Some of the architecture in Barcelona has been around for more then two thousand years. But make sure you take the time to appreciate everything else this spectacular city has to offer. As you wander along the streets, your attention will be captured by the laughter of the locals, the views over the water past the sandy beaches, and the culture that can be found within the numerous museums.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the first things you should take the time to see while visiting Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia. This iconic attraction was created by Antoni Gaudí and the construction began back in 1882. While this building isn’t completed yet, you will still love every moment you are inside. Other Gaudí sites you might be interested in during your visit include Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and the Gaudí House Museum.

Museums are plentiful in Barcelona, but one of the most popular ones is the Picasso Museum. There is an extensive collection of Picasso’s works inside this museum. You will want to plan a few hours for this museum, because it is within five different stone mansions. In addition to seeing the artwork, you can wander through the courtyards and see the intricate details on each of the staircases.

You cannot spend time in Barcelona and not go to the beach! Barceloneta Beach is one of the best in Europe. You will always find crowds of people there. When you are not out in the water swimming, kitesurfing, or windsurfing, you can relax on the sand and watch the locals.

Other attractions and landmarks you will want to see in Barcelona include the Palau de la Música Catalana, Parc de la Ciutadella, Mirador de Colom, and the Barcelona Chocolate Museum. If shopping while travelling is your thing, then make sure you stop at La Rambla. This is mostly a pedestrian street that is filled with shops, restaurants, and the popular La Boqueria food market.

Must try: Park Güell Admission Ticket or 25+ Museums card

Entertainment and Food

Your days are going to be full of sightseeing in Barcelona, but that doesn’t mean you must do the same thing once the sun sets. After taking the Montjuïc Cable Car to see that magnificent sunset, you can hit up one of the nightclubs or a local theatre like the Palacio del Flamenco. After all, watching a flamenco performance is a must while in this part of the world!

As you are exploring Barcelona, you will want to skip everything listed above. So you can simply eat all the cuisine available in the city! Don’t be surprised if your food orders include platefuls of Spanish omelets, bocadillos, chorizo, croquettas, blistered peppers, and bombas. I recommend ordering sangria to wash it all down for the most authentic Barcelona experience. However, you can order wine or beer if you wish.

Your time in Barcelona is going to fly right on by since there is so much to do and see. I recommend taking your time seeing what you can and leaving a few attractions and landmarks for a future visit.

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The streets of Paris are full of romance and beauty, but there is so much more within this extraordinary destination. The culture, the history, the food, the wine, and even the shopping appears to be so much better in the elegant city of Paris.

Attractions and Landmarks

When you arrive in Paris, you will instantly see the Eiffel Tower. This attraction is so tall that it can’t be missed. You can decide on your own if you want to simply appreciate this wonder from the ground or if a trip to the top is on your must-do in Paris list.

Once you have checked off the Eiffel Tower, you can venture over to the Louvre to see the massive collection of artwork. The Mona Lisa is at the top of everyone’s list, so be prepared to capture a quick glance before being ushered past this magnificent piece. It is best to prepare your visit to this museum in advance, because it can take days to see it all. Therefore, choosing which exhibits you want to see the most can help you walk out the doors a little sooner.

A little relaxing, as well as enjoying a quick lunch, is possible within the Jardin du Luxembourg. Although, the same is possible over at Tuileries Garden by the Louvre.

The Notre Dame is not as glorious as it once was, thanks to the recent fire. However, you can still enjoy parts of this cathedral. Plus, it won’t be long until the Notre Dame is a gorgeous as it once was, both inside and out.

Other must-see attractions within Paris include the Place de la Concorde, the Paris Opera House, Musee d’Orsay, and the Arc de Triomphe. If you have the time, you can also do a day trip to the Palace of Versailles.

Must try: Eiffel Tower Stair Climb or River Seine Cruise

Entertainment and Food

Incredible nights in Paris begin with romantic dinners and long strolls under the moonlight. However, you can also see an opera performance at the Opera House or catch a performance over at the Theatre du Chatelet. Moulin Rouge is another popular nighttime hotspot where you can combine dinner with a couple hours of fun watching the dancers up on the stage.

Many of the nightclubs and bars offer live music too, so you can dance until you can’t dance any more.

While you may have a difficult time determining what to see first and what to do in this city, you will never have a hard time determining when you should eat. The reason for this is the answer is all day, and all night, long!

There are so many food options available in Paris and you are going to want to try it all, while sipping on some of the best wine in the entire world. Mornings should always begin with a fresh baguette, as well as a croissant or two. There are many delicious French cheeses to go with both these items, so you should pick some of those up as well.

Duck confit makes an excellent main meal, but so do steak frites. Dessert will bring many options, but the most popular are the macaroons. If you do not want those, you can choose eclairs or some tasty chocolate.

Paris is a city that you will fall in love with instantly and you are never going to want to leave. When that happens, I recommend simply starting to book your next visit, long before it is time to board your plane back home.

The post Romancing the beauty of Paris appeared first on Sea Traveller.

Cozumel offers a different peek into the authenticity of Mexico, because it is not as touristy and spirited as both Cancun and Playa del Carmen. This unique look will have you exploring the quieter parts of the country, while still experiencing the thrills that this energetic part of the world offers.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the most popular things to do down in Cozumel is spending time at the beach. But there are so many to choose from. If you can’t visit them all, you must choose between Punta Sur Eco Beach Park and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. As soon as you have had that downtime in the sun, it will be time to have a little fun.

Start with a swim with the dolphins at Dolphinaris Cozumel. Or learn about the culture and history of Cozumel at the Discover Mexico Cozumel Park. The Cha’an Ka’an Planetario also offers interacting fun during the day and some nights of the week.

A visit to the Cozumel Pearl Farm will have you snorkelling out by the pearl hatchery and touring the lab. The nearby white sandy beach will be inviting, but you won’t want to spend much time there if you want to see the marine life over at Cozumel H20.

Out of all the Cozumel attractions and landmarks, the Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen Itza is one that holds the most history. This sacred site was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatan peninsula. This UNESCO-listed complex is set amidst spectacular wilderness, less than 260 km from Cozumel. The proximity to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea; its eminent cultural and historical importance; not to mention its awe-inspiring beauty; are what makes this site an absolutely unmissable attraction when on a tour of Mexico.

Must try:  Glass Bottom Boat Tour or Reef Snorkelling

Entertainment and Food

The nightlife and entertainment in Cozumel are a little more laidback than anywhere else in Mexico. A favorite entertainment option for many in Cozumel is simply wandering around Malecon to watch the sun as it sets in the sky.

If you need a little more excitement for your entertainment, you can head to a local bar for some live music. The area around Parque Benito Juarez has many local bars, but you will find some touristy options in Malecon as well.

The local cuisine in Cozumel is amazing and you will quickly discover that you love all the new flavors your taste buds are experiencing. A few foods you must try when you are vacationing in Cozumel include cochinita pibil, pescado frito, pazole, huarache, empanadas, chilaquiles, and ceviche.

A trip to Cozumel will be a lot different than a visit to many other parts of Mexico. It is because this destination offers a lot more tranquillity and relaxation. Enjoy that downtime as you have fun exploring every inch of this beautiful area.

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A walk through the city of Amsterdam will have you wandering through fascinating museums, shopping in vintage stores, and enjoying delectable cuisine. Of course, you can’t ignore the beauty that seems to be everywhere in this city.  Especially in the tucked away destinations that are hardly ever discovered.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the first things you will want to do over in Amsterdam is take a gondola ride through the canals. This is one of the best ways to see the city and figure out where all the major attractions are located. There are more than one hundred canals in this city. Do not expect to see them all. However, you can see the best of them during a quick little ride.

After your time on the canals, it will be time to explore the many different museums in Amsterdam. There is no right or wrong place to start your museum adventures. But make sure you have the Rembrandt House Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum on your list. The Anne Frank House is another must-see museum attraction. I highly recommend you purchase your tickets online in advance if you want a chance to see the inside.

When you are ready for a little relaxation, you can hop onto a bike and ride over to Keukenhof to see the tulips if you time your visit right. And if you don’t, it is still an open green space you will enjoy.

The Red Light District, or De Wallen, is an area that some people are intrigued by. There are many restaurants in this area of Amsterdam, as well as many adult entertainment venues.

Must try: City Canal Cruise or Amsterdam Royal Palace

Entertainment and Food

The nightlife in Amsterdam is incredible if you know where to go. Performances can be seen at the many theaters around Leidseplein, while concerts can be seen in the parks during the summer months. Nightclubs are plentiful in the Red Light District and over near Rembrandtplein.

There are many festivals and other special events held in Amsterdam every year. So if you plan your vacation there carefully, you can see so much more. One of the favorites is the Holland Festival, but you may have a different favorite after your visit.

There are so many Dutch foods that you will want to try when you are in Amsterdam, although a few of them may seem strange in the beginning. A few of the foods that should be at the top of your list include bitterballen, herring, spekkoek, frites, kibbeling, and Dutch cheese.

One of the favorite foods in Amsterdam though is stroopwafel and many people who try one during their vacation go home wanting more. While you won’t be able to get them fresh anywhere else in the world, like you can in Amsterdam, it is still possible to enjoy stroopwafels when you get home, if you know where to get them.

Amsterdam is quite an amazing place to visit and you will instantly be overwhelmed by the beauty that is everywhere. Your time in this city will seem to be too short and it won’t be long before you are planning a return trip to see it all again!

The post Cruising along historical Amsterdam appeared first on Sea Traveller.

The city of Miami has so much to offer. From the sparkling water on the beaches and vibrant culture at the galleries to the fragrant gardens and enticing nightlife, this city has it all. Add in the uniqueness of the locals, as well as the ability to do something new every day and you will fall in love with this southern Florida destination.

Attractions and Landmarks

After your flight to Miami, you will be more than ready to stretch your legs. This activity can be accomplished anywhere, but it is best done down by Biscayne Bay. This waterfront area is also home to the Bayside Marketplace, so you can do a little shopping at the same time. However, we recommend heading out on a little boat tour to see where the celebrities live along the shorelines of this bay.

A walk through the Art Deco District should be next on your list. This area changes completely as daytime turns into night. You may want to visit at different times to check out the ambience. If this part of Miami is not for you, then a walk through the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens may pique your interest.

If you have time during your vacation in Miami, you must make the short drive to Everglades National Park. This is where you can ride in a high-speed airboat to see the alligators, crocodiles, snakes, and birds that live within this part of the state.

Before you leave Miami, you must spend a little time on the many different beaches. Miami Beach is an excellent place to start, but make sure you venture down to South Beach as the sun sets for an extraordinary experience.

Must try:  Half-Day Open-Top Bus and 90-Minute Boat Tour or Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

Entertainment and Food

The nightlife in Miami is talked about around the world. There are so many options that don’t include hanging out on South Beach, so plan your nights accordingly. Live theatrical performances can be seen at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, but it is all about the slot machines and gaming tables over at the Miccosukee Resort and Casino.

Wine tastings are best done at Schnebly Redland’s Winery, but you will find many others to visit in Miami. When it comes to food, you will find a lot of local dishes to try. Chicharrón should be at the top of your list. This dish is basically fried pork skin, but it will melt in your mouth if it is prepared properly. If you want to eat this dish, you must order it at El Palacio de los Jugos.

Other popular local dishes include stone crab, arepas, ceviche, and mofongo. Oh, and don’t forget the key lime pie, because it is a refreshing treat at any time of the day.

You will love every minute you spend in Miami and the time you are there will go by so quickly. Embrace the feelings you experience, because you will want to remember them forever.

The post The ultimate Miami bucket list appeared first on Sea Traveller.

Health insurance in the UK often refers to Private Medical Insurance, which offers paid-for healthcare treatment, as opposed to the NHS, which is free at the point of use. What’s more, you can access breakthrough treatments, including new cancer drugs, as soon as they’re licensed and proven to work (subject to medical history and cover options chosen. Out-patient drugs are not covered).

The health insurance has been designed to help people when they face major health issues like cancer, heart disease or stroke – as well as other medical conditions that can stop them getting on with their lives, such as joint pain and other musculoskeletal issues (subject to the cover chosen and medical history).

Pros:

• Speedy access to treatments – you can see a doctor more quickly instead of the long wait through NHS.
• Better privacy – you can often get a private room on a ward.
• Additional treatments – while most treatments and drugs are available on the NHS, if you have a particular need you may have to pay for private healthcare.
• Extras – firstly, some insurers offer a travel and/or income protection insurance free of charge as an addition to the policy. Secondly, you can get access to various health and wellness discounts and promotions, gym membership at low cost etc.

Cons:

• The insurance can be quite expensive and most likely the cost will increase as you get older.
• The pre-existing conditions and some chronic ones are not covered.

Is health insurance taxable?

Yes, if your employer pays for it. It is classified as benefit in kind and tax is paid on the taxable value of the benefit. HMRC defines this as the cash equivalent value. This is usually the amount it costs your employer to provide you with the benefit. However, if you personally cover the cost of the private health insurance, then it is a tax-free benefit to you.

What is income protection?

Income Protection is designed to pay a monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, which can be used to keep up to date with your rent / mortgage and other monthly costs.

However, given the very low level of state incapacity benefit, the first port of call is usually Income Protection so at least all your essential bills are paid for each month. After all, we’re fortunate in the UK to have the NHS which provides healthcare free at the point of use and so there’s generally less need for Private Medical Insurance than for Income Protection.

Pros:

• It will cover you if you are too injured or ill to work.
• If you are made unemployed without prior warning.

Cons:

• There is a deferred period – also known as an excess period or waiting period – is a length of time you need to wait while out of work before you are able to claim. These periods can range from the first day of absence to 60 days or more.
• In some cases, the insurance may cover only very small amount of your costs. Please make sure you read carefully the Terms & Conditions of the policy.

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