Barcelona

It helps to know a couple of words to get by before you go. Hola (hello) Gracias (Thank you) and Cuanto cuesta (How much is this?) are three you will use A LOT.

It is a good idea to download a couple of apps before you go to practice the language and learn a few quick things when you are on the plane. Duolingo, for example, is a perfect app for this.

There are many sites in Barcelona you HAVE to see; Antoni Gaudi (to the right) -Note-it’s free!, Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Musica Catalana), Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Guell Palace (Palacio Guell), Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), St. Mary of the Sea Cathedral (Iglesia de Santa Maria del Mar) and Magic Fountain (Font Magica) – Amazing to see at night. For a little culture, these places are incredible. For a little party, you must visit the top 10 clubs in Barcelona. But remember to always have your wits about you.

Some other awesome clubs with a range of music, filled with locals found in the Gothic Quarter (old town) include Macarena Club - a shoebox-sized techno club that sits right next to the Ramblas. Keep in mind, it has great soundstages too; Marula Cafe - an intimate club in Barcelona's city centre offering jazz, funk, soul, disco and Latin; Sidecar Club - an eclectic club that sits in Plaza Reial and is quite unique; Harlem Jazz Club - brings jazz, funk and soul to its faithful followers nearly every night of the week; and Cathedral (a must visit)- full of great house music and always a large local crowd. Great clubs in El Raval include; Boulevard Club - a nice and loud club sitting right in the middle of the Ramblas; Moog Club - an atmospheric techno club that sits a minute's walk from the Ramblas as well. Clubs in the beach and port area are pretty fun as well but not ideal if you’re on a budget as this area can get very expensive very quickly. CDLC Club - one of Barcelona's most exclusive and glamorous beach side clubs and Mondo Club - sits slightly further from the beach front than the other port clubs. It has a terrace area overlooking the yachts. Pretty fancy; Shoko Club - a beach front club, bar and restaurant that is popular amongst the holiday crowd; Catwalk Club - one of the largest beach clubs, attracting international house DJs. Clubs in Poble Nou include; Razzmatazz – HUGE and awesome club containing five stories and is arguably Barcelona's most famous club, so it’s a must see (as seen below). If you’re in Poble Sec; Apolo Club is actually two clubs in one. Both offer pretty new music and a great atmosphere. Clubs in Montjuïc such as; La Terrrazza Club, which is a large outdoor club in the centre of the Poble Espanyol complex -Great for all night summer parties; as well as The One Club, which is a small club with a big sound system and impressive light shows in the same area.

I have added a link - click on 'Barcelona' to find out more to do there. There’s just so much.

More Packing Tricks

Always keep a copy of all your important documents and information at home with someone in case you lose yours whilst traveling as they can help you out if needed.

Plastic bags are the best. Always take one or two plastic bags in case you need to quickly pack wet towels swimmers, or something. Zip-lock bags are even better. When packing, roll up your clothes instead of folding them to fit more in. Place them in a couple of separate big zip-lock bags and seal them making sure no air is in the bags. This is the best way to pack as you can fit a lot more in and if you need to get to something quickly you know where it is. Take a few extra - they don't take much room and you will use every one you take, I can assure you. Place all your items and electronics you wish to take on the plane in one as well so you don't have to fish through for things and look silly in the line at security. You can just place the whole bag through the scanner. This way you can't leave anything behind too.

When organizing and packing it is always good to write up a plan with all the dates you are away for, including details of where you will be and what you plan to do. Include a budget so you know how much you should be spending each day. This just helps prevent future disasters, like running out of money when you still have a week to go. Trust me, that is the worst.

Oh, another tip would obviously be to not leave everything to the last minute. Go and exchange cash whilst you are at home into the local currency of where ever it is you’re going on your wild adventure. Don't wait until you get to the airport as it can be a lot more expensive to exchange money there. Get out a few hundred in cash so you will not be stuck without money for taxi's, food, etc once you have arrived. While we are on the topic of money, take a small bag or have a zipped bag somewhere on your body to hide your money. Preferably on your front and somewhere where you can feel it in case it was to disappear. Make sure it is strapped to you at all times as pick pockets are a major issue no matter where you go.

Packing Tricks

First thing is first. You have booked your flight by finding the cheapest one online (being the poor uni student you are) and aim to save as much as you can for spending money.

When leaving the country it always helps to make a list of items you will need, whether is it two weeks, or two months you are going for, it is best to be prepared for anything. Obviously necessities will change depending on your destination and the time of year, but, no matter how long you go for and where you go you still need to write up a basic list including;

 -a small travel towel

- toiletries

-first aid kit

-hand sanitiser (always comes in handy!)

-laundry soap

-day pack

-electronics (i-pod, camera's etc)

and the essentials;

-passport-duh!

-wallet

-tickets

-insurance information

-photo copies of documents

-bank details

-blank paper and pens -always needed when you least expect it.