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What will it be like to travel after the pandemic?

What will it be like to travel after the pandemic?

If you are also wondering what it will be like to travel after the pandemic, today we are going to try to collect measures and actions that are already being applied plus some trends to try to imagine what the return to travel and vacations will be like after the Coronavirus.

1. Flexibility

Flexibility for changes or cancellations is something that hotels and holiday apartments have already offered as a differentiating value for some time. But airlines have always been reluctant to offer these benefits except for premium fares. In recent months we have seen how even the low-cost ones have changed their policies offering changes and cancellations for free in all rates in an attempt to attract customers.

Will this change last? It is likely not and that, as soon as we begin to return to normal and the freedom of movement of tourists is reestablished, they will once again be exclusive services. But it is to be expected that, at least for the medium term, they will continue to offer these options to all customers. Although as travelers and users, we would love if you decided to adopt this measure forever.

2. Safety and hygiene

In the same way that after 9/11, new aviation security measures were implemented, during COVID other measures have arrived that, as in the case of the first ones, could remain forever.

An example is the reinforcement of cleaning measures in airports, airplanes, train stations, trains, bus stations, buses, … The use of hydroalcoholic gels, distancing at waiting queues. This type of hygiene measures is very possible to be maintained over time and even indefinitely. Others, such as capacity control, are more difficult to maintain due to the economic impact they have, since companies cannot continue to operate for a long time to maintain prices with 50% or less of travelers.

3. Less planning

The uncertainty about the evolution of the pandemic and about the measures that are being taken with regard to tourism and quarantine have led travelers to plan vacations and getaways one or two weeks in advance, while the usual thing was to plan with more than one month in advance.

This lack of planning will make last minute offers more popular and more sought after by travelers and that they will also seek ease in planning for a vacation that they have not had much time to organize, as well as flexibility and speed in operations and procedures. This will mean a new range of possibilities for accommodation, transport, travel agencies and all services related to tourism.

4. Leisure by turns and with plots

Since the beginning of the pandemic we have seen many measures to control leisure, such as establishing visiting shifts or delimiting personal space.

For years, many museums and tourist attractions have already taken shifts due to space issues, so this measure is not new to them. But in other cases it has been implanted for the first time. Attentions by appointment, staggered arrival times or the organization to establish shift systems will be imposed, at least during the first months.

In the same way, the subdivision on beaches or open-air concerts has been a novelty to keep personal space separate from other people. These systems have had their detractors, but they have been the solution to be able to enjoy certain activities without risks.

5. Uncrowded tourism

One of the main consequences of the restriction of the movement of tourists around the world is the de-massification of cities and tourist destinations. Cities like Venice, Amsterdam or Barcelona that for years had detected an excess of tourists in their streets, have emptied themselves overnight.

And it is foreseeable that the return of tourists will be progressive for various reasons: not all countries are going to have the same rate of recovery, there are travelers who will look for options further away from the hustle and bustle for their vacations, … And another question that is in the air is if these excessively crowded destinations will take some measure to regulate the influx of tourists from now on, taking advantage of the stoppage caused by the pandemic to put some order and prevent situations from occurring in which the influx of people becomes uncontrollable.

6. Personalized experiences

Another consequence of the lack of tourists for the destinations is having to make their businesses profitable and obtain benefits with a high percentage of fewer tourists. For this, destinations will have to consider customization options with high-value experiences so that visitors are willing to pay a higher price in exchange for a personalized experience. This will be a challenge for crowded or specialized destinations with low prices.

For example, would you be willing to pay a higher price to visit the Sistine Chapel without rushing and without hundreds of tourists around? The doors to creativity are open and we will start to see news very soon.

7. From closer to further

The summer of 2020 has been that of national tourism par excellence. With very few options for traveling abroad, visiting other areas within the country has been the option of many. It is foreseeable that the situation will continue the same in the coming months. And the most likely evolution is that the opening of borders is progressive.

Domestic trips will be restored first. Followed by the surrounding countries and the big international trips will be last on the list. Always taking into account that the most normal thing is that the transit between countries that are in the same situation is reestablished and it is foreseeable that there will be differences in the process of returning to normality and in the taking of measures in each country.

Predicting what tourism will be like after the Coronavirus is not easy. We will have to adapt to the situation and organize our trips according to the possibilities of the moment. Always knowing that sooner or later we will be able to enjoy traveling and discovering new places that we still want to visit.

And you? What do you think it will be like to travel after the pandemic?

The most beautiful towns in… Spain

5 of the most beautiful villages of Spain

With this post we open a series of posts with the most beautiful towns in different countries. In order to give visibility to the different national associations belonging to The Most Beautiful Villages of the World composed of the most beautiful villages of Spain, Italy, Japan, France, Wallonia (Belgium), Lebanon, Russia, Saxony (Germany) and Switzerland and Lichtenstein.

We begin our journey through five of the most beautiful towns in Spain in a year in which we have traveled the territory as we have never done before due to the difficulty of traveling abroad. So, if you still have a few days of vacation, take note of these precious things to prepare a getaway.

Fornalutx, Mallorca

Fornalutx is a small town located in the northwest of the island of Mallorca, in the Sierra de Tramuntana. Its charm lies in its cobbled streets, its stone houses and the hundreds of plants that adorn its alleys.

Around its church there are different streets and alleys through which you can walk enjoying its charm.

It is a small and cozy town, ideal for a one-day visit or to stay for several days enjoying its tranquility. The options for activities in the area include hiking trails, driving routes to the mountain viewpoints or a getaway to the beach of Puerto de Sóller, which is just 15 minutes away.

Pampaneira, Granada

In the heart of the Alpujarras (the mountains of Granada) is this charming town. The stone houses (most painted white and some in the color of the original stone) house plants and geraniums in facades and recesses.

Water is the leitmotif of the town as it runs through its streets that have been specially designed to channel it. Several fountains serve as supplies for the visitor. Among them the best known is that of San Antonio, famous because whoever drinks it finds a boyfriend or girlfriend.

To the south of Pampaneira is the Costa Tropical and to the north stands the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.

Anento, Zaragoza

In the southwest of Aragon, halfway between Teruel and Zaragoza, is Anento. With just over a hundred inhabitants, it is the perfect place to disconnect and be in contact with nature. Although on weekends it receives many visitors who walk through its streets.

One of the main activities is the Aguallueve (“Water rains”) route, a rock on which the water falls in the form of drops that make it look like rain. In winter it freezes being even more spectacular. Other points of interest are its medieval castle or the Torreón de San Cristóbal.

Frías, Burgos

Frías is located less than an hour from Miranda de Ebro, next to the Montes Obarenes-San Zadornil Natural Park.

The most striking thing about Frías is its castle perched on a rock that rises above the highest part of the town. In the surroundings of the castle is the Parroquia de San Vicente Mártir of Romanesque style. At about 15 minutes walking, you will find the Ebro river. A bridge also Romanesque crosses it and, on one of its banks, you can enjoy a recreational area and a bathing area.

In addition to walking through its cobbled streets, walks along the Ebro are a beautiful activity to soak up the beauty of its surroundings.

Potes, Cantabria

In the west of Cantabria is Potes, a town with cobbled streets and stone houses crossed by two rivers, the Quiviesa and the Deva. It is one of the most touristic towns in Cantabria and there are many things to do and see.

The old quarter is made up of the most charming streets of the town and they form a beautiful environment to walk around. The Church of San Vicente, the Torre del Infantado or the Convent of San Raimundo are its most visited places.

Nearby you can enjoy the Fuente Dé cable car, the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana or the Desfiladero de la Hermida.

With these five proposals we hope to encourage you to visit the towns of Spain, either to spend your next vacation or to get to know the rural charms.

Do you want to see the complete list of the most beautiful towns in Spain? Visit their website: https://www.lospueblosmasbonitosdeespana.org/pueblos-con-encanto.html

Pounds or card? What is the best option to travel to London?

Pounds or card: The best option to travel to London

If you are preparing a trip to London or to another city in the United Kingdom, you will surely have asked yourself this question: What is better to travel to London, carry Pounds or pay by card? At Eurochange we always recommend that you carry, if not all, at least part of your budget in Pounds in cash. We explain why.

Advantages and disadvantages of paying by card in London

In the list of advantages of card payment in London or in the UK in general, we only found one (which also has its cons): protection against theft. But it also has its not so good part. It is undeniable that if someone opens our backpack and steal our wallet, as soon as you realize you can cancel the card. The problem is that right now contactless cards have a minimum amount for which you do not have to put the pin. If your card is one of them and you do not have this functionality blocked, in a moment the thief can charge you a few expenses without you realizing it. Also, if you only carry a card and it is stolen, you are out of money and unable to get more.

The main disadvantage of carrying cards to pay in London is that you will not know the price you pay for things until you check your bank statement. Since when making a payment of say 25 Pounds, your bank will set its rate and it is also possible that a commission will be applied for having to convert Pounds to Euros. And you don’t know the rate or the commissions in advance. So until you have made the payment and you verify it in your account, you will not truly know the total that you have paid in Euros. Yes, there are banks that do not charge commissions and work with the market rate. If this is your case, go ahead. Take your card and pay with it. Of course, do not forget that carrying some cash is important just in case.

Another point against cards is that not all shops accept them. Although there are more and more places where you can pay with any type of card, including kiosks or bus tickets, there are always places where they do not accept card payment. For these cases it is necessary to carry some cash and so we are sure that with a card or with Pounds in cash we can make the payment.

Another disadvantage is privacy. Sometimes we do not realize it, but both daily and when we travel, if we make all our payments by card, our bank or the card issuing entity knows all our movements. Carrying your Pounds in cash and paying with them is the best way to maintain your privacy while traveling.

Advantages and disadvantages of bringing Pounds in cash to London

The main disadvantage of carrying Pounds in cash to London is the possibility of theft and the danger of carrying a lot of money together. It is true, if you carry all the Pounds of your trip in your wallet and someone steals it, you have lost everything. But there are ways to prevent this from happening. The first would be not to carry all the money together every time we leave the hotel. The vast majority of hotels offer in-room safes. A good idea is to take only the Pounds that you are going to use during the day and leave the rest at the hotel. Also, don't leave everything in your purse or inside your backpack. If you can carry something in a pocket, another part in a backpack pocket, another part in the wallet. But it is always better if you leave the large amount in the hotel and bring just enough for the day.

As for the advantages, the most important is that from before you leave home you know what things are going to cost you. If you have purchased your Pounds in advance, you will know the price you have paid for them. If you paid € 1.15 for each Pound, you can easily calculate that something that costs 20 Pounds will cost you 23 Euros. There are no more expenses or surprises later.

Another advantage is that you can pay with Pounds in cash anywhere. Except for some ATM only for cards, but there will always be an alternative option to pay in cash. For example, in the metro ticket machines there are some that are only for cards and others that have both options.

And finally, another important point in favor of carrying Pounds in cash to travel to London, is that you can have better control of spending. When paying by card, sometimes we lose track of what we are spending on vacation. Carrying your budget in cash will make you have more control over what you spend every day so you do not exceed your budget or spend more than you thought.

The best option to travel to London is…

According to our experience and the experience of our clients, the best option is to bring the Pounds already exchanged from Spain. Of course, you also have to carry a card for regular use just in case and a credit card doesn't hurt (for unforeseen expenses, to rent a car, …).

Our recommendation is to change to Pounds the money that you have destined to spend during your stay in London. Upon arrival at the accommodation, separate what will be used each day and leave what is not needed in the hotel safe. Also, remember the trick of carrying money in different places like the wallet, a backpack pocket and the pants pocket.

If what you are worried about is that you have excess Pounds, with our Buy Back Service you will be able to return the remaining Pounds at the same price that you paid for them. Check the conditions on our website.

Have we resolved your doubts? If not, please contact us and we will answer all your questions.

8 tips for organizing a trip to London

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If London is your next travel destination or it is one of the options that you consider, in our post we give you eight tips to organize a trip to London and make the most of it. Take note!

1. Plan your route and your accommodation

For us this is the second step when starting to plan a trip. The first would be to buy the flights :). London has many tourist attractions, not only in the city center. Planning your visit in advance you will get the most out of your vacation time.

For a short weekend visit, in Westminster you will find things for a couple of days. So it may be a good idea to look for accommodation in the area and avoid traveling unless you want to see something outside the center.

For a longer trip you have more flexibility to decide what to see each day and where to stay. However, there are many things to do and to see. If you want to make the most of your trip, we recommend that you mark on a map what you want to see. Choose for each day 2-3 things that are nearby to spend the day in that same area. And not everything is seeing and visiting places of tourist interest. Enjoy the day to day of the city on the terrace of a cafe, having a pint in a pub or sitting in a park to rest.

Find cheap hotels in London:

Booking.com

2. London Pass

The London Pass is access to certain tourist attractions with a single card. Prices range from 79 Pounds for the 1-day adult pass to 201 Pounds for the 10-day pass. The pass includes visits to most of London's paid attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London,…

Review the list of paid attractions you want to visit and calculate the price of tickets separately. It is possible that if you want to visit several things in 2-3 days, it will be much better to buy the pass with the included tickets.

Visit the London Pass website to see prices and attractions.

3. Free plans in London

In London there are many things to do for which you do not have to pay anything at all. The main museums are free and some of its main attractions are public, such as the markets of Camden, Portobello or Borough, Hyde Park, famous stages such as Trafalgar Square or Picadilly Circus,…

If you are interested in learning more, check out our post with 10 free things to do in London.

4. Excursions outside London

If you have one spare day, you can take advantage of it to get to know the surroundings of London such as Bath, Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge or Dover. In one day you can visit any of these places and many more as we told you in our post with 5 1-day excursions from London.

There are companies that organize them, some of them can be reached by public transport or you can rent a car to get there and go your own way

5. Transport in London

The best option for transport in London is to buy an Oyster Card. This card is a prepaid card that costs 5 Pounds that are refundable upon return. The trips you take cost half the usual rate and have a maximum spending limit per day and per area. So even if you exceed that maximum expense you will no longer pay more during the day.

The Oyster Card has a visitor version. It is ordered online and sent to your home. The price is 5 Pounds plus shipping and in this case, it is not refundable. The advantage is that you have discounts at restaurants and other tourist attractions. Check their website to see all available options.

6. European Health Card or travel insurance

For the time being and until changes are notified after Brexit, to travel to the United Kingdom and have free healthcare, you only must apply for the European Health Card. The card is free and is requested at INSS offices, by phone or online (in Spain).

This card covers travelers who are temporarily in another EU country with the same conditions that they would have in the public health service of their country. If you are traveling from January 2021, the current conditions of use of the European Health Card may be different.

This card does not cover assistance to private doctors or flight delays, loss or theft of luggage, etc. For this you must pay for a travel insurance with these coverages. Eurochange readers have a 5% discount on the IATI travel insurances. Click on the banner.

7. Currency exchange

To travel to London you will need to change your Euros to Pounds. At Eurochange you can make your exchange with the best rate and without commissions. Change the Euros you need before your trip and, on your return, you can change your leftover Pounds (the notes, not the coins) back to Euros.

In addition, don’t worry about the amount of Pounds to carry, since with our Buy Back Service you can return your leftover Pounds with the same rate your paid for them. Check the conditions of our Buy Back Service.

8. Must-have in the suitcase

We have already arrived at the suitcase so we assume that all of the above is under control.

It is surely not the first time that you hear that the weather in London is unpredictable. Well it's true. In the same day it can be sunny, airy, rainy and sunny again. So in your suitcase you should not miss an umbrella or raincoat and, in case you go in the summer, a jacket that will keep you warm in case it cools.

Another thing you should not forget is a power adapter. For about 10 or 15 Euros you can buy multiple adapters that will serve you for almost all countries in the world. Get one of them and always carry it in the suitcase.

Traveling to London after Brexit

As of the date of this post, the United Kingdom is already outside the European Union, but the regulations that will regulate tourist traffic between them have not yet been established. To date you can travel with your Spanish ID, but we recommend that you prepare the Passport just in case. It never hurts to carry two documents and leave one of them in the accommodation.

As of January 1, 2021, the new regulations with the corresponding changes are expected to be in progress.

Are you missing something else to prepare your perfect trip to London? Have a good trip!

10 free things to do in London

Ten free things to do in London

After reading our post "How many Pounds should I bring to London?" (where we help define a budget to travel to London for a week), many clients ask us if traveling to London is expensive. While it is true that there are other European capitals where prices are much cheaper, London also offers plenty of free activities. So in our post today we give you a list of 10 things to do in London totally free.

1. Big Ben and Parliament of London

Big Ben is the emblem of the city of London. It is one of the most photographed spots, if not the most, and thousands of tourists a year pose from Westminster Bridge to have their snapshot next to Big Ben (with a bit of luck with a typical red double-decker bus passing). Next to it stands the British Parliament Building. This sight is one of the must see on a trip to London.

2. British Museum

Entry to the British Museum is free. You only have to pay for some temporary events or exhibitions. The museum's collection is amazing and reviews all civilizations: ancient Egypt, classical Greece, pre-Columbian cultures, the Middle East and the Far East… It is worth the visit and get lost in its rooms to witness history of humanity.

3. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is the largest park in central London, where tourists and locals find entertainment and relaxation. One of the options is to have a picnic in the park, sit on a sunny day and enjoy the tranquility. You can also stroll and visit its sources and monuments such as the Diana of Wales Memorial or the Wellington Arch that is next to the southwest entrance of the park. Other activities, these not free, are renting a rowboat or a skate, renting a bike, eating in one of its cafes or, in hot months, enjoying its urban beach.

4. Changing the Guard

The changing of the guard is a ceremony staging the end of a shift and the beginning of the new shift of Buckingham Palace guards. The ceremony starts at 10:30 and in total lasts about 45-50 minutes. The changing of the Guard is not celebrated every day and not every day it is accompanied by a music band. On its website you can check dates and times dates and times.

5. Tower Bridge

After Big Ben we would say that the Tower Bridge is the second most visited and photographed place in the city. It is a tilting bridge that rises to make way for river traffic, although today it is not as common as it was on the date of its construction in the 19th century. The internal access is not free, you have to pay about 10 Pounds for the entrance and you can see the process of its construction and understand how its mechanism works. But without a doubt, seeing it from the outside is already an experience. On their website they publish the times that the bridge rises to make way for ships.

6. Tate Modern

The Museum of Modern Art in London is known as Tate Modern. Admission is free and you can see works by the most famous modern artists in the world, from Monet to Andy Warhol, including Dalí, Picasso, Matisse and Miró. On the tenth floor of the building there is a panoramic platform to enjoy the views.

7. Sky Garden

A free alternative to the London Eye is the Sky Garden. From this rooftop garden of the building known to Londoners as the Walkie Talkie you can have a beautiful view over the city. Admission is free, but you must make a prior reservation on its website, since seating is limited to avoid crowds. In addition to the views that you can contemplate from the closed room or from the outdoor walkway, there are spaces to have a drink or to sit for a while among the plants that make up its wonderful interior garden.

8. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a square in central London that commemorates the British naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Every year on October 21 a parade is held for this reason. In addition, the square has been a meeting point for demonstrations and celebrations since its construction. In the square stands out the column on which is the statue of Horatio Nelson (admiral who died in battle) guarded by four bronze lions.

Museum of London - 10 free things to do in London — Photo from:
www.museumoflondon.org.uk

9. London Museum

To know the history of the soil you are treading on, nothing better than a visit to the London Museum. In its exhibition, a journey through the history of the city is made from the first settlements by the river to the present day, passing through the Roman Londinium, the medieval period, the Civil War, the Great Fire or the Victorian period. A perfect visit to delve into history in a very entertaining way.

10. Picadilly Circus

Another of the emblematic places of the city is Picadilly Circus. This intersection of streets crowded with fashion and technology stores is famous for its advertising screens (which were posters a few years ago). It is a bustling place, full of people and cars almost at all hours. But it is the perfect place to do your shopping as the main fashion stores are located on nearby Regent Street. They say that if you sit at the Shaftesbury Fountain for an hour you find someone you know.

Aside from this selection, there are more museums and more free activities to do in London. So don't worry if you're not traveling on a big budget, since you can do a lot of things without spending a Pound. In addition, just strolling through streets surrounded by victorian houses, through the City or contemplating the thousands of monuments that the city hides, it will have been worth it.

Are you traveling on a tight budget?

At Eurochange we make the exchange from Euros into Pounds with the best market rate. Just buy them on our website and we will send your Pounds to your home or you can pick them up at one of our offices. Get more Pounds for your Euros so you can enjoy your vacation more.

Are you looking for more things to do in London?

Find the best activities and discounted tickets at Get Your Guide.

5 things to do in the Aquitaine region (France)

Five things to do in Aquitanie, France

In our post today, one of our traveler fellows, Javi, tells us about his experience visiting the southwest of France and he recommends 5 things to do in the historic region of Aquitaine.

I didn’t know very well where to go during my summer holidays, places with many people, very expensive places, heat,… But I decided to try and check if those good comments I had heard about it where true. That’s teh reason I spent my holidays in the region of New Aquitaine in France. New Aquitaine is located in the southwest of France whose capital is Bordeaux. Well, here is my personal recommendation in case you decide to visit this Gallic region.

1. Bordeaux, the capital of Aquitaine

Only 1 hour and a quarter from Alicante airport (a few minutes or so from other airports in Spain) is Bordeaux, the capital of the Aquitaine region. The essentials of Bordeaux: Lose yourself among its narrow streets full of bars, take a stroll along the Garonne river (river along which the city grew), visit its monuments such as the Cathedral of Bordeaux, the Place de la Bourse or the Place de Quinconces and have a good Bordeaux wine in one of its charming terraces.

2. Dunes of Pilat

About 70 kilometers southwest of Bordeaux is this wonder of nature that is one of the most visited natural areas in France. You cannot leave without seeing the Dunes of Pilat. What's more, I think that once in a lifetime everyone should go see this beauty. On one side is the Atlantic Ocean, on the other a natural site and, in the middle, these dunes more than 100 meters high and more than 3 kilometers long.

3. La Roque-Gageac and Sarlat

Just over 200 km east of Bordeaux are these two charming medieval villages in the Dordogne River basin. They are two towns with streets and stone houses very well maintained that are the great tourist attraction of the area. La Roque-Gegeac is well known for its canoe trips on the Dordogne River and Sarlat has one of the most picturesque historical centers in France as you can see in the Place de la Liberté. The kilometers of round trip are compensated with these two places and allow you to know the landscapes of the region.

4. Beaches and wind

Near the Dunes of Pilat begin the vast beaches of Aquitaine where you can practice surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing or any other activity that requires wind. This characteristic turns these beaches into leisure and sports areas. You can also see the WWII bunkers in Soulac-sur-Mer. They are beaches with a long history, now clean and fine like few in the world.

5. Bordeaux wine

Even if you are not a wine lover, as is my case, it is always interesting to visit the wineries where this worldwide famous wine, Bordeaux, is made. E.g., at the Château Sainte Barbe, about 20 kilometers north of Bordeaux, you can take a view that goes through the vineyards to see the method of growing the grapes, passes through the cellar and ends in the tasting room where their wines are tasted. Tasting some of its varieties will remain on the palate and in your mind forever.

We hope these recommendations will help you if you have the city of Bordeaux and its surroundings on your list of upcoming destinations.

6 travel books to dream

Six travel books that will make you dream

At these times when the world, air traffic and holiday plans are suspended and as a commemoration of Book Day on April 23, today we want to offer you a compilation of 6 books about travel that will invite you to dream of your next adventure.

Senderos de libertad (Paths of Freedom), Javier Moro (Spanish)

In this book Javier Moro relates the fight for the defense of the Amazon jungle through the life of Chico Mendes and the assassin who murdered him. It is a story of struggle to preserve the nature and way of life of indigenous peoples against fierce capitalism and political interests. And all this related on the stage of the largest jungle in the world, with its vastness and its inhabitants who continue to fight today to maintain their identity and customs.

Into the Wild, Jon Krakauer

Christopher McCandless' story became famous in 2007 with the premiere of the movie of the same name starring Emile Hirsch. McCandless was an American adventurer looking for a simple life where he could fend for himself by living off the earth's resources. He traveled through various states as a nomad until he began his adventure in Alaska. The author collects part of McCandless' diary in the book along with testimonies of those who had contact for the last time.

Wild, Cheryl Strayed

In Wild, the writer Cheryl Strayed tells her story. How she decided to embark on the adventure of traveling 1800km of the more than 4000 that make up the Pacific Crest Trail after a bad time in which several negative events occur. The novel was also made into a movie with the same title in 2014 starring Reese Witherspoon. This is a fantastic insider's journey through one of North America's most iconic and spectacular trails.

La Aventura de viajar (The Adventure of travelling), Javier Reverte (Spanish)

Javier Reverte is a writer, journalist and traveler who narrates his travels in this book since he was a child fascinated by the adventure of traveling, going through his multiple trips for his job as a correspondent, until he found himself a chain traveler who cannot abandon the adventure he longed for as a child. In this book you will go through his most extraordinary journeys through his memories.

A walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson

If we traveled one of the most beautiful trails on the Pacific coast of North America in Wild, in this book Bill Bryson walks one of the most impressive on the East Coast: the Appalachian Trail. In his book he tells with his characteristic acid humor, his experience on the road accompanied by his friend Katz. Both without enough preparation or equipment for this adventure. It was also adapted to the big screen in 2015 starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte.

La vuelta al mundo de Lizzy Fogg (Around the world with Lizzy Fogg), Elisabeth G. Iborra (Spanish)

The author narrates in these books her adventures traveling the world alone. In her books she makes a tour of more than 30 countries in which she tells in a fresh and close way the experiences she lives until she makes the reader feel that he is accompanying her during her wonderful trip around the world. In the second part of the book, the author focuses more on the difficulties or more conflictive situations she experienced, but always trying to leave a good taste in her mouth so that the reader continues to feel like traveling the world.

With this you already have reading for a few weeks. Keep your adventurous spirit alive, we are surely preparing our next trip before we know it.

Are there any other books that have motivated you on your travels? Tell us!

5 best 1-day trips from London

The best five 1-day trips from London

Visiting London is one of the most popular trips from Spain. And the reason is simple: it is close (between 2 and 3 hours depending on the airport of departure), the flights are affordable (it is not a hoax, we know those who have traveled for 29 Euros round trip) and it has a host of things to do and to see to not get tired of going. But if you think you have already seen everything the capital of the United Kingdom has to offer, today we give you a list of the 5 best 1-day trips from London. You can put this destination back in your sights.

1. Visit Windsor Castle in one day from London

It is the closest visit to the capital since it is reached in less than an hour in a westerly direction. The origin of Windsor Castle dates back to the 11th century and is currently the second residence of Queen Elizabeth II. It is one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world.

View of the Windsor Castle - 1-Day trips from London — View of Windsor Castle

The highlights of the visit to Windsor Castle are the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dollhouse and St. George's Chapel. During the visit you will see some of the most valuable works of art from the collection of the British Royal Family as well as buildings with great architectural value. If the interior is impressive, the exterior areas are even more. In the outdoor areas of Windsor Castle there is a golf course, the Frogmore House (former royal residence), the Duchess of Kent Mausoleum, a cricket ground and a farm, whose can be purchased at the Windsor Farm Shop.

Very close to Windsor Castle is Eton College, the educational center where many of the children of high society and the nobility of the United Kingdom study. The College has some places to visit such as the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Antiquities.

If you still have time, you can take a walk through the city of Windsor before your return to London.

2. Stonehenge 1-day tour from London

Just over an hour and a half from London is the Stonehenge monument. This megalithic monument is one of the most recognized images in the United Kingdom.

Monument of Stonehenge - 1-Day trips from London — Monument of Stonehenge

It is an emblematic place for its composition with huge stones, some of them in elevation, but also for everything that we do not know regarding this construction. It is believed that it was built as an astronomical observatory to predict the seasons, human remains have been found buried there and the presence of the golden number has been detected in the construction. About three kilometers from Stonehenge were found the remains of a similar site but made of wood, Woodhenge, where animal remains and other objects were also found evidencing the celebration of festivals or some type of ceremonies.

Cathedral of Salisbury - 1-Day trips from London — Cathedral of Salisbury

In addition to Stonehenge and Woodhenge there are other sites in the area that can be visited. And, if you have time, you can spend the rest of the day in the nearby town of Salisbury. There you can visit its Cathedral or eat something in one of the Butcher Row restaurants and pubs.

Plan your visit to Stonehenge, check prices and schedules before going.

3. 1-day tour to Oxford from London

Oxford is a city in which the desire for knowledge is breathed. It is the seat of the University of Oxford, the first English-speaking university, and its 38 Colleges. It is also known as the city of dreamy spiers, alluding to the beauty of its buildings. Also, Harry Potter fans cannot miss this visit as many of the buildings in the film are inspired by actual Oxford buildings and some of them served as a set for the films. More information about Harry Potter at Oxford.

Christ Church dinning room - 1-Day trips from London — Christ Church dinning room

One of the buildings that you must visit is Christ Church College, which is the most prestigious and also houses Oxford Cathedral. At the entrance they will give you a multimedia guide to guide your visit. And if you want to visit one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second largest in the United Kingdom, you cannot miss the Bodleian Library and the Radlciffe Chamber (which is also one of the emblematic buildings of the city).

Camera Radcliffe - 1-Day trips from London — Camera Radcliffe

As a good university city, it has a lot of life. Shops, pubs, taverns, restaurants, discos, … and a lot of bookstores. Dare to visit Oxford, it is just over an hour northeast of London, you will not be disappointed.

4. 1-day visit to Canterbury from London

An hour and a half east of London is the city of Canterbury. It is the religious center of the Anglican Church as it is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, its leader. In addition, since the Middle Ages it has been a place of pilgrimage (as illustrated in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales) due to the happening of miracles next to the grave of Thomas Becket, archbishop decapitated by King Henry II in an attempt to impose his power about the one that the Church had then.

Cathedral of Canterbury choir - 1-Day trips from London — Choir of the Cathedral of Canterbury

In addition to the Canterbury Cathedral, which is a World Heritage Site, there are other places of interest to visit such as the Abbey of Saint Augustine, the Westgate Towers, the ruins of Canterbury Castle or the Roman Museum.

William Marlowe, a contemporary of Sheakespeare, was born in Canterbury. Today the Marlowe Theater is one of its most important cultural attractions. In addition, in the city is the European University of Kent, which makes it have a wide range of entertainment.

5. Visit the Dorset coast from London in 1 day

A little further, about two and a half hours southwest of London, is the Dorset AONB. Its coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast of the United Kingdom and you can walk through meadows and beaches surrounded by cliffs or ruins of abandoned cities and ancient castles. It is a perfect place for hiking.

Durdle Door in Dorset - 1-Day trips from London — Durdle Door in Dorset

One of the most famous images in the area is Durdle Door, an emblematic natural limestone arch. Continuing east are the Man O’War and St. Oswald beaches. Followed by the impressive Lulworth Cove.

Lulworth Cove in Dorset - 1-Day trips from London — Lulworth Cove in Dorset

Another place of interest to visit in Dorset is the abandoned village of Tyneham. At the end of 1943, the 225 inhabitants of the town had to abandon their houses because the area would be used for training by the armed forces. They never returned because the area was definitively purchased by the government. But today it can be visited (on weekends) and its church and college have been preserved as a museum.

Corfe Castle in Dorset - 1-Day trips from London — Corfe Castle in Dorset

And continuing to the northeast is Corfe Castle, a charming village of stone houses, which houses the ruins of the castle of the same name. Corfe Castle is more than 1,000 years old and was partially demolished in the mid-17th century. Today its ruins can be visited to learn a little more about this fort.

We hope we have inspired you with our proposals and that you include some of them in your next trip to London. And if you know of any other 1-day excursion from London, tell us about it! What site would you add to our list?

What do you know about… breakfasts? 5 typical breakfasts around the world.

We tell you 5 typical breakfasts from 5 different countries.

Although the well-known “continental breakfast” has somewhat standardized breakfasts around the world, there are still typical breakfasts that you must try on your trips. Some are similar to what we can already be found in any cafeteria, but others will seem very unique to you. Here is the list.

Waffles with maple syrup and peanut butter toast with jam in the United States

It is very common in hotels in the United States: there is a machine in the breakfast buffet to make your own waffles. In addition to a can of maple syrup to sweeten them.

But you can’t miss out on the peanut butter, the spreadable par excellence of the country. It is spread on toast (or sandwich) along with a nice glob of jam. It is known as PB&J (Peanut Butter and Jam).

Pain Perdu or French Toast in France

The pain perdue is a classic French breakfast in which the hard bread of the previous day is used, that is why it is called “lost bread”. It consists of a slice or toast of hard bread that is dipped in a mixture of egg, milk, sugar and cinnamon and fried in butter. It is usually accompanied with fresh fruit and honey.

Rice, fermented soybeans and pickles in Japan

It is probably the breakfast that catches our attention the most. As is the case with all meals in Japan, it is made up of different small dishes and they are all served at the same time so that you can snack on one and the other. One of them is usually rice with a poached egg or a raw egg to be stirred and cooked with the heat of the rice. It is accompanied by natto (fermented soybeans with a strong smell and somewhat viscous texture), tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and some grilled fish or fresh tofu.

Toast with Vegemite in Australia

Vegemite is a dark brown salty paste made from yeast. It is a characteristic food of Australia and there are those who say that it is only liked by Australians. It is spread on toast for breakfast, lunch or snack, but it is also used as a dressing for sauces and other cooking recipes.

Bacon and beans in the UK

A hearty breakfast to gather strength for the day. A classic English breakfast includes at least one fried egg, a few slices of bacon (real English bacon), a sausage, grilled mushrooms, a slice of grilled tomato and two to three tablespoons of baked beans. The dish is usually completed with a couple of toasted slices of bread.

Have you already tried any of them? Which of all you fancy the most to try?

Holidays and quarantine are not incompatible (staying at home, of course)

Holidays and quarantine are not incompatible (staying at home, of course)

Before starting our post today, from Eurochange we wish that all our readers and clients feel good, protect themselves and that you spend these days in the best way gathering strength for when we return to normality. Whether you are at home or continue working, we send you all our energy. That being said, we start 🙂

A few weeks ago, the Coronavirus came into our lives with its quarantine and ruined the travel and holiday plans of many of us. Added to this is the uncertainty of not knowing when we will return to normal life or when we will be able to think again about holidays. And this can lower our morale a little.

But the important thing these days is to keep morale high, that's why in this post we want to encourage you and help you take advantage of confinement to remember the past holidays and fantasize about the next ones as therapy to evade a bit of reality. Will you join us? Take note of these four activities.

Order your photos, fight the digital Diogenes

Photo amateurs, instagrammers and travelers in general sometimes take pictures of everything around us during our holidays. The beach, the sunset, the straw in the piña colada, that beautiful flower, … Then, when we return home, we download the 2,537 photos on the computer, we post some on our social networks and goodbye. They stay there forever. Has it ever happened to you?

Well, now you have time to bring order to that disaster. Check your vacation photo folders and tidy up. Going back to see photos that you probably already forgot about your vacation will bring you very good feelings, you'll see.

A trick to order: Make folders by years and destinations. Within each destination, separate the photos by days, themes, cities, … If you have several photos that are the same, choose the best one and delete the repeated ones.

Once you have them in order, you may want to make a photo album. There are a lot of pages where you can configure your album and send it printed to your home.

Who remembers when we used to buy two photo rolls with 36 photos to go on holiday? Yes, 72 photos for all the holidays. Now it seems impossible to us, right?

Scrapbook of your travels

That dry leaf that you collected in a park, the subway tickets, the city map, the museum brochure,… Do you also keep all those picks that you collect during the holidays? Make a compilation, sort them and make an album with all the memories.

Being aware of the amazing things you have done and the places you have discovered during your travels, will give you an energy rush. On second thought, why have it stored in an album? Take your favorite memories and mount a collage on a wall, so you can see it and feel its good vibrations every day.

Organize your next trip

If you already have a holiday scheduled for later this year, don't get carried away by the pessimistic thought of having to cancel them sooner or later. Keep in mind that most airlines or holiday resorts are offering their clients a change of date so they don't have to give up on their well-deserved holidays.

Continue with the plan. Keep looking for things to do and places to discover. The Internet is full of travel blogs and social networks are a perfect showcase to discover new experiences.

If, when the time comes, you cannot start your journey, remember: As far as possible, don’t cancel, postpone. Everything you have organized will be useful when you can finally make your trip.

Make your list of “must go places”

The time has come to let your imagination run wild. What countries would you like to visit? What experiences do you want to live at least once in a lifetime? If you dream of sleeping in an igloo in Lapland, of eating fried insects in a Myanmar street stall or roasting in the sun on a beach in the Bahamas … Everything has a place.

Make your wish list and look for experiences in each of the destinations. You can use digital tools like Evernote to capture everything you find or you can use a world map and a notebook. Whatever is easiest for you.

The purpose of this activity is not to plan a vacation day by day. It is more like letting yourself go for a while, thinking about what you would like to do if you were to visit a certain city or country. Find out what is the typical food, the customs of the locals or where is that site of the cool photos you see on social networks. Enter Google Maps, walk the streets and discover that cafeteria where you want to go to breakfast.

It will be an entertaining exercise and… who knows? you may already be choosing your next trip.

We hope that these proposals help you to pass the confinement a little more entertaining. And remember, in order to get out again as soon as possible, it is best to stay home.

See you very soon!

Which cruise to choose for the 2020 vacation?

The most popular options to go on a cruise in 2020

Cruises have become a highly demanded option for vacations for several reasons. The main one is to know several destinations and several countries in a single trip while enjoying the sea with an offer of activities, excursions, fun or relaxation adapted to all audiences.

If you are planning which cruise to choose, we tell you which are the most popular destinations for 2020.

Western Mediterranean Cruise

It is one of the most popular options in Spain since there are departures from Spanish ports such as in Barcelona or Valencia and they are quite affordable options. The main destinations of these cruises are the Italian and French coasts with possible stops in Malta or the Italian islands.

This type of cruise is ideal for a first contact with this type of travel or as a shorter option, since the duration of the trips is usually about 8 days.

Greek Islands Cruise (Eastern Mediterranean)

This option is also very popular. The Greek Islands are known for their turquoise seas and white villages and are a very important tourist attraction. On the other hand, they are small and scattered destinations that are easily visited on board a cruise ship. The routes usually include Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. In addition there are also combinations with some points in Italy and the Croatian Coast such as Split, Dubrovnik or Kotor.

This type of cruise is perfect if you have about 10 days of vacation and are looking to enjoy the ancient charm of the islands and the Dalmatian Coast.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise

The Norwegian Fjords cruises are gaining adherents in recent years because they are the best way to get to know the unique landscape of the Fjords. From the sea everything is seen with another perspective and cliffs and waterfalls make up a special landscape. Among their destinations are usually Bergen, Allesund, Stavanger or Trondheim.

This cruise is ideal for nature lovers as the offer of excursions at the stops is wide and you can enjoy the scenery and tranquility without interruptions.

Northern Europe Cruise

In addition to the Norwegian Fjord cruises, there is another increasingly popular option that is the Northern European cruises. They are the perfect option to get to know several countries in northern Europe since they usually stop in Norway, Denmark, Russia, Estonia, Sweden and Finland.

This is the ideal option for those looking to get to know the Baltic Sea and its main cities such as Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Caribbean cruise

The Caribbean Sea offers multiple options for a cruise and is usually the preferred option for honeymoons and travel as a couple because they allow you to enjoy dream beaches on the most famous islands in the Caribbean. Depending on the route, several countries are visited, but the most popular include Bahamas, West Indies, Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands or Mexico.

This option is ideal for those seeking tranquility and sun and beach destinations.

Southeast Asian Cruise

Cruises in Southeast Asia are being increasingly demanded. The destinations they offer are varied. From Japan to Vietnam by the East China Sea to tours of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia that reach the coasts of Australia. They cover larger extensions, so the total duration of the trip is usually between 15 and 20 days.

This trip is ideal for those who have more time to enjoy and get to know the seas of Southeast Asia.

And you? Are you going to cruise in 2020? We give you a tip: Keep in mind that stops at destinations are usually a few hours. If you are going to need to exchange currency it is much more comfortable that you have it already changed and so you will not have to waste your stay. Ask us for the currency you need, you can buy it with us and we will send it to you in 1 or 2 days.

Enjoy your trip!

5 romantic getaways by 2020

Top 5 romantic destinations by 2020 in Europe

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day or not, a weekend getaway as a couple can be perfect to escape from the routine and enjoy the company. Today we propose 5 destinations to prepare your romantic plan within 3 hours by plane.

Paris (France)

The city of love is the perfect setting for a couple getaway. Although it is a city in which some of the most important historical events in contemporary history have happened and where there is much to see, for a romantic getaway you can just stroll through the Champs Elysées at sunset, see how the lighting of Eiffel Tower turns on or taste wines and cheeses from the region. A walk on the banks of the Seine will be the perfect weekend for an evening in the city. And of course don't forget to try their croissants and their perfect crepes to share a romantic breakfast.

Vienna (Austria)

During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, in the second half of the 19th century, Vienna was one of the most important cities worldwide in terms of culture, art, politics, finance,… Despite the wars that have passed through it, Vienna retains great part of its imperial charm, in its streets you can still hear waltzes played by street musicians, horse cars travel the center for tourists and its palaces offer outdoor gardens where you can walk. In addition, its cafes continue to retain a classic charm and in them you can taste an authentic Viennese coffee with a piece of Sacher cake.

Budapest (Hungary)

Budapest is known as the Pearl of the Danube and it is not in vain. It is another of the main cities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and, as such, retains some of that decadent splendor. Its classic buildings contrast with the Soviet constructions of the 20th century. Margarita Island is a perfect setting for sunset walks or a picnic if the weather is good. To make your stay the most relaxing, the city offers several spas where you can relax.

Prague (Czech Republic)

Prague is one of the most visited European cities every year. Its old city preserves relics of the Middle Ages and encourages visitors to walk its cobbled streets contemplating its beauty. From the viewpoint of Petřín, on the other side of the Vltava River, you can see the best view of Prague and see why it is known as the city of one hundred towers.

Verona (Italy)

Verona is one of the main cities in Italy, but what is known throughout the world is for being the setting where the story of Romeo and Juliet unfolds. Among Roman ruins, palazzos and medieval buildings, you will discover a city of alleyways, cafes and trattorias where to spend a few days in the city where (it is supposed) the most famous love story in history took place. Do not forget to visit Juliet's house, in whose courtyard thousands of visitors leave love letters.

Have you already chosen a destination for your romantic getaway? Remember that if you are going to travel abroad and need to exchange Euros for another foreign currency, in Eurochange you can make your exchange at the best price, without commissions and you will receive your currency in 24-48 hours.

What will be your romantic getaway in 2020?

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