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Park Güell was commissioned by Eusebi Güell who wanted to create a stylish park for Barcelona aristocracy. Check out the famous Gaudi dragon fountain, all done in colored tile, at the entrance.

Meander through the walkway, supported by twisting rock pillars that appear to be growing right out of the ground. Gaudi used nature in his works and it is evident here.

At the top of the park is a terraced area where you can view the entire park and Barcelona. Take some time to sit on one of the many vibrant, multi-colored tiled mosaic seats. They look hard and not very comfortable. But, the way they are constructed provides a delightful seat with just the right amount of back support.  

Does your cell phone have a password or it is locked?

When traveling, it would be a good idea to have your phone protected with a password so someone else can’t use it.

Log out of all apps and stay away from unusual sites. You might want to think about not using public Wi-Fi spots.

What do you do?

Some travel experts suggest changing passwords after a trip. Why? If you’ve used sites or an ATM where you used a password, you could be subject to identity issues.

If you like the password you have for your ATM for instance, change it before you go to something you can remember. Then, change it back to your favorite when you return home.

I’ve never done this. How about you?

If you are planning on being gone for an extended trip…longer than a day…what do you do about your mail or your newspapers?

If you have a house sitter, the problem is solved.

But, if you don’t have someone staying in your house or don’t have a neighbor picking up your paper and mail, what do you do? It would be a good idea to stop both the mail delivery and the paper delivery.

That way, no one can see the pile of newspapers in your driveway and figure you’re not at home.

Visit USPS.com to use its Hold Mail Service. They’ll hold your mail for a minimum of three days and a maximum of 30 consecutive days.

Before leaving, before packing for your trip, do you check the weather at your destination?

You can check it a week or so prior and then again the day before. Will it be exactly as the forecast? Probably not…but at least you’ll have some idea of what to pack.

Then, pack accordingly. You can almost always pick up an umbrella from a street vendor in case of unexpected showers. If you plan to dress in layers, you’ll probably be ready for most weather changes.

If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, you’ll probably have bills that come due during that time.

You could make advance payments before you leave. Check the due dates and schedule or make those payments in advance.

Before traveling, check your wallet. It’s a good idea to have cash so you don’t have to use an ATM right away. Avoid those ATM fees, if you can.

And, if you’ve made that trip to the ATM, you probably received $20 bills. This is great…until you want to leave a tip for the taxi driver, the maid, or the doorman.

Make sure you have some smaller bills as well.

Before leaving on your trip, make sure you have charged all your devices. Also, make sure you have the correct adapters for Europe or Asia or wherever you are going in order to charge those devices.

Recently, I purchased a new piece of luggage. Choices…there were so, so many.

One decision I had to make…did I want two wheels or four wheels?

Some travelers prefer the standard two wheels, as they feel those bags are easier to drag behind you on cobblestone streets or uneven paths.

Others prefer four wheels, as the bag is narrower and easier to bring down the aisle of the airplane.

Check out both…let me know what you think.

Before leaving for a trip, I make lists. Plural…

I make a “To Do” list, I make a “Pack” list, I make a “To Do On The Day I Leave” list…you get the idea.

Why?

It keeps me organized and by writing it down, I don’t have to try to remember exactly what I was going to do when.

How about you?