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Budget guide to traveling city to city

August 4, 2016

What’s your favorite way of traveling?

Do you enjoy luxury vacations, equipped with a hotel, spa, breakfast buffet and those white fuzzy robes? Or do you prefer to “rough it”? Staying in cheap places, saving up as much as you can for your next trip? For me, I would be a healthy medium. My best traveling experiences have come when I’ve gotten up close and personal with how people really live.But, of course, I enjoy a big, comfortable hotel bed every once and a while too!

Once I’ve checked out the major sights the city or village is known for, I try to scoot away from the main tourist drag. Instead I try to look for the little side streets that offer a more authentic feel.

Being a student, I definitely can’t afford to pay full price any nice hotel or “luxury travel experience”.

I have learned, however, that you can travel pretty comfortably from place to place within Europe for very low prices if you know where to look. This way, I can spend my limited funds on visiting new places and gaining more experiences.

Flights

Flights wouldn’t be my favorite mode of transportation. Airports can sometimes be located far outside the city. Plus, you always have to get there a few hours ahead of time. The reasons why I do choose to fly when traveling are because it could be the quickest route or even the least expensive option (surprisingly).

Skyscanner.com is a good place to start. If you don’t know where you want to go, just put in your current location and choose “everywhere” as your destination. From there you can see the cheapest flights for the desired time period. If dates are flexible, you can also choose “whole month” or “whole year” instead of specific dates. Then, find the cheapest flights during that entire time period. Sometimes, the prices are not the most up to date, but usually you can get a good idea from the initial searches.

Trains

If you are going from one country to another, look at various search engines from each country, as one may be a lot cheaper than the other. Last year, my train from Holland to German was half the price on the Dutch website versus the German one.

If you’re planning a long trip throughout Europe, I would definitely recommend using the rail system. If you can find a train that offers an overnight ride with a bed or “couchette”. That is a great option to not only travel comfortably but also save money, as you won’t need to pay for a place to stay that night. Also, if you are a student or under 25, StudentUniverse.com offers discounts. Plus, trains give you the chance to see the countryside and some beautiful scenery like this view from our train ride in Slovenia!

Bus

The bus is usually a really cheap traveling option. But I always want to be careful the bus route doesn’t take way longer than the other modes. And, if you get stuck with a dud bus company, the trip can be pretty uncomfortable. Bus prices are always advertised throughout the cities, so just do a quick Google search to find one on the route you are looking for.

Car-sharing

I’ve had only one experience with the German car sharing “mitfahrgelegenheit” and I could definitely recommend it. It was inexpensive and very convenient. Plus, if someone is already going that way, why not hop in and save some carbon emissions that would have been used for you if you traveled separately? Another good option for ride sharing is BlaBlaCar.com, too!

4 Reasons To Buy Local On Your Next Trip

By Ronald Ackermann -

April 28, 2016

Farmer's Market — Local farmer's market. Via Flickr.

Local produce and foods. Taken by Edsel Little via Flickr.

The “buy local” movement is on the rise. In many cities you can find initiative organizations popping up bringing together local farmers and consumers. In the grocery store there are products marked as “from the region”. The demand for farmer’s markets is increasing at a steady rate.

This is a great idea! There are so many reasons to buy local (which I’ll get into a little further down). When you are in your own city it’s relatively easy to figure out where and how to get the local products. When you’re traveling, however, it may not be quite so simple. There are a few reasons that it can be difficult to buy local (especially including food) when traveling. Maybe…

You simply don’t know what are the local products.

You don’t know where to find local products.

You don’t speak the language and therefore even if a product were marked as local you wouldn’t know.

You’re on a budget and familiar chains like McDonald’s or Burger King fit into your price range.

Etc., etc…

While all of these points may be valid, there are so many reasons to buy local products, not only for residents but also for travelers!

1. Local food teaches you about the culture and traditions.

Jamon! Taken by Cristina Valencia via Flickr.

Buying and eating local produce, meats, cheeses, etc. is the absolute perfect way to learn about the place you are visiting. In many cultures, there are few things more indicative to their traditions than cuisine, which are deeply rooted in the experiences of generations past.

When I first learned that Jamon in Spain was a salted leg of pork mounted in the kitchen for weeks at a time I was quite concerned… Was I really going to eat this piece of meat that my Spanish friend just shaved off an unrefrigerated hunk of meat? But I’m so glad I did! Jamon is delicious and absolutely at the heart of the Spanish culture.

2. Local food is fresher!

Eating what has been recently pulled from the ground or plucked from a tree pretty much ensures you’re going to get a fresh, nutritious, delicious experience. I’ll never forget how much flavor was in tomatoes and cucumbers bought at the Serbian market in the summertime.

3. Local (and seasonal) food can be less expensive.

Local farmer's market. Via Flickr. — Local farmer’s market. Via Flickr.

Buying products that are in season and locally grown cuts a lot of costs: transportation, storage, preservation, etc. If you head to a local market in the summertime, look for salad vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, peppers and tomatoes. In the fall, more hearty options such as cabbage, beets, Brussels sprouts and squashes will be in season.

4. Local food supports the local economy.

Local strawberry stand in Zagreb, Croatia. Taken by Kirstie.

Buying local gives security to farmers that they can continue producing local. By supporting the local economy, you can ensure that these cultural traditions won’t be substituted by a big company who imports their products from the developing countries (in which many times the labor force there is exploited).

Granada On The Cheap! – Budget Activities For My Favorite Andalusian City

By Ronald Ackermann -

March 2, 2016

Interior of the Granada Cathedral. Taken by vs1k via Flickr.

When I lived in Granada a few years ago as an exchange student, we were always looking for inexpensive (or even free!) ways to have fun while getting to know the city better at the same time.

Luckily, the south of Spain is generally pretty cheap. The cities are so full of history and interesting stories that you don’t need to spend a lot to see a lot. And when you need refreshment drinks range from one to three Euros and food from three to five on average. Granada is especially great for someone traveling on a budget too! Why? Read on!

Visit the Alhambra Grounds – Free!

Exterior of the Alhambra. Taken by Tony Bowden via Flickr.

Located into the hills surrounding the city, the Alhambra is a Moorish Palace and Fortress that is one of the most famous sites of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets to visit the interior and the gardens are 14,00 Euro for adults and I would absolutely recommend going inside, it is worth every cent.

However, what many visitors don’t know is that the area before the ticket point is also really nice! There is a beautiful view of the city below and you can get at least an initial impression of the massiveness of the palace. So just follow signs from the city center to the Alhambra and go as far as your free pass will get you!

Walk through the Albayzin and Sacromonte –Free!

Streets in the Albayzín, Granada. Taken by Nathan Wong via Flickr.

I mentioned in an earlier article all of the cool things that the Albayzin district of Granada has to offer. Head away from the city center on Carrera del Darro and just wander through the winding streets. What I didn’t mention before is that just a little farther is the neighborhood known as Sacromonte, the traditional Gitano section of the city formed by the slopes of the hills. This is a bit more rural, but you can see a more traditional way of life where some of the residents live in the caves built into the hills.

Sample some tapas! –Cheap!

Spanish tapas in San Sebastián. Taken by sanfamedia.com via Flickr.

Granada is one of the best budget cities to eat and drink in because each drink comes with a free tapa! Not just some chips or olives, either. You can expect anything from a sandwich to a plate of fried fish. In some bars you can even choose your own from a list of many options. One of my favorite areas for great tapas bars is in the center near the Cathedral, but you can absolutely find so many great places all over the city.

Go inside the Granada Cathedral- Cheap!

Interior of the Granada Cathedral. Taken by vs1k via Flickr.

No matter what your religious beliefs, to get a full understanding of the history, traditions and culture of Spain, you should start with the church. In most Spanish cities, these are located in the heart of the city center and typically are some of the most ornate, architectural creations. The Granada Cathedral is not the most stunning of the ones I’ve seen in Spain, but nonetheless it is really nice inside and, you guessed it, cheap to enter! Adult’s tickets are 5 euros and students 3,5 euros.

My Top Tips to Be a Good Traveler (6-10)

By Ronald Ackermann -

January 14, 2016

FCB Stadium, Barcelona-compressed — A friendly match at the FC Barcelona stadium last summer.

And the list of my top ways to be a good traveler continues…

6. Brush up on the local language.

Even if you’re someone who travels to many different countries, each with their own unique languages, it’s a good idea to learn to say even a few basic words. I’ve found the most important ones are “Hello”, “Thank you”, “Excuse me”(like if you bump into someone on the street by accident), “Goodbye” and “Do you speak English?” or simply “English?”. I think learning to say a little bit shows respect for the culture, and also doesn’t give you away so obviously as a foreigner.

In the case where you must speak English it’s relatively easy throughout Europe to find at least one person who speaks some English in case you need some help. In many countries, especially in the south of Europe, English has only been recently integrated into the curriculum in the past 10-20 years, so you will most likely find that the younger people speak well, while those older than 40 or so probably won’t.

7. Be comfortable being uncomfortable.

It’s completely natural (and normal) to feel unsure of yourself or out of place in a new place (duh, Sarah). The best way to deal with this is to just simply be comfortable with discomfort. Don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed that you don’t understand what anyone is saying, you have no idea where you are going or the food is completely different than anything you’re used to. This is all to be expected. When I first started traveling, I looked for things that were like what I would have at home, things that were familiar. The more time I spend visiting new places and learning about new cultures, the more I look for things as different from what I’m used to as possible. Good travelers will always challenge themself to try new things.

8. Buy local.

Please, please, please, don’t go to Italy and eat at McDonalds, or the Hard Rock Café for that matter (okay, I’ve done it, but I’m not proud about it!). Look for local restaurants, shops, things to do, etc. Supporting the local economy will ensure that this magical place you’re visiting can keep thriving. Plus, local food is fresh, delicious and something you can’t get at home-like this authentic Neapolitan pizza from one of Naples’s most famous pizza restaurants- da Michele.

Also, it can be fun to visit some local farms outside the city like this one with strawberries and raspberries that we found on our way to a lake last summer.

9. Learn to like football (If you don’t already).

A friendly match at the FC Barcelona stadium last summer.

I don’t mind watching football (soccer for us U.S. natives), but I also wouldn’t seek out a game on my own either. With that being said, some of the most fun times I’ve had in Europe have revolved around watching a football game.

World Cup 2014 Fanfest in Hamburg, Germany. — World Cup 2014 Fan-fest I went to in Hamburg, Germany.

The fans are diehard and the atmosphere, even in hole-in-the-wall bars in some tiny little village, are going to be wild even if there is a relatively unimportant game on. If you are so lucky to be in Europe during a very important match (like I was in Germany during the last World Cup) consider this your golden opportunity. Find a local sports bar (or maybe even public viewing location) and join in with the festivities. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

10. Write postcards, don’t buy souvenirs.

Does your mom really want a small little figurine of a Spanish Matador? Perhaps not. Writing postcards to family and friends back home is a much more personal memory that can easily be stuck on the fridge or kept in a scrapbook, for example. Plus, you won’t add any extra weight to your baggage!

My Top Tips to Be a Good Traveler (1-5)

By Ronald Ackermann -

January 5, 2016

Sunset in Stari Grad, Croatia — Like taking an unplanned sunset swim on the island of Hvar in Croatia!

As the New Year is beginning, I find myself wondering which new places I will visit in 2016. That has got me also reflecting on the places I’ve been and what I’ve learned about traveling thus far. One thing that really sticks out is this idea: There is a big difference between a “tourist” and a “good traveler”.

A tourist may only take away pictures (from the most important sites, of course), while a traveler takes away experiences.

Learning to be a good traveler isn’t always easy, and I wouldn’t say that I’ve quite mastered it yet. But taking the steps in the right direction will put you on the right path to getting the most out of your visit- gaining a deeper cultural insight, new knowledge about the place, maybe learning a little more about yourself and, if you’re lucky, some really crazy stories!

Here are my top ways to be a good traveler (1-5):

1. You have the knowledge of a newborn.

If you’ve never visited this place before, especially not even the country, then think of yourself as a completely blank slate- clueless. Guidebooks and Internet research can tell you all about what you should see or do- but you shouldn’t consider these your absolute rules.

Instead, ask around. Cab drivers are one of the best guides out there. They know the city in-and-out, they are a captive audience for at least a few minutes and, from my experience, they are usually pretty blunt about what’s cool and what’s not. Hostel, Airbnb or hotel owners and staff can also be really helpful, but sometimes I’ve found that they have a partnership with a certain bar or restaurant and therefore just guide all their guests there.

2. Meet people.

I’m not saying go out and make friends with that sketchy-looking person in the park, but if you’re somewhere where it would be okay to strike up conversation with another person, such as a bar, a park or even on public transport go for it! Maybe they would be interested in hearing your story and letting you know their favorite places to go (especially in a smaller or less touristic place). If you’re with a group of friends maybe they would also be interested in inviting you to join them for dinner or a night out.

Our new Greek friend who was eager to take shots of Ouzo with us in Thessaloniki!

3. Be spontaneous!

Like taking an unplanned sunset swim on the island of Hvar in Croatia!

A good traveler knows that rigidity while traveling is always a no-go. Challenges are bound to arise no matter where you go, and if you aren’t able to change plans without an anxiety attack, this may cause some problems. Even if you’re simply planning the days activities- be open. Sticking to a rough plan will give you a guideline of where to go, but being absolute in this will create the risk that perhaps you miss out on a really cool, unique experience. One of my favorite things to do when I visit a new city is to simply walk around for a few hours before I plan to go to or see anything.

4. Get off the beaten path.

Especially in really touristic cities, the beaten path is overrun by footprints of the many tourists that have come before you. I’m not saying that there isn’t the right time to be a tourist, take a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower, bend your head in shame and move on, but I generally find that the really fun stuff happens when you get outside the most visited areas. Plus, you tend to save some money this way too, as many of the locals know that tourists are there to spend money and therefore prices are higher in these areas. Try heading out from the center in any direction, finding a run-down looking bar or café, sit and have a drink and chat with your waiter about where to go next- works almost every time!

You may find some interesting sights such as these pictures I took from a recent visit to Serbia:

Or, if you’re in a less urban area, just find a dirt path, a map and head out!

5. Leave anywhere better than you found it.

I always cringe a little when I see someone, especially one who is obviously a tourist, just throw his or her trash on the ground or leave it lying around. Even in cities where the idea of recycling (or even throwing away garbage in the proper receptacle) isn’t hugely important, there is no reason not to leave it nicer than you found it. Someone has to pick it up don’t they? Or shall it just sit there to rot? A good traveler leaves it as nice or better than they found it. Let’s work together to make the world a better place!

Those were some of my top ways to be a good traveler, stay tuned for the continuation….

Five Reasons for Solo Travel

By Ronald Ackermann -

November 24, 2015

Solo travel, Marseille-compressed — Contemplating the questions of the universe in Marseille. Not actually traveling solo at this point, but I suppose this is what it would look like...

I like to think of myself as someone who is always interested in pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Is this a personality flaw or personality strength? I guess it depends on the outcome.

Reflecting on the times I have been faced with the question of staying in a safe, comfortable situation vs. branching out to a new, slightly terrifying experience gives me the confidence to continue pushing my boundaries.

I am terrified of open water. Not like middle of the ocean open water, either. I’m talking about just past the point where I can no longer touch the bottom. I’m not even sure that I could call that “open water”. It’s not that I can’t swim, but actually I’m terrified of what is lurking in the depths of said bottom. Such as a shark.

When I went to Hawaii a few summers ago, I was terrified of snorkeling. I know, ridiculous. Instead of pushing myself, I went back and sat on the shore.

When I went to Mexico last year, I was faced with a similar situation. I could swim out way above my head and explore some of the reefs, with tons of beautiful fish, sea turtles and rays or I could stay in my comfort zone and sit on the shore again.

It took a lot of convincing, from myself and travel partner, but I just tried to not think about how uncomfortable I felt and just focus on what I could get from the experience. I ended up staying out in the water for an hour, having to be dragged in when my travel partner was too tired. It was one of my favorite life experiences to date. Looking back, that experience has really given me the drive and confidence to continue pushing myself past the comfort limits.

This has me thinking about another activity that makes me feel slightly apprehensive: solo travel. Recently, there has been a lot written about the benefits of solo travel, and why one should definitely experience it at some point in their lives.

So this got me to thinking: what about traveling solo keeps sticking in my mind?

The chance to get to know myself better

Traveling with friends is great. You build shared experiences that can last a lifetime and increase your depth of your relationships to a whole other level. What if you could also do that with the relationship with yourself?

Develop my own itinerary

I love planning trips. It’s so exciting to look at all the potential places to visit and things to do. While I haven’t had any significant itinerary conflicts with travel companions, it would be really interesting to just be able to go exactly where I want, when I want.

Save money

I never like to be the one to say we can’t do something because it costs too much money. Solo travel takes this completely out of the equation. If I want to spend two euros on lunch, fine, if I want to spend 20, that’s okay too.

Make new friends

Traveling with a group gives the safety blanket of never needing to branch out and meet new people (though the trips I’ve been on we tend to do this anyways). Being an English speaker already gives me an advantage to interact with others, but if I could try to meet some locals in Spanish? Even better! Plus, if you are staying at hostels, there are always lots of people hanging out in the bar or lounge areas, giving the perfect opportunity to share new experiences!

Create a sense of empowerment

Overcoming a fear of traveling solo will just make me feel more confident and empowered in the end. This can give me even more motivation to continue facing any life fears head on.

For those who have traveled solo, what have your experiences been? Can you add to this list of solo travel benefits?

Rules to Cycle Amsterdam Like a Local

By Ronald Ackermann -

November 6, 2015

Want to live like a local during your next visit to Amsterdam?

Ditch the taxi and tour bus, and instead rent yourself a bike to see the city in a way that not only saves money, adds a little exercise to your daily routine, but also gives the perfect opportunity to step into the shoes (or rather, the pedals) of a real Amsterdamian (yep, that’s a real word!).

You can see why everyone in Amsterdam bikes- the city is relatively flat, there are bike lanes everywhere and it is small enough you can bike in a short amount of time. To a visitor riding with the masses whizzing by may seem like a dangerous death wish! Once you get accustomed to the rules of the road, however, it can be a great way to get around. Here are the top 4 rules to cycle Amsterdam like a local:

Rule #1: Think of the bike lane like a highway

You wouldn’t stop in the middle of the highway to look at the cute little café or the ornate building you just passed, so don’t do it on the bike path. The majority of riders are not on a sightseeing tour; they have a place to go, which means they won’t be happy if there is something (or someone) blocking the path. If you see something you want to take a closer look at, simply pull over if possible. Just make sure you signal your turn by pointing you finger in the intended direction, so that the others behind you know they may have to slow a bit.

Also, as you will most likely be riding the slowest, make sure to stay to the right and be conscious of other vehicles (bikes, scooters, even mini cars) that will pass on your left. The golden rule is just to stay out of the way, and you’ll be totally fine.

Rule #2: Lock the bike carefully

Bike theft is a major concern in the city, with thousands of bikes going missing each year. Most rental shops will recommend and provide two locks, one for the back wheel and the other, a longer chain, to lock the bike to something.

You have a much lower chance of having the bike stolen if you lock it to a proper fixed secure spot, such as the bike parking spots provided. When locking the bike, make sure you loop some of the chain through the main body as well as the front.

Also pay attention to where you lock the bike. There have been instances where the authorities remove bicycles that are not locked to the designated areas. You can also pay extra for theft/damage insurance for a few euros per day to relieve some theft stress.

Rule #3: Try to blend in

Many popular tourist bike rental shops have bikes that are brightly colored and stick out among the used, run-down bikes that many of the locals ride. This could be a good idea initially, because riders may be more cautious around and it may be easier to spot your group in bigger crowds.

Locals biking in Amsterdam. Taken from PROschermpeter42 via Flickr.

However, you may have a more pleasant experience, including not being shouted at by angry locals you almost get run over by, if you have a bike that blends in. You can find plenty of more “low-key” rental shops throughout the city that could offer black bikes or even a collection of different bikes for your group. The quality may not be as good as the big chains, but you’ll fit in perfectly with the locals, like these girls here.

Rule #4: Practice caution first

There is no reason to genuinely feel intimidated or scared about riding bikes in Amsterdam, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep a cautious eye out at all times. Think of it as being a defensive driver.

Also, in a city that offers many opportunities to alter your state of mind, always make sure you ride the bikes sober and expect that at night other riders may be intoxicated. Getting in accident or in trouble with the law would really put a damper on your visit, and we wouldn’t want that!

Featured image taken from Julio Greff via Flickr.

European Favorites From Travel Writer Kirstie

By Ronald Ackermann -

October 19, 2015

My friend and fellow travel companion Kirstie at vengavalevamos.com is an experienced travel blogger who’s lived and traveled in many countries all throughout the world.

After working together as auxliares de conversación in Madrid a few years ago, we shared an epic Balkans trip together in summer 2013 and she was nice enough to answer a few questions about her experience living and traveling in Europe here!

1. Where is the best meal you’ve ever eaten in Europe?

Too hard to pick just one, and I will mention that my limited budget generally meant homemade meals or inexpensive restaurants. One that comes to mind, though, is a meal in Brasov, Romania. I can’t remember the name of the restaurant, but the meatball soup (ciorba de perisoare) in particular was to die for, the main course convinced me for life that Romanian is one of the best cuisines in the world, and we topped it off with complimentary palinka (brandy) shots. Romania was inexpensive enough that we really got to splurge on meals, which made it all the more special!

Ciorba de Perisoare, Romania. Taken by Kirstie.

2. What is your favorite European custom or tradition (i.e. a festival, holiday, etc.) and why?

I love Sevilla’s Feria de Abril, but even better was the spring festival of Moguer, Huelva, Andalucía that I got to experience a few years back, The Romería de Montemayor. Centering around a religious pilgrimage, the festival takes place in the remote countryside and consists of dancing sevillanas (a flamenco-like folk dance), riding horses, and eating and drinking with friends and family in huts made of branches and eucalyptus leaves. I was the only non-local in sight, and it made for one of the best memories in all my travels. You can read more about my experience here.

Dancing at the Romería de Montemayor, Moguer. Taken by Kirstie.

3. Where is the most picturesque place you’ve been in Europe?

Probably the Alhambra and its surrounding areas in Granada, Spain. Granada is where I first fell in love with travel when I spent a month studying there in high school, so it’s extremely special to me. In addition to that, its fortress/palace, the Alhambra, features intricately detailed Moorish architecture, as well as views over the city and the beautiful Generalife gardens. After visiting, you have to wander the nearby hilly neighborhood, the Albaycín and catch a great view of the Alhambra from the Plaza de San Nicolás on the opposing hill.

Generalife at the Alhambra. Taken by Kirstie.

4. Which European destination was least like you expected prior to visiting?

Skopje, Macedonia in particular really surprised me. I knew very little about Macedonia before traveling there, aside from the fact that it was formerly part of turbulent Yugoslavia and isn’t a wealthy country. However, its capital, Skopje, has been built up in the past few years, and the city center now features bizarrely bright, clean, and extravagant buildings (I think Wikipedia says it best with “historicist kitsch”) that resemble something you’d see in Las Vegas. It’s oddly beautiful and dreamlike for a developing country.

Warrior statue in the center of Skopje. (Equipped with light show and fountain!). Taken by Kirstie.

5. What is your favorite European destination?

So many parts of Europe have captured my heart, but, after living in Spain for three years, it has to be my choice. Everything about it is incredibly vibrant, its complex history is apparent wherever you turn, it’s the perfect mix of traditional and modern, and its cities and landscapes are breathtaking. Madrid, Sevilla, and Granada take the cake for my favorite cities within Spain, but I would highly recommend visiting as many of the country’s diverse regions as you can.

Thanks so much Kirstie! Don’t forget to check out her website!

Featured image of Lake Bled in Slovenia from Kirstie.

Amsterdam Coffeeshop Etiquette

By Ronald Ackermann -

October 9, 2015

Yes, it’s legal. Yes you can just walk into a store and buy some marijuana. But did you know that there is actually some etiquette involved at the coffee shops in Amsterdam?

Coffeeshop in Amsterdam. Taken by mac_filko via Flickr.

Going to a coffee shop in Amsterdam, or Holland in general can go a few ways:

You may feel a little intimidated. They are typically pretty dark and while the employees are friendly, it’s not the kind of welcome you would expect at the local Friendly’s (for my American readers, no pun intended).
Or, you may feel like a kid in a candy shop, able to legally buy it for the first time, woohoo!

Either way, after talking to some locals as well as a few employees at said coffee shops, I learned that there is actually some special rules involved with the purchasing of said goods, at least if you don’t want to appear as a total… noob.

Don’t Freeload

It’s perfectly acceptable to bring in weed from another shop and smoke inside, however, it is considered impolite if you don’t purchase a drink or some other snack from the shop you’re in. Actually, the coffee shops typically have really great coffee and sometimes even organic or fresh squeezed juices. If you’re going with someone who wants to smoke, but you don’t want to yourself, also feel free to order a drink and just enjoy the atmosphere. Some shops even have a cool outdoor space to hang out.

No Alcohol

In 2007 the Dutch government made a rule that you can either serve cannabis or alcohol, but not both. For this reason you won’t find any alcoholic beverages on the coffee shop menu and, like most places in general, it is considered super rude to try to sneak in alcohol.

Ask Questions

You may feel intimidated to ask the seller questions and just pick something because of its silly name. Knowing literally next to nothing about this kind of stuff, I would feel really silly too! But actually, the people behind the counter are used to this kind of thing. They are really helpful and generally are very easily able to help you find what you’re looking for. Once in a while you may meet a big ol’ grump, but as long as you’re polite and not too overexcited wanting more information could never hurt!

There’s a Difference Between Coffeshop, Coffehuis and Café

The term “coffeeshop” refers to the location where cannabis is sold. Coffeehuis is where you can buy a delicious cup of coffee and perhaps a baked good. A café could be a restaurant, where maybe you could also buy a baked good, a meal and a drink, but definitely no marijuana. You can distinguish the difference by the green and white sign on the outside.

Coffeeshop sign, Amsterdam. Taken by Doc Searls via Flickr.

Don’t Buy Everything at One Place

Prices are generally higher at the more famous coffee shops or the ones in the city center. Branch out a bit to the more residential neighborhoods to the places that cater to a returning customer rather than a million tourists. Depending on what you’re looking for, different places have different specialties. Check out this map to determine your options!

Featured image from Radio Saigón via Flickr.

A Few Tips Before You Visit Spain…

By Ronald Ackermann -

September 10, 2015

Spain is one of the largest countries (in terms of area) in Europe, with an extremely rich historical and cultural background that is reflected today throughout the country.

If you’ve never had the chance to visit one of my favorite places on earth, here are some important things to know before you go. If you have been there before, perhaps you can relate and add to this list!

The word “Spaniard” carries with it a multitude of physical characteristics.

Like most countries in the world, there are “typical” physical characteristics of the genealogy, but don’t expect that every Spaniard you see will share the same features. Yes, a typical trait is darker hair and eyes, but there are of course the exceptions.

In fact, when I first lived in Granada in southern Spain, I was really surprised by the lighter skin tone of many of the residents. With such a radiating hot sun, I was expecting everyone to be golden brown all year long. Also, in the Basque country in northern Spain, for example, they are known for having “typical Basque features” such as a larger nose.

> Bulls are a national symbol, but bullfighting is losing its popularity.

While you can still find many bars throughout certain regions of Spain with groups of (usually older Spanish men) shouting “Vamos!” at the matadors on TV, bullfighting is actually losing its popularity quickly, especially among the young generations. It has also been banned in the Catalonia region in 2012.

According to a study by the Humane Society International, only 29% percent of the population supporting it and 13% supporting it “strongly”.

That doesn’t mean you won’t find bull symbols everywhere! At the bars, in the food, around the city and even the infamous Osborne Bull along the highway. Bulls have become a symbol of Spain both nationally and internationally.

Osborne Bull along the highway in Spain. Taken by Raúl Hernández González via Flickr.

Spanish isn’t the only language spoken, but you just probably brush up on the basics before you go.

While Spanish is the official language, there are also four other co-official languages spoken:

Aranese: co-official in Catalonia, mainly spoken in the Pyrenean comarca of the Val d’Aran (Aran Valley) in north-western Catalonia.
Basque: co-official language in Pais Vasco (Basque Country) and northern Navarre.
Catalan: co-official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, a variation of Valencian and in the Valencian Community.
Galician: co-official in Galicia.

Along with these languages, almost everyone also speaks Spanish, but in most places, especially not in the tourist center, the people will just speak Spanish, or their other regional language. If you don’t want to be seen as a complete Guiri, the slang word for foreigners, then try to learn some necessary phrases before you go.

“Siesta” isn’t everywhere, but don’t expect things to be open all the time.

In the smaller towns throughout Spain and especially in Andalusia, siesta is an important part of the day. Typically between 1:30-2pm and 5 to 6pm the shops will be closed so the workers can have lunch, usually the biggest meal of the day, and then have a short rest after. This is also the hottest part of the day, with the streets nearly empty, so you can imagine why being inside during this time is a tradition.

In the larger cities, especially Madrid and Barcelona, you will find many more things open all day. But this isn’t a sure thing, so if there is something you absolutely need make sure of the hours before you push it off until later! Also, most places will be closed on Sundays, but again, depends on where you are.

Nightlife starts between 2-3am.

Restaurants typically open around 8pm, bars a bit later. Most nightclubs don’t open until 12am, however, and don’t expect them to be full until at least 2am. You can imagine why Spaniards are famous for partying the whole evening, it doesn’t start until morning!

To go to a fancier place, you can typically get a discount if you buy the entrance from a promoter, usually accompanied by a really disgusting “free shot”. Also, you can sometimes get discounts by going before 12am, but sometimes you can’t leave and re-enter so you’re stuck buying drinks at the bar. But any trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without joining in on the party!