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Five Mistakes You Want to Avoid While Traveling to the Olympics

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Five Mistakes You Want to Avoid While Traveling to the Olympics

With the Olympics coming up in less than a month, everyone is searching for ways to maximize their London experience. For those who will be watching the Olympics on the big screen, there are also some useful advice for you.

Mistake #1: Not doing research on transportation

Prioritize the top venues you want to attend each day and try to arrive a few hours before the start of the event to avoid the rush. To save time, book a hotel close to the venue of the game. However, booking a far hotel can save you money.

Keep in mind that your Olympic ticket will give you free transportation for the day of the event.

Mistake #2: Packing unnecessary items on your trip (A light traveler is a smart traveler)

Try to limit the number of valuables you bring (Anything that you would hate losing). Items such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes and other toiletries will be provided at the hotel, so you can skip them on your packing list (You can ask for toothbrushes and razors at the hotel service desk when not provided in the rooms).

Mistake #3: Not bringing an international SIM card or not realizing you need one

Most hotels in London charge a hefty price on international calls and Wi-Fi so being prepared is key. Getting international sim cards will provide the convenience of calling family and friends back at home and you can even replace the heavy GPS with your smart phone. With the UK SIM card, you will get greater coverage at every London 2012 Olympic venue. Apps are also great for planning your itinerary by using the “Official London 2012 Mobile Apps”.

Mistake #4: Booking a last-minute hotel

Unfortunately, hotels in London are already starting to get fully booked around the time of the Olympics and they generally charge more for last-minute bookings especially during a global event like the Olympics. If you are unsure about the credibility of how a hotel or hostel appears to you, go on www.visitlondon.com for an official list of trustworthy accommodations.

Mistake #5: Booking a hotel that is over your budget

You probably won’t find it surprising that hotel prices are hiked up during the Olympics. The lowest price of an average hotel room is about $300 a night and this can add up to $1000 if you are only staying for three or four days. Book early and use site such as www.room77.com to get deals on discounted hotel rooms.

Tips for those watching from the big screen:

  • If you’re at the Olympics without a ticket, have no fear! You can watch the Olympics on the big screen for free at various locations throughout the city (Victoria Park, Hyde Park, and Trafalgar Square).

The ceremonial Olympic torch fire is currently being carried by 8000 torchbearers (philanthropists to athletes) over a span of a 70-day Torch Relay. To see how inspirational each torchbearer is, find today’s torchbearers here.

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Destination Unknown – Girona, Spain

While many who travel to Spain flock to the country’s well-known cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Seville, the area of Girona (about 2 hours away from Barcelona) is a wonderful hidden gem for those looking to do something different on their European getaway.

With its mild temperature and laid-back atmosphere, visitors have an abundance of things to do during their stay, whether your interest is sports, culture or cuisine.

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Photo from girona.cat

5 Things To Do in Girona

1) Visit the Museum of Art

Spain is home to many wonderful museums and galleries, and the Museu d’Art is no exception. With a collection that spans the Romanesque period to works from the 20th Century, the most unique feature of the museum is the Museum-Pharmacy of the Hospital de Santa Caterina. The ceiling is decorated with paintings from the 19th Century, and the room contains pharmacy/apothecary jars and jugs dating all the way back to the 16th Century.

2) See the Houses on the Onyar

Brightly painted apartments line the river Onyar (which runs through Girona), and their interesting construction and unusual detailing are a sight to behold. Walk through the city and enjoy the urban scenery.

3) Take a cultural tour of the Catedral de Girona

No matter what your religious affiliation, the austere beauty of the city’s grand cathedral should not be missed. The tour includes an audioguide, and takes visitors through the Nave, Treasury and Cloister.

4) Enjoy a game of golf

An 18-hole game awaits you on a beautiful course at Golf Girona, designed by F.W. Hawtree. Packages are available in combination with several of the city’s hotels, and range from the “Landscape” pack to the “Luxury” pack. For more seriously sporty types, PGA Golf de Catalunya is also close by, and is ranked as one of the top 100 courses in the world.

5) Eat at the Casa Marieta

Offering traditional dishes like Duck with Pears, this mainstay of Girona’s dining scene uses market-fresh ingredients to prepare an unfussy array of delicious plates.

Though Girona has its own airport that receives flights from many European cities, a great way to enter the city is by train. The landscape between Barcelona and Girona is peaceful and pretty, and will help ease you into your adventure in this picturesque place.

Stay connected in Spain with Brightroam’s World SIM card, which includes wireless data services.