Spain's Gem: Barcelona

When talking about the best vacation spots in Europe, or the world for that matter, Barcelona is one of those cities that will never go amiss in the list. It is fittingly dubbed as the Mediterranean jewel with an all-in-one package of offerings that will delight all types of tourists. The country is also rich in over 2,000 years of history so you will be in awe at what you can find at literally every corner. This world travel guide will show you exactly what you need to do and where you had to go when in Barcelona to make the most of your stay.

An integral part of Barcelona's identity as a tourist destination and a Spanish city is its artistic and architectural tradition. Indeed, there are plenty of cultural and sightseeing attractions that you can find in the city with most of them several centuries old. Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia or Church of the Sacred Family is among those religious and architectural sites in Barcelona that you must include in the itinerary. Another famous work of Gaudi is Casa Mila, which is an apartment complex visited by lots of tourists in this Spanish city. Other cultural sites and attractions that you can check out include La Seu or Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, Barri Gotic, Las Ramblas, Picasso Museum, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

If you are not the one to be interested in cultural or historical sites, don't fret because the Barcelona world travel guide has more options for you. The gourmet delights of Barcelona, for instance, is one of those that has drawn lots of tourists in this side of the world. Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria is a shopping center that is also a go-to place for all those who love food. This 17th century plaza is home to bakers, farmers, and all those culinary masters that offer their unique Spanish culinary treats to visitors. The plaza is lined up with restaurants and bars so you can take your pick according to budget and individual preferences.

But if you want a more exciting way to get your fill on the city's gourmet delights, why not participate in Barcelona walking tours? The entire walking tour usually lasts for up to 2 hours with an option to have either an English- or Spanish-speaking tour guide. Stops will generally include Granja Viader, Carrer de Petritxol, and Cafe d'la Opera. But if you have a sweet tooth, you will be thrilled to sample some of the sweet treats at two of Barcelona's most famous chocolate and pastry shops Pastisseria Escriba and Xocolateria Fargas.

The nightlife in Barcelona is also something that you should try to experience once in a while. Most new tourists to the city are surprised to know that they do have a vibrant nightlife. World travel guide suggests visiting between May to October wherein beach bars (or locally known as chiringuitos) line up the urban beaches as locals and tourists partake in a night of frivolity. Barcelona's nightlife is indeed characterized by great music, exciting bars, and eccentric characters that you will surely remember long after you've left.

And to relax after a wild night, you can take a stroll along the beaches of Barcelona or have a dip in the blue Mediterranean waters. If you want to have a truly relaxing time, take your pick from any of the following beaches: Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, St Pol de Mar Beach, Ocata Beach, and Sitges Beach. Don't miss out on the chance to experience some down time after a hectic shopping and strolling all over the city.

Take note of this world travel guide to be among the locals and experience everything that this city has gotten famous for!

The Amazing Loch Lomond

Many of us live in cities with all the crowds, stress, noise and dirt in the environment. Most probably we have not often come across nature, searched for it or even be one with it. But there is this marvelous place in central Scotland that will surely blow you away; a dream place for those wanting to escape from a boring and almost monotonous pace of city life.

With exuding natural beauty of a 24-mile-long freshwater lake interspersed with picturesque islands, diverse landscapes and medieval castles, all these existing components makes up the lovable loch that we call, the Loch Lomond.

Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish “loch” lying on the Highland Boundary Fault, the boundary between the lowlands and highlands of Central Scotland. Measuring 27 and a half square miles, it is the largest single inland waterway in Great Britain (by surface area), the second largest lake in Scotland and most probably the most famous lake after Loch Ness. It is now part of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first national park and most spectacular visitor destination. The loch has 30 or more other islands, some so small that they disappear when the water levels are high, and others large enough to be (sparsely) inhabited. One of the loch's islands, Inchmurrin is the largest island in the British Isles, while Inchconnachan island is home to a colony of wallaby (marsupial), its young is known as “joey” just like many other marsupials.

The very name Loch Lomond depicts nothing but nature in perfection. The main tourist focus is on the western shore, around Balloch. This is the place to head for boat trips and home of the Maid of the Loch, an authentic paddle steamer and utterly unique venue for events and functions. Further, development is attracting large numbers of visitor like the this magnificent addition to the area, the Mull Railway, which will link Balloch and Loch Lomond Shores. Also on the western side are the villages of Arden, Tarbet and most northerly, Adlui. Arden boasts Scotland's most beautiful Youth Hostel. The most picturesque of the loch's villages is Luss on the west bank. Its streets are laid out in a linear pattern and were originally part of the planned estate village built by the Colquhouns. Recently restored, they present a pretty sight.

The loch is one of the country's premier boating and water sports venues. It is open to every kind of watercraft including kayaks, canoes, wind-surfers, jet skis, speedboats and cruisers. Having said all these, Loch Lomond presents the perfect retreat for the young, the old, the busy people who deserve to enjoy or get a life!

Places to Visit in Surigao City

Blessed by its various natural wonders, consider the City of Surigao as your ideal summer capital. It is the hub of world-class beaches, hot springs, lagoons, caves and waterfalls.

Where to Go?

The Buenavista Cave is highly-recognized for its interior stone formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Getting here takes some time and you’ll still need to ride a boat, taking you to the Hikdop Island. From there, ask the tourist guide for some precaution tips before getting inside the cave.

The Looc Beach is your splendid getaway of beauty and serenity. Its well-carved rock formations and low cliffs brings extra sensual feel in the whole place. The water is crystal clear and it is hard to ignore the temptation to pick a number of smooth pebbles underneath.

The Luneta Park is the city’s historic park. This is the beautiful meeting place for the entire family. You can spend a very relaxing time under the shades of Acacia trees and your children can play in lounge areas.

The Manjagao Mangrove Forest serves as Surigao’s cradle of marine life and the hub to various species of fishes. Traveling along the carved water channel is a rare but enjoyable experience.

The Sagisi Island might be your typical beach resort but once you step into the entrance, you will realize its clear and blue waters are just your ideal haven for exciting water activities such as snorkeling, scuba-diving and swimming. Sagisi is just an hour ride from city proper.

The Surigaonon Heritage Center houses the several archeological and anthropological artifacts. Visit the place today and you’ll see more than 300 exhibits of local, national and international rocks and minerals.

How to Get in Surigao?

There are three ways to arrive at Surigao. Travel by land and you need to ride buses from Bicol, Samar, Leyte, Pasay and Tacloban. Daily trips are also available in all Mindanao Regions. Travel by sea and you will need to book your trip through popular shipping lines (Superferry, Sulpicio, TransAsia, etc). There are two airlines that regularly travel in Surigao from Manila (The Philippine Airlines) and Cebu (Cebu Pacific).