though, so be sure to book your hotel and tours months before your trip.

Read More: The Best Time to Go to Iceland

– – Peru – –

It is technically wintertime in Peru, but July still sees lovely sunny days and dry weather, especially on the beach and at high altitudes. July is a perfect time to explore the beautiful Cuzco and ancient Machu Picchu. As long as you stay out of the rainforest, you’re good to go!

Read More: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

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– – Cartagena, Colombia – –

Cartagena is an ideal getaway with its warm beaches, hopping nightlife, and cafés galore. Food and sightseeing are still fairly cheap here, which means you can guiltlessly extend your vacation by a few days.

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– – Sofia – –

Hotel prices in Sofia are at their lowest in July, meaning you can explore Bulgaria’s capital without worrying about your wallet! This European city is just coming up as trendy with art galleries and fresh farmers’ markets.

But it’s still out of the mainstream—meaning few other tourists! There are plenty of sights to check out: from the National Museum of Military History to the Royal Palace—there is also a city-wide music festival.

– – Stockholm – –

Stockholm is always bursting with life—come rain or shine—but it’s in the summer that you really enjoy the Venice of the North. Wander around the Royal Palace grounds and Gamla Stan.

It’s the perfect season to explore the open-air museum and zoo of Skansen. Summer is also the time for great bargains at antique flea markets, picnics in the park, and—if you’re feeling daring—rides in a hot-air balloon.

Read More: Stockholm Travel Tips

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– – Krakow – –

Krakow days in the summertime come alive with temperate weathers, sunshine, and energetic festivals.

Lauded as Poland’s cultural capital, the city of Krakow boasts an impressive Old Town, a summer Street Theater Festival, and the beautiful Wawel Castle. It’s easy enough to hop on a train to see the sights out of town too, including the Wieliczka Salt Mines and Auschwitz.

– – Indonesia – –

The summer is the best time to visit Indonesia, especially Java, Bali, and Papua. Watch out for crowds in July and August but before and after should be prime time to go island-hopping. Just be sure not to visit from October to March—these months are monsoon season and they come with heavy rains.

Read More: The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide

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– – Budapest – –

Budapest comes alive in the summer with street markets and festivals to distract you from the heat. Go for a cruise on the Danube, cool down in the medicinal thermal baths, or bike around on the hunt for some ice cream or sorbet.

– – Corsica and Sardinia – –

The lovely islands of Corsica and Sardinia are beautiful gems in the Mediterranean. Both have wild landscapes, pristine white beaches, and resorts where you can kick your feet up for a week or two. Choose Corsica for the sleepy island vibe and Sardinia for the high-value properties.

Read More: Colorful in Corsica

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– – The Seychelles – –

The Seychelles, with their stunning white beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, are not one of the top holiday destinations in the world for nothing.

Stay in a thatch-roofed tree house and visit the World Heritage Site Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Plus in July it´s still relatively cool and not yet swarming with Europeans.

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The Best Destinations to Travel to in July is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Awesome Travel Passport Covers by Nunuco Design

Every globetrotter needs an awesome travel passport cover. Your passport is far too valuable not to protect! I have seen far too many travelers running around with coverless passports and it makes me sweat a little bit every time.

Here are some awesome travel passport covers to try out!

Why You Need a Passport Cover

Don’t learn your lesson the hard way—naked passports are subject to bends, tears, spills, and all the other perils of the road. Keep your most important travel accessory safe with a gorgeous, functional, and chic travel passport cover by Nunuco Design.

There are so many ways that you can damage your passport when you are on the go. It’s just not worth the risk! I got a nasty bend in my last passport that stopped it from swiping properly. I can’t tell you how much time it wasted when all of my data had to be manually entered. Since then, I always keep my passport in a cover.

On top of keeping your passport safe, covers are also a great way to keep organized. Slip in ticket stubs, immigration forms, and all of the other essential little pieces of paper that you’ll need to quickly grab on your way through terminals.

I love looking into my handbag and seeing a brightly colored, easy-to-spot passport cover. I can quickly glance inside my bag and know I’ve got my passport and all the other little essentials that I’ve tucked into the case.

The stunning passport covers from Nunuco Design are my latest obsession. The Finland-based fashion accessory brand creates some of my favorite iPhone cases, passport holders, agendas, paper goods, and diaries.

Its hip, modern aesthetic is different from anything else out there.

You’re sure to be the envy of everybody in the customs line with your Nunuco Design passport cover.

Nunuco Design

The story behind this up-and-coming European fashion accessory company is really inspiring. It was started in April 2014 by a Finish couple, Kristiina Kurkikangas and Tiitus Kareno. These ultra-stylish entrepreneurs took social media by storm and made their company a true success story.

In less than two years, the couple transformed what began as a two-room home office into a major fashion powerhouse. Nunuco Design now has tens of thousands of followers and is shipping its adorable accessories around the globe. Talk about the little company that could!

Ready to get your own übercute passport cover?

Nunuco Design has got you covered. Every passport holder by Nunuco Design Co. includes three slots for airline ticket stubs, IDs, and credit cards. They are also high quality and sturdy, and have multiple pockets for storing documents.

For a cool, urban vibe, go for the internationally-themed Kaupunkimatkailija Passport Holder like I did. Beach goddesses will adore its tropical hand-sketched design!

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Awesome Travel Passport Covers by Nunuco Design is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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