Barceloneta beach is the closest beach to Barcelona city centre. If you walk to Colom at the end of the Ramblas you have about a 15 mins walk to the beach, alternatively see below for metro information. Barceloneta has many great sea food restaurants serving up fresh catches of the day. In the street Vauban you’ll find a declicious and typical restaurant for fishermen a little bit dirty but great food. Barceloneta beach can get busy during the peak season (June to Sep) in which case you could try visiting Icaria Beach the next beach along from Barceloneta. Typical tapas over this are is the bombas picantes at the LA BOMBETA.

If you’ve been to Madrid, you know the enormous selection of activities and sightseeing treasures the city has to offer you. If you haven’t, make Madrid your travel destination for a touch of the art world. If you’re an art lover like many tourists that travel to Spain, you won’t have far to look to find some of the best art in the world. After enjoying some of the local recipes for sangria, visit The Queen Sofia Art Museum, located near the metro stations and the Atocha train. It has such an abundance of famous art works; you’ll need more than one day to view everything. Some of the featured art works are by greats like Miro, Picasso or Solana.

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which was opened in 1992, is considered the museum for 20th century art. Many art connoisseurs consider it the most prestigious art collections in Europe. One of the highlights of the museum is the famous Pablo Picasso piece, Guernica. This 1937 painting got its inspiration from Picasso’s feelings on surrealism and the Nazi bombing of the town of Guernica. If you are a fan of Picasso, and I don’t know who wouldn’t be, there are many pieces of his work from a young age right up to maturity.

The museum is in a building designed in the 18th that was once a hospital. It was scheduled to be demolished when they decided to turn it into a house of art. Renovations and additions were added to the original building to make it what they needed to become a museum. Some thought it odd that an old building would be used to house modern art, but the plans proved to be exactly what they wanted. It was declared a national museum in 1988.

Queen Sofia offers the art lover a variety from the late 19th century right up to the most recent contemporary and modern works of art. If Solana pieces are what you are interested in, you’ll get a glimpse of The Chorus Girls, Café Pombo, and don’t forget The Meeting of the Pharmacy. (more…)

When most people think of a luxury cruise their thoughts turn to tropical ports of call surrounded by crystal blue waters. Alaska is not always the first destination most people think of when choosing a cruise, but those who do visit this largest of states aboard ship will tell you it is not to be missed. There is a rawness to this land that is hard to describe without seeing it and a cruise will give you a view that most people will never see.

Depending on how adventurous you are there are several ways to enjoy the experience of an Alaskan cruise. For the more adventurous soul who wants to explore every nook and cranny of a particular area there are day charters on small boats available. While they may be short on comfort and amenities these day charters allow you to get up close and personal with everything this land has to offer.

For those more inclined to sit back and enjoy the scenery from farther out and in more comfort then a large cruise ship is the answer. Carrying upwards of three thousand people these large floating hotels are the picture of pampered comfort where your every want and need is taken care of by an attentive staff. Depending on the length of the cruise you will also get the chance to visit several ports of call where you can take part in different shore excursions, one of which might include a day trip on a small boat charter.

Once you get off the ship you will not be lacking in things to do. Many of the ports of call have a very old west rustic feel to them. You can also take hikes through the temperate rain forests that run along the rugged coastline, go watch brown bears catch salmon during their yearly spawning run, or charter a fishing boat and go catch some salmon or halibut yourself. And the best part is that while you are doing these things you will be surrounded by some of the most pristine wilderness on the face of the earth.

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1. Because it’s a 24 hour-a-day city.  You want Cambodian food at 3am on a Sunday?  No problem.
2. Because there are four very distinct seasons.
3. Because our fine drinking establishments are open until 4am.
4. Because New Yorkers are actually quite helpful and polite.  Really!
5. Because of the great public transportation system.  And if you disagree, just go spend any amount of time in Los Angeles.
6. Because you can buy anything.  Which may not always be a good thing, but we’ll focus on the positive!
7. Because while we have our fare share of celebrities, most of the paparazzi-obsessed celebs stay in L.A.
8. Because of Yolanda Vega.  Or, shall I say Yoooolanda Vega!
9. Because anything can be delivered to your home.  Again, let’s focus on the positive.
10. Because New Yorkers are perhaps the most resilient people in the world.
11. Because the New York Post and New York Daily News are actually considered newspapers.
12. Because there are parks everywhere!  The Parks Department maintains over 28,000 acres.
13. Because my heart still skips a beat when I see the Statue of Liberty.
14. Because our cab drivers, door men, and bartenders offer free advice.
15. Because of the naked man in Times Square.
16. Because anything goes!
17. Because if you can make it here you can make it anywhere!

Do you love New York?  Tell me why!

Perfect weather draws many to the Bahamas every year. Warm, sunny days and cooler nights make this a tropical paradise. When in the Bahamas, most tourists will spend time in Freeport or Nassau taking in the scenery. There is plenty to see and do, but you must make time in your schedule to hit on five must-see island attractions. Tourists are well aware of some of these activities but others are lesser known and worth the time. Visit The Abaco Wild Horse Preserve
Near Treasure Cay, the Abaco Wild Horse Preserve is an intriguing destination. This island refuge houses descendants of horses brought to the area by Christopher Columbus’ crew. The horses are believed to be the purest strain of Spanish Barbs in existence. The Bahamian government protects the endangered species, but tourists can call ahead for a private tour of the island.

Arawak Cay - Seafood Attraction
Seafood lovers need to visit Arawak Cay in Nassau. The area is home to the island’s best seafood restaurants. Conch, shrimp, and lobster are cooked to perfection in the traditional Bahamian style with fresh lime juice and spicy chili peppers.

Fort Charlotte History Tour
Across the street, another key attraction awaits visitors. Fort Charlotte dates back to the 1780s and has hidden passageways, cannons, a large moat, and dungeons can be explored. Anyone wanting to see the Bahamian military history should hit this attraction. Fort Charlotte requires a small entry fee of $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children under 12.

Lucayan National Park
Tourists often overlook Lucayan National Park. The forty-acre park houses the world’s biggest underwater limestone cave system that is accessible to experienced divers, though some sections are found on shore. Hiking trails wind through the pine forests leading to a boardwalk crossing the tidal creek where Gold Rock Beach is located. Gold Rock Beach is quieter and perfect for those looking for seashells and a quiet place to enjoy the sun and saltwater.

Port Lucaya Marketplace
Port Lucaya Marketplace is a 12-acre shopping complex in Freeport. More than sixty shops, one dozen restaurants, 90 vendors, two dozen artists, and even hair braiders set up shop at this elaborate shopping center. Tourists can find incredible bargains on handcrafted jewelry, artworks, and memorabilia from the Bahamas.

This is only a handful of the attractions found in all the Bahamas. With eleven islands waiting to be explored, tourists need not worry that they will run out of things to do. Many beaches, restaurants, shops, casinos, and historical monuments are awaiting visitors of all ages.