Prices in Madrid and Barcelona rose fairly by just three and five percent.  Where the big numbers come in are Ibiza, where prices rose 57% and Benidorm which had a 22% increase in hotel prices.  Those numbers are quite impressive.  The last thing I heard about increasing that much in Spain was bulk herbal incense at the markets of Madrid.  For those of you who have not heard of Ibiza and Benidorm, here is a little introduction.  And for more cities around the world and their hotel prices, check out the infographic.

Ibiza is an island of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea found off of the city of Valencia.  This island has been trying to redo its image as a party spot, but has not had a whole lot of success.  Ibiza is well-known for clubs and partying.

Benidorm is a coastal town that was built up around tourism.  It is well know for its hotels, the beaches, and the skyscrapers.  Theme parks, shopping, and more can also be found in this town.

The first thing you’ll need to know is how to avoid being singled out by a pick pocket to begin with.  Thieves on the street always have their eyes open looking for opportunities to take advantage of tourists who are in awe of everything around them.  Knowing how to enjoy your tour and keep yourself aware at the same time can save you all kinds of trouble.

Check out this infographic for information on how pick pockets do their job:

With some of the world’s most wonderful beaches, a truly captivating nightlife, and its numerous cultural regions and historic sites, Spain makes the perfect destination for almost any kind of trip. Spain is a surprise to those who only know its reputation for great beach holidays, since it is also a country of such vast geographic and cultural diversity.  There you will find everything from verdant green meadows and snowy mountain tops, to enormous marshes and deserts in the southeast. Summer is generally regarded as the peak tourist season because of the beaches, but for those who wish to avoid the crowds, they should definitely consider visiting during the cooler winter months, as attractions such as the Alhambra and La Mezquita will not be so terribly overcrowded.

Definitely contact your travel agent today to learn more about exciting excursions in Spain, whether you are drawn by its historic charm or the diversity that is redefining the country.

So, how much are the great international football teams worth today?  Here we have talked about Spain, but how does the Spanish team stack up against other big players around the globe?  It depends on what criteria we apply.  Below is an infographic that attempts to rank the world’s teams according to their current worth in dollars.  Interesting read.  Click to expand.

If you are planning to take a trip to Spain it’s always important to plan out where you want to visit to make sure that you don’t leave anything out! When you are planning a trip you should also do a little bit of research on the areas that are near there, the safety, fun things to do, and if you are interested in the history of a place that is also easy to find.

For those of you that just like to go and do when you find new places there are plenty of things that you can discover in the heart of the Spain cities. Although you should make it a point to experience nature at it’s best. There are a number of outdoor activities that you can do to fully experience the natural beauty of Spain. There are waterfalls, mountains, ocean beaches, and then there is the great Las  Medulas which is a large area full of beautifully carved jagged mountains.

Here’s a little bit of information about Spain’s natural beauties.

Madrid de los Austrias is literally translated to mean The Madrid of the Austrians or Habsburgs.  It is what is known as the old centre or town of Madrid.  During the Habsburg reign in the sixteenth century, Madrid was made into the capital and this area was built up.  The Plaza Mayor is the common square and while it is very popular, it is still a must see that will captivate you completely.  The architecture is full of Baroque and Classical themes that create an old world feel that is inescapable.

The people of Madrid are probably my favorite thing.  They are all so inviting and warm and love the arts.  Cultured people who reach out to the arts are just so pleasant to be around.  In the common squares and parks, as well as the long list of museums, you will always find performances, exhibitions, acts, and other productions.

I must admit too that the nightlife was like nothing I had ever experienced before.  I loved going out for tapas at the bars and then later heading out to the discos and clubs.  The flamenco clubs were full of excitement and energy.  I loved the fact that I had the opportunity to see so many people dancing the traditional dance of Spain in a modern way.

Madrid holds my heart, and I hope to return soon to live for a couple of years.  When you have found your home, you just know, and mine is in Spain.

The first stop in Barcelona that you must make is obviously to La Sagrada Familia.  It is the most well-known masterpiece in the area gets the most tourist traffic due to it’s grandeur and massive scale that you can’t help but be amazed by.  On my first visit to this historic site, I was not aware that construction on the building was still in progress until I read a pamphlet from the city stating that work would most likely continue for another 25 years!  This building has been around for nearly 130 years and just keeps on getting better.

For those tourists interested in shopping around the city, you must frequent Calle Feran.  This street connects with Las Ramblas, the other extremely famous area in the city that you won’t want to miss.  Both streets feature local restaurants, bars and shops and some of the most fabulous fashion shopping you could ask for, especially if you want to bring back a bit of the local look.  When strolling through these areas it is not unusual to encounter street performers and local folks there to entertain tourists and they give such an old-world feel to the entire experience.  However, I must warn the ladies out there, if you are headed to a restaurant or bar and wearing heels, beware of areas of cobblestone.  I nearly lost a shoe on a cobblestone street one night and found myself walking on my toes the rest of the evening.

And you can’t forget the Gothic Quarter.  This is the old quarter of the city where those cobblestone streets seem to be everywhere, but they really do set a reminiscent tone.  Those who have an interest in art will want to check out this region since Picasso lived and worked there for many years.  Many other local artists have come from a background in this particular region of Barcelona and the site of an artist in the street painting one of the city’s historic landmarks makes you truly appreciate the beauty and history of Barcelona.  There are many other incredible scenes to behold along way, so don’t hesitate to venture off the beaten path and find some new treasures to explore.