Posts tagged CITY
10 PHOTOS TO MAKE YOU BOOK A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND NOW
 

Written by: Lauren Bailey

www.thatblondetravels.com


 
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
Auckland

Auckland

Franz Joseph Glacier

Franz Joseph Glacier

New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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Poor Knight’s Caye Scuba Diving

Poor Knight’s Caye Scuba Diving

 

Have you ever been to New Zealand? What was your favorite part of the trip?

You may also be interested in:

FIVE DAYS IN QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND


ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


 
FIVE DAYS IN QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND
 

FIVE DAYS IN QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

Written by: Lauren Bailey

www.thatblondetravels.com


Queenstown, New Zealand

In April of 2017, my friends, husband, and I spent an amazing 15 days in New Zealand. The first five of which we spent in Queenstown. If you’re thinking of planning a trip to New Zealand and have no idea of where to start, then Queenstown is probably your best bet! There are so many things to do there. From hiking, zip-lining, paragliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, the list is truly endless.

We visited during their “fall” since the seasons are opposite from the US. We were hoping to catch great weather, milder temperatures, and less crowds. Unfortunately, the weather is very unpredictable and we ended up having several adventures cancelled. If I ever go back (and I plan to), then I would shoot for their summer months, January and February, so that the weather would be more predictable.

 

FIVE DAYS IN QUEENSTOWN:
DAY 1: Arrive into Queenstown
DAY 2: Milford Sound: Fly-Walk-Cruise-Fly
DAY 3: Tandem Paragliding + Canyoning
DAY 4: Hike the Routeburn Track
DAY 5: Whitewater Rafting – Shotover River

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Queenstown New Zealand

Welcome to New Zealand, where your adventure begins in Queenstown! After a long flight, grab your bags and head to your hotel for the next 4 nights.

After checking into the hotel, make your way to the Skyline Gondola + Luge for an adventurous downhill ride with stunning 220-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range beyond.

If you’re feeling extra daring, you can also sign up for bungee jumping at AJ Hackett ledge jump or swing!

Grab some dinner at The Bunker or if you’re looking for something quicker to eat, try Smith’s Craft Beer House.

 
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This morning is an early start, but for an amazing reason! Head to Queenstown airport to catch your short flight to Milford Sound with Milford Sound Scenic Flights, where you fly over Wakatipu Basin and into Fiordland, sweeping the length of Milford Sound where you can take in unparalleled views of world famous fiord.

Once landing in Milford Sound, you will take a short boat ride over to Sandfly Point to begin your guided walk on the famous Milford Track. This is a three and a half hour walk taking you along a well formed track to the half way point, Giant Gate waterfall.

After the walk, transfer to the boat terminal where you’ll board a Mitre Peak Cruise through Milford Sound where you will see scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls, snow-capped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 meters from the ocean floor.

The flight back is breathtaking as you first spot 548 meter Sutherland Falls. This scenic flight will allow you to take in magnificent views of the mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests of the Fiordland national Park on your way back to Queenstown.

After your busy day, grab dinner at The Cow. This is seriously the coolest restaurant. The ambiance is awesome and they have a roaring fire for cold, dreary days. This was one of my favorite restaurant experiences in Queenstown.

 
Dinner at The Cow

Dinner at The Cow

Pizza at The Cow

Pizza at The Cow

 

TIP: If you end up like us and have bad weather, take this opportunity to explore downtown Queenstown or plan a trip on the Shotover River Extreme Jet Boats.


Since you have some time this morning, I highly recommend grabbing breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen before your excursions for the day.

After breakfast, head to your thrilling Tandem Paragliding excursion.

Grab a quick burger at Fergburger for lunch or head back to your hotel and make a quick lunch if you got the suite with a kitchen.

Next up, canyoning! This was probably one of my favorite things that we did while in New Zealand. If you’ve never done it, then I highly recommend this excursion! This adventure you will go down natural water slides, zip lines, pool jumps, abseils (rappelling), swimming and scrambling. I have a major fear of heights, but I would do this again and again!

Suprisingly, New Zealand has some of the best Thai food that I have ever eaten! Check out @Thai for some delicious Thai green curry.

Bespoke Kitchen, Queenstown. Picture / Guy Coombes

Bespoke Kitchen, Queenstown. Picture / Guy Coombes


Routeburn Track, Queestown, New Zealand

The beautiful Routeburn Track is located in Mount Aspiring National Park and is our plan for today. It is a hike that begins with a gradual ascent, through 130 million year old magical world of ferns, mosses, lichens and beech forest. During this trek, you will explore forgotten paths of the Maori, finding enchantment around each corner. This walk is often described as, being “far better than the Milford Track”.

Routeburn Track
Routeburn Track, Queenstown

Just 2.5 hours down the track, the woodlands part to reveal the rich grassland of the Routeburn Flats, overlooked on all sides by cloud-scraping mountains, some so high they have permafrost. The Flats is a pristine site to stop for lunch. After a delicious Kiwi style picnic lunch, turn and enjoy the valley in reverse.

 
Routeburn Track, Queenstown
 

Being from Tennessee, I have been whitewater rafting numerous times. That being said, whitewater rafting on the Shotover River after tons of rain making normal class 4 rapids become class 5 rapids was a whole other level!

This was the coolest experience! Due to weather, it was almost cancelled. Thankfully, at the last minute, they decided to run the excursion.

Shotover River

The Shotover River runs through Skippers Canyon and was one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. Start the journey from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, head towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon. The adrenaline pumps as you paddle Rock Garden, After Shock, Sharks Fin, and Pinball to name but a few of the rapids. Raft the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting Cascade Rapid to complete your adventure.


Here are three hotels that I would recommend. We stayed in the Scenic Suites. It was really nice because it was walking distance to downtown and it had a kitchen so that we could cook breakfast in the mornings before heading out on our busy day.

PLATINUM QUEENSTOWN

LAKERIDGE QUEENSTOWN

SCENIC SUITES QUEENSTOWN


 
Queenstown
 

Have you ever been to New Zealand or Queenstown? If so, leave me a comment below and tell me your favorite experience of your trip!

If you need any help booking a trip to New Zealand, I would love to help!


ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


 
ULTIMATE ICELAND RING ROAD ADVENTURE
 
Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling
Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling

ICELAND - the land of FIRE and ICE. When I first starting looking into going to Iceland, I was entranced by it’s natural beauty and the idea of being in a remote area and having it all to myself.


ICELAND ROAD TRIP ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Arrive into Reykjavik + Golden Circle
DAY 2: Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Trail
DAY 3: Seljalandsfoss + Skogafoss Waterfalls
DAY 4: Svartifoss + Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
DAY 5: Lake Mytvan
DAY 6: Dettifoss + Husavik + Godafoss
DAY 7: Kolugljúfur Canyon + Snaefellsnes Peninsula
DAY 8: Glymur Waterfall + Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon
DAY 9: Leave Iceland for home

Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling

Arrive into Reykjavik and head to pick up your camper van at Cozy Campers. Grocery shop at the local Bónus. Once you’re loaded up and comfortable, head out to begin your roadtrip!

TIP: It is recommended to get to know your camper van and rest before heading out on the Ring Road. We had limited time to explore so we headed out immediately.

Begin your week long Iceland adventure with the Golden Circle Drive. Along the way, you will check out Flosagjá fissure, Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Geysir - Geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin). This drive takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete.

End day one with the Reykjadalur hike - ~45 min to 1 hr hike that ends in a hot spring river!

Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling

Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling

This morning drive to Seljalandsfoss/Gljúfrabúi base for the Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Trail (25 km trail; 15.5 miles) if you’re feeling up to it with Southcoast Adventures. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can do one of their superjeep tours thru Þórsmörk.


Solheimasandur Plane Crash

Get up early this morning and beat the crowds to see Seljalandsfoss. While there, continue north to the waterfall Gljúfrabúi, which is found partially hidden behind a rock face. The rest of the morning is spent sightseeing - Seljavallalaugh Swimming Pool, Skogafoss, Solheimasandur Plane Crash, Loftsalahellir Cave, Dyrhólaey, and Reynisdrangar.


 
Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling
 

After all the beautiful sights, head into Vik to have a yummy lunch at Halldorskaffi.

Continue on from Vik, stopping at Laufskálavarða, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (3 km round trip hike), and Systrafoss.

End the day at Skaftafell campground, which is the perfect location to begin tomorrow’s adventure!


Today starts bright and early in Skaftafell National Park with a 3.4 km hike to Svartifoss (Black Falls) and Sjónarsker viewpoint.

TIP: If you have time to burn, then spend an entire day in Skaftafell National Park. There are tons of hikes in this area!

Svartifoss

Svartifoss

After your hike, head to the town of Hof to get some groceries and then continue to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Next is the town of Höfn for lunch at Pakkhús Restaurant and stop at Hoffell hot tubs if you have time.

After lunch, take Scenic Fjord Route 92 towards Egilsstaðir. Along the way, you will see, Djúpivogur (Lighthouse), Breiðdalsvík, and Litlanesfoss/Hengifoss (40 min detour for a 2.5 km hike).


Starting off over half way around the Iceland Ring Road today! Head over to the Lake Mytvan area for today’s sights!

Dimmuborgir Lava formations

LAKE MYTVAN SIGHTS:
Leirhnjukur Lava Fields and Geothermal Area
Krafla/Viti Crater
Myvatn Nature Baths
Grjotagja Lava Cave and Geothermal Spring
Dommuborgir hike to Hverfjall Cinder Cone and Crater
Dimmuborgir Lava formations and “The Church”
Skutustadir Pseudocraters

Dettifoss

This morning head to Dettifoss, which is said to be the most powerfull waterfall in Iceland.

Stretch your legs on a 5.5 mile hike to see Hafragilsfoss and Ásbyrgi Canyon both located in Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon or Vatnajökull National Park.

Stop in Husavik for lunch and a whale tour if you have time.

After lunch, head to Godafoss via scenic route I-85 (~40 min off the ring road).


 
Godafoss
 

Once you leave Godafoss, you will head to the town of Akureyri where you can spend some time exploring Akureyrarkirkja church.

Last stop of the day is Sundlaugin á Hofsósi (Hot pool by the ocean) for some relaxation.


Begin the morning with a short drive to Grettislaug Pool, then spend some time relaxing and enjoying your last day on the ring road!

Once you’re good and relaxed, head over to Kolugljúfur Canyon for some breathtaking views.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is your next stop and where you will camp out tonight.

 
Arnarstapi

SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA SIGHTS:
Gerðuberg Cliffs
Búðakirkja
Budhahraun
Arnarstapi
Snæfellsjökull
Londrangar
Djúpalónssandur beach
Saxhóll Crater
Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufell
Berserkjahraun


Today is your last day in Iceland and we are going to make the most of it! Leaving the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, head towards Glymur Waterfall (~2 hour drive) for a short waterfall hike.

 
Glymur Waterfall
 

Grab lunch and head out to Reykjavik. If you have time, why not do a free walking tour of the city. If not make sure to check out these well-known sights: Sun Voyager Sculpture, Harpa Cultural Center, and Hallgrimskirkja Church.

 

TIP: Don't miss the hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur! They are world famous!

Reykjavik

Finally, drop off your trusty van and head out to the Blue Lagoon. Why not treat yourself after spending an entire week in a campervan? Tonight, we are having dinner at the Moss Restaurant, which was recently recommended by the 2019 Michelin Guide, followed by a stay at the Silica Hotel.

Your stay includes entrance into the Blue Lagoon as well as a mud mask. Treat yo-self!

 
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
 

Say your final goodbyes to Iceland and head to the airport for home today.


This is the itinerary that I have planned for my husband and I’s trip to Iceland at the end of August. If you have any suggestions as to anything that we MUST see or do, please leave them in the comments below! I know that this is an over-zealous itinerary so I will let you know how it goes!


ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


 
HOW TO PLAN AN ULTIMATE THAILAND ITINERARY
 

HOW TO PLAN AN ULTIMATE THAILAND ITINERARY

www.thatblondetravels.com

Written by: Lauren Bailey

If you have any suggestions for can’t miss places to see or places to eat, please leave them in the comments below!


Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

When I was in school, I spent an amazing 5 weeks in Thailand learning about their hospital system and pharmacy practices. It was such an amazing 5 weeks that I have been dying to go back ever since I left. The people, the food, the scenery were all so amazing and all came together to make an ever-lasting impression on my mind and heart.

Outlined below is my version of the ultimate Thailand itinerary with some can’t miss stops along the way.

Phuket, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia
Phuket, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

PROPOSED 11 DAY/10 NIGHT ITINERARY

Here’s what a typical 11 day Thailand itinerary looks like:

Bangkok (2 nights)

Chiang Mai (3 nights)

Chiang Rai (1 night)

Phuket (4 nights)

Total days: 11

Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

BANGKOK

Where to stay:

Riva Surya Bangkok

Anantara Riverside Bangkok

Grand Hyatt Erawan

What to do:

Bangkok Highlights: City, Temples and Klong Tour:
In the morning, visit two of the most impressive sights in the city. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Po is an enormous Buddha covered in gold leaf, lying majestically on its side. The Grand Palace has no equal and is a must-see for every visitor to Bangkok. Built by King Rama I in 1782, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years; today it is Bangkok's most celebrated landmark. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha - Wat Pra Kaew - which houses Thailand's most precious image of the Lord Buddha.

In the afternoon, travel along the picturesque Chao Phraya River through the klongs (canals) of Thonburi. Observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways which gave the city the name Venice of the East. Finally, pay a visit to one of the city's most photographed sites, the shimmering Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The majestic shrine has a pagoda of 79m high. It is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces that reflect the sun's rays and give the temple its name.

Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia
Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

CHIANG MAI

Where to stay:

Akyra Manor

Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

What to do:

Chiang Mai City Tour:

Your afternoon tour takes you around the famous city for an up-close and personal look at some of its most notable temples, as well as stops at its old city walls, gates, and moat. The highlight of this trip is Wat Pan Tao, built in the typical wooden northern-Thailand architecture, with exquisite fine carving on the eaves and door. Proceed to Wat Jet Yod with its seven spires and incredible architecture commemorating the year 2000 of the Buddha era. Then drive up to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep (built in A.D. 1384). Wat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha.

Elephant Nature Park:

This tour begins by picking you up at your hotel in a private vehicle. Once you arrive, you will have a quick safety briefing and then you will be taken across the river to meet the magnificent elephants. These elephants have been rescued from distressing situations all over Thailand. The team at the park have worked hard towards building trust with the animals by showing them love, respect and care as many of the elephants have experienced harsh mistreatment from humans in the past. Because of this, riding the elephants is not allowed at the sanctuary.
As you meet the elephants, you will be taught basic language and signals to help to communicate and interact with the elephants throughout the day. After the group takes a break for lunch, continue practicing your elephant communication skills and walk them to the nearby river.
If time remains, you will go the Elephant Kitchen before departing from the Elephant Nature Park. In this kitchen food is prepared for the elephants. Many of the elephants that live here don't have strong digestive systems, so special food must be prepared for them.

Streetfood-Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia
Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

CHIANG RAI

Where to stay:

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa

Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

What to do:

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: On the way, visit Hot Spring Baan Pong Nam Ron. Visit Wat Rong Khun or the "White Temple". This temple is unique from other temples in that it has been constructed entirely in a radiant white color with sparking reflections from mirrored glass mosaics embedded in the white plaster. Continue on to take a long-tailed boat cruise approximately 1 hour to visit Karen hill tribe village.

Chiang Rai to Phuket: Drive through the Golden Triangle area where the mighty Mae Khong and Ruakrivers meet, forming a natural boundary between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Visit the Opium Museum before moving on to the old city of Chiang Saen (A.D.1260), where you can marvel at the magnificent ancient ruins and temples. Drop off at Chiang Rai Airport for flight to Phuket

Elephant-Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia
Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

PHUKET

Where to stay:

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Paresa Resort Phuket

Angsana Villas Resort

What to do:

Phi Phi Island Tour by Join Speedboat:

Take a speed boat to Phi Phi island. Enjoy a swim/snorkel stop at its beach. Drive to Phi Phi Ley, famous for its birds nests.

Depart for Maya Bay and Phi Phi Island. Relax at Maya Bay (where The Beach was partially filmed). Snorkel and swim in clear water at Loh Samah and Pileh Cove. Visit the Viking Cave, now home to nest producing swallows. Feed the local inhabitants at The Monkey Beach. Appreciate the magnificent marine life at the Hin Klang (Great Coral Reef). Lunch will be served at Phi Phi Natural Resort (Private beach). After lunch, explore Bamboo Island, a flat beautiful island blending white sand and very clear water. Relax on the beach or swim and snorkel. There is also a nice coral reef near the beach.

Thai Cookery School from Phuket:

Learn how to prepare your ingredients, how to portion the herbs and even a little about the effects of certain herbs.

Phang Nga Bay and Khai Island from Phuket by Speedboat:

This special full day trip offers you the excursion for exploring Phang Nga Bay and visit Khai Nai Islandby speedboat. The discovery of Phang Nga Bay will make you excited with lot of fascinating islands and limestone outcrops.

Along the bay you will enjoy with the scenic views of fauna and flora at Panak Island and and visit the amazing limestone mountains at Hong Island by canoes. This trip also offer you the visit to Tapu Island also known as James Bond Island. Afterwards go to through Mangrove swamp and pass Tham Lod Noi and Lod Yai.

Phuket, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

FAQS

What time of year is best to visit Thailand?
Dry season is typically between the end of November and the end of April. While Thailand's rainy season typically begins after July and runs through October, it isn’t unlikely for major storms to arrive as early as May. April and early May are considered the “hottest” season in the hot, hotter, and hottest classification of Thai climate. Temperatures can surpass 104 degrees, so if you can’t handle the heat, plan your trip for a few months earlier. [T+L]

What was your favorite city in Thailand?
My favorite city in Thailand was Chiang Mai! I loved all the night markets and delicious food. Also, it helped that it was one of the cheaper cities amid the tourist destinations in Thailand.

How long do I need for a trip to Thailand?
If you really want to experience Thailand and the culture, then I wouldn’t go for less than 10 nights. You can definitely fit in a lot in a short amount of time but you will need a vacation from your vacation when you get home!

What’s the best way to get around in Thailand?
In the city, the best way to get around is either walking or getting a Tuk-tuk to take you form A to B.

From city to city, you can take an overnight bus for very cheap. We did this to go from Chiang Mai to Bangkok for the weekend and it was super cheap! We even upgraded to first class and watched Bridesmaids in Thai.

Otherwise, flying is also available for a very reasonable price via local airlines!


This is just one example of an ultimate adventure to Thailand! There are so many places to see and so many foods to try that it is hard to put everything on a list in one place!

If you’ve been to Thailand before, leave a comment below about what your favorite thing that you did was and why!


About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


Need help planning and booking your own Thailand Adventure? Send me an email!


 
HOW TO PLAN YOUR OWN ANDALUSIA SPAIN TRIP
 

HOW TO PLAN YOUR OWN ANDALUSIA SPAIN TRIP

www.thatblondetravels.com

Written by: Lauren Bailey

If you have any suggestions for can’t miss places to see or places to eat, please leave them in the comments below!


Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…

When you think of Spain, what is the first place that you imagine? Is it Barcelona? Is it Madrid? Or could it be an island such as Ibiza?

All of these places came to mind when I was working on our 9 day/8 night Spain itinerary. I ultimately thought about what I value when I travel, beautiful scenery, less crowds, adventure, and good weather, to determine the locations that we would travel to. In this post, I am going to share my planned itinerary for our trip to Spain and some of the resources that I used while planning it!

Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…
Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…

PROPOSED 9 DAY/8 NIGHT ITINERARY

Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…

Here’s what our 9 day Southern Spain itinerary looks like:

Mallorca (3 nights)

Seville (2 nights)

Granada (2 nights)

Madrid (1 night)

Total days: 9


MALLORCA

Mallorca (pronouced "Mah-YOR-ka") is the largest of three tiny islands off the coast of Spain known as the Balearic Islands.

How to get here: Direct flights are available from Madrid International Airport into Palma at multiple times per day for very cheap! I think our flight was ~30 euro on Ryanair.

What we’re doing: This is still tbd but I would love to eat at some local restaurants that feature Michelin Star chefs and do plenty of hiking and relaxing!

Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…
Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…

SEVILLE

Seville is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It is well-known for flamenco dancing and the Alcázar castle that was built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty.

Where we’re staying: Hotel Rey Alfonso X

What we’re doing: Once we get into Seville from Mallorca, we are doing a free walking tour of Seville with Hello Sevilla Tours.

After lunch, we will make our way to The Real Alcázar de Sevilla.

Dinner at sunset at the Metropol Parasol, followed later in the evening by the Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria.

The next day we plan to do a day trip to either Cadiz or Arcos de la Frontera. - Will keep you updated on our decision! :)

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GRANADA

Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's most famous landmark is the Alhambra that dates back to the Moorish occupation.

Where we’re staying: Hotel Hospes Palacio de Los Patos

What we’re doing: When driving from Seville to Granada, we plan on driving through the Sierra Nevada mountains and stopping in Rhonda and then proceding to do the Caminito Del Rey hike.

We plan to visit the Alhambra of course and then a couple free walking tours as well.

Mostly I’m excited about our hike in Caminito Del Rey (It looks magical!).

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MADRID

Where we’re staying: Catalonia Plaza Mayor

What we’re doing: While in Madrid, we will be doing two city walking tours and possibly a tapas tour. If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

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FAQS

What time of year is best to visit Southern Spain?
The best time to visit Spain is typically in the spring (March to May) or during the fall (September to November). At these times, you'll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather (even for hitting the beach!). [Trip Savvy]

What was your favorite city in Southern Spain?
TBD! Come back in November for the answer to this question!

How long do I need for a trip to Southern Spain?
Well this question is pretty subjective. We have 9 total days (including travel) and I had a VERY hard time deciding between the cities that I wanted to visit and stay in vs doing day trips to. In the end, I decided to go to Mallorca, Seville, Granada, and Madrid. When driving from Seville to Granada, we plan on driving through the Sierra Nevada mountains and stopping in Rhonda and doing the Caminito Del Rey hike. I feel like if you wanted to see the whole Andalusia coast, then you would probably need around 14 days. I will report back once we return!

What’s the best way to get around in Southern Spain?
This questions depends on the time and money that you have at your disposal. We are flying from Mallorca to Seville and then renting a car for day trips and to drive to Granada. We were going to take the bus back from Granada to Madrid, but the flights were so cheap that we booked one of those instead.


About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


Need help planning and booking your own Southern Spain trip? Send me an email!