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Where to Stay In Barcelona

  

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Barcelona is an absolutely incredible city and should be on the top of everyone’s travel list. There are breathtaking beaches, delectable dining, and a non-stop nightlife. No matter how you have fun, Barcelona offers it in spades. But where should you stay?

We talked to our worldly staff, and when we brought up that we were writing an article about Barcelona, they’re eyes lit up.They were practically frothing at the mouth and shoving each other out of the way just to chime in with their favorite neighborhoods and why.

After strenuous research, here are some of our absolute favorite neighborhoods to stay when visiting beautiful Barcelona.

 

El Born

El Born is located right in the center of the old city. This makes it very convenient to get around to the many other neighborhoods, so you can walk to the beach or the Gothic Quarter or even the metro stops.

But it’s not just the location that makes El Born the top of our list. This neighborhood is known for its amazing artisan shops and hip restaurants. Prepare to blow up your Instagram if you stay here because there are tons of alleyways covered in graffiti and street art that are perfect for some cool photos so that you can brag to your friends and make them all super jealous.

Oh, also, did we mention the Picasso Museum? Yeah, that Picasso. You can see some of his most famous paintings along with his early work. Now that’s a neighborhood.

 

 

Barceloneta

If beach vibes are totally what you’re feeling, shaka bro, then Barceloneta is for you. You can walk along the beach and see all the different ways the Barcelonians enjoy the sunshine from rollerblading and biking to swimming or just relaxing.

There really isn’t too much to say as to why this neighborhood is great, I mean you’re in the Mediterranean on a beach. Do we really need to give you much more info than that?

 

El Raval

If you’re a Hemingway fan then you’ve probably heard of this neighborhood. In Hemingway’s days it was a pretty rough neighborhood, but not anymore. Now El Raval is delightful for everyone to stay.

You will see more diversity here than in any other neighborhood in Barcelona. People from all over the world seem to flock to this neighborhood when looking for a place to live which creates a very diverse scene.

That means there’s a lot of great food and of course, great bars. But don’t blame us if you find yourself awake at four AM dancing in the streets. You won’t stick out if you’re doing that, by the way, you’ll fit right in.

Poble See

If staying out until the wee hours of the morning isn’t your thing, but eating is your thing then Poble See is for you. This place isn’t known for its nightlife but it is known for its tapas bars.

You might not be too close to major tourist attractions in this district, but you will be close to the metro system which can get you there quickly and efficiently.

One thing is for sure, no matter where you stay, you will love Barcelona.


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Destinations

Getting Past The Mexican Vacationing Myths

There are a lot of myths about travel in Mexico. But it is still a beautiful country that is definitely worth visiting. 

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There are a lot of myths out there about Mexico. Obviously, things like “don’t drink the tap water” are true and should be taken very seriously. But there are plenty of other stories out there that just aren’t true. 

Mexico is a beautiful country that is definitely worth visiting. And this article is meant to relieve any worries you have about checking it out.

IT’S IMPOVERISHED

A lot of people think of Mexico as a very poor and even third-world country. But that just isn’t the case. It’s definitely less developed that some countries, including the U.S., but for the most part it’s a middle-income country. In fact, it’s GDP per capita is similar to such countries as Brazil and even China.

But this myth is likely kept alive by the fact that about 44 percent of Mexicans do live in poverty. And that number is high enough that it’s safe to say no matter where tourists may visit, they’re likely to see that poverty.

IT’S DANGEROUS

This is grossly exaggerated. In reality, Mexico is no more dangerous than any other country. Sure, there are some areas that have higher crime rates (specifically Tijuana and Juarez), but the majority of Mexico is perfectly safe. With that said, the usual precautions should be taken when walking around at night, drinking in excess, or using an ATM outside of a hotel. There will always be people looking to take advantage of tourists no matter where you are.

IT’S A NON-STOP COLLEGE PARTY

Thanks to the spring break popularity of places like Cancun, Mexico is now commonly thought of as just one big, obnoxious party. And while there are definitely places to enjoy a wild party in Mexico, it’s far from the norm. In fact, outside of the month of March, Cancun is typically a very peaceful place full of honeymooners and foodies.

TACOS, BURRITOS, AND ENCHILADAS ARE THE ONLY FOOD AVAILABLE

Ok, people come on. Sure, these are staples of Mexican food, but there are other options! Cuisines and specialties vary from region to region and there is bound to be plenty of delicious variety regardless of where you are. From seafood to fried pork belly to grilled octopus, there is something for everyone. So get out there and try something new for once!

FOOD POISONING IS ALMOST INEVITABLE

Many people assume that a trip to Mexico means getting food poisoning at least once. The tap water should definitely be avoided, but most tourists will also avoid almost all fruit and produce. There definitely are different bacteria active in Mexico that can lead to “Montezuma’s revenge,” but avoiding essentially all cold food is silly.

Most restaurants use fresh water to wash everything and to make their ice. And while there are definitely street carts that should be avoided, skipping out on some delicious mango, horchata, and ceviche would be a mistake.

IT’S NOT SAFE DURING HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane season in Mexico usually lasts from June to November. The worst months typically being August through October. Because of this many people avoid traveling to Mexico during those months. But, for the most part, it’s really unnecessary to completely avoid the country for six months out of the year.

And as long as you prepare to leave early or cancel if necessary (hurricanes are usually predicted a week in advance), you can actually get great deals on travel and hotels. So hurricane season can actually be the best time to visit Mexico as the rates will be the lowest and the cities will be the least crowded.

 


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Destinations

Nostalgia Meets Modern Comfort: 5 Reasons to Choose The Starlight Motor Inn for Your North Charleston Getaway

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The Starlight Motor Inn

A getaway to North Charleston is not complete without a stay at the Starlight Motor Inn located within the heart of the community. A classic through the decades, this motel once closed its doors to the public. 

Today? The Starlight Motor Inn has been reimagined, welcoming guests back to a bit of nostalgia mixed with modern comforts since 2023.

Here are 5 reasons you will want to check it out for yourself.  

1. The Retro Vibe

When new owners take over an old motel, their first bit of business is to revamp the space with all the latest technology. This is often an attempt to modernize it in a way that matches the newer hotels built down the road. 

That is not what happened with the Starlight Motor Inn. This modular motel that was first opened in 1961 was the first of its kind in the area. And through the renovation, the new owners did not want to lose the classic, retro vibe. They even kept the original structure, including the lattice. 

Each room has modern comforts that come with a retro flare. Take, for instance, the vintage-inspired furniture and Frigidaire refrigerator found in each room. Everything from the colors to the decor throughout the motel will really make you feel like you stepped back in time. 

This is where the nostalgia sets in.

2. The Burgundy Lounge

The Burgundy Lounge is another reason why you need to stay at the Starlight Motor Inn while on a getaway to North Charleston. 

It originally opened in 1966 under the same name and still uses the same barstools today as it did back then. Wood panels, soft lighting with candles, and live music set the space. And the drinks top it off. 

Sip an Old Fashioned and listen to the stories of the old sailors and swingers who have called this their favorite water hole for decades. 

3. The Swimming Pool

North Charleston can get hot. And a dip in the pool is all you need to feel completely refreshed. But the pool at the Starlight Motor Inn isn’t anything like you experience at any other vacation spot.

The pool here is a private oasis where you can grab a drink, take a swim, and kick back and relax on a lounge chair. And yes, the feelings of nostalgia are found at every turn poolside. 

Did we mention that there are floating flamingos, too? 

4. The Location

If you still need a reason to choose the Starlight Motor Inn when you visit North Charleston, then let’s talk about the location. Conveniently located on Rivers Avenue, you will find yourself immersed in one of the most historic yet vibrant neighborhoods in the city. 

Food, drinks, shopping, and various visitor attractions are all close by — many within walking distance. 

5. The History

Rather than tearing buildings down, the new owners of the Starlight Motor Inn are doing what they can to preserve this motel that was recently declared a Historic Landmark. 

Built on an old used car lot, it has stood the test of time (including hurricanes) and has become part of the scenery. Over the decades, the motel went from being a thriving hotspot to a desolate place closed to the public. 

Now, the revitalized motel is charging forward with all the feels of yesteryear and the modern comforts of today. 

Come see for yourself. 

The Starlight Motor Inn is a restored mid-century motel located in North Charleston, SC perfect for restful days and playful nights. Stay. Swim. Dine. Drink. 

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Destinations

The Best American Roads For Your New Convertible

We have compiled a list of the absolute best roads for letting the top down and living your best convertible life.

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Driving with the top down is one of the greatest thrills in life. You look cool, you feel cool and guess what, you are cool. You throw on your sunglasses and leather jacket and just cruise on down the open road in your sweet convertible that is the envy of every one of your friends.

But when you decide to ride with the top down you want to make sure you have something cool to look at. You don’t want to be cruising top-down amongst a bunch of smokestacks and pigeons. You’ll just be inhaling pollution and getting your head pooped on.

Instead, you need to find a beautiful place that will let mother nature do the rest of the heavy lifting when it comes to setting the perfect scene. That’s why we have compiled a list of the absolute best roads for letting the top-down and living your best convertible life.

ROAD TO HANA, HAWAII

The ultimate convertible destination is definitely Hawaii. These soft top cars were built to be driven around the picturesque island that is Hawaii. You’ll get the cool breeze in the warm weather and some spectacular views to match. You’ll be crossing bridges and cutting around curves all while getting some stunning views of the Hawaiian coast and the beautiful water. Say “sup” to some dolphins and play some rocking tunes as you partake in this awesome excursion.

OUTER BANKS HIGHWAY, NORTH CAROLINA

This is the perfect drive to be surrounded by water. You’ll have the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. You’ll blow by some awesome lighthouses, beaches, and see some spectacular wildlife that will hopefully not poop on your head. But if a bird does poop on your head on this drive you’ll be stoked because it will be poop from a beautiful bird that is local to North Carolina. You’ll say “oh yeah!” as you pull out a bandana to wipe your head off. Now you have a travel memento.

SONOMA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Take a drive through the wine country and enjoy the beauty of the vineyards amongst the rolling grassy hills that make up the Sonoma Valley. Just be careful when you decide to pull in to one of the many spectacular wineries for a glass or two because you don’t want to turn this convertible road trip into a night in the drunk tank. Be careful if you decide to partake in the wine, and maybe park the convertible and get a ride to the winery if you plan on doing some serious “tasting.”

BLUEBONNET TRAIL, TEXAS 

This drive is extremely beautiful thanks to the, you guessed it, Bluebonnet gardens that run alongside the road. You may not feel really rugged and cool driving through some flowers but it’s impossible to not be swept away by all the gorgeous views these flowers create. By the end of this trip, you’ll understand how a rugged person like yourself can still be swept away by the beauty of a flower and that’s totally okay. Go on this wonderful convertible drive to become a more well-rounded person.


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