#148 Preparing for Barcelona

Did you know that I, with my travel blog, have not traveled in almost one year? My last trip was to Brussels in May, and my next won't be until April. Terrible!

I had a trip to Croatia booked for last October, however due to work constrictions I was forced to cancel. Afterwards I was desperate for a break and I toyed with the idea of visiting Germany for a Christmas market, however after research I still found it difficult to decide which city was best to visit and could offer more than just overpriced mulled wine - so in the end I gave up and abandoned the idea altogether.

Unfortunately due to further work constraints I am unable to travel again until Easter, which this year falls in the end of March/beginning of April. Having browsed through airline websites I found a fair price and decided to visit Barcelona in Spain.

Park Guell in Barcelona

Barcelona

Barcelona has been somewhere on my "to-do" list for quite a while, but it always came runner-up as I would find cheaper flights to another destination. I also think April will be a good time for me to visit, as I have an aversion to the heat and prefer a more comfortable climate.

Unlike my usual trips this one will not be solo - my sister heard I was going and got jealous, so she booked her tickets a few days later!

We've previously traveled around Tokyo and Edinburgh together, and she enjoys my travel style - cheap and cheerful! When she travels with her husband it costs quite a lot as they stay in hotels and eat at nice restaurants etc. When she travels with me, she stays in hostel dormitories, eats bread on-the-go for lunch and forgoes some of the "must-see" destinations because of their high cost.

I've had a brief look at the things to do in Barcelona and I'm confident our 3 day stay will be enough to get everything done.

#118 Travel Tips; Use Public Transport

So on my recent trip to Manila, Philippines I found myself stressed out and worried. Why? Because of transport. I had read that public transport in Manila is basically a no-go, and that it is better for tourists to use taxis (which are very cheap) and factor in lots of time going places due the crazy traffic.

So I was aware and prepared for this. However, after just one day I had established that despite the taxi’s being cheap, I was either being ripped off by them not using the meter, or I was being taken wherever the driver wanted when the meter was being used. Also in the evening it was difficult to get a taxi, and I had to stand alone on the side of the street and pray I wouldn’t be attacked while I waited, and also pray that whenever a taxi showed up that the taxi driver wouldn’t rip me off too much. 

As a lone traveler, the overpriced taxi fares started to add up to not actually that cheap anymore. Since they all speak English, I also hated making small talk with them. By the time my last day came around, I was too worried about arguing fares, having to wait for a taxi home, and making more dreaded small talk that I just stayed in the hostel all day.

But now I have learned something. I have learned that while travelling alone, I would actually prefer to use public transport, where the prices are fixed and I don’t have to argue about fares or deal with people or worry about where I might end up. If I get lost I can look at a map and try figure it out, or I can ask someone at the station. My safety could still be at risk, especially regarding pickpocketing etc, but I would be vigilant. It requires more planning on my part, but I am in control of the situation.

This is one of the factors why I will not be going to Siem Reap in Cambodia – I don’t think I could handle being ripped off or arguing with a driver all day, or constantly worrying about my safety. Some people can handle it, but not me. It’s neither relaxing not enjoyable and given the choice, I would rather not do it again. In a group this would be different, but alone I just can’t handle the stress. So from now on I will check the availability of public transport in an area before travelling.