NOT A CRUISE PERSON? THINK AGAIN!
Say goodbye to crowded mega-ships and hello to small, luxury cruises—the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence. These intimate journeys are all about personalized experiences, fine Michelin chef cuisine and unforgettable destinations. 🌍
🐢 Galápagos Islands: Snorkel with sharks, meet giant tortoises, and wander volcanic beaches. Eco-friendly ships like Silver Origin make every stop magical.
🏺 Nile River, Egypt: Sail past ancient pyramids and temples in vintage-meets-modern style. Expert guides bring history to life in a way you’ll never forget. My pick: The Nile Adventurer
🌴 Indonesia: Swim in vibrant reefs, spot Komodo dragons, and relax on hidden beaches aboard the luxurious Rascal Voyages.
Ready to set sail? Let’s match you to the perfect ship and start planning your dream cruise vacation. 🌊✨
#LuxuryTravel #CruiseAdventures #TravelWithSaima
NEW BLOG POST! Where I spill all the details about my incredible experience at The St. Regis Kanai Resort in Riviera Maya!
Back from an incredible scouting trip checking out some very amazing hotels for my clients + some much needed R & R! I
If you are looking for an easy getaway, this is the escape for you! We flew into Cancun, an easy 3.5 hour direct flight from DC and unlike so many resorts in the area, this are felt so private, quiet and secluded. We were able to relax and really unwind in the Mexican sun! I highly recommend a visit during a long weekend, kids fall break or winter holidays!
My family and I stayed at the new St Regis and here's what I loved about it:
+ Every single room has a 24 hour butler service!
+ Without a doubt, the best pool cabanas in Kanai!
+ Many pools and I'm sure you will find one that fits your vibe!
+ A stunning spa that takes inspiration from Mayan cosmetology!
+ Our 1 bedroom/living room suite had a private plunge pool! Yes, please!
As a preferred partner, Trace, Space & Place can secure the best deals for you at the St. Regis Kanai. You'll enjoy perks like great rates, being at the top of the list for VIP treatment, including room upgrades, resort credits, and free breakfast. DM or email me if you are interested in a stay here!
Read my full review on my blog.
New Blog Post: Top Mallorca Beaches!
The island of Mallorca is the stuff of European summer dreams! It seems to have it all - the warm crystal clear waters, idyllic coves and the most charming villages to explore. Head on over to my blog for a guide to my top beaches on the island. https://www.tracespaceandplace.com/places
#spain #beach #mallorca #mediterranean #summertime #travels #beachlife #family #getaway
📍The ultimate guide to visiting The Alhambra Palace ⬇️
Read my complete guide to visiting The Alhambra at https://www.tracespaceandplace.com/places
I've long been fascinated by The Alhambra - referencing its beauty for countless design inspo and ogling over its great rooms in Islamic art history studies. Visiting The Alhambra was at the top of my list during our visit to Spain and it did not disappoint!
A sequence of intimate rooms and courtyards, with their arches, windows, balconies and a hallucination of filigreed ceilings greets the eye. Poetry seeps from the walls and a glow from the calligraphy in the plasterwork instilling a tranquility and silence within. The gardens unfold their beauties with fragrant flowers, boxwood hedges, creeping ivy and lined cypress trees reflecting on the surrounding ponds. A sight for all one's senses....
#spain #europe #granada #alhambra
Escape Barcelona for a day and explore a hidden gem just an hour away! 🌟 My top recommendation for the best day trip from Barcelona!
Montserrat is a breathtaking mountain range, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, unique rock formations, and the Benedictine monastery, Santa Maria de Montserrat, nestled amidst its peaks.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Unique rock formations and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, home to the revered Black Madonna statue.
- Basilica and Museum showcasing Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
- Funiculars and cable cars for panoramic views of the landscape.
- Outdoor activities such as rock climbing and mountain biking.
GETTING THERE:
🚃 TOne of the most popular ways to reach Montserrat from Barcelona is by train. You can take the R5 line (Barcelona-Manresa) operated by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) from Plaça d'Espanya station in Barcelona. The train journey takes approximately one hour, and it offers stunning views of the countryside along the way.
🚘️ If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and take the A-2 highway towards Lleida. After about 30 kilometers, take the exit towards Montserrat and follow the signs to the mountain. There are parking facilities available at the base of the mountain, from where you can take the cable car or funicular to the monastery.
🚌Another option is to take a bus from Barcelona to Montserrat. Several tour companies and public transportation providers offer guided bus tours to Montserrat from Barcelona, which typically include transportation to and from the mountain, as well as guided tours of the monastery and surrounding area. This can be a convenient option for those who prefer a guided experience.
🙍🏼Private Tour: This is how my family and I experienced Montserrat and I highly recommend this option! You can also arrange for a private tour or hire a private car service to t
Do not miss these must-see destinations in Barcelona, Spain! ⬇️ Save for your upcoming trip!
🎵 Step into the enchanting realm of Musica la Catalan (The Palace of Music) to witness a captivating exhibit showcasing the unique beauty of Catalan architecture. The intricate details and timeless elegance that define this cultural gem, are out of this world! If you happen to visit, there is a cafe there that is absolutely a feast for your eyes, serving small snacks and coffee.
🚲️ Take a leisurely bike ride along the picturesque promenade of Barcelona beach, soaking in the refreshing sea breeze and stunning coastal views. It's the perfect way to explore the vibrant energy of the city's waterfront, with its cafes, bars and restautants.
🏠️ Immerse yourself in the whimsical wonderland of Casa Batlló, a true masterpiece crafted by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí. From its surreal facade to its mesmerizing interiors, every corner of this architectural marvel is filled with enchantment and creativity. Do spend a bit more and secure those skip the line tickets, trust me, you will thank me for it!
⛪️ Take a moment to admire the grandeur of Barcelona Cathedral, a symbol of the city's rich history and architectural heritage. Afterward, treat yourself to a glass of traditional sangria in the lively square, where you can soak up the vibrant atmosphere and mingle with locals and tourists alike.
🎨 Lose yourself in the captivating world of Pablo Picasso at the Picasso Museum, where you'll encounter a comprehensive collection of his masterpieces. From his early sketches to his iconic paintings, each artwork offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist's genius and evolution. I really enjoyed the guided tour here as it gave a complete insight of the progression of his works. Highly recommend!
🏰 Ascend to the towering heights of Sagrada Familia for a truly unforgettable experience. As you climb to the top, marvel
I wish I knew this before I visited Spain ⤵️ Save if this was helpful!
🫒It came as a surprise to me, but if you happen to be in Granada, Spain, it's best NOT to order tapas. Why, you ask? Well, there's a good chance you'll be treated to a complimentary tapa with your drink order. How does this work, you wonder? When you order a drink, one of two scenarios usually unfolds: your server will either bring you a tapa of their choosing or present you with a selection from a menu.
⛪️ The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada stand as two of Spain's most sought-after attractions, and rightfully so, given their awe-inspiring beauty. However, securing tickets during peak seasons can prove to be quite challenging, often selling out months in advance. This challenge is particularly pronounced if you're aiming to ascend the towers of the Sagrada Familia for unmatched views. To avoid missing out on these extraordinary experiences, I highly recommend booking your tickets online as soon as you've finalized your travel plans.
🛍️ The siesta, a cherished cultural tradition in Spain, especially in warmer regions, entails a brief nap or rest period. Many establishments, particularly smaller shops and family-owned stores, may shutter their doors for a few hours in the early afternoon. Plan your activities accordingly, and utilize this time to unwind or indulge in a leisurely meal!
#mediterranean #barcelona #europe #spain #mallorca #travel #travels #igtravel #instatraveling #travelblog #summer #instatravel #explore #vacation #wanderlust
🛵 Tips for an Stress-Free Italy Trip! SAVE this for your next trip!
🇮🇹 General
* Carry Euros for restroom use, as these are not always free in Italy.
* Pack baby wipes as many toilets lack seats.
* Be ready to pay tourist taxes in cash at hotels.
* Respect dress codes in churches: cover shoulders and knees.
* Download WhatsApp for easy communication with hotels, it is how they often reach out to you prior to check-in.
* Opt for a carry-on size suitcase (think stairs and cobblestones).
* Remember to request the bill at dining spots.
* Most restaurants have a cover charge. (typically 3 euros per person)
* Avoid currency conversion at the airport, as their rates are typically unfavorable.
🚃 Train Travel
* Validate tickets before boarding at kiosks to avoid fines.
* Platforms are listed 20 minutes before arrival.
* Focus on train numbers, not destinations. For example, “5” and “5 Ovest” would be different platforms.
* Pre-book all train travel via Trenitalia, Italo or Omio
* Use train apps for easy ticket access
🍝 Florence
* Reserve Accademia (Statue of David) tickets online; mornings are less crowded.
* Reserve Duomo tickets in advance, especially in peak season when climbing to Brunelleschi’s Dome for spectacular views is very popular
🏛️ Rome:
* Don't plan museum visits on Sundays.
* Book Colosseum tickets 30 days early
* Grab Vatican tickets early for VIP morning access.
* Catch superb Trevi Fountain views from Benetton store's 2nd floor
#traveltips #Italy #travelguide #familytravel #Europe #Italyitinerary #travelhacks #Rome #Florence #igtravel #italia #summer
