First-Time In Spain? Try These 5 Insider Tips To Enjoy The Experience

Jun 3, 2023

Last Updated on: Aug 22, 2025

Travel Guides

Spain, with its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, tantalizing food, and picturesque landscapes, is a country that captures the heart of every traveler. If it’s your first time visiting, the prospect can be both exciting and a little daunting. How do you navigate this unfamiliar yet enchanting territory?

Don’t worry. These five insider tips are just what you need to make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories. Here’s what you should keep in mind.

1 – Understand Spanish Culture

Familiarize yourself with Spanish customs and norms before your trip. Spanish people are known for their laid-back lifestyle and love for socializing. In Spain, meal times are later than what you might be used to; lunch typically starts at 2 p.m., and dinner at 9 p.m. or later.

Siestas are a real thing, with many shops closing in the afternoon for a few hours. The nightlife is vibrant and starts late. And one more thing: remember the Spanish love for celebrations and festivals — you might just find one happening during your visit!

2 – Explore Iconic Landmarks

Spain is rich in history and boasts of numerous World Heritage sites. From the royal palaces in Madrid, the iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, to the historic old town of Toledo, there’s a lot to see. 

You should — of course — prioritize your itinerary according to your interests and time constraints, but don’t miss out on these marvels.

3 – Discover Hidden Gems

While tourist hotspots are great, the real charm of Spain lies in its hidden corners. Venture off the beaten path and explore local markets, try a cooking class, take a flamenco lesson, or visit a local vineyard. These unique experiences will give you a taste of authentic Spanish life.

If you’re documenting the trip, going off the beaten path also gives you a chance to capture moments and sights that most travelers never get to experience. There’s plenty of good public transportation in Spain, but if you’d like to explore, it can be smart to rent a car or charter a Yacht. The latter is easier than you might think, as the SeekSail website shows.

4 – Optimize Your Itinerary

Don’t make the mistake of cramming too much into your itinerary. Spain is a country to be savored. Traveling between cities can be time-consuming, so it’s better to explore a few places thoroughly rather than trying to see them all.

Remember to plan your day around the Spanish rhythm. You should take advantage of the late morning to explore, relax during the siesta hours, and soak in the nightlife.

5 – Pack Appropriately

Spanish weather can be quite variable. Summers can be scorching hot, while winters are cold, especially in the north. Pack light, breathable clothing for summer and layers for winter. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll be doing!

Remember, traveling is all about immersing yourself in the local culture and stepping out of your comfort zone. Use these tips to truly engage with Spain’s captivating charm. And who knows, you might even come back home with a touch of the Spanish zest for life!

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Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

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READ MORE Ethiopian restaurants

Top 7 Ethiopian Restaurants In Los Angeles – Complete Guide

BY  Barsha Feb 8, 2023

So you are craving some Ethiopian food. And you are thinking about checking out some Ethiopian restaurants near you. But there the problem arises - if you have never tried out Ethiopian cuisine, then this could prove to be a sad experience if you choose the wrong restaurant. This is exactly why we decided to checkout some of the best Ethiopian restaurants in Los Angeles. And guess what? It was a great day, and we had a fantastic time tasting delicious Ethiopian food. Simply scroll down and checkout all the top places to eat Ethiopian food in Los Angeles! Top 7 Ethiopian Restaurants In Los Angeles - Complete Guide Here we are, ready with the top Ethiopian restaurants in Los Angeles, and you are stills searching for ‘Ethiopian food Los Angeles’ on search engines like you were looking for Peruvian food recently? Stop right now! Instead, just save this article for now and scroll down to find out which are the best places to eat Ethiopian food - so chill out and scroll down! 1. Messob Ethiopian Restaurant: Image Source: images.squarespace-cdn.com Messob is literally LA’s answer to the ‘little Ethiopia restaurant’ search query. The place has great reviews both from their usual guests and even from people who have visited the place to try out Ethiopian cuisine for the first time. Plus, we loved the food here! Review By Mitch Kling: Please, please come here. Getahun is so sweet and welcoming, please don’t let your inexperience scare you. You will be welcomed wholeheartedly with smiles and amazing service. The love and pride this restaurant has for its food and culture are mouth-wateringly palpable in every bite. I am so happy with everything we had. Get the honey wine made in-house. Try some Ethiopian beers. 2. Rosalind's: Image Source: go.sodere.com One of our favorite Ethiopian restaurants in Los Angeles has to be Rosalind’s - the food is delicious, and more importantly, it’s a spacious restaurant. Since we were a group of people, the place was perfect for us - what a beautiful group-friendly restaurant, just like the ones in Vegas! Review By Jackie Martinez: This was my first time trying Ethiopian food, and I loved it! My partner and I got the vegan goodness combo (which comes with collard greens, green beans, and lentils) and one beef dish. It was the perfect shareable portion. The Injera was super tasty and had a nice yeasty sourdough flavor that paired nicely with the meat and veggies. I loved how aromatic, spicy, and tangy the food was. Lots of amazing and bold flavors. 3. Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine: Image Source: images.ctfassets.net Delicious Ethiopian stews, spongy bread, and tasty vegan combos - that’s exactly the kind of thing we were looking for when we came across Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine. If you are looking for an Ethiopia restaurant that serves vegan food, then this is your option. Review By Gaya D: If you like delicious healthy food, Rahel cannot be missed! I've been coming here for 8 years, and the quality has remained consistently high. The food is always amazingly tasty and lovingly prepared. The restaurant employees are kind and attentive. I always look forward to my visits here. Make sure to get a platter to share, so you can try everything! 4. Lucy Ethiopian restaurant: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net Another one of our favorite Ethiopian restaurants in Los Angeles has to be Lucy Ethiopian restaurant! It’s a simple restaurant serving great Ethiopian food - so delicious and packed with flavors. In short, we loved this restaurant! Review By Linda Torres: Came here for a date night. Unfortunately, they were an hour from closing, but they still served us. They gave us our food in to-go plates conveniently. The tea was delicious, we had the veggie platter and a side of lamb in a red sauce. Wish I had taken pictures and written down the names of the dishes. It was delicious!!! We’ll be returning for the ritual coffee!! Can’t wait!! 5. Buna Ethiopian Restaurant & Market: Image Source: lh3.googleusercontent.com Please don’t type in ‘restaurants Ethiopian’ and end up getting confused about all the search results you will get. Instead, just go to Buna Ethiopian Restaurant & Market. You will find everything here - from imported groceries to traditional Ethiopian food, which you won’t be able to regret. Review By Ash: Found out about this place on Reddit— it’s a small, modest little restaurant in the back of a little Ethiopian store that sells spices and carvings, etc. The food was exceptional— I got the garlic salted trout, and my husband got the vegetable platter. So much flavor and these plates were mild in terms of spicy heat. Would 100% return back. 6. Azla Ethiopian Eatery: Image Source: images.squarespace-cdn.com Come on, you really don’t need to search ‘Ethiopia restaurant near me’ - just go to Azla Ethiopian Eatery, especially if you are in search of vegan options. Also, the restaurant has crazy reviews when you think about it - and we agree too, the food’s great! Review By Jonathan Neal: OMG, I just ate here for the first time. So delicious. I got potato curry, pea curry, sweet potatoes, and rice, all for $10! It’s love at first bite for me! Healthy and tasty and vegan and good-sized portions. Did I say that I’m in love? Wow! I love discoveries like this. I just finished dinner, and I already can’t wait to come back ? 7. Lalibela: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net Honestly, we loved Lalibela! Lalibela is one of those Ethiopian restaurants in LA that serve great food, and more importantly, they have this coffee ceremony which is so cool. We are definitely going back to this crazy restaurant - you should check this place out as well! Review By Brandy Duong: My first time trying Ethiopian food. My cousin is a vegetarian, so this was a wonderful meal, but since I mainly tried the veggie utopia, I wished I had ordered a meatier option. The veggie utopia was aesthetically pleasing and also quite tasty, especially their lentils and carrot potatoes. The street gets busy, and parking can be quite hard to find. And It’s A Wrap! And that’s a wrap on all the top Ethiopian places to eat in Los Angeles. So instead of typing out search queries like ‘Ethiopian restaurants near me’ on Google, just save this article. And trust us, you won’t regret it! Also, one last thing before we bid adieu for now - don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences about these Ethiopian restaurants in the comments below. 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READ MORE places to travel without a passport

Beyond Boundaries: You Can’t Miss These Places To Travel Without A Passport From The USA

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

Planning to visit a new country from the USA and don’t have a passport? Don’t worry, as the places to travel without a passport from the USA await you with natural wonders, hiking expeditions, and more! You can have Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and many other destinations in American Overseas Territories on your wishlist. You just need to check on the documents and ID proof you need to fly to these wonderful travel sites. Here is a list I have curated, and you can always add your favorite countries or places to travel to without a passport from the USA. These Are The Best Places To Travel Without A Passport From The USA Last-minute trips are great, especially when you don’t need to worry about getting or renewing a passport.  Further, with passport worries gone, you can focus more on getting your itinerary right and budgeting.  So, pack your bags and fly to any of the following destinations. 1. Puerto Rico Best Time to Visit: December to April  This Caribbean island is one of the best places to travel without a passport from the USA. It exudes the quintessential vibe of the Latin American culture, and it is the largest US territory. Traveling to Puerto Rico is easy as you will get a daily flight to  San Juan from almost all major airports in the USA.  With easy access from the USA, Puerto Rico also offers many natural wonders and activities to do. Culebra and Vieques are the best islands to explore. Further, for some adrenaline rush, you can participate in surfing in Rincon.  However, the most fascinating water activity here is paddling atop bioluminescent bays.  Laguna Grande,  Mosquito Bay, and La Parguera are the spots where you can try this activity. The other attractions in Puerto Rico are the El Yunque tropical rainforest and the Spanish fortification of  El Morro. You must not also miss the scenic waterfalls in Puerto Rico.  2. Northern Mariana Islands Best Time to Visit: January to December One of the most exotic places to travel around the world, the Northern Mariana Islands is a tropical paradise where the sea and the mountains meet. The Northern Mariana Islands look like a small string in the Pacific Ocean, and it is the best for watersports activities like kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.  Furthermore, the Northern Mariana Islands are a hub of the Polynesian culture. This location once witnessed the brutal activities of World War II. So, you will come across many war memorials here.  The Saipan Memorial in the American Memorial Park is the most prominent war memorial in the Northern Mariana Islands. Further, the American Memorial Park commemorates “the American and Marianas dead in the Marianas Campaign of World War II.” 3. St. Croix Island Best Time to Visit: December to May St. Croix Island, a US territory, exudes the true Caribbean spirit. A part of the British Virgin Islands, St. Croix has a dash of history due to the presence of the sundial monument. However, tourists find its beaches and lush forests more intriguing. It also has some cool golf courses and resorts. Moreover, St. Croix Island offers the best food tourism experience with fine dining restaurants like Ama Cane Bay, Hamilton’s, Duggan’s Reef, etc.  4. St. Thomas Island Best Time to Visit: December to February St. Thomas Island has some of the coolest beaches in the British Virgin Islands. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular water activities here. You can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife here. ARC Boutique Restaurant & Gallery, Taphus Beer House, Starz Nightclub, and Dog House Pub are some of the coolest destinations on St. Thomas Island, where you can enjoy the most happening nightlife.  5. The Bahamas Best Time to Visit: November to April  Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, this large archipelago nation bustles with its ship cruise ports. However, its beaches are pristine, allowing you to spend the most tranquil holiday here.  You reach the Bahamas, one of the best places to travel without a passport from the USA, through a cruise from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The long coastline of the Bahamas will allow you to have the best interactions with coral reefs, mangroves, and sandy beaches. 6. The Dominican Republic Best Time to Visit: December to April The Dominican Republic is an amazing place to explore the best Spanish architecture, and its white sandy beaches make it one of the most exotic destinations in the world.  If you take cruises from the USA, they will stop at Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo has Alcazar de Colon and other impressive sites that speak of Spanish colonial history.  Punta Cana, on the other hand, will charm you with turquoise water and its serene beaches.  7. The Cayman Islands Best Time to Visit: March to June Cayman Island is one of the best places to travel without a passport from the USA when one is on a closed-loop cruise. The cruise stops at George Town, the cruise port of this island nation.  With pristine waters, George Town is the hub of many water activities, and you will also find many endangered animals, including the Georgetown Salamander.  The ocean activities include snorkeling, paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and fishing.  8. Honduras Best Time to Visit: December to April Diving in Roatan will be the biggest highlight of your trip to Honduras from the USA. You can take a closed-loop cruise from South Florida to reach Honduras. Honduras is also home to the Mesoamerican Reef. It is the second-longest reef barrier system in the world.  9. Turks and Caicos Best Time to Visit: February to April On the south of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos will win your heart with its wonderful beaches. The clear water of this British Territory is one of the best in the world, and you can participate in the most thrilling snorkeling and diving activities here.  Furthermore, exploring the secluded shores of the Grand Turk is an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.  10. Hawaii Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October You just need a government-issued ID for the beautiful island of Hawaii, the 50th state in the USA. You will get a vibe of the Polynesian culture in Hawaii, and the volcanoes on the Big Island are great sites for geological wonders. Moreover, you can surf in Maui to make your vacation in Hawaii more exciting. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

READ MORE Cuyahoga Valley National Park 

Day Trips From Cleveland: Discovering Cuyahoga Valley National Park 

BY  Ankita Nov 20, 2023

Looking for exciting outdoor activities near Cleveland? Head to Cuyahoga Valley! Bridging the gap between Cleveland and Akron, the amazing north-south national park offers you multiple outdoor leisure options. You will be delighted to explore its waterfalls, hills, and caves. At the same time, the meandering river views create a unique background for landscape photography. Hiking, boating, biking, camping, and sightseeing available within the park won’t make you bored. Not to mention the picturesque walks through steep narrow ravines, rocky floodplains, and lush contrasting farmland. Animal life is also abundant there. The area is home to wild species such as beaver, deer, and dozens of varieties of birds, including wood duck and heron. So, cruising Cuyahoga Valley National Park is definitely on the list of the best Cleveland day trips. If you are planning such a ride, find all the necessary information below. How Did The Park Begin?  The roots go back to the mid-19th century when it was simply a popular vacation spot for city residents. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, rapid commercial development and urban expansion began to threaten the rural areas of the northeast Ohio region. Locals and environmental groups have pressured the government to preserve the scenic natural environment of the undeveloped territory between Akron and Cleveland. Based on the results of the contamination analysis, corporate giants such as Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, and 3M were forced to pay for cleanup work. The park was closed in 1987 for cleaning and was finally re-opened only in 2011. What's Interesting In The Park?  With an area of nearly 10,000 hectares, the Cuyahoga Valley includes several natural areas such as forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, wetlands, meadows, hills, and ravines. As a result, you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities - hiking, biking, kayaking, sledding, and cross-country skiing to mention a few. Visitors will also be pleased to take a scenic train ride through the valley. Let's look at the major things that are worth researching within the area. Nature And Wildlife In Cuyahoga Valley You probably imagine yourself leisurely strolling through the park, inhaling the morning aromas of the awakened forest. Then, you see a fox running in the distance or a turtle slowly crawling between the bushes. Luckily, this is possible in the Cuyahoga Valley. The natural vegetation of the national park consists of mixed mesophytic forests with many deciduous trees such as oak, maple, hickory, and beech. Other natural habitats such as wet grasslands, wetlands, and old field habitats alternate with these forests. According to statistics, the area between Cleveland and Akon supports more than 943 plant species. However, about 20% of them are not of local origin. 16 species of these exotic plants are considered invasive and pose a significant threat to the park's native plant communities. The wildlife in this reserve includes a variety of representatives living in the water, on land, and in the air. Starting with 8 species of frogs and 9 species of salamanders, the list of recorded inhabitants consists of about 20 species of reptiles (11 snakes, 8 turtles, and 1 skink). Not to mention over 39 species of mammals. These include coyotes, raccoons, red foxes, beavers, skunks, river otters, moles, opossums, bats, and white-tailed deer. Also, the park is home to more than 250 species of birds. Some of the famous species include peregrine falcons, bald eagles, Canada geese, great blue herons, yellow warblers, goldfinches, blue jays, woodpeckers, etc. The park’s nature potential is so big that you are sure to discover the naturalist in you while exploring the local hiking trails! Scenic Hikes In Cuyahoga Valley  Walking is the best way to thoroughly explore the local landscapes. Moreover, you have more than 125 miles of specialized hiking trails of varying difficulty levels and elevation changes. Check out the TOP-3 most popular ones below. Brandywine Gorge Trail  This 1.4-mile-long loop trail takes you to Brandywine Falls - the area's most iconic highlight. To get started, walk down to the overlook point and watch the waterfall into the 70-foot-deep gorge. Your hike may end here, but we recommend continuing along the embankment and seeing the coastal natural beauty. The entire walk takes approximately 30-40 minutes at a leisurely pace. If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists at the waterfall, plan to start your hike before 10 am. The Ledges Trail  If you're looking for a trail to explore the park as thoroughly as possible, you've found it. The 1.8-mile-long route passes ledges, the so-called flat sandstone formations jutting out of the bedrock. Nature has created a whole architectural ensemble of such formations, and now you can stroll through its labyrinths. Stones covered with moss add mysticism and a special atmosphere to this place. Icebox Cave is one more iconic place to visit along the way. Expect to spend about 50-60 minutes on this scenic hike. Blue Hen Falls Trail  Prepare your legs for a challenging route with a lot of elevation change. However, you will receive great rewards for your efforts. You'll walk about 3 miles of dirt trails, with a short section running along Boston Mills Rd. The final point of your hike is Blue Hen Falls. The route is replete with enchanting forest panoramas and you will get multiple spectacular overlooks along the way. The average time needed to complete the trail is 1 hour and 20 minutes. Waterfalls In Cuyahoga Valley National Park  The unique geological structure of the region with large differences in elevation and the presence of rivers and streams contributed to the formation of waterfalls. In total, there are about 100 waterfalls in the park, with most located in the northern section. Among the most famous are: Brandywine Falls (70 ft) Bridal Veil Falls (20ft) Blue Hen Falls (15 feet) Falls (15 feet) Great Falls of Tinkers Creek (20ft) How To Get There And Navigate Around?  Regular buses run to/from the park, but nothing is more enjoyable than exploring it on your schedule. Therefore, we recommend that you go to Rental24h.com and book a car rental at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. You get access to multiple Cleveland Airport car hire deals in different categories, allowing you to choose the perfect vehicle for your specific needs. Once you're behind the wheel, head to the Boston Mill Visitor Center. From downtown Cleveland, get on I-77 S and drive approximately 15 miles south. Then, take exit 146 toward I-80/Toledo/Youngstown and keep right to follow signs for OH-21/Richfield. After this, turn right onto OH-21 S/Brecksville Rd, and after half a mile turn left onto Boston Mills Rd. Finally, drive over Black Rd and continue onto Boston Mills Rd to arrive at your destination. The Cuyahoga Valley visitor center is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm every day and provides information on in-park routes and local activities. If necessary, the staff will help you plan your upcoming trip and show you a specialized place to stay. So, consider an outing to Cuyahoga Valley when deciding between various day excursions from Cleveland. Both you and your children will enjoy this outdoor experience. Moreover, any time of the year is excellent for your ride. The average annual temperature in the region is about 18°C (65°F) with about 528 mm of precipitation per year. The highest temperature reaches around 27°C (81°F) in July, while the lowest temperature drops to -1°C (31°F) in January. However, the period from mid-spring to mid-autumn is the most pleasant due to the comfortable weather. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Things To Do In Dublin (Ireland)