Justine Ancheta, Writer

All posts by Justine Ancheta

How to Care For Your Caga Tió (Tió de Nadal, Catalan Christmas Log)

November 2, 2019
/ Christmas Culture
/ By Justine Ancheta
/ 1 COMMENT

If you want presents on Christmas Eve, you’ve gotta do some work: Give your tió de nadal some tender lovin’ care. And if you’ve never heard of him… The tió de nadal is a log with a face on

Compare the best anti-theft backpacks for travel

Buyer’s Guide: Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Travel 2020

October 31, 2019
/ Buyer's Guides Other
/ By Justine Ancheta

BUYER’S GUIDE: BEST ANTI-THEFT BACKPACKS FOR TRAVEL 2020 Are you nervous that you’ll get your money or passport stolen on your trip? Of course, vigilance is the best way to prevent pickpockets from

What to wear in Barcelona in the Fall

October 28, 2019
/ Travel Tips
/ By Justine Ancheta

Fall can be a tricky season when it comes to knowing what to wear in Barcelona. While autumn officially starts on September 22, it’s still shorts-and-tank-tops season until early October. As an expat

The 20 Best Day Trips from Barcelona

October 19, 2019
/ Beyond BCN Things to do
/ By Justine Ancheta
/ 4 COMMENTS

So many Barcelona day trips, so little coffee. While Barcelona is a traveler’s dream, the surrounding area of Catalonia is extraordinary. If you’re visiting the Catalan capital, I highly recommend

Avoid the Crowds in Barcelona

October 8, 2019
/ Travel Tips
/ By Justine Ancheta
/ 3 COMMENTS

It’s not uncommon for people who hate Barcelona to put this on their “Why I Hate Barcelona” list: THE CROWDS. Sometimes, I’m with them.

Espadrilles. Photo by Ciboulette via Pexels

Gifts for Barcelona lovers that you can order online

October 6, 2019
/ Buyer's Guides Other
/ By Justine Ancheta
/ 2 COMMENTS

Maybe you’ve recently taken a trip to Barcelona. But you forgot to buy a few gifts for friends and family. Or maybe you had such a memorable time…and you’re pining to taste, feel, or

Where to find the cool hotels: Barcelona neighborhoods + accommodations

The Best Places to Stay in Barcelona: Neighborhoods and Hotels

October 2, 2019
/ Travel Tips
/ By Justine Ancheta
/ 2 COMMENTS

Where are the best places to stay in Barcelona, Spain? Each neighborhood offers different things: bountiful bakeries, beguiling bars, or buzzing beaches…or perhaps you want it all? As a 11-year resident,

100+ Things to do in Barcelona with Kids

Finding things to do in Barcelona with kids is never a problem. My 3 kids and I are never bored in the city. You also don’t have to spend any money — the city’s an open-air museum in

What to Wear in Spain According to Season

September 24, 2019
/ Travel Tips
/ By Justine Ancheta
/ 3 COMMENTS

Don’t know what to pack for Spain? If you’re planning a multi-city trip, assembling your Spain outfits can be tricky. You may have to dress for different types of weather! After all, Spain

Barcelona: 2 Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

September 23, 2019
/ Things to do
/ By Justine Ancheta
/ 1 COMMENT

Curvaceous Gaudí buildings, narrow Roman streets, and infinite views of a gridded city. That’s just scratching the surface, my friends. The truth is this: Barcelona is massive. And it’s overpacked

SUP.

Well hello there, stranger. Your presence fills my soul with joy like warm puppies cuddling me on a winter’s day. My name’s Justine, and I’ve been living in Barcelona since 2008: eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in El Born. Next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers). If you want to say hi, send me an email at [email protected] Peace out!

Let’s be friends.