Not Just a Party Island: Ibiza, Spain

IBIZA. For some, that word alone evokes the idea of wild parties and drunken revelries. Ibiza is one of the most popular party islands in the world. Its reputation for larger than life clubs and partying until sunrise attracts celebrities and your average Joe from the world over. Yet, this Mediterranean island has a lot more to offer.

Ibiza is also very well know for its pristine beaches, perfect weather and laid back Spanish atmosphere. It is the perfect place to let your hair down, relax and to bask in the sun. It's no wonder then that many families with young children and the elderly regularly visit Ibiza. Walking through the Old Town you will discover an impressive history that this island has to offer. Ibiza has a plethora of hidden beaches, each one different than the previous one. Enjoy a picturesque sunrise on the eastern shores and a breathtaking sunset on the western side.

Formentera. An hour boat ride away leads you to the secluded and formidable island of Formentera. Very different from its sister island, Formentera offers more seclusion and tranquil alone time. The best and cheapest way to see the island is by renting a scooter. Calm peaceful beaches, historic lighthouses, and cliffside restaurants are just a few of the many gems Formentera has to offer.

Ibiza is not some poor island where $20 will last you all weekend. Yet, it's still possible to do it on the cheap. Staying in Ibiza Town means that you can save money by walking around the city. Buses are the cheapest way to get to the other parts of the island but just be sure to check the return times before departing. Surprisingly there are a number of reasonable priced restaurants offering typical Spanish cuisine. Hotel prices might be more than your normal budget, but check a month before and after the peak times for cheaper rates.

 

The Art to Sleeping in the Airport

Keep Luggage with You

 "YES!!", you scream as you purchase that cheap ticket for your next trip. "OK, so I have a 7 hour overnight layover. It won't be that bad...", you foolishly rationalize to yourself.

All well-seasoned international travelers have experienced this. Having to spend the night in an airport comes with the territory when you're on a tight budget or crunched for time.

For some travelers, anything more than a 4 hour layover means "I get to go sightseeing and mark off another city on my bucket list!" This is great when you arrive in London at 11:20am and your connecting flight is at 9:35pm. The challenge is when these extended layovers are during the night; arrive in Geneva at 11:55pm and your flight out is at 6:15am.   

Being on a tight budget means you don't want to waste money on: sleeping in a hotel for only 2-3 hours or taking a taxi back to the airport at 4am because there is no public transportation.  

Avoid Isolated Areas

Welcome to sleeping in the airport! Here are a few things to keep in mind to make it as pleasant as an unpleasant situation can be.


1. Make yourself as comfortable as possible. Accept the fact you won't sleep well. This is not a hotel, so don't expect to get a full night's sleep. However, you can use your jacket or luggage to serve as a pillow and a small bed. 

2. Walk around. Don't just settle for the first seat you find. Remember, you are going to be here for the next 6 hours. Visit the airport. Some bars and restaurants stay open till 1 or 2am. Find areas where other travelers are resting so that you're not in an isolated area of the airport. Look for comfortable couches or benches where you can lie down.

Busy Yourself

3. Busy yourself. Playing games or talking with fellow travelers will make the time go by quicker. Bring a book or movies. Find a bar that's showing the game or the news on a large screen TV and plant yourself in front of it.

4. Be safe. Even though you want quiet, avoid isolated areas. Keep your bags as close to you as possible. Don't leave your bags when you go to the restroom.

5. Be respectful. Spring Break doesn't start at 2am in the airport. Even though you're in a large spaced environment, don't be rowdy or loud. Nobody wants to hear what you did last night or you playing the guitar. Limit your bodily noises (no farting, no loud belching and wear your nose strips so the entire terminal doesn't hear you snoring).

Get Comfortable

6. Freshen up. When you wake up go brush your teeth, wash your face, and put on deodorant. Spruce yourself up some. Spending the night in the airport doesn't mean that you need to look or smell like you did.

7. No running. Set the alarm on your watch or phone so that you wake up in plenty of time. You spent the entire night in the airport; thus you have no excuse for waiting until the last minute to check in and get through security. 
    

LJUBLJANA SLOVENIA

Ljubljana! Not one of the easiest words to pronounce but a city that is a definite must-see while in Europe. Tourist typically hit up the major European capitals: Rome, Paris and London. Many forgot that Europe is filled with thousands of other cites that merit a visit. Ljubljana is one of those cities.

Slovenia is perfectly nestled between Croatia, Italy, Austria and Hungary. Ljubljana, being its capital city, is the perfect start to explore other regions in this country or to just get a feel of life in Slovenia. If you're on a budget, the train and bus are reasonably priced if you're coming from one of the neighboring countries. The advantage of Ljubljana being off the beaten path is that it's not as expensive as your other European capital cities. You will find that it's very easy to find reasonably priced lodging, food and transportation.

Like most European cities, getting around the tourist areas is fairly easy. Ljubljana's city center is very pristine. There are a couple of different rivers that flow in and around the city, thus adding to its beauty. Ljubljana Castle is perfectly located overlooking the old town giving you a spectacular vantage point of the city. Relish the time you spend walking around Ljubljana. It has the perfect blend of that old time medieval charm and classic modenness that you're looking to find away from the over crowded tourist traps.