Asturias, Gijón, Asturias, SpainAugust 28, 2019

Summer in Asturias: A Photo/Video Journal

By Ben Holbrook

My summer in Asturias, northern Spain ~ in 90+ photos and video.

Asturias, SpainAugust 5, 2019

Hiking the Hills of Rural Asturias, Where Past & Present are One… 

By Ben Holbrook

This little rural-house-cum-bar had been my beacon for the last three hours I’d been hiking and huffing my way through the rural landscapes of Piloña in Asturias, northern Spain. This wasn’t the greeting I’d anticipated.

Asturias, SpainJuly 24, 2019

A Guide to Piloña ~ Asturias’s Best-Kept Secret

By Ben Holbrook

Cradled by a series of lush mountain ranges, forests and valleys, Piloña is the perfect rural basecamp from which to explore the “Natural Paradise”…

Gijón, Asturias, Travel JournalsMay 7, 2019

RECONQUISTA ~ An Ode to the Joys of Home

By Ben Holbrook

A journey round my apartment in Gijón, Asturias (northern Spain) – with video.

AsturiasApril 30, 2019

A Rural Retreat in Pola de Lena (Asturias, Northern Spain)

By Ben Holbrook

… a more simple way of life in ‘Green Spain’.

Asturias, Gijón, AsturiasMarch 11, 2019

A Stroll by the Sea / Gijón Photo Journal

By Ben Holbrook

I’ve always been something of an idealist. When I moved to Barcelona, it was all about living ‘the good life on the Mediterranean’. I…

Asturias, Gijón, AsturiasMarch 6, 2019

Gijón Carnaval ~ Blanco Y Negro Photo Journal

By Ben Holbrook

‘Carnaval’ is to Spain as Halloween is to the US and UK. A chance to get dressed up as a monster or your favourite…

Asturias, Gijón, AsturiasFebruary 17, 2019

Hiking Gijón’s Coastal Path ~ The Joy of Winter Sunshine

By Ben Holbrook

Life in Asturias is less about sophisticated urban living and more about connecting with nature and the ‘Costa Verde’. To see why, all you…

Asturias, Gijón, Asturias, Spain, Travel JournalsJanuary 17, 2019

Moving to Gijón, Asturias (Northern Spain) & Why I Left Barcelona

By Ben Holbrook

Dear friends, family and fellow drifters, I have some personal news that I wanted to share with you, a sort of quick life update…

Asturias, Travel JournalsMarch 8, 2018

Celebrating Love and Life in Northern Spain ~ A Photo Journal

By Ben Holbrook

Northern Spain seems to have a way of drawing me back. For one reason or another I have visited this rugged “Green Coast” more than any other part of my adoptive home country.

AsturiasOctober 17, 2016

What to Eat & Drink in Asturias, Northern Spain ~ A Foodie’s Guide

By Ben Holbrook

Based on countless food-filled trips to visit my girlfriend’s family (Rosana is from Asturias), this is my essential gastronomical guide to Asturias.

AsturiasOctober 3, 2016

Essential Things to Do and See in Asturias, Northern Spain ~ An Inside Guide

By Ben Holbrook

Based on the last few years of visiting my girlfriend’s friends and family that live in this outrageously beautiful part of northern Spain.

Barcelona, Things to Do in Barcelona, Travel JournalsMay 26, 2020

Day in the Life of a Travel Writer/Blogger in Barcelona

By Ben Holbrook

Ever imagined what it would be like to live in Barcelona and hustle a living as a travel blogger? This is an entry taken from my actual diary. Written in 2016, about a year or two after starting my career as a travel blogger in Barcelona, it sets the tone and, I think, hints at the challenges I faced while living off my wits. 

Barcelona, Things to Do in Barcelona, Where to Eat and Drink in BarcelonaMay 11, 2020

5 Secret Spots in Barcelona with Spotted by Locals

By Ben Holbrook

I asked the Spotted by Locals Barcelona team to share 5 of favourite secret spots in Barcelona.

Barcelona, Things to Do in BarcelonaApril 24, 2020

Discover La Pedrera/Casa Milà (Barcelona) ~ Gaudi’s Most Controversial Masterpiece

By Ben Holbrook

Located on Barcelona’s ritzy Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera (aka Casa Milà) is one of the most famous Modernista buildings in Barcelona, if not the world. Here’s everything you need to know.

Barcelona, Spain, Things to Do in Barcelona, Where to Eat and Drink in BarcelonaApril 3, 2020

Devour Tours’ “Tapas Challenge” in Barcelona ~ Photography & Film Project

By Ben Holbrook

A few months back, before COVID-19 forced us all into lockdown, I was hired to photograph and film the team from Devour Tours during…

Barcelona, Spain, Where to Stay in BarcelonaFebruary 27, 2020

Best Barcelona Neighbourhoods for Families ~ A Kid-Friendly Guide

By Ben Holbrook

Discover the best family-friendly “barrios” in Barcelona, based on things like convenience, location, public transport, general safety and access to family-friendly facilities.

Barcelona, Where to Stay in BarcelonaJanuary 31, 2020

Hotel Alma Barcelona 5* GL ~ Soul is the New Luxury

By Ben Holbrook

Tucked away in the heart of Barcelona’s glitzy Eixample barrio, Hotel Alma Barcelona is a grand deluxe 5-star design hotel and a soulful home from home.

Barcelona, Things to Do in BarcelonaJanuary 28, 2020

Best Flamenco & Catalan Rumba Shows in Barcelona

By Ben Holbrook

My personal recommendations on the best flamenco and Catalan rumba shows in Barcelona!

Barcelona, Where to Eat and Drink in BarcelonaJanuary 6, 2020

Restaurant Disfrutar (Barcelona) ~ More than Michelin Stars

By Ben Holbrook

Disfrutar is easily my favourite ‘fancy’ restaurant in Barcelona.

Barcelona, Things to Do in BarcelonaAugust 18, 2019

Discover Barcelona’s Festa Major de Sants ~ Like the Gràcia Festival but Smaller & More Local

By Ben Holbrook

Every August, the street parties of Barcelona’s Festa Major de Sants offer an authentic insight into modern-day life in the Catalan capital.

Where to Eat and Drink in BarcelonaJuly 31, 2019

Mr Porter Chophouse, Barcelona ~ Quality Steaks & Pucker Plonk

By Ben Holbrook

Taking over the space that once housed the fabled Roca MOO, Mr Porter is an atypical chop house and an equally indulgent space to…

Barcelona, Where to Eat and Drink in BarcelonaJuly 15, 2019

GiGi Von Tapas, Barcelona ~ Where Every Day Feels Like Sunday

By Ben Holbrook

Whether you’re in need of a post-fiesta brunch, an evening feast with friends or a place to meet for drinks, GiGi Von Tapas is the sort of place you’ll want filed away in your mental Roladex of Barcelona restaurants. 

Things to Do in BarcelonaJune 16, 2019

Exploring the Best of Barcelona with Buena Vista Bike Tours

By Ben Holbrook

With small groups, friendly guides and an admirable approach to responsible tourism, Buena Vista Bike Tours in Barcelona is a prime example of how all tour companies should be run.

Things to Do in BarcelonaApril 22, 2019

Celebrate El Dia de Sant Jordi in Barcelona (April 23rd)

By Ben Holbrook

April 23rd in Barcelona is all about celebrating love, literature and Catalonia’s dragon-slaying patron saint. Here’s how and where to do it!

Barcelona, Where to Stay in BarcelonaApril 15, 2019

H10 Casa Mimosa Hotel ~ Leafy Luxury in Barcelona’s Elegant Eixample Barrio (City Centre)

By Ben Holbrook

A hotel I can confidently recommend to anyone looking for a little romance and luxury within walking distance of Barcelona’s best bits. 

Barcelona, Spain, Things to Do in BarcelonaJanuary 14, 2019

Best Souvenirs & Gift Shops in Barcelona ~ What & Where to Buy Your Catalan Keepsakes

By Ben Holbrook

Fallen in love with Barcelona? Want to invest in something special to take home and remind you of your time in the Catalan capita?…

Barcelona, Where to Stay in BarcelonaDecember 3, 2018

Edition Barcelona (5*) ~ The New Standard for Hip Hotels

By Ben Holbrook

If you’re looking at hip boutiques in the centre of Barcelona and want something a little bit more progressive, you’ll struggle to find anywhere that competes with this new trailblazer.

Things to Do in BarcelonaNovember 11, 2018

Discover Barcelona’s Modernista Hospital de Sant Pau ~ A Salubrious Guide

By Ben Holbrook

Just a short stroll away from Gaudí’s emblematic Sagrada Familia, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau is one of the most spectacular examples of Catalan modernism in Barcelona. A must for all architecture lovers. 

Things to Do in BarcelonaOctober 23, 2018

Discover Casa Vicens (Barcelona) ~ Gaudí’s First Ever House Design

By Ben Holbrook

Commissioned by business magnate Manuel Vicens, Casa Vicens was the first house Antoni Gaudí ever designed and is credited for inspiring the Catalan Modernisme architectural movement.

Things to Do in BarcelonaSeptember 25, 2018

In Deep at La Mercè’s Surreal Correfoc (Fire Run) ~ A Photo Journal (Barcelona)

By Ben Holbrook

Held over four days every September, as summer turns to autumn, La Mercè celebrates Barcelona’s patron saint and is unquestionably the city’s largest and…

Things to Do in Barcelona, Where to Eat and Drink in BarcelonaSeptember 16, 2018

All Those Food Market ~ Discover Barcelona’s Creative Gastro Community

By Ben Holbrook

Celebrate Barcelona’s creative culinary community at All Those – one of Barcelona’s original pop-up foodie markets.   

Barcelona, Things to Do in Barcelona, Travel JournalsMay 26, 2020

Day in the Life of a Travel Writer/Blogger in Barcelona

By Ben Holbrook

Ever imagined what it would be like to live in Barcelona and hustle a living as a travel blogger? This is an entry taken from my actual diary. Written in 2016, about a year or two after starting my career as a travel blogger in Barcelona, it sets the tone and, I think, hints at the challenges I faced while living off my wits. 

Barcelona, Things to Do in Barcelona, Where to Eat and Drink in BarcelonaMay 11, 2020

5 Secret Spots in Barcelona with Spotted by Locals

By Ben Holbrook

I asked the Spotted by Locals Barcelona team to share 5 of favourite secret spots in Barcelona.

Barcelona, Things to Do in BarcelonaApril 24, 2020

Discover La Pedrera/Casa Milà (Barcelona) ~ Gaudi’s Most Controversial Masterpiece

By Ben Holbrook

Located on Barcelona’s ritzy Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera (aka Casa Milà) is one of the most famous Modernista buildings in Barcelona, if not the world. Here’s everything you need to know.

Barcelona, Spain, Things to Do in Barcelona, Where to Eat and Drink in BarcelonaApril 3, 2020

Devour Tours’ “Tapas Challenge” in Barcelona ~ Photography & Film Project

By Ben Holbrook

A few months back, before COVID-19 forced us all into lockdown, I was hired to photograph and film the team from Devour Tours during…

Contributed Post, Málaga, SpainMarch 30, 2020

How to Eat Like a Local in Magnificent Malaga (Southern Spain)

By Contributing writer

With Zampoita’s culinary portal, you’ll find a selection of the best restaurants in Malaga that will make your dining experience truly memorable.

Barcelona, Spain, Where to Stay in BarcelonaFebruary 27, 2020

Best Barcelona Neighbourhoods for Families ~ A Kid-Friendly Guide

By Ben Holbrook

Discover the best family-friendly “barrios” in Barcelona, based on things like convenience, location, public transport, general safety and access to family-friendly facilities.

Andalusia, Seville, SpainFebruary 21, 2020

How to Spend a Long Weekend in Seville on a Budget

By Ben Holbrook

Seville is bursting with great tapas bars, culture and historic sites, and if you’re savvy about your spending, you can do it all on a tiny budget. 

SpainFebruary 10, 2020

Best Spanish Festivals & Cultural Celebrations ~ For Each Month of the Year

By Ben Holbrook

From the pyrotechnics of Las Fallas in sunny Valencia to the crazy ‘Tomatina’ tomato-throwing festival in the tiny town of Buñol, here are the best festivals and cultural celebrations in Spain for every month of the year. 

Barcelona, Where to Stay in BarcelonaJanuary 31, 2020

Hotel Alma Barcelona 5* GL ~ Soul is the New Luxury

By Ben Holbrook

Tucked away in the heart of Barcelona’s glitzy Eixample barrio, Hotel Alma Barcelona is a grand deluxe 5-star design hotel and a soulful home from home.

Barcelona, Things to Do in BarcelonaJanuary 28, 2020

Best Flamenco & Catalan Rumba Shows in Barcelona

By Ben Holbrook

My personal recommendations on the best flamenco and Catalan rumba shows in Barcelona!

Andalusia, Contributed Post, Málaga, Spain, ValenciaJanuary 15, 2020

A Road Trip Through Spain: The Road Less Travelled

By Contributing writer

Starting in Spain’s sunny Andalucía in the south and ending in Figueres in the north, this is a dream route for adventurous travellers who like to go their own way!

Barcelona, Where to Eat and Drink in BarcelonaJanuary 6, 2020

Restaurant Disfrutar (Barcelona) ~ More than Michelin Stars

By Ben Holbrook

Disfrutar is easily my favourite ‘fancy’ restaurant in Barcelona.

Contributed Post, ItalyFebruary 20, 2020

Why & Where to Experience Opera in Italy

By Contributing writer

Discover the spiritual home of opera.

Contributed Post, Italy, RomeFebruary 3, 2020

Holy Cannoli: Top Sacred Sites in Rome

By Contributing writer

With almost 3,000 years of history, Rome is rich with history and countless religious sites – here are the top 9 sacred destinations in Rome.

Italy, NaplesJanuary 15, 2020

100 Cultural Bucket List Experiences for Adventurous Cruisers

By Ben Holbrook

Thinking of taking a cruise? If so, here are 100 bucket list travel experiences you should start planning today! I think a lot of…

Bologna, Italy, ModenaNovember 7, 2019

Modena Meanders (Italy): Live La Lazy Dolce Vita

By Ben Holbrook

You’d be gravely mistaken to overlook this little jewel of a city in Italy’s gastro-centric Emilia Romagna region.

Bologna, ItalyJuly 1, 2019

Best Things to Do in Bologna ~ Welcome to “La Grassa” (The Fat)

By Ben Holbrook

From tips on where to eat in the city nicknamed “La Grassa” (The Fat One) to advice on what see between meals, this is your guide to the very best things to do in Bologna. 

Italy, TrentoJune 18, 2019

What to Do in Trento ~ A Double Dose of Alpine Italy

By Ben Holbrook

Whether you’re visiting for a lazy weekend or an adventurous hiking/ski holiday in the nearby Dolomites, here are the best things to see and do in the Alpine oasis of Trento, Italy.

Contributed Post, France, ParisFebruary 3, 2020

9 Literary Places to Explore in Paris ~ A Book Lover’s Guide

By Contributing writer

9 places in Paris you should definitely visit if you love books and literature!

Contributed Post, FranceNovember 22, 2019

Best Wine Regions & Cities to Visit in France

By Ben Holbrook

France has a lot to offer besides picturesque cities, romantic tourist destinations, and enthralling history. Its rich culture, fine wine and exquisite cuisine have…

France, ParisOctober 8, 2019

A Short Guide to Etretat, Normandy ~ Escape to La Belle Époque

By Ben Holbrook

Do as the Parisians of the Belle Époque did and escape to the charming little fishing village of Étretat in Normandy for sun, sea and bonhomie. Discover the best things to see and do, as well as advice on where to eat and sleep.

France, Marseille, Provence & The French RivieraAugust 12, 2019

Essential Things to Do in Marseille ~ The Rebel of the French Riviera

By Ben Holbrook

Discover the best things to do in Marseille and find out what makes this atypical French city so compelling – in just 2 days!

France, Provence & The French RivieraMay 2, 2019

Things to Do, See & Eat in Sète, Southern France ~ La Joie de Vivre Awaits

By Ben Holbrook

If you like to travel slow, eat copious amounts of seafood and skip the crowds, a trip to Sète (from Barcelona or pretty much anywhere in France) really should be on your itinerary.

France, MontpellierJanuary 23, 2019

Best Things to Do in Montpellier, France in 1 or 2 Days ~ A Flâneur’s Guide

By Ben Holbrook

Nuzzled away deep in the south of France, just outside the region of Provence and only 10 km from the Mediterranean Sea, Montpellier is undeniably one of the most charming cities in Europe.

Contributed Post, England, UK, WalesMay 22, 2020

The Best National Parks in the UK ~ A Great Outdoor Guide

By Contributing writer

From the rugged Welsh coastline to the Dales up north, this is your guide to the most beautiful national parks in the UK.

UK, WalesMay 15, 2020

Surrender ~ A Coronavirus Short Film Shot in South Wales, UK

By Ben Holbrook

‘Surrender’ explores the internal battles many of us have fought during the Coronavirus lockdown, while hinting at the juxtaposition of countless lives being devastated against a backdrop of spring in full bloom.

Bath, England, UKMarch 18, 2020

Blissful Things to Do in Bath, England ~ A 1 or 2 Day Guide

By Ben Holbrook

From exploring Georgian mansions on the Royal Crescent to sipping cider at a local pub, here are the best things to do in Bath, England. 

Bath, England, UKMarch 17, 2020

Queensberry Hotel (Bath, England): Civilised Sleeps & Michelin Eats

By Ben Holbrook

With its Georgian charm, characterful rooms and Michelin-starred restaurant, this 4-star boutique delivers the most civilised stay in Bath.

Israel, Middle EastMarch 27, 2020

Unforgettable Things to Do in Israel ~ A 1 Week Guide/Itinerary

By Ben Holbrook

From Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, experience the best of Israel on your first visit (a one-week guide).

Israel, Middle EastMarch 26, 2020

Essential Things to Do in Jerusalem ~ Regardless of Your Religious Beliefs

By Ben Holbrook

Regardless of your religious beliefs (or lack there of), a visit to this fascinating city is a must for all open-minded travellers in search of deeper experiences.

Israel, Middle EastApril 6, 2019

Exploring Israel’s Negev Desert with Adam Sela Jeep Tours

By Ben Holbrook

One of the highlights of my time is Israel was bouncing around the dusty Negev Desert on Adam Sela’s four-wheel-drive tour.

Contributed Post, Middle EastApril 2, 2019

5 Best Islands to Visit in Kuwait

By Contributing writer

Whether you’re in search of history and culture or watersports and body bronzing, here are the 5 best islands to visit in Kuwait.