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5 best 1-day trips from London

The best five 1-day trips from London

Visiting London is one of the most popular trips from Spain. And the reason is simple: it is close (between 2 and 3 hours depending on the airport of departure), the flights are affordable (it is not a hoax, we know those who have traveled for 29 Euros round trip) and it has a host of things to do and to see to not get tired of going. But if you think you have already seen everything the capital of the United Kingdom has to offer, today we give you a list of the 5 best 1-day trips from London. You can put this destination back in your sights.

1. Visit Windsor Castle in one day from London

It is the closest visit to the capital since it is reached in less than an hour in a westerly direction. The origin of Windsor Castle dates back to the 11th century and is currently the second residence of Queen Elizabeth II. It is one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world.

View of the Windsor Castle - 1-Day trips from London — View of Windsor Castle

The highlights of the visit to Windsor Castle are the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dollhouse and St. George's Chapel. During the visit you will see some of the most valuable works of art from the collection of the British Royal Family as well as buildings with great architectural value. If the interior is impressive, the exterior areas are even more. In the outdoor areas of Windsor Castle there is a golf course, the Frogmore House (former royal residence), the Duchess of Kent Mausoleum, a cricket ground and a farm, whose can be purchased at the Windsor Farm Shop.

Very close to Windsor Castle is Eton College, the educational center where many of the children of high society and the nobility of the United Kingdom study. The College has some places to visit such as the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Antiquities.

If you still have time, you can take a walk through the city of Windsor before your return to London.

2. Stonehenge 1-day tour from London

Just over an hour and a half from London is the Stonehenge monument. This megalithic monument is one of the most recognized images in the United Kingdom.

Monument of Stonehenge - 1-Day trips from London — Monument of Stonehenge

It is an emblematic place for its composition with huge stones, some of them in elevation, but also for everything that we do not know regarding this construction. It is believed that it was built as an astronomical observatory to predict the seasons, human remains have been found buried there and the presence of the golden number has been detected in the construction. About three kilometers from Stonehenge were found the remains of a similar site but made of wood, Woodhenge, where animal remains and other objects were also found evidencing the celebration of festivals or some type of ceremonies.

Cathedral of Salisbury - 1-Day trips from London — Cathedral of Salisbury

In addition to Stonehenge and Woodhenge there are other sites in the area that can be visited. And, if you have time, you can spend the rest of the day in the nearby town of Salisbury. There you can visit its Cathedral or eat something in one of the Butcher Row restaurants and pubs.

Plan your visit to Stonehenge, check prices and schedules before going.

3. 1-day tour to Oxford from London

Oxford is a city in which the desire for knowledge is breathed. It is the seat of the University of Oxford, the first English-speaking university, and its 38 Colleges. It is also known as the city of dreamy spiers, alluding to the beauty of its buildings. Also, Harry Potter fans cannot miss this visit as many of the buildings in the film are inspired by actual Oxford buildings and some of them served as a set for the films. More information about Harry Potter at Oxford.

Christ Church dinning room - 1-Day trips from London — Christ Church dinning room

One of the buildings that you must visit is Christ Church College, which is the most prestigious and also houses Oxford Cathedral. At the entrance they will give you a multimedia guide to guide your visit. And if you want to visit one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second largest in the United Kingdom, you cannot miss the Bodleian Library and the Radlciffe Chamber (which is also one of the emblematic buildings of the city).

Camera Radcliffe - 1-Day trips from London — Camera Radcliffe

As a good university city, it has a lot of life. Shops, pubs, taverns, restaurants, discos, … and a lot of bookstores. Dare to visit Oxford, it is just over an hour northeast of London, you will not be disappointed.

4. 1-day visit to Canterbury from London

An hour and a half east of London is the city of Canterbury. It is the religious center of the Anglican Church as it is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, its leader. In addition, since the Middle Ages it has been a place of pilgrimage (as illustrated in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales) due to the happening of miracles next to the grave of Thomas Becket, archbishop decapitated by King Henry II in an attempt to impose his power about the one that the Church had then.

Cathedral of Canterbury choir - 1-Day trips from London — Choir of the Cathedral of Canterbury

In addition to the Canterbury Cathedral, which is a World Heritage Site, there are other places of interest to visit such as the Abbey of Saint Augustine, the Westgate Towers, the ruins of Canterbury Castle or the Roman Museum.

William Marlowe, a contemporary of Sheakespeare, was born in Canterbury. Today the Marlowe Theater is one of its most important cultural attractions. In addition, in the city is the European University of Kent, which makes it have a wide range of entertainment.

5. Visit the Dorset coast from London in 1 day

A little further, about two and a half hours southwest of London, is the Dorset AONB. Its coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast of the United Kingdom and you can walk through meadows and beaches surrounded by cliffs or ruins of abandoned cities and ancient castles. It is a perfect place for hiking.

Durdle Door in Dorset - 1-Day trips from London — Durdle Door in Dorset

One of the most famous images in the area is Durdle Door, an emblematic natural limestone arch. Continuing east are the Man O’War and St. Oswald beaches. Followed by the impressive Lulworth Cove.

Lulworth Cove in Dorset - 1-Day trips from London — Lulworth Cove in Dorset

Another place of interest to visit in Dorset is the abandoned village of Tyneham. At the end of 1943, the 225 inhabitants of the town had to abandon their houses because the area would be used for training by the armed forces. They never returned because the area was definitively purchased by the government. But today it can be visited (on weekends) and its church and college have been preserved as a museum.

Corfe Castle in Dorset - 1-Day trips from London — Corfe Castle in Dorset

And continuing to the northeast is Corfe Castle, a charming village of stone houses, which houses the ruins of the castle of the same name. Corfe Castle is more than 1,000 years old and was partially demolished in the mid-17th century. Today its ruins can be visited to learn a little more about this fort.

We hope we have inspired you with our proposals and that you include some of them in your next trip to London. And if you know of any other 1-day excursion from London, tell us about it! What site would you add to our list?

What do you know about… breakfasts? 5 typical breakfasts around the world.

We tell you 5 typical breakfasts from 5 different countries.

Although the well-known “continental breakfast” has somewhat standardized breakfasts around the world, there are still typical breakfasts that you must try on your trips. Some are similar to what we can already be found in any cafeteria, but others will seem very unique to you. Here is the list.

Waffles with maple syrup and peanut butter toast with jam in the United States

It is very common in hotels in the United States: there is a machine in the breakfast buffet to make your own waffles. In addition to a can of maple syrup to sweeten them.

But you can’t miss out on the peanut butter, the spreadable par excellence of the country. It is spread on toast (or sandwich) along with a nice glob of jam. It is known as PB&J (Peanut Butter and Jam).

Pain Perdu or French Toast in France

The pain perdue is a classic French breakfast in which the hard bread of the previous day is used, that is why it is called “lost bread”. It consists of a slice or toast of hard bread that is dipped in a mixture of egg, milk, sugar and cinnamon and fried in butter. It is usually accompanied with fresh fruit and honey.

Rice, fermented soybeans and pickles in Japan

It is probably the breakfast that catches our attention the most. As is the case with all meals in Japan, it is made up of different small dishes and they are all served at the same time so that you can snack on one and the other. One of them is usually rice with a poached egg or a raw egg to be stirred and cooked with the heat of the rice. It is accompanied by natto (fermented soybeans with a strong smell and somewhat viscous texture), tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and some grilled fish or fresh tofu.

Toast with Vegemite in Australia

Vegemite is a dark brown salty paste made from yeast. It is a characteristic food of Australia and there are those who say that it is only liked by Australians. It is spread on toast for breakfast, lunch or snack, but it is also used as a dressing for sauces and other cooking recipes.

Bacon and beans in the UK

A hearty breakfast to gather strength for the day. A classic English breakfast includes at least one fried egg, a few slices of bacon (real English bacon), a sausage, grilled mushrooms, a slice of grilled tomato and two to three tablespoons of baked beans. The dish is usually completed with a couple of toasted slices of bread.

Have you already tried any of them? Which of all you fancy the most to try?

Holidays and quarantine are not incompatible (staying at home, of course)

Holidays and quarantine are not incompatible (staying at home, of course)

Before starting our post today, from Eurochange we wish that all our readers and clients feel good, protect themselves and that you spend these days in the best way gathering strength for when we return to normality. Whether you are at home or continue working, we send you all our energy. That being said, we start 🙂

A few weeks ago, the Coronavirus came into our lives with its quarantine and ruined the travel and holiday plans of many of us. Added to this is the uncertainty of not knowing when we will return to normal life or when we will be able to think again about holidays. And this can lower our morale a little.

But the important thing these days is to keep morale high, that's why in this post we want to encourage you and help you take advantage of confinement to remember the past holidays and fantasize about the next ones as therapy to evade a bit of reality. Will you join us? Take note of these four activities.

Order your photos, fight the digital Diogenes

Photo amateurs, instagrammers and travelers in general sometimes take pictures of everything around us during our holidays. The beach, the sunset, the straw in the piña colada, that beautiful flower, … Then, when we return home, we download the 2,537 photos on the computer, we post some on our social networks and goodbye. They stay there forever. Has it ever happened to you?

Well, now you have time to bring order to that disaster. Check your vacation photo folders and tidy up. Going back to see photos that you probably already forgot about your vacation will bring you very good feelings, you'll see.

A trick to order: Make folders by years and destinations. Within each destination, separate the photos by days, themes, cities, … If you have several photos that are the same, choose the best one and delete the repeated ones.

Once you have them in order, you may want to make a photo album. There are a lot of pages where you can configure your album and send it printed to your home.

Who remembers when we used to buy two photo rolls with 36 photos to go on holiday? Yes, 72 photos for all the holidays. Now it seems impossible to us, right?

Scrapbook of your travels

That dry leaf that you collected in a park, the subway tickets, the city map, the museum brochure,… Do you also keep all those picks that you collect during the holidays? Make a compilation, sort them and make an album with all the memories.

Being aware of the amazing things you have done and the places you have discovered during your travels, will give you an energy rush. On second thought, why have it stored in an album? Take your favorite memories and mount a collage on a wall, so you can see it and feel its good vibrations every day.

Organize your next trip

If you already have a holiday scheduled for later this year, don't get carried away by the pessimistic thought of having to cancel them sooner or later. Keep in mind that most airlines or holiday resorts are offering their clients a change of date so they don't have to give up on their well-deserved holidays.

Continue with the plan. Keep looking for things to do and places to discover. The Internet is full of travel blogs and social networks are a perfect showcase to discover new experiences.

If, when the time comes, you cannot start your journey, remember: As far as possible, don’t cancel, postpone. Everything you have organized will be useful when you can finally make your trip.

Make your list of “must go places”

The time has come to let your imagination run wild. What countries would you like to visit? What experiences do you want to live at least once in a lifetime? If you dream of sleeping in an igloo in Lapland, of eating fried insects in a Myanmar street stall or roasting in the sun on a beach in the Bahamas … Everything has a place.

Make your wish list and look for experiences in each of the destinations. You can use digital tools like Evernote to capture everything you find or you can use a world map and a notebook. Whatever is easiest for you.

The purpose of this activity is not to plan a vacation day by day. It is more like letting yourself go for a while, thinking about what you would like to do if you were to visit a certain city or country. Find out what is the typical food, the customs of the locals or where is that site of the cool photos you see on social networks. Enter Google Maps, walk the streets and discover that cafeteria where you want to go to breakfast.

It will be an entertaining exercise and… who knows? you may already be choosing your next trip.

We hope that these proposals help you to pass the confinement a little more entertaining. And remember, in order to get out again as soon as possible, it is best to stay home.

See you very soon!

Which cruise to choose for the 2020 vacation?

The most popular options to go on a cruise in 2020

Cruises have become a highly demanded option for vacations for several reasons. The main one is to know several destinations and several countries in a single trip while enjoying the sea with an offer of activities, excursions, fun or relaxation adapted to all audiences.

If you are planning which cruise to choose, we tell you which are the most popular destinations for 2020.

Western Mediterranean Cruise

It is one of the most popular options in Spain since there are departures from Spanish ports such as in Barcelona or Valencia and they are quite affordable options. The main destinations of these cruises are the Italian and French coasts with possible stops in Malta or the Italian islands.

This type of cruise is ideal for a first contact with this type of travel or as a shorter option, since the duration of the trips is usually about 8 days.

Greek Islands Cruise (Eastern Mediterranean)

This option is also very popular. The Greek Islands are known for their turquoise seas and white villages and are a very important tourist attraction. On the other hand, they are small and scattered destinations that are easily visited on board a cruise ship. The routes usually include Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. In addition there are also combinations with some points in Italy and the Croatian Coast such as Split, Dubrovnik or Kotor.

This type of cruise is perfect if you have about 10 days of vacation and are looking to enjoy the ancient charm of the islands and the Dalmatian Coast.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise

The Norwegian Fjords cruises are gaining adherents in recent years because they are the best way to get to know the unique landscape of the Fjords. From the sea everything is seen with another perspective and cliffs and waterfalls make up a special landscape. Among their destinations are usually Bergen, Allesund, Stavanger or Trondheim.

This cruise is ideal for nature lovers as the offer of excursions at the stops is wide and you can enjoy the scenery and tranquility without interruptions.

Northern Europe Cruise

In addition to the Norwegian Fjord cruises, there is another increasingly popular option that is the Northern European cruises. They are the perfect option to get to know several countries in northern Europe since they usually stop in Norway, Denmark, Russia, Estonia, Sweden and Finland.

This is the ideal option for those looking to get to know the Baltic Sea and its main cities such as Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Caribbean cruise

The Caribbean Sea offers multiple options for a cruise and is usually the preferred option for honeymoons and travel as a couple because they allow you to enjoy dream beaches on the most famous islands in the Caribbean. Depending on the route, several countries are visited, but the most popular include Bahamas, West Indies, Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands or Mexico.

This option is ideal for those seeking tranquility and sun and beach destinations.

Southeast Asian Cruise

Cruises in Southeast Asia are being increasingly demanded. The destinations they offer are varied. From Japan to Vietnam by the East China Sea to tours of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia that reach the coasts of Australia. They cover larger extensions, so the total duration of the trip is usually between 15 and 20 days.

This trip is ideal for those who have more time to enjoy and get to know the seas of Southeast Asia.

And you? Are you going to cruise in 2020? We give you a tip: Keep in mind that stops at destinations are usually a few hours. If you are going to need to exchange currency it is much more comfortable that you have it already changed and so you will not have to waste your stay. Ask us for the currency you need, you can buy it with us and we will send it to you in 1 or 2 days.

Enjoy your trip!

5 romantic getaways by 2020

Top 5 romantic destinations by 2020 in Europe

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day or not, a weekend getaway as a couple can be perfect to escape from the routine and enjoy the company. Today we propose 5 destinations to prepare your romantic plan within 3 hours by plane.

Paris (France)

The city of love is the perfect setting for a couple getaway. Although it is a city in which some of the most important historical events in contemporary history have happened and where there is much to see, for a romantic getaway you can just stroll through the Champs Elysées at sunset, see how the lighting of Eiffel Tower turns on or taste wines and cheeses from the region. A walk on the banks of the Seine will be the perfect weekend for an evening in the city. And of course don't forget to try their croissants and their perfect crepes to share a romantic breakfast.

Vienna (Austria)

During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, in the second half of the 19th century, Vienna was one of the most important cities worldwide in terms of culture, art, politics, finance,… Despite the wars that have passed through it, Vienna retains great part of its imperial charm, in its streets you can still hear waltzes played by street musicians, horse cars travel the center for tourists and its palaces offer outdoor gardens where you can walk. In addition, its cafes continue to retain a classic charm and in them you can taste an authentic Viennese coffee with a piece of Sacher cake.

Budapest (Hungary)

Budapest is known as the Pearl of the Danube and it is not in vain. It is another of the main cities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and, as such, retains some of that decadent splendor. Its classic buildings contrast with the Soviet constructions of the 20th century. Margarita Island is a perfect setting for sunset walks or a picnic if the weather is good. To make your stay the most relaxing, the city offers several spas where you can relax.

Prague (Czech Republic)

Prague is one of the most visited European cities every year. Its old city preserves relics of the Middle Ages and encourages visitors to walk its cobbled streets contemplating its beauty. From the viewpoint of Petřín, on the other side of the Vltava River, you can see the best view of Prague and see why it is known as the city of one hundred towers.

Verona (Italy)

Verona is one of the main cities in Italy, but what is known throughout the world is for being the setting where the story of Romeo and Juliet unfolds. Among Roman ruins, palazzos and medieval buildings, you will discover a city of alleyways, cafes and trattorias where to spend a few days in the city where (it is supposed) the most famous love story in history took place. Do not forget to visit Juliet's house, in whose courtyard thousands of visitors leave love letters.

Have you already chosen a destination for your romantic getaway? Remember that if you are going to travel abroad and need to exchange Euros for another foreign currency, in Eurochange you can make your exchange at the best price, without commissions and you will receive your currency in 24-48 hours.

What will be your romantic getaway in 2020?

Basic prices in San Francisco. Calculate your budget.

We tell you some basic prices in San Francisco.

When we travel to a foreign country, and more when they use a different currency, we are always worried about how much money to take. In our post today we review some basic prices in San Francisco based on the experience of our traveller colleagues so you can calculate how much money to take on your trip. In addition, we take the opportunity to give you some tips to travel to San Francisco, which never hurts.

As a general premise, there are quite expensive things in San Francisco like some tourist attractions, restaurants and supermarkets. But there are also cheaper options and not everything costs much more. Get used to paying more than what you see in the menus or labels since the prices of stores or restaurants are usually without taxes. The difference is not much if you don’t order alcoholic beverages, but it must be taken into account to avoid surprises. Also note that alcoholic beverages have special taxes in addition to the normal tax.

ESTA

Before arriving in San Francisco (or any city in the United States) you will be paying. In order to enter as a tourist in the United States you must have requested ESTA, which is a document that authorizes you to enter as a tourist. Previously you will have to fill out a form indicating that your intentions are honest and pay a fee of $ 14 per person.

Get the ESTA for 2 people – $ 28.00

Food and drink

In San Francisco you can eat for a reasonable price (even very cheap), but if you go to the most tourist areas, you will end up paying more and that does not mean that you receive a higher quality. In addition, if you are looking to eat healthy, the best options to buy fresh fruit and vegetables are in China Town or in Mission since in the supermarkets that you find in the most tourist areas, it is quite complicated that they have something other than bananas or apples.

Eat picnic

San Francisco has many options for an outdoor picnic. In The Golden Gate Park, on an excursion to Sausalito, in Dolores Park… You can buy food to take away at a nearby restaurant, but we give you some supermarket prices so you can get an idea of the prices there.

Large Lay’s Chips Bag – $ 3.49
Prepared turkey sandwich – $ 4.99
Egg salad prepared sandwich – $ 3.49
Salad ready to go – $ 6.99
Sliced turkey package – $ 5.99
Sliced cheese package – $ 4.49
Hummus tub – $ 2.99
Sliced bread package – $ 2.99
4 kiwis in a greengrocer in China Town – $ 4.00
4 peaches, 1 strawberry tub, 2 plums and 2 large bottles of water in Mariposa – $ 8.85

Tony's Pizza Napoletana at Little Italy, San Francisco

Eat pizza in Little Italy

There are quite a few pizzerias and it is possible that our colleagues’ choice was not the most affordable. But it had several award-winning pizzas and it is one of those places where water is free and they serve you whenever you ask.

Two pizzas and two beers at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – $ 90.00

Eat burritos in Mission

In the Latin Quarter you can find healthier food options and for a cheaper price. If you are one of those who miss eating legumes and some salad, it will be the perfect option for you. Tip for savers: in the taquerías they usually give you included with your meal a tray with a few tortilla chips. And there is a table with several sauces that you can get for free as pico de gallo, guacamole or sour cream.

Lunch for 2 at Taquería el Toro (2 burritos, large nachos and two Coronas) – $ 41.00

Dragon's Gate at Chinatown, San Francisco

Eat in China Town

Chinese food lovers will find a paradise here. With many restaurant options also tend to be quite cheap, you can eat in quantity and take what you have left over in the typical cardboard boxes. In our example, a vegetarian restaurant where sometimes you are not very sure of what you eat, but it is all delicious.

Meal for 2 at The Lucky Creation Vegetarian – $ 27.00

Eat in Sausalito

One of the most common day trips in San Francisco is to rent a bicycle to cross the Golden Gate and spend the day in Sausalito. Once there, you can buy food to take away, you can have taken a picnic and eat along the way or you can opt for one of the many restaurants that are there for all tastes.

Two hamburgers and two local beers at Fish & Chips-Sausalito – $ 38.00

Eat at Burger King

If you travel to the United States you have to try some traditional fast food where the measures that are “normal” there are bigger than our “big one” and where the variety of flavored soft drinks is enormous.

Meal for two at Burger King – Impossible Whopper: $ 9.58 / Crispy Chicken: $ 8.61

Have some beers or some wines

Here the prices are very different depending on where you are. We give you several examples. In the case of wine tastings, they give you a list from which you can choose which ones to try and usually discount the price if you buy a bottle later.

2 pints at Johnny Foley’s Irish House (Union Square) – $ 22.00
2 pints of craft beer in Zeitgeist (Mission) – $ 13.00
Wine bottles in Urban Legend Cellars (Oakland) – Rosado $ 24.00 tempranillo $ 32.00
2 glasses of wine in Dashe Cellars (Oakland) – $ 6.90
2 wine tastings in Rock Wall Wine Company (Oakland) – $ 40.00

Bike tour at the Golden Gate, San Francisco

Transport

The best option for transportation in San Francisco is the Visitor Passport with which you can use metro, bus, tram, street car and cable car. It costs about 6-7 dollars per day and you can use it as much as you want. You can also rent bicycles for days, the most common is to make the excursion to Sausalito and they offer you a ferry ticket to return that you only pay if you have used it. In addition, if you are going to want to travel some areas further away from the city, a good option is to do it by rental car. The car parks in the city center are quite expensive, but there are areas where it is highly recommended not to park.

2 7-day Visitor Passport transport cards – $ 90.00
Rent of 2 bicycles for 1 day at Blazing Saddles – $ 27.00
2 ferry tickets from Sausalito to San Francisco (with bike rental) – $ 26.00
Bicycle parking in Sausalito for 2 – $ 6.00
6 days rental car – $ 268.56
Gasoline for about 650 miles – $ 55.00 (plus a full tank of the rental car)
Parking for one night in San Francisco – $ 30.00

Attractions

San Francisco offers endless attractions. It depends on your time, your budget and your tastes to see more or less. We give you the prices of the most popular.

Visit to Alcatraz with ferry and audio guide for 2 – $ 79.80
2 tickets to Coit Tower – $ 16.00
Cable Car Museum – free
2 tickets to San Francisco MOMA – $ 50.00
2 tickets to De Young Museum’s temporary exhibition – $ 50.00
2 tickets for USS Pampanito – $ 40.00

Attractions outside San Francisco

If you plan to take a short tour around San Francisco, you will also have a lot to see.

Car entrance fee to Yosemite valid for 6 days – $ 35.00
Car entrance fee to 17-Mile Drive (Monterey-Carmel) – $ 10.50
Car entrance fee to Point Lobos (Carmel) – $ 10.00
Tickets to Muir Woods (Mill Valley) – $ 15.00 per person plus $ 8.00 for parking the car
Whale watching (Monterey) – $ 49.00 per person

How to calculate the budget to travel to San Francisco?

With this list you can have an idea of the prices to calculate the money you want to take. To make an approximate quick calculation we recommend about 60-70 Dollars per person and day: $ 20 for lunch, $ 20 for dinner, $ 25 for tickets, $ 7 for transportation.

Although there are days that you don’t spend the entire budget, there will be others that you will spend more. If you are a forecaster, calculate $ 80 per day. If you have left over when you return you can always change them back to Euros.

You can buy now Us Dollars with the best rate on our website.

Enjoy your trip!

5 Things to know to organize a trip to China

Five things to know before organising a trip to China

China has become a very popular and demanded destination for foreign tourists. Its beauty, its culture and its history are an attraction for millions of traveling tourists from around the world.

If you are also going to travel to China, either organizing the trip on your own or with an organized package, we tell you 5 things that you have to keep in mind so that your trip does not have any setback.

Visa

A tourist visa is required to enter China. The validity of the visa and the duration of the stay will be authorized by consular employees depending on the situation of each traveler.

How to get a visa to travel to China?

First of all, to apply for a visa you must present, in addition to your Passport, your travel documents such as airline tickets, train tickets, hotel reservations of at least 50% of the stay,… So you must have your trip planned in advance.

The Chinese Embassy has two visa application centers in Spain: one in Madrid and one in Barcelona. It can also be processed by mail through the Madrid headquarters.

The necessary documentation to obtain the tourist visa is:

Passport with at least 6 months of validity and with 2 blank pages for the visa to fit.
Form filled online on the website of the office where the application will be processed and a photo.
For unemployed people, a balance certificate must be attached to the account of 1,000 Euros and at least 100 Euros per day of stay in China. That is, if your stay is 10 days, you must have 1,000 Euros plus 100×10 days. In total 2,000 Euros.
If you travel to see Chinese friends or relatives or foreigners residing in China, you will also need an invitation letter.

The visa application date must be done between three months and one month before the trip and the process takes about 10 days as long as the documentation is correct. The visa price is from € 126.55 as of the date of this post. This price may go up if the paperwork is done by mail for documentation shipments.

If you travel through a travel agency, they usually offer the option to process it for organized trips. In addition there are private companies that also process it online.

Restricted internet access in China

Access to many pages or applications that we use on a daily basis is restricted in China. So, even if you are looking for areas with free Wi-Fi, you may not be able to find what you need. Fortunately there are companies like HolaFly in which you can buy Internet access cards for China and you can use WhatsApp, Facebook and whatever you want.

Language

We won’t tell you that it is necessary to speak Chinese to travel to China, but you have to keep in mind that it is not usual for people to speak English and much less Spanish. In the hotels of the most tourist areas they do speak English (at least a little bit). But in rural areas, public transport, monuments, etc. You may not find anyone who understands you in a foreign language.

So, a useful add-on is a pocket dictionary or one of those in which usual phrases are already translated. You will also find the mobile translator very useful, but beware, there are places where you may not have coverage.

Currency exchange

The official currency in China is the Yuan or Renminbi. Is the same. Keep in mind that you will need to change Euros to Yuan. We always recommend carrying at least a portion of the trip money in cash. In China they accept card or other digital means of payment in many places, but there are also those in which they do not accept payments of foreign cards.

So our recommendation is to be safe and carry the cash already changed. This way you will avoid having to change in Airports where you will be charged a very high commission or having to waste your vacation time in looking for somewhere to make the change.

If you are organizing your trip to China, you can now buy the Chinese Yuan you need and we will send them to you in 1-2 days.

Travel insurance

Health in China is expensive. Also, in slightly more rural areas, health services may not be what you expected. So it is advisable to arrange health insurance for your trip. In this way, if you need it, you will have coverage in the country for any incident. The prices are not very expensive and there are many companies that already offer these types of policies.

Are you preparing a trip to China? What more preparations are you doing?

Rijeka and Galway European Capitals of Culture in 2020

European Capitals of Culture 2020

As usual in our blog, we begin the year with a post about the European Capitals of Culture for this year. The two cities that will hold this title in 2020 are Rijeka (Croatia) and Galway (Ireland). Read on if you want to know the charms of these two cities and what awaits you if you want to visit them during this year.

Rijeka (Croatia) – Port of Diversity

Rijeka is the third most populous city in Croatia. It is located in the north of the country, on the coast of the Gulf of Carnaro. It also has the main port of the country, for this reason its leitmotiv will be Port of Diversity.

It is a city that has been part of different countries or sovereignty throughout its history. For this reason today it is an open and liberal city where much of the cultural scene will be concentrated in 2020.

Rijeka is the first Croatian city to be the European Capital of Culture. During this year its cultural program will focus on three topics on the agenda: water, work and migration. The program has more than 600 cultural events among which there will be concerts, operas, festivals, conferences, exhibitions,… of both Croatian and international artists. In addition, the city has been preparing for this moment for some years, enabling and building places to host all these experiences.

The program will be divided into 7 segments: 27 neighborhoods, Times of Power, Dopolavoro, Kitchen of Diversity, Children's House, Lungomare, Sweet & Salt. And each of them will have its related events.

The inauguration will be held on February 1st at the Port of Rijeka, admission is free and the work of Rijeka's most famous artist, David Maljković will be shown on the exhibition.

Check the full program on the Rijeka 2020 website.

Galway (Ireland) – Let the magic in

Galway is a city located on the west coast of Ireland. It is the third Irish city to be the European Capital of Culture and its 2020 program is strongly linked to its Celtic tradition. Hence his leitmotiv: Let the magic in.

The Galway cultural program is structured around the Celtic calendar, which consists of 4 parts that are the four seasons: Imbolc (from February to April), Bealtaine (from May to July), Lughansa (from August to October) and Samhain (from November to January). And the activities distributed during the seasons will revolve around three themes: language, landscape and migration. Its program consists of activities, exhibitions, theaters, concerts, screenings and festivals in which local and international artists will be accommodated.

The opening events will take place between February 1st and 8th, coinciding with the end of winter in the Celtic calendar. There will be activities not only in the city of Galway, but throughout the county. These days the values par excellence of the Irish will be exalted: courage, creativity and resilience.

On the Galway 2020 website you can check all the activities.

Have you already decided which city you are going to travel to get in touch with culture in 2020? Remember that if you need to exchange your Euros into Croatian Kuna, in Eurochange we have the best price and total availability.

Travel to watch the Champions League matches

Exchange your currency in advance

It is increasingly common among football fans and partners clubs to organize a trip to watch their team's match in the Champions League, if they are lucky to travel to see the final or travel to attend an Europa League game.

If this is your case and you are going to travel to a European city to watch your team's Champions match, we can help you.

At present there are already several companies that are dedicated to organizing trips of a couple of days and include accommodation, travel and tickets to the game. All included and organized.

But there is something that is not usually taken into account: currency exchange. Although there are matches that are played in countries where the Euro is used, there are others in which the official currency is another. And it is an issue that is sometimes overlooked and can be a last minute headache.

So in Eurochange we recommend that you make your change of Euros in advance to the currency of the country to which you are traveling.

In this way you will forget to be thinking about changing currency once you arrive at the destination, you will avoid paying high commissions if you pay with your card and, most importantly, you will have the security of being able to pay anywhere you go. You will not have problems because your card has a limit, a lock to use it outside of Spain or that stops working properly. In short: you will avoid problems during your trip.

Make your change in our offices or make your purchase online and receive your order at home in 1-2 days. Currency exchange becomes easy, comfortable and safe with us.

And if your team wins, better than better!

What to see in Bulgaria in one week

Are you travelling to Bulgaria? Check what you can see in one week

Bulgaria is a country located on the Balkan Peninsula unknown to most. Gradually it is emerging as a tourist power. A perfect combination between nature, culture and ancient traditions. An exotic and very economical destination within the European Union. Today we have a look to this destination thanks to our friends of Bulgaria Turismo (site in Spanish).

Enjoying a week in Bulgaria is surprisingly cheap for Western Europeans. Sightseeing, gastronomy or transport have very competitive prices for wages in the euro zone.

The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev. It is very easy to convert to euros: 1 Lev is approximately 0.60€. You can dine at a traditional restaurant in the capital, Sofia, for just 12 levas, about 7 euros.

Sofia

The capital of Bulgaria is one of the essential destinations in the country and the city that receives the largest number of visitors. They emphasize its orthodox temples of Byzantine inspiration, its monuments of Soviet cut and the influence of the Ottoman Empire.

In the following link you’ll see a guide to visit Sofia in 3 days.

Veliko Tarnovo

A city of Thracian origin founded in 3,000 B.C. It was the capital of the Bulgarian Empire between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. Veliko Tarnovo is the most visited city in the northern part of Bulgaria and is located 250 kilometers from Sofia.

Plovdiv

Although it usually depends on the source we consult, Plovdiv is often considered the oldest city in Europe.

Its first settlement dates from the Neolithic, around 6000 B.C. It was conquered by the Roman Empire, becoming the capital of the ancient Roman province of Thrace. Highlight the Roman Theater and the Trimontium Stadium.

Rila Monastery

The monasteries of Bulgaria are one of the cultural references of the country, greatly influenced throughout its history by the Orthodox Church of Eastern Europe.

The Rila Monastery stands out, located about 100 kilometers south of Sofia, nestled in the Rila National Park, a huge natural environment beauty. It also offers the possibility of accommodation.

Varna

Varna is known as the summer capital of Bulgaria. It is the third city in the country in number of inhabitants and is a real gem on the Black Sea coast.

Highlight its holiday resorts, its monuments of the Soviet era, its beaches with crystal clear waters and its orthodox temples. The Black Sea coast is gradually gaining ground to other beach destinations such as the Balearic Islands.

Nessebar

Another city on the shores of the Black Sea, with a historic center that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. He was under Roman influence from 71 BC, to later become a center of commerce for the Byzantine Empire. In the link we leave you information about what to see in Nessebar.

Belogradchik Fortress in Bulgaria — Leyenda

Belogradchick Fortress

Belogradchik was the European Destination of Excellence in 2008. The northern area of the Balkans is an area of incalculable tourist value. In the vicinity of Belogradchik we find caves like Magura or Venetsa, which receive thousands of tourists a year.

5 things to keep in mind before traveling to the United States

Five things to prepare before travelling to the USA

At Eurochange we always recommend a little planning before traveling. Although there are travelers who prefer to leave everything to chance, we don’t want you to cross half the world to realize that you have not booked somewhere you wanted to visit or that you are missing an important document.

So in our post today we are going to tell you 5 things that you should keep in mind before your trip so that everything goes perfectly and you don't have any last minute problems.

Tips to travel to the USA - Apply for ESTA — Tips to travel to the USA – Apply for ESTA

1. Request the ESTA

Citizens of the countries of the European Union (and some more) do not have to apply for a visa to enter the United States but it is necessary to apply for a travel authorization (ESTA).

It is a very simple procedure and, although on the web they recommend ordering it at least 72 hours in advance, we recommend that it be the first procedure so that we do not forget. In addition, it is common for flight companies to remind us via e-mail when purchasing flights. So, as soon as you have the tickets, you can request it.

How is ESTA requested to enter the United States?

To request the ESTA you will have to access the official website of requests. You can make the request individually or for a group (2 or more people). You will fill out a slightly extensive form where you will be asked for personal data, family contacts, information about the last job you have had or your current job,… Once you have filled it out you will have to pay a fee of 14 Dollars per person (with card or Paypal) and in a couple of days you will receive the approved application in your email.

You print it and carry it by hand along with your Passport for arrival in the country. We take this opportunity to remind you to check the expiration date of your Passport 🙂

Tips to travel to the USA - Get internation driving license — Tips to travel to the USA – Get internation driving license

2. Obtain the international driving license

Obviously, if you don’t rent a car, it is not necessary to request it, but if you are going to drive during your trip, you must have it. Although most rental companies are not going to ask for it, it is mandatory to take it since, if the police asks you to stop and they request it, they can fine you for not taking it. Why? Because the Spanish driver's license is only valid for the countries of the European Union and those of the European Economic Area in addition to others with which there is a bilateral treaty. Among which is not the United States.

So you know, if you want to drive and avoid problems, ask for your international permit.

How do you apply for the international driver's license?

The international driving license can be requested online or directly at the Traffic Office (by appointment). It has a cost of about 10 Euros and is valid for one year. If you can not do the process in person, in any agency they can do it for you (yes, the cost would be higher).

Tips to travel to the USA - Check your connection — Tips to travel to the USA – Check your connection

3. Mobile phone and connections

One thing you should keep in mind is that mobile operators use different frequency bands to connect to the network. And not all phones are compatible. So it is possible that a mobile phone purchased in Spain or the UK is not compatible with the United States network.

How to know if my phone will work in the United States?

On the Kimovil website there is a frequency tester. Choose the country of destination and the brand and model of your mobile and you can see the compatibility. In addition, you should check if roaming is included in your rate. If it isn't, you can end up paying a lot of money for the connections you make during your trip.

And remember the plug! Buy a power adapter before your trip to be able to charge your devices without problem during your stay.

Tips to travel to the USA - Book your tickets in advance — Tips to travel to the USA – Book your tickets in advance

4. Book or buy tickets

Even if you like to improvise, keep in mind that some of the main tourist attractions in each city may be a bit crowded, especially if you are traveling in the summer months or at Christmas.

Don't let the lack of forecast ruin your vacation and book or buy tickets to the most visited sites before your trip. In addition to securing your ticket, you may get a discount for online purchase.

Also consider giving a review of transportation options, cards per day, transportation and discounts on tourist attractions, etc. to be clear about what you are going to use and save on your trip.

Tips to travel to the USA - Exchange Euros to Dollars — Tips to travel to the USA – Exchange Euros to Dollars

5. Currency exchange

Last but not least, keep in mind that to pay in the United States you will need to change Euros in Dollars.

How to know where and when to change Euros to Dollars at the best price?

On the Eurochange website you can check the daily price to change from Euro to United States Dollar. The average price to buy Dollars in the first 6 months of 2019 has been € 0.902. So a price that is around this amount would be a good price to make your purchase. Anyway, if you have any questions, contact us and we will solve it as quickly as possible.

Enjoy your trip!

7-day route through Poland in summer

What to do on one week in Poland in summer

When thinking about summer holidays, many people think of beaches, hammocks, palm trees and piña colada. But there are many travelers who prefer to visit the capitals of northern Europe in the warmer months. It is a good opportunity to see these cities with more life than ever. Both tourists and locals go out to the street to enjoy the terraces and parks making the experience totally different to what they would find traveling during other months.

Today we propose a 7-day tour through three of the main Polish cities with advice on what to see and what to do in Poland in summer. If your trip lasts less days, you can easily adapt it and choose the options that you prefer.

The cities that we propose to visit are Wroclaw, Krakow and Warsaw. The distances between them are similar (3-3: 30h) which makes them perfect to visit in the order you want. In addition, you can organize the trip to make the transfers by train or car and you can choose the arrival and departure airports that best suit you since the three cities have good connections with the main Spanish airports.

Day 1 Warsaw

The first thing that draws attention when arriving in Warsaw is the contrast between the modern office buildings, the Soviet buildings and the old town. But the old Town with cobbled streets is not such. After the World War II more than 85% of the buildings in Warsaw were destroyed, forming a mass of rubble. After the war, began the reconstruction of almost everything you will see during your visit and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to know more about the subject, you can visit the Warsaw Museum in the Market Square, in the old town. Nearby you will also find the Miniatures Park where some of the most interesting buildings that were destroyed or severely modified throughout the history of the city are reproduced.

You can also take the first day to visit the old town, or Stare Miasto, where you will also find the Royal Castle, the Column of Sigismund III and the Mermaid Fountain. And in the immediate vicinity you can visit the Marie Curie Museum or get closer to watching the multimedia fountain show (at dusk or at night it is best to see the lights and the effects of the fountain while you take an ice cream).

Day 2 Warsaw

Palace on the Island, Lazienki Park, Warsaw

Once you've seen the old town, it's time to take the Royal Route as if you were one of the ancient kings of Poland. The Royal Route begins at Royal Castle (at Stare Miasto) and exits southwards through Krakowskie Przedmieście, continues through Nowy Świat, Aleje Ujazdowskie, Belwederska, Sobieskiego and ends at Aleja Wilanowska. This route of more than 11 kilometers is what the kings did to move from their usual residence in the old case to their palaces outside the center: the Ujazdów Palace, the Palace on the Island in the Łazienki Park and the Wilanów Palace.

Although there are regular buses that will take you to the main tourist attractions of the route, we recommend you to do the first section that goes from the old town to Aleje Jerozolimskie on foot (or by bike). In this area, a large part of the city's gastronomic, shopping and nightlife offer is concentrated. You can also get closer by taking a walk to the Frédéric Chopin Museum.

Day 3 Warsaw

For the last day in the Polish capital, we recommend you to get away from the center to discover other charms of the city. It may be a good time for you to look for a "milk bar" or Bar Mleczny where you will regress in the early twentieth century eating traditional food, without artifices and at a cheap price.

Clandestine printing, Uprising Museum, Warsaw

One of the historical facts for which Warsaw has been known throughout the world is the Warsaw Uprising against the Nazi invasion. In the Museum of the Uprising you can learn everything that happened before, during and after the rebellion. If your visit coincides with August 1, the anniversary of the start of the uprising is celebrated in the city. On the street you will see men and women dressed in typical clothing from the 40s, there are concerts and many activities to remember this day.

For the last day's sunset, reserve a moment to climb the PKIN viewpoint or Pałac Kultury i Nauki w Warszawie. It is a palace that Stalin once "gave" to the Poles. Nowadays it houses offices, exhibition halls and movie and theater halls. From the viewpoint you have the best views of the city.

Day 4 Warsaw – Krakow

Cloth hall in Krakow — Cloth hall building in Krakow

On the fourth day of travel, we change city to go from Warsaw to Krakow, about 300 kilometers to the south. You can do this journey by train or car rental. Both options are fast and not very expensive.

The first thing to visit in Krakow is its old town. The Stare Miasto in Krakow is surrounded by a green belt that is where the city wall once stood. It has a horseshoe shape. In the south is the Wawel Hill, with its Castle and its Cathedral. To the north is the Barbican, one of the doors that gave access to the city through its wall. In the center is the Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe, with the Cloth Hall in the center and surrounded by several historic buildings such as the St. Mary's Basilica. Near the Market Square you will also find the Jagiellonian University where they studied, among others, Pope John Paul II or Nicolaus Copernicus.

Courtyard of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow

In addition to contemplating the passers-by of the square, you can have a drink or a meal in one of its numerous bars and restaurants or you can also buy souvenirs. But, undoubtedly, the most curious thing you can see (or rather, listen to) in the square is the trumpet call every hour on the hour from one of the towers of the St. Mary's Basilica.

Day 5 Krakow

For the second day in the city of Krakow we propose you to get to know one of the neighborhoods with more atmosphere and more activity of the city, the Jewish district Kasimierz. It is the neighborhood where the Hebrews of the city traditionally settled until the Second World War. Its streets and buildings are very well preserved.

There you will find synagogues, exhibitions, basilicas, museums and countless restaurants and bars that animate its streets and squares. It is a good option to try the specialties of kosher cuisine and traditional Hebrew dishes.

Cabinets in the Pharmacie Under the Eagle

South of the Vistula River you can expand the history of the Jewish population of the city during the Nazi occupation at the Oscar Schindler Museum and the Pharmacie Under The Eagle. Both buildings contain exhibits so visitors can see how they were trying to save the lives of Jewish citizens of the Krakow ghetto.

Day 6 Krakow – Auschwitz – Wroclaw

On the sixth day of travel we leave Krakow to travel to Wroclaw, 270 kilometers away. Again you have the possibility to go by rental car or to make the trip by train. But, as you will see, our recommendation is to take a car (at least from this day) to have more freedom on the move.

About 70 kilometers from Krakow is the Extermination Camp of Auschwitz Birkenau. We leave to your choice if you want to make this type of visits during your holidays or not, since they are not pleasant visits. But it can be a good option to become aware of the magnitude of what happened not only in Poland, but in much of Europe. If you decide to see it, keep in mind that in summer there are usually many people, be patient with the queues.

For the first day or the first afternoon in Wroclaw you have to take a walk through the old town with its Market Square. You can see the St. Mary Magdalene Church or the St. Elizabeth's Church whose bell towers stand out above the buildings of the city. In the center of the square stands the City Hall Building with different architectural styles that reflect the passage of time. In a corner of the Market Square you will see the Hansel and Gretel houses. And you can entertain yourself during the walk by looking for all the figurines of the dwarves of Wroclaw (which are not only in the old town, are spread throughout the city).

The Oder River that crosses the city, passes through the north of the old town, at the foot of the University of Wroclaw. On the river there are several islands with landscaped areas to stroll through and also several churches and historic buildings. And on the other side of the river is the largest concentration of religious buildings in the city with the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Church of St. Giles, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Faculty of Theology and the Archbishop's Palace between others.

Day 7 Wroclaw

For the last day in Poland we propose a curious and not at all overcrowded visit, since the vast majority of tourists traveling to Poland are unaware of this place. It is about the underground city of Osowka. The city is located about 80 kilometers southwest of Wroclaw. It is a network of tunnels dug by the Nazis under the mountains of the area. Being a wooded area, they were not easy to detect by enemies. The purpose of this construction was kept secret and nowadays it is not known for what purpose they were created, although it is speculated that it could be a hideout to hide if they lost the war and could survive for a few years until they could leave again or they could be the new secret headquarters of Hitler. The total complex has 7 excavations in different parts of the Owl Mountains, next to the Polish border with the Czech Republic.

The guided tour is in Polish (if you're lucky one of the guides speaks Spanish) but you can take the audio guide in English.

Back to Wroclaw you can make a stop in Ksiaz, to visit its Castle or in Swidnica to visit the Church of Peace.

We hope you find this post helpful to organize your next vacation in Poland. And before your trip, remember to change Euros to Polish Zlotys for the purchases and payments you make during your stay.

Enjoy the trip!

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