Entries by Kate Hickey
Top 10 Things to do in Valencia Spain that Happen to be FREE
All things Europe, half the cost. Valencia is the artists dream, a historian’s playground, and a place to “tranquila” like no other. Here are 10 suggestions for tours and things to do in Valencia, the fact that they’re free is just an added bonus: LLADRO FACTORY TOUR AND SHOWROOM This isn’t your grandma’s pastel-colored-parakeet Lladro […]
All You Need to Know for an Autorización de Regreso
If your NIE is expired and you want to travel out of the country, you’ll need an authorization to return to Spain or an “Autorización de regreso”. This has been done differently over the last years and this post is dated September 2019 specific to the Valencia Spain which is important to note as the […]
Lessons Learned Our 1st Year in Spain
We are nearing our 1 year anniversary as expats with kids. I wrote this in the hopes that someone new to the expat life abroad scene might need a little advice from someone a year into this adventure. I enjoyed looking back on the last 11 months and while I wouldn’t change a thing, here […]
15 Road Trip Ideas for Kids that Aren’t a Screen
No…we are not there yet. And no. You can not have a screen. There ya go…just put that on repeat like that keyboard in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and you’re set to jet for your next road trip. Remember the fun times you had on road trips as a kid rolling around the back seat […]
How to Gift Your Kids Culture and Perspective Without Leaving Home
As parents, we try to create culturally enriching experiences for our kids and global awareness as much as possible. We want to get them out of the protective bubble to see that so many of their complaints and wants are first-world problems. However, cultural experiences in suburbia are often limited to Chipotle and the local […]
The Best Credit Cards for Travel
Swipe right, swipe left, whatever – just swipe!! Here’s my #1 travel hack: Find a card that meets your needs and than put EVERY SINGLE PURCHASE on your card. I’ll swipe for a $1 Costco churro. Know that. I’m not saying spend money but you can chose to use cash/debit that won’t reward you or […]
Living Abroad Isn’t Luck. It’s Work and It’s Totally Worth It.
“You’re so lucky”. Lots of people tell us that. The truth is, luck has played no part in our move abroad. In fact, I find myself a little frustrated. Luck?! You think the Spanish Sangria fairy visited me in rural Tennessee and flew us over the Atlantic? On the contrary, we worked really hard and […]
Starting Public School in Spain: Overcoming Fear & Our First Trimester
The day I dropped my kids off for their first day of public school in Spain, I cried so hard I could barely function. I cried in the school hallway once my daughter was out of earshot. Her teacher, a complete stranger, had to console me. I speak pretty good “functional Spanish” and I couldn’t […]
The Ultimate Gift List for Anyone Who Travels
For many travelers and adventurers, what you “allow” to be a part of your limited cargo is very personal and thought out. I put together a list of unique, affordable, personal, and out-of-the-box ideas to spoil your travel-savvy friends and family. In no particular order, enjoy this comprehensive gift list. Click on the highlighted links […]