Are Travel Agents Obsolete?

It seems you cannot watch television for more than an hour without seeing an advertisement with William Shatner talking about Travelocity or that silly gnome talking about Orbitz.  These travel web sites have been very successful at facilitating travelers to book their own airline and hotel reservations online.  So with this huge push from the internet to take over the travel industry, one has to ask, “Are travel agents obsolete?”

If you have browsed some of these travel sites, you have observed that they are amazing in the diversity of travel options that they make available.  And it is impossible to deny that many thousands of people have taken advantage of these services.  As a business traveler, however, your needs are somewhat different than the typical airline passenger.

There are some very specific services that a living and breathing travel agent can provide that simply cannot be replicated by an automated web site like Travelocity or Orbitz.   Some of those services that a seasoned business traveler would be hard pressed to live without include…

§     Focus.  You as a business traveler are not arranging this trip for entertainment.  You have specific business objectives in mind.  So if you must take time away from preparation for  your business task to worry about travel itineraries, hotel and rental car reservations and the like, that is time that you are not being productive for your business.  If you can call a talented travel agent who knows your travel profile well and delegate those arrangements to that agent, they do their job in finding just the right accommodations for you and you are freed to do what you do best, focus on your business and the upcoming business trip.

§     Economy.  It is difficult to find that balance between finding the accommodations that fit the demanding schedule of a businessperson on the road and is respectful of the companies travel budget as well.   If you use an automated online travel service, you may have to sacrifice convenience, schedule or location for economy.  A good travel agent will work hard to get you the right itinerary while getting as close the corporate travel cost restrictions as possible.  And they will do it without taking up a lot of your time.

§     Back up.  You don’t need help if your trip goes completely as planned.  But if you encounter problems on the road, you can find yourself in need or rescheduling flights and finding new accommodations to work around canceled flights, weather issues or other unexpected interruptions to your plans.  These travel disasters are not mindful of your tight deadlines to meet your business goals.  But if you have a travel agent who is dedicated to providing you service, he or she can find those alternative routes and resources to do all they can to get you to your destination so you can conduct your business on time.

§     That personal touch.  You may have travel preferences that you want to achieve with each trip you take.   A travel agent has your profile and your travel history so they can do what they can to accommodate your preferences.  But moreover, if you have specific special needs such as a diet limitation or a need for accommodation due to a disability, it will be a travel agent that sees to it that your needs are provided for and you are well taken care of on the road.

§     Complications.  If your travel itinerary involves making connections with other business partners who are traveling from diverse offices, complex travel schedules and itinerary challenges that just cannot be described to the generic screens of an online travel service, you can explain these complications to your travel agent and they can work with other travel agents working to organize the meeting and see to it that your itinerary meets your requirements.

While the online travel services do provide a valuable and affordable alternative to the general traveling public, it is easy to notice their limitations if you are trying to book a trip that is tricky or if you have specific needs that the screens do not anticipate.  That is why working with a human travel agent guarantees that this travel professional will dedicate themselves to the task of making sure your trip works to your specifications and that you get to your destination ready to conduct business and be successful in you achieving your goals.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Are you ready to Travel for the Holidays?

 

Going to another country for the holidays is a great way to learn about a new culture. In some instances the travel is to visit family that is located there instead of just for a vacation. Regardless of the reason why you are traveling to another country during the holidays, you need to make sure you are prepared for the trip.

For most countries you are going to need a passport with a photo ID. This will allow you to remain in the country for a specified amount of time. Generally, this time frame is from 30 days to 90 days. You can take your passport photo at any post office, but it is going to take several weeks to get it back. There is an expedited option and it is very expensive. If you wait until the holiday time to obtain your passport it is going to take much longer, even for the expedited option.

Make sure you keep your passport and other pertinent travel documents in a safe place. You don’t want them to get lost or stolen as this can delay your travel plans. Make sure you arrive early for your flight so that you can get through all of the necessary inspections and verifications in plenty of time.

There may be vaccinations that you are required to get and others that you are encouraged to get before you can travel to certain countries for the holidays. Plan ahead and find out what these vaccinations are and then schedule appointments with your doctor. Some of the required vaccinations have to be given in a series with a specific amount of time between each shot in the series to be administered. Therefore you don’t want to wait until close to your time of travel to take care of this matter.

Depending on where you are traveling, you may have to deal with a different type of currency. You can get your money exchanged at your local bank before you leave. This will save you time trying to take care of it when you arrive in the other country for the holidays. There may be language differences as well that you need to take into consideration.

Be careful what you pack when you travel for the holidays. Most modes of transportation have strict guidelines on the size of your luggage, how many bags each person can have, and the weight guidelines. They will be enforcing these restrictions during the holidays because of the volume of people traveling. You don’t want to have to get rid of some of your items or purchase more bags at the gift shop.

Make sure you are aware of how much luggage you have for your return trip as well. While it can be fun to purchase items while you are there, think about how you will get them back. It may be a good idea to pack an extra bag in your luggage when you go so you can fill it up for the trip back. Another idea is to have items shipped but that can be quite expensive.

While traveling to another country for the holidays can be exciting, you need to remember that their customs may be significantly different than your own. Be respectful of such differences to avoid any conflicts while you are in that country. It is a good idea to read about the various customs that will be in place so you won’t reach them by accident.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

AA Travel Insurance for Your Insurance Needs

 

There are several major search engines that you can count on if you want to search for information regarding travel insurance. You can go to Google, Yahoo, MSN, and many others. Simply type the words 'travel insurance' and you will be provided with a plethora of enriching information that you can use in your search for the right insurance provider. While you're still hunting for that one insurance provider who can meet all your insurance needs, check out AA Travel Insurance first.

AA insurance is among the leading providers of travel insurance around the world. In fact, AA is also included in the results of your search and maybe you skipped it. AA is a name that you can trust. Don’t hesitate to visit their site because it is open to public.

There are several reasons why you need to choose AA as your insurance provider. If you become a member of AA, you get to enjoy a variety of benefits. It can include roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown, member rates and discounts, and the rewards program to name a few.

It's not that hard to join AA. Once you've joined AA and became a member, you can still renew your membership since the membership is valid for only twelve months. AA will send you a notice if your membership is near expiration and will invite you to renew your membership. Aside from that, AA also allows the upgrade of the membership. If you want to understand all their policies, rules, and regulations, you can visit their online site on the net. There you can find all the valuable information about AA and their insurance plans.

Just like any other insurance provider these days, AA has an official website. This makes it easier for them to deal with clients in distant places where they have no physical office locations. In short, the company is open to the different parts of the globe as long as there is an internet connection. Online transactions are entertained and they have an excellent customer service ready to answer all your questions.

By logging into a comparison website and providing some information about yourself and your insurance needs, you will be provided with travel insurance quotes that answers your needs. See if AA is one of them. If it is, then you can check them out thoroughly. You see, insurance providers offer different types of insurance policies.

They differ in terms of coverage, exclusions, deductibles, etc. You must know what you want to be covered and if in case, you can't find all your desired coverage, you must choose the policy that covers most of your needs. After doing this, you can already check out the price of the policy. If you can't afford it, look for other alternative plans. Perhaps you can still find one that is closest to your desired insurance policy.

It would be best to talk to someone with a great knowledge about travel insurance so that he or she can help you in the selection process. An agent can be of great help to you. See if AA has a qualified agent that you can talk to about your insurance needs.  After careful consideration of the different factors in selecting the right travel insurance provider, you can arrive at a decision. You can also tell now if AA has the right travel insurance plan for you.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

A Corporate Travel Policy that Works

 

It is a myth that employees who travel on business resent the corporate travel policy.  The truth is that employees like to know what is expected of them and how to comply with a corporate policy as long as that policy is fair and gives them the ability to do what they need to do on the road.  So a well thought out corporate travel policy is a benefit to the company and the business traveler alike.

If it has been given to you to put together a corporate travel policy, your mission from the stand point of the company is to develop a policy that standardizes business expenses, eliminates waste and excess on the road and puts some controls around that part of the business expense picture.  So there are some definite focus areas you should include in the stated corporate policy including…

 

*     Reservations.  The business can utilize a travel agent that is looking for the best deal for the company.  The best rates can be identified and taken advantage of but only while making sure the business traveler’s needs and the business objective of the trip are satisfied.  Requiring that employees utilize the corporate travel agent again is not unfair and it clarifies for the employee how to handle the situation.

 

*     Use of credit.  It is a bit of effort and expense to set up corporate credit cards that you can require your traveling employees to use.  But by trapping expenses to the corporate account, you can get a record of a most of the business expenses that the employee is incurring.  Many of the expenses of travel such as airline and hotel can be directly billed back to the company thus taking the issues out of the hands of the business traveler.

 

*     Travel rewards.  If you have your corporate travel coordinated by an internal or external travel agency, corporate accounts with the major airlines can be established so the frequent flyer miles can be collected by the business.  As such, the business can redeem those miles and realize those benefits as a significant discount to apply against the travel budget.

 

*     Per Diem.  Your corporate travel policy must communicate clearly to the traveling employee what their limits are for hotel, rental car and meals on the road.  You want to head off before it starts any tendency by the employee to go overboard with daily expenses.  This part of the policy should be reviewed annually to update to current costs.

 

*     Reporting.   One of the chief complaints employees have about corporate travel policies are that the expense reporting system is cryptic and hard to fill out.  You will give the employee a standardized form that each traveler in the company must fill out to get reimbursed for expenses while traveling.  But review these forms and even design your own so the format is understandable and you have categories to cover all types of expenses the employee might encounter.

Along with these general categories, your corporate travel policies should include some leverage for employees who are faced with exceptional situations.  Room and food expenses can vary widely depending on where the employee must travel.  So you don’t want to set the hotel limit to $125 per night because it is reasonable to stay in a comfortable hotel for that rate in Lincoln Nebraska but enforce that same limitation for an employee who must do business in New York City. 

By creating a policy that in general protects the corporate budget but is also workable to employees who are about the company business, you will have a tool that will serve both company and employee interests and enable business travel to be what it was always intended to be – a productive, business focused activity that achieves the goals of the enterprise.

 

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Air Travel and Pets

Do you have to travel by air in the near future?  If you do, are you a pet owner who needs to bring your pet along with you?  Although most of us leave our pets at home, you may not want to do so or your purpose for travel may be to move, as opposed to taking a fun filled vacation.  Regardless of your reasons for wanting or needing to travel with your pet or pets, there are a number of important points that you will need to keep in mind.

The first step in traveling with a pet is to make sure that you can do so.  Although a good number of airlines will allow pets on their planes, not all will. You may be in a predicament if you plan to depart from a small airport with only one or two airlines.  If they do not accept pets or if their rules and restrictions are too much for you to handle, you will want to examine other nearby airports, especially those that are larger in size.

When traveling by air with your pet or pets, it is important to remember that you will be charged an additional fee.  Unfortunately, many first time pet travelers believe that they can use their pets and their pet carriers to count towards as a carry-on bag or a checked bag.  This isn’t how it works though.  You will, almost always, be charged an extra fee for traveling with a pet.  This extra fee will likely depend on the airline in question and well as your pet’s location, such as in the cabin or in the baggage compartment. 

That leads to another important point.  Even with some of the airlines that allow pets, like cats and dogs, aboard their flights not allow pets to be in the cabin with other passengers.  This is particularly common on small planes where allergies may be a big concern.  If you cannot part with your pet, be sure to search for an airline that will allow you to keep him or her in the cabin with you.  With that said, remember that the size of your pet will also play a huge factor in your options.

Regardless of where your pet is stored for the plane ride, you will need to have a pet carrier or crate for them.  Many airlines have specific rules and restrictions on what type can be used.  Resections often include materials used, as well as size.  Most will provide you with that information when asked.  Speaking of pet crates and carriers, it is important to make sure that you give your pet enough room to stand and move around a little bit.  In fact, most airlines will refuse to transport pets that they feel are unsafe from small pet crates and carriers.

It is also important to make sure that you get your pet checked by their vet.  You will want to make sure that your pet has all required vaccinations and that they are fit for travel.  Also, all airlines require that you receive a health certificate, which will state that your pet is healthy and safe for travel. 

The above mentioned points are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration when traveling with a pet.  Added tips include booking direct flights, making sure your pet’s collar is marked with the proper identification, as well as their pet carrier.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Preparing for International Travel

Preparing for International Travel

Depending on where you’ve decided to go, international travel is a big deal.  Believe it or not, your travel days can take a lot out of you.  Here are just a few tips on the best ways to prepare for an international trip. Suppose you're not quite ready for international travel, no worries. You can use these tips whenever you're getting ready for your next trip.

So Let’s Discuss!

Sleep

Rest is a given. In general, a good night’s sleep is a good thing.  But, you should definitely try to get an ample amount of sleep the night before your flight. If you think this or sleeping on the plane might be an issue, bring some melatonin for your flight. You want to feel rested when you get to your destination, not grumpy and sluggish because of the lack of sleep.

Dress in your Comfy Clothes

You will be sitting in a tight spot for hours at a time! You won’t want to wear something tight or have a zipper/button poking into you. Be as comfy as possible. But don’t worry, it's very possible to keep it comfy and cute at the same time.  Pair your comfy loungewear with some great accessories, a lovely colorful top, a 5-minute face, and prepare to travel comfortably in style.

Pack Light

Pack only the things that you need. I get it. Sometimes you aren’t sure what to pack due to planned activities or weather conditions, but the last thing you want is to haul an extra-large suitcase that is bulky and heavy.  Not fun. Pack only what you need to make things easier. A great rule of thumb, if you’re not sure, leave it home.

Get TSA Pre-Check/Global Entry

If you haven’t heard about TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry, you are in for a special treat. Think of Global Entry as a Disney FastPass for the airport. This perk will help you cut the line at security and customs. No more waiting in long lines. You’ll have extra time to walk around the terminals for your last stretch, potty break, or Starbucks fix before your flight.

Put Eyes on Your Passport.

Days or even weeks before you’re scheduled to leave, locate your passport.  Make sure you know exactly where it is. Don’t assume and wait until the last minute to pull it out.  One of the worst feelings is discovering your passport is not where you thought it was hours before your trip.

Arrive at the Airport Early

Most airports suggest that you be at the airport two hours before you depart, but nowadays, you may want to get there even earlier for international travel.  If you have any Covid-19 related documentation to present, (i.e. tests, attestation statements, health waivers, etc.), you will not be able to use a self-service kiosk, and you’ll be in for long lines and wait times.

Stay Hydrated

Bring a refillable water bottle with you that is empty BEFORE you go through airport security. You can find a fill-up station or water fountain to fill it up for FREE. You must stay hydrated because the air cabins are extremely dry, and you want to avoid getting a dehydration headache.

Devices, Devices, Devices

When it comes to devices, be sure to bring headphones to cancel out the noise for a more enjoyable flight experience, a laptop/tablet to watch some movies that you download from your favorite streaming account, and an extra charger so you’ll have plenty of juice.

Travel Apps

There’s an app for everything that you can think of, such as maps, translation help, staying in touch with your airline, and much more.  Try adding your airline's app for flight updates and in-flight entertainment, the mobile Passport app for expedited customs options, and Viator to coordinate activities and tours while you're on vacation.

Airport Lounges:

Have a long layover?  Consider purchasing time in an airport lounge.  Listen, those Delta, United, and American airline lounges are not exclusive to cardholders.  If they have space, simply pay to enter and get your relax on!

When you’re ready to take your next international trip, contact me to help you plan, and remember these tips when it’s time to go. 

Times Like This Are What I'm Here For

Hey Everyone,

Of course I'm here to help you plan and execute amazing vacations without incident. But when hick-ups occur, I'm also here to see you through them.

I'm sure you've heard the many stories on the news about recent travelers having to stand in long lines, waiting to make flight changes, or holding for hours to re-book upcoming vacations. That is expected in this do-it-yourself (DIY) age where many take on the challenge of planning their own getaways. And until now, there may have been no problems. Then, comes COVID-19.

They wait in long lines... or hold on the phone for hours only to be redirected to the online booking 'giant' that was used to make their reservation. How frustrating and stressful.

When working with me, a simple phone call or email is all that's needed to get the process started. 

And instead of waiting, stressed-out in a line with other stressed-out travelers, or exhausting the battery on your cell phone when everyone else is too, it's my job to miraculously take care of everything for you on the back-end while you relax.

Thank goodness these kinds of mishaps don't happen too often, but if and when they do, I'll be here for YOU!

Times like this are what I'm here for.

Stay safe.

Jeane' 

Jeane' Elliott Bennett

Franchise Owner/Vacation Designer

Elliott Exquisite Vacations - Dream Vacations

Look Forward to Traveling Again Soon

Hey Friends,

I know that we are in trying times. But I also want to let you know that as we are dealing with COVID-19 and all of it's uncertainty, there is one thing that we know for sure - we can't lose hope!

As your travel advisor, I want to reassure you that just as the travel industry was able to bounce back from 9/11, SARS, Ebola Virus, Zika Virus, natural disasters, and so much more (all times that halted or nearly halted travel) we, too, will bounce back from COVID-19.

Stay safe.

Jeane'

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
Franchise Owner/Vacation Designer
Elliott Exquisite Vacations - Dream Vacations

P.S. - If there is anything we can do to help lift your spirits during this time, please let us know.

Website: http://www.ElliottExquisiteVacations.com

Email: jbennett@dreamvacations.com

Phone: (909) 990-1124

TIPS FOR A TERRIFIC FIRST TRIP TO IRELAND

TIPS FOR A TERRIFIC FIRST TRIP TO IRELAND

Ireland should be be on your bucket list!

You've put off visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Blarney Castle long enough. It's finally time to take that trip to Ireland! We applaud that decision, but before you book that brewery tour or get too excited about visiting Dublin's Grafton Street, here are a few tips to make for a more enjoyable trip.

Consider Car Travel

The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites. Be sure the vehicle you rent is a small one, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow. Oh, and the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right.

Tax-Free Shopping!

All those goodies you'll find to buy on Grafton Street are tax-free! That's right, travelers who live outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Ireland. Make sure to apply for a Fexco Horizon Card prior to your trip so you can register and swipe it in affiliated stores in the country and claim sales tax back on the purchases.

Differing Currencies

And while we're on the topic of shopping, it's important to note that, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses pound sterling rather than the euro.

Dress Appropriately

Irish weather is not extreme, but the country does get a lot of rain, particularly along its west coast. And if you're traveling to Ireland during winter, know that the season's days are short. The sun rises at about 8 a.m. and sets at about 4 p.m., which means you have to cram a lot of sightseeing into a few hours. But during summer, the sunsets as late as 10 p.m. Be mindful of these seasonal changes, pack light layers of clothing and a pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes, and you should be just fine.

Public Transportation Pointers

The trains in Ireland carry you in comfort, but they are pricey. So if you intend to travel on one during your trip, make sure to book it in advance to take advantage of online discounts that the Irish Rail offers. If you choose to travel by bus, be aware that you must flag the bus to get it to stop.

Heritage Cards Are Helpful

If you plan to visit the country's many cultural attractions, picking up a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works is a great idea. This card entitles you to free admission to all heritage sites managed by the state for an entire year. These sites include castles and national parks.

So now that you have the tips to a successful Ireland trip, be sure to call or email me to help you plan your vacation.

Call us today (909) 990-1124 to book your Ireland Vacation

8 Food Lover Tips For Visiting Budapest

8 Food Lover Tips For Visiting Budapest

Do Tell, Is Budapest On Your Bucket List?

Budapest is full of wonders. Regardless of your reason to visit, whether it's to take in the detailed architecture, soak in the history, or enjoy the natural sites.  Don't leave without indulging in the delicious authentic dishes served throughout the nation. Your palette will be dancing with all the rich flavors. To guide you to some of the best spots to grab food in Budapest, we've created a list of 8 food lover tips for your visit…

1. You most certainly can't leave Budapest without trying one it's most traditional foods, langos. Langos is a flatbread that is deep-fried in fat and can be served plain or smothered with cheese blends and other flavorful toppings. You can find langos nearly anywhere, but we recommend heading to the Central Market Hall. 

2. If you love cooking and eating, sign up for a Hungarian cooking course. These courses are easy to find online, and you will get to experience an authentic three-course meal that you helped create.

3. Every year from September 5th to 8th, you can catch the Budapest International Wine Festival. This festival has been running for many years and has become custom to the natives and tourists alike. 

4. If you're in the country in October, definitely make your way to the Budapest Palinka and Sausage Festival to try some of the fantastic European brandy paired with any of the many sausage varieties you will find throughout the stands. 

5. Hungarian Unicum is one of the most famous liquors in the country. It's in herbal bitter that aids in digestion, which you will find helps tremendously after delving into all of the spicy street foods. You can also head to the Zwack Museum to learn all about the miracle liquor. 

6. Make way to the Etyek-Buda Wine Region to experience one of the leading wine-producing villages that have been around since the 18th century. This winery makes for a great day trip. Just prepare yourself to try dozens of varieties.

7. Anyone who loves the age-old delicacy marzipan, visit Szamos Marzipan, a museum in honor of the artists Mátyás Szamos and Károly Szabó. These artists started shaping marzipan into the shapes of flowers and other beautiful creations back in the 1930s, and this museum intends to keep their spirit and tasty treats alive. 

8. If you have a fond love in your heart for delis, you are going to adore Mangalica & Társai Húspatika. This deli has everything from assorted salamis, cured hams, and more. This deli stands today in the dedication of the curly-haired Mangalica pig, which is a domesticated, extremely furry Hungarian swine.

Call (909) 990-1124 to book your Budapest vacation.

Barcelona: This One Is For The Foodies

Barcelona: This One Is For The Foodies

Is it on your bucket list? Have you been?

International travel allows people to gain a new appreciation for other cultures of the world, and a big part of any culture is the cuisine. The food of a region is a reflection of their history and their geographical location and the resources that they have available to them. Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain on the Balearic Sea. The food fare that travelers will find there is reflective of the colorful history of Barcelona and its’ centralized location (in relation to northern Africa and all of the Mediterranean).

Here are some of the great foods (and a couple of drinks) that all travelers (and foodies) definitely need to indulge in.

Beverages

Let's kick this list off with a couple of great drinks that anyone who is traveling to Barcelona will need to try.

Sangria- Everyone knows that you have to try a great glass of Sangria. This is a great refreshment on a hot day. The great thing about Sangria is that every restaurant and Sangria maker has a different take on it, and some places will even offer up to 6 different varieties on their menu.

Cava- This is the sparkling wine of Spain. It usually is a drink that is on the sweeter type, but there is a variation. Brut Cava is a cava that is drier, and it tends to taste more like traditional champagne.

Traditional Meats

There are a couple of meats that are traditional to Spain, and they should be any everyone's list of foods to try.

Iberico Ham- Iberico ham is to Spain what prosciutto is to Italy. This ham has become a famous ingredient known well to world-class chefs as one of the best hams in the world. This ham can be served on its’ own or as an ingredient in a dish. It is cut thicker than prosciutto, so it is not as delicate and a little meatier.

Chorizo- Chorizo is a spicy sausage that is eaten in many different ways, including sliced up like salami or used as an ingredient in many dishes.

Cheese

Manchego - This sheep's milk cheese pairs wonderfully with Iberico ham. It has a salty, earthy flavor to it, and it originated in the La Mancha region of Spain (hence the name). It is eaten throughout Spain with great popularity.

Dishes And Other Fare

Gazpacho- This is a chilled tomato soup that is incredibly satisfying on a hot Spanish summer day. It sometimes comes served with Pa amb tomàquet or with sides of croutons, red peppers, and onion. No matter how it is served, it's delicious.

Bocadillos- This is the Spanish version of a sandwich. They are made on baguettes that are soft and crusty all at the same time. You can choose the meat that you want on it, and then they are topped with multiple sauces and toppings that can include lentils, lettuce, corn, or cucumbers.

  

Seafood- Barcelona is located right on the Balearic Sea and just a stone's throw from the Mediterranean. This makes Barcelona a central place for fantastic seafood. One of the great dishes to try is the calamari and squid, which you can get either fried or grilled.

Bombas- Bombas are a combination of mashed potatoes and meat that are rolled in bread crumbs in the shape of a ball and fried. They usually come in two different sizes (like snack and meal size), and they are generally served with one aioli on top and another on the bottom.

Spanish Omelet- Not the breakfast omelet that is probably coming to your mind right now. This is an omelet that is eaten all day and can come in an individual size or larger and served in slices. It is filled with chunks of potatoes and onions and served with some type of aioli.

Pa Amb Tomaquet-  A bread that is served with many dishes in Barcelona. It is so popular that if you don't order it, many servers with ask you if you want it. It is a slice of bread topped with a rub of olive oil and tomato and a dash of salt. Everyone puts their own twist on the dish like some will toast the bread, and others will serve it with more chunks of tomato.

Croquettas- This is a dish that is a lot like the Bombas. Croquettas are filled with meat (usually chicken or Iberico ham) and cheese. They are a long, oval shape.

Spain can be a food lover's dream. Some fantastic restaurants and cafes line the streets, and all of the best Spanish fares are at a traveler's fingertips. They love to serve their food in the small-plate style, so the portions are great for eating all day long. One thing that you need to be aware of is that there are going to be different serving size options. A pintxos serving is a portion that is like a two-bite snack, and that is perfect for on the go. A tapas menu is going to be a bigger serving size that is meant for sharing amongst a couple of people.

Contact me today: jbennett@dreamvacations.com