Spend Life Traveling

I recently spent a night at the Parador de Alcañiz, and it reminded me why staying in a Parador is one of my favorite ways to experience Spain. 🇪🇸

Set in a beautifully restored 12th-century castle overlooking the town, it's full of character and history. So far, it's definitely one of the most beautiful Paradores I've stayed at.

What I love about Paradores is that they're so much more than just hotels.

There are 99 Paradores in Spain. Most are historic buildings (castles, monasteries, palaces, and convents) that have been carefully restored and turned into unique places to stay.

So instead of booking a standard hotel, you can spend the night somewhere with centuries of history!

I'm still discovering new Paradores, and I always check if there's one nearby whenever I'm planning a trip in Spain. They often end up influencing where I go!

If you're planning a trip to Spain and you're looking for accommodation that's a little different and more unique, I can definitely recommend giving a Parador a try.

I put together a guide with more information about Paradores and what some of the best ones are all around Spain:

👉 https://www.spendlifetraveling.com/must-do-in-spain-visit-a-parador

Had you heard of Paradores before today? And if you could spend a night in a castle or a monastery, which would you choose?

People often talk about "the Caribbean" as if it's one destination.

It really isn't. 🌴

I've lived on both St. Maarten and Aruba, visited many other Caribbean islands, and spent a year and a half sailing from island to island across the .

That's when I realized just how different every island is.

Some are known for long white-sand beaches and luxury resorts. Others are covered in rainforest, have waterfalls to explore, or are home to colourful towns full of history and local culture.

I still remember arriving in Anguilla and being amazed by the colour of the water. I loved Grenada for its lush landscapes and laid-back atmosphere. And sailing through the Bahamas, dropping anchor in places you can only reach by boat, is something I'll never forget.

That's what I love most about the Caribbean. Whether you're looking for adventure, diving, hiking, sailing, food, or simply a beautiful beach, there's an island that fits your travel style.

If you're thinking about visiting but aren't sure which island is right for you, I put together a guide about which islands to visit and why:

👉 www.spendlifetraveling.com/best-caribbean-islands

If you've been to the Caribbean, which island stole your heart? And if you haven't, which one is at the top of your list?

Spend Life Traveling

One thing I learned after moving abroad is that it rarely looks like the “dream” people imagine…

But looking back now, my first move abroad shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time.

When I moved to Spain, I thought I had a fairly clear idea of what life would look like.

A good job opportunity. More sunshine. More time by the beach. A slightly slower, more enjoyable lifestyle.

And in some ways, that was true.

But the reality of actually living and working there was very different from the idea I had in my head.

The work culture took some getting used to. Things moved at a different pace. I definitely had to adjust my expectations around efficiency and how work gets done. I also didn’t speak the language well at the time, which made even simple work situations more challenging than I expected.

My first job was in the office of a construction company, and I remember very clearly being surprised by the culture there. It wasn’t what I was used to, and at times it felt uncomfortable in ways I wasn’t prepared for. It was one of those moments where you realize quite quickly that you’re not just “living abroad”, you’re stepping into a completely different environment.

Over time though, something shifted.

I slowed down. I started adjusting to the Spanish pace of life instead of constantly trying to speed it up. And I began to really appreciate the long dinners with friends, the social rhythm, and the way people make time for each other.

Some things never fully changed for me (like my ongoing frustration with bureaucracy and inefficiency) but I learned to accept them as part of the experience rather than something to constantly fight against.

Spain was only the beginning for me though. I’ve lived in many different countries since then. But that first move was the one that really taught me how different “living somewhere” is from “visiting somewhere.”

You also gain something that’s hard to explain until you’ve experienced it yourself: a different perspective on what “home” actually means.

Not everything about moving abroad is easy (far from it), but for me personally, it has been one of the most valuable decisions of my life.

I wrote a bit more about why I think moving abroad can be such a valuable experience here:
👉 www.spendlifetraveling.com/6-reasons-why-moving-abroad-is-such-a-valuable-experience

If you’ve ever lived abroad (or thought about it), what do you think is the hardest part?

A few things you should know before visiting Spain's Costa Blanca 🇪🇸☀️

The first time I moved abroad, I moved to Moraira on the Costa Blanca, and I later also lived in Benissa and in Javea.

And although I don't live there anymore, I still go back regularly to visit friends, and still think it's one of the most beautiful parts of Spain.

But, before you go here, there are a few things worth knowing:

- The Costa Blanca is much more than Benidorm. While Benidorm might be the best known town, it's not the first place I'd recommend. There are numerous beautiful coastal towns, from Moraira and Jávea to Altea, Villajoyosa, and Dénia (which has become one of my new favorites to visit).

- Not all beaches are sandy. Some of the most beautiful spots are rocky coves with incredibly clear water. Water shoes can be a good idea.

- Having a car makes a huge difference. Public transport exists, but it isn't the best, and many of the area's hidden beaches, viewpoints, and mountain villages are much easier to reach by car. Rent a car at the airport for the best prices.

- English is widely spoken, but of course, learning some Spanish words will go a long way.

- Don't skip the inland areas. Some of my favorite places, such as Xaló, aren't on the coast at all. The mountains, vineyards, and traditional villages just inland are worth exploring.

- The Costa Blanca attracts a lot of long-term visitors. Plenty of people come for a holiday and end up returning year after year, or moving here altogether.

Maybe that's not surprising. It happened to me too.

Have you ever visited the ? If so, which town was your favorite?

Or if you are planning a trip to this part of Spain, leave a comment with any questions you may have!