Okay, Christmas is literally just around the corner (How did this happen?!) and being an expat, Christmas gifts were always a question mark. I normally go home at some point around holiday time and my family quickly learned that my very limited suitcase size means I probably won’t be…
110 posts tagged
Spain
Celebrating Christmas in Spain? Here's What You Need to Know!
Moving to Spain as an auxiliare, an au pair or even just for work, often means you’ll most likely have to get used to several Spanish traditions, including Christmas. Here’s what you need to know about Christmas in Spain – it’s celebrated a little bit differently than what…
Spotahome Guide: Things to do in Bilbao, Spain
In honor of Spotahome launching its first properties in Bilbao. People from Bilbao are said to be cold, closed-minded, exaggerated and impossible to flirt with. However, don’t trust whoever says that, as these are only a few of the stereotypes said about ‘El Botxo’, the Basque word locals use…
The Strange Adventures of an American Living in Spain and Italy
After 5 years in Spain, I was on the move again. Next up was Italy. My husband, the native son that he is, was ready to head back home. I leapt at the adventure. See also: How to Get a Visa in Spain in 10 Steps for Americans How did…
What I Learned From Quitting My Job and Traveling Full Time
Even though traveling didn’t magically solve all my problems (and it won’t solve yours either), traveling full time did amazing things for my soul. The past 415 days abroad were absolutely wild and traveling full time turned my state of mind into something completely wonderful and unpredictable. I…
Free Guide: How to Get a Pareja de Hecho in Madrid
“Pareja de hecho: the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.” – Every non-EU citizen ever. Of all the immigration struggles I’ve had over the years as an expat, none were so absolutely draining as getting a pareja de hecho. A pareja de hecho, or civil union,…
European Cities You Need to Add to Your Travel List
Summer is over, the holiday blues has kicked in and you are sitting at your office/uni desk, getting ready for the winter. Yes, I have been there too, counting down the minutes till Christmas – the next REAL holidays. It’s autumn and winter is slowly coming. Despite the gorgeous…
How to Get a Visa in Spain in 10 Steps for Americans
I had less than a month to get a visa in Spain. It was 2012, and I had just received my acceptance letter as an English teacher– a position which started in less than 30 days. The panic built up quickly. How was I going to get a visa in…
Which Country Should You Live in Based on Your Manners?
Thinking of relocating but not sure where you’ll fit in? Serious travelers know that getting by with strangers abroad is at least much about the nuances of tipping etiquette and an accurately placed cheek brush as it is about being able to quote entire Monty Python sketches after an…
What I Love About Traveling and Why I Travel Full Time
Up to last year, my wanderlust was confined to the 25-day holiday benefit I got through my office job. But the urgent desire to see the world was stronger than anything else. So I left my British courtyard behind and entered the travel culture. Want to know where I am…
7 Lessons I Learned from Living in Madrid
Living in Madrid will make you learn some important life lessons - whether you like it or not. Don't forget to take it easy - it's the Spanish way of life.…
5 Most Important Places in Malasaña
Welcome to Malasaña! This lively neighborhood is full of bars, monuments, plazas, buildings and everything in between. It’s without a doubt one of the most popular neighborhoods in Madrid and there’s a good reason behind it. Along with plenty of history, you can find some of the best…
5 Most Popular Restaurants and Cafes in Malasaña
Malasaña is one of Madrid’s most popular neighborhoods – and for a good reason! It features thousands of restaurants and cafes, along with other popular spots where you can hang out with your friends. But do you know the 5 most popular restaurants and cafes in Malasaña that most people…
Spotahome Food Guide: Everything You Need to Eat in Valencia
Ah, food, food, food, food. <3 It was only a matter of time before I wrote a post about Valencian food. I mean, let’s be real – the only thing I love as much as traveling is the local food I discover on the road. Looking for an apartment…
10 Simple Ways To Get Better at Making Friends Abroad
“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”― Elbert Hubbard So no one told you life was going to be this way? I’m kidding, I’m kidding. When I first started telling people that I was leaving my job in London to pursue my…
Things To Do In Valencia: Discover Street Art
Before I moved to Valencia on a whim for the summer, I knew almost nothing about the city. I’d never visited before, but instead wholeheartedly put my faith in my internet research. Luckily for me, bloggers and visitors alike raved about Spain’s third largest city. Every article and…
3 Simple Ways Minimalism Can Help Your Life Abroad
So, you’re about to relocate and want to start fresh, huh? Or maybe you’re just packing away for a year to live in Madrid as an English teacher . Or maybe you quit your job and you’re starting your travel journey? Whatever it is, here’s something I…
Guide to Being Vegan in Madrid
Believe it or not, but this jamon -loving city has a hidden scene that all vegans and vegetarians will love. If you’ve just moved to Madrid and aren’t sure where to find your vegan goodies, makeup and all that delicious food, read on. We can guarantee you being…
Why Solo Female Travelers Do It Better
The aim of this article is not to offend the male population (at least not too much) and we understand that there are plenty of AWESOME solo male travelers out there. Ah, solo female travels. ❤ Every solo female traveler knows that a solo trip abroad can be an incredibly rewarding…
7 Perfect European Coffee Shops You Must Visit ASAP
Ladies and Gentlemen, if you are a coffee addict, lover like me, I am sure you need your dose erm… good cup wherever you are in the world. Spotahome can agree with this – we have coffee running through our veins!)That’s exactly why I decided to create a community-based…
Spotahome Guide to Moving to Valencia
The clock is ticking, and it’s the final countdown to your move to Valencia. I was in your exact shoes in June of this year when I decided, on a whim, to spend the summer in Valencia, a city I’d never been to before. Unlike the mixed reviews…
Why You Should Document Your Time Abroad
Before leaving my London flat to explore the world (and myself) on the longest journey I have ever embarked on, I had promised myself to keep a diary of my adventures, feelings and emotions as the time and the countries went by. I wanted to fix in time and document…
4 Simple Tricks to Help You Learn Spanish FAST
So, you just arrived to Madrid and you’re getting overwhelmed by realizing how bad you are at speaking Spanish? Don’t worry – we’ve been there and I’ve been there. When I first arrived to the city, I wasn’t able to tell you my codigo postal. Two…
7 Brutally Honest Truths About Your Internship Abroad!
It’s officially July, which means that most of you, youngsters, are in the middle of your summer internship or are about to start/finish one. You might be super happy or you might be dreading waking up in the morning, whatever is your current situation. Have you found your…
San Fermin: Guide to Spain's Greatest Festival
If you’ve been living in Spain for at least a few months, there’s a chance you’ve heard about San Fermin (My manager scolded me for not writing an article about San Fermin last year, so here it is!). Some call it the greatest party of the worldwhile…