The Trekking Pawns' Diary

 Apparently, yes! As travelers, we are always looking for ways to save money, pack smarter, and make things ourselves when it actually makes sense. Electrolyte drink packets are one of those little travel conveniences that can add up quickly—especially when you're buying them for long flights, hot-weather adventures, hiking days, cruises, or just trying to stay hydrated while wandering around a new city. So when we came across LMNT's recipe for making its electrolyte drink mix at home, we had one of those classic Trekking Pawns moments: "Wait... we can make that ourselves?" We found the ingredients online, grabbed a kitchen scale, and decided to give DIY electrolytes a try! The original LMNT homemade electrolyte recipe is surprisingly simple. The recipe uses just three electrolyte ingredients, and then you can add water and whatever flavoring you like. LMNT says its homemade formula is designed to provide approximately 1,000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg ma...

 The Trekking Pawns are heading back to Europe! This time, we’re setting our sights on Barcelona, Spain , and we’re planning to visit in the fall. And honestly, I think fall might be one of the best times to experience this city. Barcelona has so much going on that I already know we’re going to have a difficult time deciding what to do first. Architecture? Absolutely. Food? Obviously. Beaches? Yes, please. Wandering through old neighborhoods with no particular destination? Probably one of our favorite activities. And because we’re The Trekking Pawns, we also want to see how much we can experience without spending a fortune . 🍂 Why Barcelona in the Fall? One of the biggest reasons I’m excited about visiting Barcelona in the fall is the weather. We’re looking at the late September/early October timeframe , when Barcelona is transitioning away from the intense summer heat. According to the Barcelona tourism office, average maximum temperatures are around 79°F in September and 69°F i...

 There are destinations that you visit once... and then there are destinations that stay with you forever. China is definitely one of those places. From the ancient stones of the Great Wall to the glittering skylines of Shanghai, peaceful bamboo forests, towering mountain ranges, adorable giant pandas, and some of the world's most incredible food—China is a country that surprises you around every corner. At The Trekking Pawns , we're always searching for unforgettable adventures that don't have to cost a fortune. That's why we're excited to share a fantastic way to save on your next Chinese adventure. Why China Should Be on Your Bucket List Whether you're an avid hiker, history enthusiast, foodie, or culture lover, China has something for everyone. Some of our favorite experiences include: 🏯 Walking along the breathtaking Great Wall of China 🐼 Meeting giant pandas in Chengdu 🌆 Exploring the futuristic skyline of Shanghai 🛶 Cruising the spectacular Li River ...

If you’re planning to stay in Barcelona for a few weeks or a full month, the T‑usual is one of the most affordable ways to get around. It gives you unlimited travel for 30 consecutive days across the city’s entire integrated public transport network, including the metro stations at Barcelona Airport . For frequent riders, it’s easily the best value pass available. What the T‑usual Is The T‑usual is a personal monthly pass that activates the first time you use it. From that moment, it’s valid for 30 days on the metro, buses, trams, FGC trains, and Rodalies commuter trains within the zones you choose. It’s designed for people who ride daily, but visitors staying long‑term can benefit just as much. Where You Can Buy It You can buy the T‑usual right when you land . Both airport metro stations— Aeroport T1 and T2 —have ticket machines that sell it. The machines accept cash or card, and you can load the pass onto a T‑mobilitat card or even your NFC‑enabled phone. If you prefer, you can al...

  If you’re heading to Barcelona and want to explore the city without stressing over transportation costs, the Hola BCN! Travel Card is about to become your new favorite travel buddy. Barcelona is a city best enjoyed by hopping between neighborhoods—Gothic Quarter mornings, beachy Barceloneta afternoons, and Montjuïc sunsets—and this pass makes it all wonderfully easy on your wallet. 💸 Why Budget Travelers Love It The Hola BCN! card gives you unlimited rides on Barcelona’s public transport for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days . That means you can ride the metro, buses, trams, and even the Montjuïc funicular as many times as you want. No fumbling for tickets, no calculating zones, no surprise costs. Even better? It includes your round‑trip metro ride to and from the airport , which already saves you money compared to buying separate airport tickets. 🚇 What’s Included Based on the official TMB information: Unlimited travel for 24–120 hours from first use Airport metro rides (bo...

  Barcelona is one of Europe’s easiest cities to navigate without a car. Its metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains are affordable, frequent, and well‑connected—making them ideal for travelers who want to save money while exploring the city. Below is everything you need to know before riding. 🚇 Public Transportation Options in Barcelona Barcelona’s network includes: Metro (subway) – Fastest way around the city; 12 lines covering nearly all major attractions. TMB Buses – Extensive coverage, great for short hops or areas not served by metro. Tram (Trambaix & Trambesòs) – Clean, modern, and useful for certain neighborhoods. Rodalies (Suburban Trains ) – Ideal for day trips or reaching outer districts. Night Buses (NitBus) – Run when the metro is closed. 💸 Current Ticket Prices & Pass Options (2026) Barcelona offers several passes depending on how often you plan to ride. Single & Occasional Use Tickets Single Ticket: €2.90 (1 zone) T‑Casual (10 rides): €13.00 (1...