1. Always Remember Safety First
When visiting a new area, it is always important to remember that there are good and bad parts of town. In order to stay safe during your travels, be sure to research the area you are traveling on sites like TripAdvisor.com and Expedia.com, through user comments. You can also ask the concierge at your resort if there are any areas you should avoid.
2. Global Travel Service is Essential
If you happen to get sick or injured during your trip, it is important you have someone you can call and are able to get to a hospital where your native language is spoken. This is why it is absolutely essential that you have some form of global travel service. Many credit card companies offer this through their cards which include emergency travel medical, cash, and other benefits while abroad. Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort in Murcia, Spain offers an on-site hospital with English speaking medical professionals.
3. Luggage and International Travel
One of the most overlooked factors of International travel is luggage requirements. Every country has a different set of guidelines for the size and weight of luggage that can be brought onto their airplanes. Take the time to understand the luggage requirements of the country you are visiting. It will only take a few minutes to do the research but could ultimately make the difference between you making your flight or not.
4. International Travel Health Insurance
Be sure that you are covered by either your own insurance company or an international provider before traveling internationally. It is important to have health insurance on top of a Global Travel Service even if some form of insurance is already incorporated within the service. You even have the option of purchasing insurance for a single trip.
5. Gain Access to Airport Lounges
Check to see if any of the credit cards you own give you access to airport lounges. These lounges are essential for international travelers who may have long wait times at airports. These lounges offer free food, drinks, televisions, and usually internet or computer access.
6. Travel with One Airline
If you frequently travel internationally, try and stick with the same airline for each trip. As a member of an airline rewards program you can build miles very quickly with international flights, which often give you access to free upgrades, flights, and even lounge memberships. You may also enjoy priority boarding and perks for passengers traveling with you.
7. Try New Foods in Moderation
While it is important to try new foods during your trip, do so in moderation. It will take your body a while to get used to the new bacteria in the foods of different countries, so try to eat new food along with food that you are familiar with.
8. Location is Important When Choosing a Hotel
Most of your trip is going to be spent outside of your hotel, so you should be sure to find a hotel that places you in the areas you want to experience. If you have just one week to experience a new place why locate yourself in a mediocre area? Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort, located in Murcia, Spain, is nestled amongst the majestic mountains and is approximately 15 minutes from Mar Menor, Europe’s largest natural salt-water lagoon. The buoyancy and shallowness of this lagoon make it a natural water park for people of all ages.
9. Be Sure to Guard your Passport
Your passport is very valuable to thieves in different countries, and most of the time it is more valuable than the money in your wallet. Be sure to keep a careful eye on it because it is much easier to get money on a trip than to replace a passport.
10. Understand the Customs of the Area
In some cultures it is custom to give those you visit a gift upon arrival, so be sure you understand the customs of the region that you are visiting. This sometimes small thought can go a long way towards showing your respect for someone's country and culture.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Enjoy the Spanish Foods and Restaurants of Murcia, Spain
Popular Restaurants in Murcia, Spain
Rincon de Pepe – This is Murcia's most famous tapas restaurant. Anyone who visits Murcia must have a tapas meal in Rincon de Pepe. The restaurant is always very full, but the service is generally quick. For dessert try the Paparajotes, a Murcian delicacy made with the leaves of lemon trees. They are delicious and very rare in Spain.
Palacete Rural La Seda - This restaurant is a 10-minutes drive from Murcia but is well worth a visit. It is set in a 17th century building originally built as a wine bodega and then used as a silk factory. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, and is an elegant restaurant which specializes in modern cuisine using local ingredients. This is one of the priciest restaurants in the region, but also one of the most elegant.
Hispano – A definite favorite among Murcianos, the Hispano restaurant serves traditional dishes in a rustic, comfy atmosphere. They serve local stews, meats, and tapas served with local produce from Murcia's market gardens. They also offer homemade desserts, friendly professional service, and low prices.
Monteagudo - This restaurant is well worth the 6km drive from Murcia. It offers attractive decor, friendly and professional service, a very good wine list with some interesting local wines and, most importantly, excellent food. They feature traditional dishes that are given a modern touch and are made with first class local produce. Both meat and fish dishes are recommendable, as well as the delicious grilled vegetables. And make sure you leave room for the warm chocolate soufflé!
Popular Spanish Foods
Spain is well known for its many tasty contributions to the world. Among the many traditional delights available, you’ll find paella, chorizo, Manchego cheese, empanadas, turron, paprika, patatas bravas, and of course lots of seafood.
Paella - A traditional dish of Spain. A colorful mixture of saffron-flavored rice and various meats, paella's name comes from the paellera, the flat, round pan in which it is cooked.
Chorizo - Made from coarsely chopped pork and pork fat, seasoned with smoked pimentón (paprika) and salt.
Manchego cheese – a cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain from the milk of sheep from the Manchega breed and is aged for between 60 days and two years.
Empanadas - stuffed bread or pastry
Turron - a nougat confection, typically made of honey, sugar, and egg white, with toasted almonds or other nuts, and usually shaped into either a rectangular tablet or a round cake. It is frequently consumed as a traditional Christmas dessert in Spain and Italy.
Paprika - a spice made from the grinding of dried fruits of Capsicum annuum (e.g., bell peppers or chili peppers).
Patatas bravas - consists of white potatoes that have been cut into 2 centimeter irregular shapes and then fried in oil and served warm with a spicy tomato sauce. This dish is commonly served in restaurants and bars throughout Spain, where it is traditionally accompanied by a shot of orujo or a glass of wine.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Spanish eat late. Don't expect many restaurants to be open before 9pm, and if you're eating around this time you won't be likely to see many people. Book a restaurant table between 11pm and midnight and you'll see the place hopping.
Rincon de Pepe – This is Murcia's most famous tapas restaurant. Anyone who visits Murcia must have a tapas meal in Rincon de Pepe. The restaurant is always very full, but the service is generally quick. For dessert try the Paparajotes, a Murcian delicacy made with the leaves of lemon trees. They are delicious and very rare in Spain.
Palacete Rural La Seda - This restaurant is a 10-minutes drive from Murcia but is well worth a visit. It is set in a 17th century building originally built as a wine bodega and then used as a silk factory. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, and is an elegant restaurant which specializes in modern cuisine using local ingredients. This is one of the priciest restaurants in the region, but also one of the most elegant.
Hispano – A definite favorite among Murcianos, the Hispano restaurant serves traditional dishes in a rustic, comfy atmosphere. They serve local stews, meats, and tapas served with local produce from Murcia's market gardens. They also offer homemade desserts, friendly professional service, and low prices.
Monteagudo - This restaurant is well worth the 6km drive from Murcia. It offers attractive decor, friendly and professional service, a very good wine list with some interesting local wines and, most importantly, excellent food. They feature traditional dishes that are given a modern touch and are made with first class local produce. Both meat and fish dishes are recommendable, as well as the delicious grilled vegetables. And make sure you leave room for the warm chocolate soufflé!
Popular Spanish Foods
Spain is well known for its many tasty contributions to the world. Among the many traditional delights available, you’ll find paella, chorizo, Manchego cheese, empanadas, turron, paprika, patatas bravas, and of course lots of seafood.
Paella - A traditional dish of Spain. A colorful mixture of saffron-flavored rice and various meats, paella's name comes from the paellera, the flat, round pan in which it is cooked.
Chorizo - Made from coarsely chopped pork and pork fat, seasoned with smoked pimentón (paprika) and salt.
Manchego cheese – a cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain from the milk of sheep from the Manchega breed and is aged for between 60 days and two years.
Empanadas - stuffed bread or pastry
Turron - a nougat confection, typically made of honey, sugar, and egg white, with toasted almonds or other nuts, and usually shaped into either a rectangular tablet or a round cake. It is frequently consumed as a traditional Christmas dessert in Spain and Italy.
Paprika - a spice made from the grinding of dried fruits of Capsicum annuum (e.g., bell peppers or chili peppers).
Patatas bravas - consists of white potatoes that have been cut into 2 centimeter irregular shapes and then fried in oil and served warm with a spicy tomato sauce. This dish is commonly served in restaurants and bars throughout Spain, where it is traditionally accompanied by a shot of orujo or a glass of wine.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Spanish eat late. Don't expect many restaurants to be open before 9pm, and if you're eating around this time you won't be likely to see many people. Book a restaurant table between 11pm and midnight and you'll see the place hopping.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Research Your Destination before You Travel
Traveling to a different country? Below are a few things you should know before you go.
1. Do some research and learn as much as you can about your destination.
2. Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.
3. Check with the U.S. State Department concerning safety warnings for U.S. tourists at your destination.
4. Find out if you will need a passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, so extend it if you are close to expiration.
5. Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country.
6. Check to see what other type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.
7. Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.
8. Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.
9. Find out what type of electrical outlets the country uses, you may need a special converter or adapter to use your electrical appliances.
10. Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance.
11. Do some research about the costs of local items so you can set your budget. Don't forget to budget for taxes and tipping, many governments charge high taxes for travel related services.
12. Check the financial section of your newspaper, they usually post exchange rates. Checking in advance can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.
13. Do some research with U.S. Customs to find out what you can take with you and what you may bring back.
14. Build some basic language skills in the local language.
15. Check the dates of local major holidays, since services may be limited on those dates.
16. If you plan on driving, investigate the local road conditions, laws and other driving requirements.
17. Most of the world uses the metric system, so try to become familiar with this system. 1 kilometer = .62 miles so 100 kilometers per hour = 62 miles per hour.
1. Do some research and learn as much as you can about your destination.
2. Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.
3. Check with the U.S. State Department concerning safety warnings for U.S. tourists at your destination.
4. Find out if you will need a passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, so extend it if you are close to expiration.
5. Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country.
6. Check to see what other type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.
7. Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.
8. Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.
9. Find out what type of electrical outlets the country uses, you may need a special converter or adapter to use your electrical appliances.
10. Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance.
11. Do some research about the costs of local items so you can set your budget. Don't forget to budget for taxes and tipping, many governments charge high taxes for travel related services.
12. Check the financial section of your newspaper, they usually post exchange rates. Checking in advance can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.
13. Do some research with U.S. Customs to find out what you can take with you and what you may bring back.
14. Build some basic language skills in the local language.
15. Check the dates of local major holidays, since services may be limited on those dates.
16. If you plan on driving, investigate the local road conditions, laws and other driving requirements.
17. Most of the world uses the metric system, so try to become familiar with this system. 1 kilometer = .62 miles so 100 kilometers per hour = 62 miles per hour.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Learn the history of Murcia, Spain
Want to learn a little about the history of Murcia, Spain during your vacation at Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort? Below are just a few of the places you should visit.
Catedral de Murcia
Catedral de Murcia was created in 1394 on the site of a former mosque. The Catedral has many Renaissance and Baroque elements, although its interior is fundamentally Gothic. It also features a 302 foot tower whose construction was started in 1519 and took more than two hundred years to build with the involvement of many different architects.
A highlight of the interior is the 15th century flamboyant Gothic Capilla de los Vélez and its flutes and curls. It also features a vaulted ceiling with star-shaped skylights. For those interested in the history of Murcia, Spain, Catedral de Murcia is the best attraction because this extraordinary building reflects the memory, time, art, and history of Murcia.
Almudi Palace
The Almudi Palace is a unique, imposing building located in the Plano de San Francisco and features many columns which recall the baroque style of Murcia.
The building was finished in 1440 by Esteban Fernández, and was reformed on various occasions throughout the XVI century. In the XVII century, some of its rooms were used temporarily to store weapons while the "Contraste" building was under completion.
The building later became the Law Court and today it is home to the City Archives, where the administrative documentation of the city and the "Huerta" has been kept since the XIII century. It is also an art center with an exhibition room in the grandiose hall.
The Castle of Monteagudo
Before the founding of Murcia, The Castle of Monteagudo was a place where local peasants took refuge. Later, when the city became the true capital of the territory, it became a fort and defensive watchtower of the Murcian ruler who resided in the city. In times of instability, the permanent garrison of the castle was ready to alert the defenders of Murcia to the arrival of the enemy, by way of smoke signals at day or fire at night.
As a state fortification, The Castle of Monteagudo had other uses. For example, it was used as a prison, where the Murcian King, Ibn Tahir, himself was imprisoned in its dungeons and it was also used as a storage place for the cereal paid by the peasants as a tribute.
On the summit of the hill, there stands the monument of Reparation to the Heart of Jesus. This majestic sculpture is fourteen meters high and was designed in 1951 by the artist Nicolás Martínez.
In recent years, the community has been carrying out excavation, restoration, and fitting out of the entrances in order to make it easier to appreciate its socio-cultural and tourist value.
DID YOU KNOW?
The City of Murcia was founded in 825 AD by Abd ar-Rahman II, who gave it the name Medinat Mursiya, meaning Market of Murcia.
Catedral de Murcia
Catedral de Murcia was created in 1394 on the site of a former mosque. The Catedral has many Renaissance and Baroque elements, although its interior is fundamentally Gothic. It also features a 302 foot tower whose construction was started in 1519 and took more than two hundred years to build with the involvement of many different architects.
A highlight of the interior is the 15th century flamboyant Gothic Capilla de los Vélez and its flutes and curls. It also features a vaulted ceiling with star-shaped skylights. For those interested in the history of Murcia, Spain, Catedral de Murcia is the best attraction because this extraordinary building reflects the memory, time, art, and history of Murcia.
Almudi Palace
The Almudi Palace is a unique, imposing building located in the Plano de San Francisco and features many columns which recall the baroque style of Murcia.
The building was finished in 1440 by Esteban Fernández, and was reformed on various occasions throughout the XVI century. In the XVII century, some of its rooms were used temporarily to store weapons while the "Contraste" building was under completion.
The building later became the Law Court and today it is home to the City Archives, where the administrative documentation of the city and the "Huerta" has been kept since the XIII century. It is also an art center with an exhibition room in the grandiose hall.
The Castle of Monteagudo
Before the founding of Murcia, The Castle of Monteagudo was a place where local peasants took refuge. Later, when the city became the true capital of the territory, it became a fort and defensive watchtower of the Murcian ruler who resided in the city. In times of instability, the permanent garrison of the castle was ready to alert the defenders of Murcia to the arrival of the enemy, by way of smoke signals at day or fire at night.
As a state fortification, The Castle of Monteagudo had other uses. For example, it was used as a prison, where the Murcian King, Ibn Tahir, himself was imprisoned in its dungeons and it was also used as a storage place for the cereal paid by the peasants as a tribute.
On the summit of the hill, there stands the monument of Reparation to the Heart of Jesus. This majestic sculpture is fourteen meters high and was designed in 1951 by the artist Nicolás Martínez.
In recent years, the community has been carrying out excavation, restoration, and fitting out of the entrances in order to make it easier to appreciate its socio-cultural and tourist value.
DID YOU KNOW?
The City of Murcia was founded in 825 AD by Abd ar-Rahman II, who gave it the name Medinat Mursiya, meaning Market of Murcia.
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