The Trekking Pawns' Diary

  Why We’re Heading Back to Barcelona After wandering through charming streets, hunting down affordable eats, and trying our best to blend in with locals across Europe, we’ve decided it’s time to return to one of our favorite cities: Barcelona, Spain. Unlike our first visit, this trip isn't about checking famous landmarks off a bucket list. We've already stood in awe of the Sagrada Família , strolled down Las Ramblas, admired Gaudí's masterpieces, and visited the city's biggest attractions. This time, we're approaching Barcelona differently. As the Trekking Pawns, we're heading back with a slower pace and a local mindset . We want to spend our days discovering neighborhood cafés, lingering in public squares, exploring markets, and experiencing the rhythms of everyday life. Barcelona feels like the perfect city for that kind of adventure. Between its diverse neighborhoods, Mediterranean lifestyle, and excellent public transportation, it offers endless opportuniti...

Your Paw-sitively Fun Guide to Picking the Perfect Basecamp in Barcelona. We've been to Barcelona before, but just for a few days and saw all the tourists spots. It's been a couple years, thus now we are going back for a slower adventure and meet ups with locals!  Barcelona is one of those cities that grabs you by the heart, feeds you tapas, dazzles you with Gaudí architecture, and then whispers, “Stay a little longer…” But with so many neighborhoods and hotel styles, choosing where to stay can feel like trying to pick the best churro in a city full of churros. Fear not, fellow Pawns — we’ve scouted five great stays from our Expedia affiliate list and broken down the pros and cons for each. Whether you're chasing nightlife, beaches, culture, or easy metro access (because we’re rolling car-free), this guide has you covered. Pros & Cons Breakdown  ⭐ 1. Hotel Royal Passeig de Gracia — For the Culture Buffs Pros: Steps from Gaudí masterpieces Amazing rooftop bar Metro conn...

  Moving to the United Kingdom for work is a dream for many Americans—whether it’s the pull of London’s global job market, the charm of smaller UK cities, or simply the desire for a new adventure. But before you can pack your bags and start practicing your British slang, there’s one big hurdle to clear: getting a UK work visa. The process isn’t impossible, but it is detailed, rule‑heavy, and often misunderstood. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of what it takes to secure a UK work visa as a U.S. citizen. 1. Start With the Right Visa Category The UK doesn’t have a one‑size‑fits‑all work visa. Instead, it offers several routes depending on your skills, job offer, and long‑term plans. The most common options for Americans are: Skilled Worker Visa This is the primary route for most professionals. To qualify, you need: A job offer from a UK employer with a Home Office sponsorship license A role that meets the skill level requirement A salary that meets the minimum threshold (usuall...

  From the Trekking Pawns: Why London Stole Our Hearts (and Why We’d Love to Call the UK Home) Every once in a while, a place surprises you. Not the “oh, that’s nice” kind of surprise — the kind that sneaks up on you, wraps itself around your curiosity, and whispers, “You could stay here, you know.” That was London for us. We arrived expecting a fun trip, a few good meals, and maybe a couple of memorable sights. What we didn’t expect was to feel so instantly at home that leaving felt like the wrong direction. The City That Moves Fast… but Makes Space for You London has this rhythm — a mix of history, hustle, and quiet corners that somehow coexist without stepping on each other’s toes. One minute you’re standing in front of a centuries‑old cathedral, and the next you’re sipping coffee in a modern café that feels like it was designed just for you. We wandered through markets, parks, museums, and neighborhoods that each had their own personality. And the best part? Every time we thoug...

Amazon - e-book, Audio, soft and hardcover! Before I go anywhere new, I have this little ritual — I read fiction set in the place I’m headed. It’s my way of slipping into the soul of a city before my feet ever touch its ground. Stories give me a dreamy, rose‑tinted preview of what to expect, and honestly, they make the anticipation feel like its own kind of adventure. And now… we’re planning a trip to Mumbai . I’ve been practicing my Hindi on Mango and Duolingo (slowly, lovingly, chaotically), but the real spark came from finishing Meet Me in Bombay by Jenny Ashcroft. I devoured it. I was swept away. I was in love with love by the end — all its forms, all its contradictions, all its quiet devastations and loud joys. The book opens on New Year’s Eve, 1913 , with Madeline Bright stepping into the heat and color of colonial Bombay. She’s homesick, overwhelmed, and unsure — until she meets Luke Devereaux at the stroke of midnight. From there, Bombay becomes more than a backdrop. It become...

Coming into Cabo San Lucas felt like gliding into a postcard. The water shimmered in every shade of blue, small boats zipped around us like water bugs, and those iconic rock formations—jagged, dramatic, and rising straight out of the sea—welcomed us as if they’d been waiting. With only eight hours on shore, we were determined to make the most of it. And what better way than trying snorkeling for the very first time? Stepping off the cruise ship onto the dock, we wandered along the promenade, soaking in the energy. Shops lined the walkway, bursting with colorful souvenirs, beachwear, and trinkets clearly aimed at tourists—but in a charming way. It was fun just people‑watching: families bargaining, couples strolling hand‑in‑hand, and locals chatting with each other between customers. What surprised us most was how friendly and relaxed the vendors were. No pushy sales tactics, no pressure—just genuine warmth. We had already booked a snorkeling adventure through Expedia after comparing rev...

 One thing we’ve learned over time as The Trekking Pawns is that transportation can make or break a trip — not just in convenience, but in cost, flexibility, and overall experience. And recently, we stumbled upon a little rental car hack that honestly changed how we think about getting around. 🚙 Why Renting a Car Just Makes Sense When visiting a new place, renting a car gives you a level of freedom that’s hard to beat: Go at your own pace — no waiting for buses or rideshares Reach hidden gems — places tours and public transit don’t always cover Save time — especially if you’re trying to maximize a short trip Potentially save money — especially when traveling as a group We’ve done the whole mix — Uber, taxis, public transportation — and while those all have their place, having your own car just feels different. It turns the trip into your adventure instead of working around someone else’s schedule. 💡 The One-Way Rental Surprise Here’s where things got ...

 I’ve been following the recent news about Puerto Vallarta , and while things may shift and evolve, I want to pause and reflect on how it felt when we visited back in November — warm, welcoming, and wonderfully easy to explore. 🚶‍♀️ The Long Walk Out Getting off the ship was not a quick step-onto-the-street situation. It was a long walk through the cruise terminal shopping area , and there’s essentially one main exit route that guides everyone through it. There were lines for the trolley, but we decided to walk instead of wait. Vendors were already set up before we even fully exited — colorful stalls, souvenirs, handcrafted goods. The people were kind and welcoming, and I genuinely hope they had a successful day. We also saw quite a few travelers getting massages right there near the port — definitely much cheaper than what you’d pay onboard the ship! At the very end of the shopping complex, taxis were lined up and ready, eagerly offering rides. 🚌 Taking the Local Bus We ...

Sorry for the late update about the cruise — but honestly, this is exactly how it started (and there’s much more to come once I find the time). I know it’s been a while since we got back from our cruise and I haven’t really talked about it yet. The holidays took over — preparation, events, gatherings — and everything else got pushed to the side. Now that the holidays are behind us and we’re officially in the new year, I finally have a bit of breathing room. Sometimes the end of one year rolling into the next just feels like one big blob of pressure and chaos. You’re invited to things you feel obligated to attend, you genuinely look forward to other events, expectations pile up… and then when the actual day comes, sometimes all I want to do is stay home. I had that feeling more than once this season and ended up skipping a couple of events because it was just too much. And honestly? The unexpected, unplanned quiet of staying home — having time to be still — felt like a gift to myself...

Now that we’re back from our cruise, I can confidently say one of my favorite packing decisions had nothing to do with shoes or outfits — it was hair sticks . I absolutely loved having different hair pins for different events, and they worked way better than I expected. Casual days, elegant dinners, even late-night dancing — my hair was handled. (I'll write more about the actual cruise soon. Hehe) I’m officially converted. (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  🐱 Cute, Fun & Gift-Worthy: Cat-Themed Hair Sticks First off, I’m already thinking ahead to gifts. These cat-themed hair sticks are adorable, practical, and perfect for friends who love cute accessories but still want something functional. They’re lightweight, travel-friendly, and feel like one of those small but thoughtful gifts that actually gets used. ⭐ The MVP: The Frenc...

GYG: Los Cabos Arch & Lover’s Beach Tour + Snorkeling Tour We’re deep into planning our snorkeling time in Cabo San Lucas, and one of the big decisions is: book a tour or go at it ourselves . After comparing both and reading reviews, one tour in particular stands out — the Los Cabos Arch & Lover’s Beach Tour + Snorkeling Tour on GetYourGuide also available on Expedia . (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  Here’s how we’re weighing our options. ✅ Why a Tour Looks Really Good The tour includes a boat ride around the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas and a stop at the famous Lover’s Beach, so you get scenery plus snorkeling-time without having to swim out to the spots yourself.  According to reviews, the guide is experienced and the gear + safety are handled: from the listing: “snorkel equipment, life jacket …”  Th...

Amazon: Snorkeling Gear for Adults We’ve got one of our port days in Cabo San Lucas that’s perfect for some water time — and it’s got us thinking: Should we buy our own snorkeling gear and pack it for the cruise… or just let someone else handle the logistics and join a snorkeling tour? Also — will the November weather even let us snorkel comfortably? Let’s dig into it. Found some good info on  12 Things to KNOW Before Snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico  (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  🎒 Own Gear vs. Tour Gear: Pros & Cons ✅ Bringing Our Own Gear Pros: We know the fit + comfort of our masks/fins — no rental surprises. If we snorkel more than once or in different spots, it could pay off long-term. We’re the type of travelers who like to do things ourselves , so owning gear is tempting. Cons: Packing s...

  Los Cabos Land's End Experience By Gray Line Los Cabos One thing we love about cruise days: you can step off the ship and be in a whole new world — sun on your face, ocean air, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Cabo San Lucas is perfect for that vibe. From the cruise port, you’re steps (or a fun little boat ride ) away from some of the most iconic beaches in Baja. Whether you're in the mood for a chill swim, a sandy stroll, fresh ceviche, or postcard-worthy photos, here are the top beaches in Cabo that you can easily visit on foot or with a short water taxi ride. (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🏖️ Medano Beach Walking distance: ~20–30 minutes from the cruise port (or a short water taxi ride...