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Tourism and travel represent nowadays the main leisure activity for billions of people around the globe. The digitalization of our world and the use of new technologies changed the way we look and perceive the tourism industry and opened the door to the E-tourism.

What is the future of tourism in the digital era? What are the changes we can expect?

As I am always interested in the new digital outbreaks, and also passionate about tourism and travels, I decided to research the new concept of E-tourism.

• E-tourism: digitization of the industry
• E-tourism: new digital trends
• M-tourism and E-tourism:

E-tourism: digitization of the industry

The E-tourism is defined as “the digitization of all the methods and value chains of the tourism, travel, hotel and catering sectors, allowing companies to maximize their efficiency and their offers to customers”.
The emergence of the Internet in the ’90s as well as the development of various web technologies have strongly changed and revolutionized the tourism sector.
E-tourism is a new way of thinking, organizing and experiencing the holidays that is taking place. People are increasingly using smartphones, computers, and tablets to book flights and hotels. They also tend to discuss and send photos and videos of their stay. In the era of E-tourism, travelers share their opinions and experiences before going on a trip, during the trip, and after the end of the holidays on social networks.

These opinions will have a great influence on the reputation and value of a certain destination or tourist offer.
A study conducted by Raffour Interactive’s firm in 2015 shows the key figures of E-tourism in France:

• 71% of people consult the Internet to prepare their stay.
• 45% have booked all their trip or part directly online.
• 32% are preparing their holidays from their smartphones.
• 77% of E-tourists consult opinions online.
• 68% are influenced by the opinions they read.
  These figures show that the Internet has become an important source of information regarding tourism offers. People are increasingly trusting the sites and reviews posted on them to choose their stay.

E-tourism: new digital trends

The web has become the predominant channel worldwide. The number of bookings made online increases from one month to the next. According to Damian Cook, CEO of E-Tourism Frontiers: “To say that digital tourism is the future of the market means that we live in the past. E-tourism is not the future, it is already the present“.

It’s not only important to know that online bookings are the new trend but you also need to understand the role that social networks play as ‘drivers’ of these bookings.

With the rise of social media, we find that there is a transfer of control from the travel industry to individual tourists. This can be frightening because their opinions can affect the integrity of a certain offer.
At the same time, this transfer of control could be a great opportunity. “When tourists have a great experience, they publish photos, videos and even write reviews that will surely bring in more customers” said Damian Cook.

I personally think that nowadays internet users are increasingly looking for interactive platforms where they can communicate and share with tourist agencies. Having a website is not enough anymore. Tourism stakeholders are committed to empowering their customers to create their own content on social networks. I, for example, always like to participate in social media games or post reviews of my experiences. It would surely help me appreciate more and more the companies that are giving this opportunity for customers.

Vacations are the most shared experiences on these platforms. People take pictures, they show the destination, they describe their experience and also talk about their meals. This is considered free advertising for the agency organizing this stay especially as hundreds of thousands of such publications are shared each day.
Social networks have surely changed the trends of tourism but the tourist in himself remains the most valuable asset. In the digital world, the tourism industry is driven by independent travelers. Consumers took power, they participate in the creation of the offer.

M-tourism and E-tourism:

The development of mobile applications in recent years and its adaptation to the field of travel has led to the emergence of what we call the M-tourism.

“The major evolution of E-tourism is that of the mobile” according to Guy Raffour. In 2009, 4% of the population was preparing their holidays via their smartphones. This number increased exponentially during the next seven years. In 2016, 53% of people use tablets and mobiles to prepare trips. There is a huge increase in 7 years.

65% of travelers say that M-tourism has a big impact on the way they prepare their trips. By having their digital tablet or mobile, travelers have access all the time, to all the leisure offers and activities available on site. They customize their holidays on site, adding a hotel night or booking a restaurant without having to think about it in advance. We are witnessing more freedom and independence.
Individuals are increasingly connected through their smartphone which makes the M-tourism the newest trend in the travel and vacation market.

To summarize, I think in the digital world, it is important for tourism and travel companies to acknowledge the importance of a satisfied customer. People are connected the whole time. I personally post pictures daily whenever I am visiting a new place. I write reviews and give my opinion on hotels, packages, and flights. There reviews and posts will surely influence people’s decisions when planning the same trip.

The customers are gaining more and more control. It is important to innovate and understand the value of UGC (user-generated content) in order to always offer unique experiences for travelers.

Finally, on a more personal note, always remember that even if you can stay connected all the time during your trips, turn off your phone for a few hours and just enjoy the stories you are writing!

Let me tell you the story of my preferred place in Bordeaux: Darwin Ecosystem.

Arriving in Bordeaux in March 2018, I began my quest to get to know the city well, discover its landmarks and get used to its streets. It was my way of better understanding the city in which I was going to live for the next months.

After a few days in the city of wine, I went for a walk with a friend of mine along ‘La Garonne’, the river dividing Bordeaux into two parts. I ask my friend about what lies on the other side and there she told me about an amazing place called Darwin Ecosystem.

‘It is a place that is so original, alternative and worth the visit‘ she said. I kept it on my mind and decided to check it out whenever I have free time. Two months passed, and, since I was too busy with my courses and studies, I had completely forgotten about Darwin.

However, life always has its way of bringing you where you are meant to be. At the beginning of the summer of 2018, I had to find an internship. After searching a lot, I found an internship offer on the university wall that says: ‘looking for a web marketer and a guide for a company at Darwin Ecosystem‘. I applied immediately, got the job and thus my adventure at Darwin began!

So, what is Darwin Ecosystem?

Darwin Ecosystem: The first glimpse

At first sight, you feel as if you’re entering an old military area. You notice lots of bicycles coming in and out of the place. Graffities fill the buildings and the walls. People eating or having a drink on recycled tables and chairs. You observe something out of the ordinary. It is as if you teleported out of Bordeaux and are in a new city where people chose a new way of life.

The first time I went there, I saw students in unusual classrooms, skaters roaming around the place, employees working on their laptops under the summer sun. I felt a connection to this place. I have always wandered in cities I visited searching for unusual ideas and uncommon ideas. Here, I found what I was looking for. I was so anxious to spend the next 6 months working at this amazing place.

With the days passing, I began to understand more and more what Darwin Ecosystem represents. Since I worked as a guide there, I got to learn the whole story of the place and through participating in various events, I felt driven by its lifestyle and concept.

Darwin Ecosystem: A beautiful community with a rich history

History of the place

The location in which Darwin ecosystem exists now has been through lots of changes during the years. It has witnessed peace and war and was a place that brought joy as well as sadness.

Built in the 1860s, this place used to be a trading warehouse where many types of merchandises were stocked. It was later bought by the government that transformed it into a military warehouse before being occupied by the Germans during the second world war. In 2005 this place became completely abandoned and all its warehouses and buildings risked being demolished until a man named Philippe Barre decided, against all odds, to take the risk and give this location a new life and purpose through his Darwin project!

An uncommon concept

So what exactly is Darwin Ecosystem? It is many things at the same time. It is like a city inside a city. You can eat, drink, shop, practice sports, study party, or just walk around the place.

About 200 companies are present in an amazing co-working space where more than 600 employees work side by side in an awesome atmosphere. Creating such a co-working space in 2012 was a risk to take as the co-working concept was not very well known a few years ago. Nevertheless, the idea worked amazingly and now Darwin hosts more and more startups.

An organic restaurant is ready to welcome all visitors offering them healthy food with a 100% organic Darwin beer.

If you are into activities and sport, you will find what you are looking at Darwin thanks to more than 40 associations present there. You can skate, bike, get a massage, participate in a yoga course or practice a new hobby.

It doesn’t stop here! Darwin has its own school where students study in alternative methods. They do not use books but participate in activities and group works to better understand the professional life. The purpose is to try new more effective educational methods.

As its name says it, Darwin Ecosystem is an ecology friendly place where everything is recycled. Solar panels generate all the energy needed, and most employees come by bicycle or walking to work. All these elements make Darwin a perfect model for future ecological projects.

My Darwin

Visiting Darwin ecosystem for a few hours is much different than spending many months working there. During these months, this place became much more than a work environment. I learned, experienced, and discovered a new way of living inside a community that has its principles: ecology and joy of life!

I can say I was very lucky for so many reasons that I did my internship at Darwin. I had the chance to discover what co-working is and work with an amazing team surrounded by awesome people. I participated in many original events, organized by Darwin associations, such as crunches, picnics, pitch datings and more that aim to create better relationships between all this community’s components.

I learned that it is possible to live your life, and party all while reducing your impact on the environment. Darwin’s parties such as Ocean Climax and ‘Heures Heureuses’ are a must if you are ever in Bordeaux. All of these events are ecologically friendly and aim to sensitize people on the importance of protecting the environment.

I understood the importance of recycling and took this knowledge with me even after leaving Darwin. What is impressive about this project is that most of the people working there, take what they learned and apply it in their everyday lives.

Darwin, for me, is proof that there is always an original and ecological solution to abandoned sites and buildings. Rather than to destroy them, it is very possible to ‘recycle’ them and create an amazing and diverse project that welcomes people with different purposes.

It is a private location but feels like a public one. What gives it its charm, is the rich history of the location and the diversity of the activities that Darwin include. It is an amazing community that welcomes people and teaches them a new way of looking at the world.

Darwin ecosystem is not just a place, it is a way of life, a new concept of living, working and having fun that should be transmitted and duplicated everywhere in the world.

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Moving into a new city always comes with excitements and worries. Lots of questions come to your mind regarding the new life you are about to live. In March 2018, I first set foot in France’s wine city. Now, after one year in Bordeaux, I thought it would be a good time to talk about my amazing experience here.

I still remember the first day I arrived through ‘Gare Saint Jean’ and took a taxi to my hotel. I was looking from the car’s window at these unknown buildings and streets, wondering what this city has in store for me.

My first impressions of Bordeaux were pretty positive. I liked the city, the people and the overall atmosphere. With the days passing, I settled in an apartment, started university and began to get to know the city from a different perspective.

I can describe my one year in Bordeaux as amazing. It was surely rich in experiences, events and new encounters!

The beautiful encounters and friendships

During my first year in Bordeaux, I was lucky enough to meet lots of amazing people that later became friends with whom I hang out.

The first people I met were through a language exchange meeting held every Monday. It is organized by ‘Tripmeeters’ and similar to Couchsurfing meetings that I used to organize in Lebanon.

Thanks to these meetups, I was able to practice languages I like and also make friends in this city which was really awesome!

The encounters continued when I started university. During this year, I made really good friendships that I know will last for life. Along the way, I kept on meeting other people or friends of friends and now, one year later I am very lucky to have known them all. We created some really good memories together. Should it be drinking beer every Saturday after university, going to an after-work, partying, trying a new restaurant or meeting for a picnic during summer. I even went for my first Corrida in a small village called Captieux south of Bordeaux!

Thanks to these people, I make the most out of time in Bordeaux! These memories combined form the essence of my story in the wine city.

After one year in Bordeaux, I can tell that people here are very sociable, and nice! It is easy to meet new friends and create amazing memories with them!

Work and new experiences

One of the best experiences I had during my one year in Bordeaux, was to do an internship in the alternative place: Darwin Eco-system. There will be an article soon explaining what Darwin is and why it is a must-visit whenever you are in Bordeaux.

I was lucky enough to work for a startup at Darwin, called COM&VISIT, as a web marketer but most importantly as a guide for the eco-system. I am someone who always had a passion for guided tours and with COM&VISIT, it was like a dream come true! For about 8 months, I was in charge of groups that ranged from 1 to 20 or more persons. Many of them were French, but many others were from the Netherlands, UK and even Japan. Doing these walking tours while working with amazing colleagues in a special place like Darwin is an experience I will surely remember for life!

Another experience I got to try in Bordeaux was bartending. I spent a lot of time pubs and always thought that it would be nice to stand behind the bar, pour drinks and discussing with people. Well… this also came true in Bordeaux. It wasn’t really a job but more like helping some friends I met who own a pub. I very much enjoyed helping them out for some nights, pouring beers and serving customers. I can now check this item off my to-do list!

The touristic part of my journey

Bordeaux is a nice city that has much to offer for all tourists. During the first months, I didn’t really visit any landmark. I guess this is a way of thinking when we are living in a city with no return ticket. I was always postponing as I knew I was staying for at least a year.

When summer arrived, I used my Bordeaux pass card to discover some of the landmarks. I visited ‘La Cité du Vin’, the Aquitaine Museum, and went up on the ‘Pey Berland’ tower where I had an amazing view of the city. These visits gave me a brighter idea of the rich history and culture of Bordeaux and its region.

Moreover, as I had a 3 days weekend last summer, I took a bus to Saint Sebastian in Spain. This is something I really love about Bordeaux which is its proximity to Spain and Italy; within a few hours, you can cross the borders and visit a new country. My summer weekends also took me to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat which are a must-visit whenever you are in Bordeaux! These 2 places are by far great summer destinations!

One of the reasons I was very glad visiting this area is that I am a big fan of Oysters and I can assure you, it has the best Oysters I have ever tried!

Saint Emilion was also one of the villages I loved. It is very close to Bordeaux and very well known for its vineyards! I spent an unforgettable day there, visiting wine castles and wandering around the small streets!

This city has become a second home for me. I spent an awesome one year in Bordeaux and all the above represent a small sample of what I really lived. Walking in its streets at night is always a pleasure because the wine city is so beautiful when illuminated. She certainly is very pretty! I read books on its grass, go jogging on the right bank or just meditate next to the river.

I created so many good stories and memories in this city and still looking forward to what the universe has in store for me here!

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Few months ago, I had the chance to spend 3 days in Barcelona. It is surely one of the main travel destinations around Europe This big city welcomes millions of tourists every year who come to enjoy its beaches, museums, and food.

If you plan to spend 3 days in Barcelona, it is important to know that it is a very big city. Wandering around it and in its small streets would surely be so nice. However, it would be preferable to plan your trip ahead and choose the places you want to visit so that you can make the most out of the time you got.

During your 3 days in Barcelona, you will surely need to use the public transportation system. All corners of the city are well connected by metros and buses.

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In case you are a person who likes to visit most of the touristic areas in addition to using public transportation, I would recommend considering the Barcelona city pass or the Barcelona pass. Both of these cards offer discounts on many attractions and include free metro and bus tickets.

Let’s now check how to make the most out of 3 days in Barcelona:

• Getting from the airport to the city center
• Public transportation options and prices
• Where to stay in Barcelona?
• The must-see places in Barcelona
• The food you should try while you’re in Barcelona

Getting from the airport to the city center

There are many ways you can use to go from the airport to the center of Barcelona. You get to choose between buses, metros, minibuses, and taxis. Personally, I chose to take the Aerobus as it seemed to be the fastest and cheapest option.

The Aerobus leaves every 10 minutes from the airport and get you to the center in about 40 minutes. Two ways tickets cost 10.20 Euros. You can purchase these tickets directly at the airport. There is no need to buy them online beforehand.

For more information about other ways of getting to the center of the city click here.

Public transportation options and prices

The Aerobus dropped us at Plaça de Catalunya. As I stated before, the city is very big and the use of public transportation is important to save time and to make the most out of the 3 days in Barcelona.

I can fairly say that Barcelona has a good transportation system that is very clear, easy to use and links all parts of the city together.

There are different travel cards you can choose from. The single ticket costs 2.20 Euros, however, if you are planning on using the metros or buses many times, it is preferable to purchase the Hola BCN card or the 10 tickets card.

The T10 ticket can be purchased online or the vending machines and as its name suggests, you get to use the bus or metro 10 times with it. It costs 10.20 Euros.

The Hola BCN card grants you unlimited journeys for a limited number of days. If you take the Hola BCN 2 for example, you would have unlimited journeys for 2 days starting from the moment you take your first journey. This card costs 15.20 Euros. The prices differ depending on the number of days.

Personally, as I was spending 3 days in Barcelona, and I know I am someone who likes to walk a lot and wander in the small streets of the city, I chose the T10 card as it is cheaper than the Hola BCN. For more information about the fares and for online purchases click here.

Where to stay in Barcelona?

Just like any other big city, Barcelona offers a wide range of accommodations for you to choose from. I, personally, have always preferred hostels over hotels, and Airbnb. I like the idea of common areas and activities where it’s easier to meet people and make friends.

My choice landed on “Jam Hostel” Barcelona and I can surely say it was a great choice!

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The hostel is located in a quite area that is very close to the center. It is surrounded by two main metro stations (Joanic and Alfons). The staff was really friendly, helpful and very sociable. I took along with my friend, 2 beds in a 9-bed dormitory room.

The rooms and bathrooms were always very clean. The kitchen common area is big with many games and activities that are proposed. During breakfast and late nights, I got to meet many people with whom I exchanged travel plans and opinions on the city. Even though I spent little time in the hostel, as we were out most of the day discovering the city, I can fairly say it was one of my best hostel experiences ever.

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If you need to search for any accommodation for your next trip make sure to follow this link and get 10% of your booking back: Book your next accommodation.

The must-see places in Barcelona

In order to make the most out of my 3 days in Barcelona, I made sure to check up and plan the main places I would like to see. As I stated before, it is an amazing big city. You will surely find lots of things to do in order to fill up your days.

Here is the list of the most interesting places I found and chose to visit:

Casa Batlló

As you wander around Barcelona, you will surely see many of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces. Casa Batlló is one of them. The shape of the building is made in a way to represent a dragon.

It is possible to admire it from the outside, but if you have a thing for arts, it is advisable to visit the inside of the building as you will surely be astonished by it. As it is a very touristic spot, I advise you to get your tickets online so that you don’t have to wait for a long time.

La Rambla

Personally, i think La Rambla can be considered as the heart of Barcelona. It is the biggest street in the city with lots of shops, bars and restaurants. If you are looking for a quiet place to walk, it is not your best option.

However, I recommend going there after having walked a lot and needing to rest. You can always grab a drink, eat some delicious tapas, or even churros.

Why not also just sit there, watching the city and people moving in front of you!

Mercado de La Boqueria

While you are visiting La Rambla street, it is imperative to pass by La Boqueria. It is one of the best-known markets in Barcelona. You can literally find anything you want there.

La Boqueria is known as the place where you can find things that are not present anywhere else. Also, if you are tired of walking and need something healthy to drink, there you will find all kinds of fruit juices, cold, and ready to be served.

Visiting this market is an experience not to be missed while in Barcelona!

Columbus Monument and boat tour

At the end of La Rambla street, on the lower part, you will see Columbus monument which is dedicated to Christopher Columbus. It is possible to go inside the monument so it is advisable to buy the tickets online beforehand.

The ticket costs 5.40 Euros and you will get to enjoy a magnificent view from the top of the statue.

You will see Barcelona marina just next to the monument. From there you can find many tours operators that will give you a boat tour around Barcelona harbor. The tour can vary from 60 to 90 minutes.

Park Güell

Park Guell is one of the most well known masterpieces of Gaudi. It has a terrace area, mosaic benches, and colonnaded footpaths.

It is one of the must-sees in Barcelona. You will find yourself teleported to an imaginary world with all the fascinating shapes and forms surrounding you. As most of Barcelona’s touristic monuments, it is very recommended to book in advance to visit the park as the waiting line is always so long.

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It is also important to arrive exactly on time of your purchased ticket. The ticket cost 10 Euros per person and there is also the possibility to book a guided tour inside the park.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is surely the most popular attraction in Barcelona. This fascinating cathedral is still under construction since the year 1882.

Arriving at the Sagrada Familia, you instantly feel in a construction zone, and it is still far from over. However, it is very possible to visit it from the outside and the inside and be amazed by its architecture.

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As I stated before, this is one of the most visited places in Barcelona so to avoid waiting for hours to enter, get your tickets online before you arrive. it is also possible to book a guided tour inside the cathedral.

Montserrat Monastery

Montserrat is one of the best places I visited during my 3 days in Barcelona. I tried to look up for something out of the ordinary and thus found this place. It is a big monastery built in the 11th century on a high mountain.

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To arrive there, you have to take the train from Plaça Espanya in the center of Barcelona. The trip takes about 1 hour passing through beautiful sceneries.

You need to get off the train at Aeri de Montserrat station. From there, you will take a breathtaking cable car up to the top of the mountain where the monastery is. There are no words that can describe the view and the feeling once you are there.

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You have to consider at least half a day for this visit. you need to check out the inside of the monastery, the restaurant, the souvenir shops and perhaps just sit somewhere looking at the amazing view in front of you.

From Plaça Espanya, you can get tickets for this whole trip. The ticket costs 42 Euros and include the train both ways and also cable cars both ways plus it can be used as metro ticket 2 times.

It is important to know that the train leaves Plaça Espanya every hour so be there on time otherwise you will have to wait another hour for the next train.

Personally, I think that this is a must see during any trip to Barcelona!

The Carmel Bunkers

These bunkers are the best place to be if you are looking for a 360 view of Barcelona.

I went walking from Jam hostel where I was staying and reached them in about 15 minutes. There are big stairs that you take until you reach the top. At every level, the view was getting more and more marvelous. If you really wish to enjoy Barcelona, it is a place to visit!

I went during the day, and it was so lovely. However, I was told that at night the view is magnificent. So give it a try if you have time! Buses numbers 92 and 119 bring you very close to the bunkers.

The Gothic quarter

This is the oldest part of Barcelona, where you can discover the real city. I enjoyed wandering around the narrow and small streets a lot.

Every street is different and unique somehow. You will find lots of bars, shops, and cafés in these narrow avenues. Wandering around the Gothic quarter transports into another era and shows you another face of Barcelona.

My advice is to take your time while visiting this part. No need for a map. Just follow your legs and get lost in the beauty of the old city!

This was the list of places that I visited during my 3 days in Barcelona. There are of course other touristic attractions that might interest you such as the chocolate museum, the aquarium, and the history museum as well as the Montjuïc Castle. As I said, it is a big city so a choice should be made. However, the important thing is to enjoy your time as much as you can! I will end this article with the most delicious food I ate there!

The food you should try while you’re in Barcelona

As in every city of the world, Barcelona is known for specific types of food that you should try while you are there!

Paella dishes are a must try. You will find lots of restaurants serving them in La Rambla or the Gothic quarter. It is the typical dish every tourist should while visiting this city.

Churros are also something you need to taste. Make sure to order them with a cup of hot chocolate on the side! In the Gothic quarter, you will find lots of restaurants only serving Churros! You can expect to find these places full. This is what happened to us. We literally had to wait outside until a table became free. That’s how much Churros is important over there!

Tapas are also a thing in Barcelona. They are very delicious and come in different forms and taster. It’s up to you to choose the ones you like the best!

Before I conclude, I would like to give an advice to all souvenirs buyers. Make sure to ask for prices in more than one shop. The prices vary a lot and you can negotiate a lot. The cheapest shop I found were in the Gothic quarter. The ones next to Sagrada Familia was very expensive in comparison!

So here it is, my 3 days in Barcelona story! An amazing trip where I discovered an amazing new city, tasted good food, and most importantly made good memories!

Always remember, be a traveler and not tourist! In every city, there is a lot to be discovered other than just the touristic places. Engage with people, go out, have fun!

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Who hasn’t heard of Paris, Rome or Brussels?! Wonderful European capitals with rich culture and history!

Did you know, however, that there are many underrated cities around Europe that can easily compete with these “well known” destinations?

During the last years, I had the chance to visit many parts of Europe. This continent clearly has a lot to offer in terms of tourism and travel! Unfortunately, many amazing European cities are not being noticed due to lack of marketing and publicity, even though they are excellent travel destinations!

Stepping inside these cities is like going on an adventure to discover and chart an unknown place.

Here are 5 of the best, underrated places I visited in Europe and in which I made fascinating stories.

 

1- Prague:

The second you set foot in Prague, you feel as if you teleported to a different era. The mysteries and legends of this city can be seen and felt through the various castles, and monuments. Prague has a lot to offer depending on the taste of every visitor. Should it be culture that you like or history, partying or just wandering around, Czech’s capital has got you covered.

The city is perfect for a night walk where you can admire its beauty, and reflect on all the old tales surrounding it.

Prague was one of the best solo traveling experiences I had. I participated in amazing pub crawls, tried one of the best beers in the world, learned how to “beer pong” (it’s not as easy as it seems), visited awesome castles, and most importantly made worldwide friends through the Czech inn hostel where I stayed!

Make sure to check my blog post: Prague: legends and tales of the night!

 

2-Budapest:

One thing should be clear: Budapest is an amazing city! I went there in summer 2016 and was stunned by what this city has to offer. If you give her the chance, Hungary’s capital will blow your mind!

If you are a culture lover, you will be well served. Make sure to check all the historical buildings, bridges and the amazing stories behind each one of them. As for partying, it has one of the best night lives in Europe! I couldn’t resist going out for drinks or partying every night of my stay there!

The thermal springs baths are a must when in Budapest! The city is very well known for these baths that go as far back as the 16th  centuries. You should consider spending a whole day to make the most of them. It is an experience not to be missed!

 

3-Copenhagen:

In 2010 I decided to spend new year’s eve in Copenhagen. This is how I discovered how beautiful this city is. The Danish people are very sociable and nice, they like to welcome and help travelers. In winter the Danish capital is breathtaking with all the white parks and frozen lakes.

Once there, do not miss the Tivoli gardens, little mermaid statue, and the national museum and get to know the stories they hide!

Renting a bike and wandering around the city is a very beautiful experience. Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.

I am really lucky that it was one of the first cities I visited in Europe and still carry great memories from the time I spent there!

 

4- Lisbon:

Ah Lisbon! the city that took my heart away! Portugal’s capital was the first city I travel to all alone. The second I set foot there, I knew I made the right choice. I smile whenever I remember the time spent there.

Wandering around the city at night brought me great joy. Lisbon is very charming and has many interesting historical areas to visit such as Belem, Alfama district, and the coach museum that holds amazing ancient “coaches” (old automobiles).

When in Lisbon, make sure to visit Sintra, the amazing town that is a world heritage site. Do not miss a trip to Cabo Da Roca, the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal with a breathtaking view towards the ocean!

Check out my article on my trip to Lisbon: How I fell in love with Lisbon!

 

5- Bruges:

Bruges in a UNESCO world heritage site that is a must to all those searching to explore a small but rich town in Belgium. Bruges is awesome to explore by day as it is by night. By day you will get to see all the chocolate shops, people riding bikes and tourists wandering around. At night, you will enjoy the silence, walking around the small lit streets.

Bruges has amazing scenery all around it and once there you should not miss the chance to rent a bike and visit neighboring towns. Damme is a very beautiful town, about an hour by bike from Bruges. The trail is amazing, as it is flat, surrounded by trees, and next to a canal.

Bruges and its surrounding are worth the visit if you want to spend a calm weekend and enjoy your time! Check out my blog post on how I spent 24 hours in charming Bruges.

 

Make sure to check other posts that may interest you! =))

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In summer 2016 I went to discover Budapest for few days. Two of my friends joined me on this trip that turned out to be one of the best trips I ever had. Even though I always admire solo traveling, being with friends with whom you share the same mentality is precious!

Moreover, we encountered amazing people along the way that made our trip even better! So here it goes… How to spend an awesome time in Budapest?!

Where did we sleep?

We took our time to search for a nice hotel that was well located. We finally chose Queen Mary Hotel that is in the heart of Budapest and close to all public transport. I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting the Hungarian capital.

The staff were very helpful, we met many of them, either on day shifts or night shifts. They were always smiling, funny and had lots of interesting stories to tell! Whenever we had free time, we just went to reception and they were happy to discuss any subject with us.

Moreover, the hotel is close to 2 important metro stations so its location is perfect. From there you can easily visit all of the capital.

The rooms were very clean and the breakfast was really rich!  We would literally spend an hour and a half during breakfast.

This hotel, as well as its staff and all the advises they gave us, played a key role in making our trip to Budapest one of the best we ever had.

 

 

What did we do in Budapest?

Food and drinks:

The Hungarian cuisine is heavenly! We had the chance to try many restaurants with different typical Hungarian food.

I cannot recommend one specific type as I tried many and don’t recall all the names. However, I encourage you to enjoy this tasty cuisine with its delicious ingredients varying from chicken, to meat, cucumbers, mint, oranges…

As for the drinks, Pálinka is a must. It’s a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy that you can find everywhere in Budapest.  It is known for its flavor and fragrance and is a key element in the Hungarian culture. We first tried this drink in a pub called “5Cl”  that was a nice place, but as far as I heard it is unfortunately closed now.

Monuments and must-visit places:

1-Parliament building:

While taking a night walk around Budapest, it is imperative to stop at this fascinating building designed in Gothic style.

2- Heroe’s square:

An awesome monument that features important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

3- Castle hill funicular:

A visit to Buda’s castle is a must to enjoy the awesome view from above!

4- Széchenyi Thermal Baths:

These baths are worth buying a plane ticket just to visit them! Come and enjoy the outdoor pools with the hot and cold water. After that, go to the sauna and steam rooms! It is absolutely a must visit! You should consider w full day to enjoy every part of it.

The listed above places are only a sample of what Budapest has to offer!

Partying:

If you like to party till dawn and have fun then Budapest is the city for you! Entrance to most bars varies between 3 to  6 Euros and drinks are so cheap compared to other European capitals. The nightlife is amazing and the music is awesome. You can choose to party in the old ruin bars spread everywhere, or on the Danube river and even in the thermal baths on weekends.

Some of the best partying memories I have come from Budapest!

The people we met along the way:

I always believed that a trip is perfect, only when you get in touch with locals. Spending time with locals is what gives a charm to your experience.

In Budapest, we were lucky enough to meet 3 people who made our trip amazing! Thanks to them, we now have awesome memories from these few days we spent there.

Dora, a friend of mine that I met in Italy a year earlier, is actually from Budapest. She was our historical and cultural guide during this trip. She devoted a lot of her time to show us the monuments of Budapest and explain to us the history of the city! Thanks to her we visited many good restaurants and tried delicious dishes. Thanks to her, we got to enjoy many hidden spots in the city! On our last night there, we went to have dinner with her and tasted one last time the awesome Hungarian cuisine.

  

There are people who you meet by accident and leave the biggest impact inside you. Anita is one of those people. We met her during our first day in Budapest in the “5CL” pub (which is closed now). She was the bartender and she served us our first glass of Palinka. I remember how much fun she was; We became friends with her and went for drinks and dinner altogether many times. We kept on passing by to see her every day until our last night in Budapest. I still remember that last night, It was really emotional to tell her we were leaving the next day, because, in a short period of time, we became so close all of us as if we had known each other for years. We drank our last glass of Palinka and bid farewell. Anita has become part of our Budapest story, a story that brings a smile to our faces whenever we remember it!

While walking next to the amazing bridges on the Danube river, and trying to take a selfie, we met an old lady who offered to take a picture of us. We never got to know her name, but I always remember how happy she was taking the picture. We thanked her a lot and asked for a picture with her so it would stay as a souvenir. In my opinion, these are the best moments we can ask for during any trip!

I’d like to conclude by saying that Budapest has it all, it truly is an underrated city. If you like culture, history, partying or just chilling, Budapest has got you covered. It’s a city that is worth the visit and you will surely leave with awesome stories to tell!

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To make friends in a hostels is one of the most pleasant experiences. You’ll have the chance to encounter people from different parts of the world, who are here form the same purpose: To go out and enjoy the city.

Staying at a hostel and sharing a room with people I don’t know was never really an option for me a few years ago. The good thing is that there is always a first time for everything.

The first hostel I have stayed in was “Sleep in Heaven” in Copenhagen – Denmark. I had decided to spend new year’s eve in the Danish capital with a friend from university. As we were both adventurous, we decided to book 2 beds in a 6 beds dormitory room. This trip was the turning point that made me addicted to staying in hostels wherever I travel.

Hostels are fun! they are relatively cheap, they offer lots of activities, promotions and organize nice events. Most importantly, you get to meet lots of friends from different backgrounds which is awesome, especially when solo traveling.

So how to make new friends in a hostel?

1- Connect With Your Roommates

Your roommates are usually the first people with whom you engage in a conversation. Since you share the same room, the simple act of saying “Hello” when you meet them will lead into a chat. Introduce yourself, ask them where are they from? how long are they staying? and what are their plans?

It is very probable that they are looking to visit the same places as you, which would be a great opportunity to hangout together.

During my first stay in a hostel in Copenhagen, my friend and I met two people from the UK. They were sharing the room with us and planning on visiting Malmo in Sweden just as we had decided. Thus, all four of us took the train and spent an unforgettable day discovering this small city.

2- Participate In Group Events

One of the things all hostels have in common is that they organize many walking tours and pub crawls. Joining these events is a great way of making new friends. You can ask someone to take a picture of you or vice versa and start a conversation from there. You will be sharing drinks with people you just met, which, believe me, makes it really easy to get the conversation going.

A few years ago, I was solo traveling in Prague and stayed at the “Czech inn hostel“. The first night there, I joined a pub crawl event which was really amazing! I met many people during that night, with whom I spent the next 3 days in the Czech capital. We shared drinks, stories, danced together and most importantly for me, learned how to win at “beer pong”!

 

3- Make Sure To Hang Out At The Bar

Most hostels have some really nice bars where you can have breakfast in the morning and drinks all day long. Spending time at the bar is a great way of making new friends. You can easily say hello to any person who just arrived and start the conversation from there.

If you notice someone having the same drink as you, just go over there and be like “Cheers!” or  “best drink ever, right?”

People in hostels are usually very open-minded and sociable so just grab a beer, pull a chair and sit next to any person you choose!

 

4- Organize A Game Yourself

You can be a little creative and invite people to play a game with you. It could be a cards game or a board game that you brought along.

This is a great way to make new friends. Surely more people will be interested to join, so you can have multiple rounds with different people. Do not forget drinking games, that is a really cool way for bonding with people you just met.

 

5- Be-friend The Staff

Hostel staff are usually very friendly and sociable. Getting to know them will surely help you meet new people and discover the city from a different point of view.

The guy or girl standing behind the desk, the person organizing the tours or the bartender, are all working in this hostel because they have a passion for this city. Connect with them, ask them what is their favorite restaurant? what are some secret places to visit? They might even put you in contact with locals that they know to try some traditional food for example.

This is one of the best reasons to stay in a hostel. The staff are really fun and they are always passionate and happy about meeting new travelers.

6- Spend Time In The Communal Lounge

All hostels often have a communal area where guests can hang out together. They are usually equipped with sofas, TVs, books, board games…

This space is great to meet new people. Just go there and say hi to the first person you encounter. If you see someone reading a book you like or watching a movie you know, just go over to them and start a conversation. Who knows? they might join you later for a bike tour or a party at night.

“Alessandro hostel” in Rome has a very nice communal area on the rooftop of the building. I went there one night for a few drinks and met some really nice people! we ended up pub crawling all together in the streets of Rome which was an unforgettable experience!

Summary

When you stay at a hostel, bear in mind that everyone is here for the same reason as you. They want to discover the city, hang out, party and have a good time.  Hostels are so much fun! Benefit from the time you spend there and make as many new friends as you can. These are the memories you will remember for years to come!

 

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On a sunny Monday morning, I decided to benefit from the nice weather and visit one of Bordeaux’s neighboring towns. Here’s the story of my day trip to Saint Emilion.

This charming medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage site had always been on my bucket list. It is very well known for its amazing landscapes, unlimited vineyards and of course, wine! So if you are planning a trip to Saint Emilion, here is a detailed description of how to spend a whole day and enjoy this beautiful town.

How did I get to Saint-Emilion?

Saint-Emilion is 30 minutes away from Bordeaux by train. You can check the train timetable by clicking here. The trip costs about 9 Euros for a one-way ticket.

 

 

 

 

 

I left Bordeaux at 9 in the morning and reached the village by 9.30. From the train station, you should consider 20 to 25 minutes walk to the center of the town.

Signs are present in every corner of the streets which means you do not have to worry about getting lost. However, in case you do, it is not a big deal as you will be surrounded by breathtaking vineyards!

My advice is to enjoy every step you take while walking between the vineyards and landscapes before you reach the town. When you get closer, you will notice a big tower overseeing all of Saint-Emilion. This “Bell Tower” should be your first stop as it is located next to the tourism office that you have to check before you begin wandering around the town.

Four awesome ways to discover Saint-Emilion

In order to make the most out of Saint-Emilion, I decided to visit the tourism office to get a map of the town and ask about interesting tours they offer. Here are the 4 things I recommend doing to fully enjoy this village.

Tour the underground:

It is definitely a tour not to be missed!

When I arrived at the tourism office, I was told they had a walking tour that covers 4 main historical sites of Saint-Emilion that you can only enter if accompanied by a guide. the tour costs 9 Euros per person and lasts about 1 hour.

The guide arrived at 11.30 and we started the walking tour in front of the amazing monolithic church.  We literally discovered the underground legacy of Saint-Emilion. I felt like I was walking in a different era as I visited the hermitage of Émilion, the Trinity Chapel with its medieval paintings, and the catacombs with the underground church.

The guide was very professional and you can always find tours in different languages such as English, French, and Spanish.

For reservations, you can book on the tourism office website.

Tour the underground of Saint-Emilion 

Visit a “Wine Chateau”:

Since Saint-Emilion is very well known for its wine, it is essential to visit one of the amazing castles and its vineyards.

Once at the tourism office, I asked about these tours. I was offered many choices, but since I didn’t have a car, I chose the closest one to the city center which is “Chateau Villemaurine“.

The tour costs 12 Euros and lasts 1 hour, ending with wine tasting. It really is a must for all wine lovers. You will get the chance to discover the vineyards, the process of winemaking and most importantly visit the underground quarries.

I would recommend visiting the tourism office and booking these tours once you arrive in Saint-Emilion as there is usually only one tour per day.

Otherwise, you can book your place on the tourism office website:

Wine and vineyards tours in Saint-Emilion

Take the stairs to the top of the “Bell Tower”:

The “Bell tower” is one of the biggest monuments in Saint-Emilion. If you ever get lost while walking towards the city center, just look around you and you will spot it from far away. It is built in the center of the village.

Visiting the tower and looking down on Saint-Emilion from up there is an amazing experience. For 2 Euros, the tourism office will give you the keys to the old wooden door through which you access the tower.

I began climbing 196 steps until a few minutes later I reached the highest point of the tower.

The view from up there is breathtaking. I just stood there for 10 minutes, admiring the beauty of this town.

Visit to the bell tower

 

Wander on your own in the streets of Saint-Emilion:

Wandering around the medieval streets of Saint-Emilion is certainly a very pleasant walk. I enjoyed passing by all the wine shops, looking at their windows filled with wine bottles. The friendly waiters and waitresses were everywhere, inviting people to the restaurant they work in. Simley faces of locals and tourists filled the streets.

I highly recommend taking some time between the walking tours, to visit Saint-Emilion by yourself, to get lost in its streets because it’s so magical.

Don’t forget however to get a map of Saint-Emilion once you arrive at the tourism office. It can prove very helpful!

Where did I have lunch?

The city center of Saint-Emilion is filled with restaurants of all type. Some of them have similar menus while others offer different cuisines.

I was walking the streets of this old town and stopped by a place called “O Trois Fontaines“. It caught my attention with its attractive design and interesting menu.

I sat on one of the high tables, that are basically oak barrels and ordered a smoked salmon plate with a glass of red wine and it was divine!

I highly recommend this place as the food is really good, the waitresses are really nice and sociable, and it has really good value for money.

 

And to conclude…

Saint-Emilion is a really nice and pleasant place that should be on your bucket list if you ever visit France and more specifically Bordeaux.

Make sure the weather is good on the day of the visit to make the most out of your visit!

I left the town at around 4.30 PM and it took me around 35 minutes to reach the train station as I decided to walk slowly to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful landscapes one last time.

Check out my first ever vlog about this day right here! >>>

I hope this article helps you plan your trip and for any information feel free to contact me or visit the tourism office website.

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