5 Reasons to Go Self Guided

Self Guided Travel Just Makes Sense

Whether it be for relaxation or wild adventure, traveling is good for the soul. There’s something about seeing new places, tasting unique dishes and experiencing different cultures that helps clear the mind and heighten the senses. One of the greatest ways to experience travel is the self-guided way. With affordable prices and a multitude of options, Pure Adventures offers sophisticated travelers flexibility, support and independence.

Still not convinced? Here are five compelling reasons to go self-guided on your next travel adventure.

1) Freedom and Control

Self-guided travel allows you to choose your own dates so that they fit with your busy schedule. You control your journey using GPS, maps, cue sheets and road books leaving plenty of room for adventure and excitement that comes with tackling the unknown. Self-guided travel also gives you the freedom to choose your own travel partners so you won’t find yourself stuck traveling with strangers.

2) Flexibility

Unlike traditional tours which are scheduled for a specified number of days and dictate when and where activities are to take place, self-guided travel provides much more flexibility. You choose the number of days, type of hotel (3, 4 or 5 star or any combination) and tackle activities at your own pace. Start when you want, finish when you’re ready, eat whenever you choose. If you decide you’d like to stay at a particular site a bit longer, no problem. There is also no risk of cancellation based on a minimum number of travelers not being reached. Self-guided travel lets you set the pace of your trip and make whatever changes you choose as you go.

3) Affordability

Self-guided travel allows you to experience many of the same things offered on guided tours but at much more reasonable prices. Prices typically include hotels, some meals, maps, travel/region information and luggage transfers and will vary based on the length of your trip and type of accommodations you choose. But because you aren’t relying on a travel guide, you’ll save a considerable amount of money in the end.

4) Support

Although you are very much in control of your trip, self-guided travel still provides a great deal of support. For instance, your luggage is always transferred to your next hotel for you so you don’t have to worry about dragging heavy bags around. You’ll also receive orientation before you set off on your journey, on call support and emergency assistance. So although you are independent, you’re never completely alone.

5) Cultural Immersion

One of the downsides to guided tours is that your experience with local culture is often cut short due to schedule and time constraints. Self-guided travel allows you to take your time and interact with the locals on a much more personal level. Many self-guided routes are specifically designed to bring travelers off the beaten path to small local towns and villages where the true culture and customs can be experienced and absorbed.

Guided tours are a wonderful way to see different places and experience new things, but many travelers feel restricted by set schedules and itineraries that they have no control over. Self-guided travel, more specifically Pure Adventures, provides a solution to this by allowing travelers the freedom to set their own schedule, plan their own journey and experience things at a pace they are comfortable with. And since self-guided tours offer the same quality, style, service and comforts of guided trips, travelers receive a complete and affordable vacation with the added benefits of freedom, flexibility, support and independence.

Nothing Beats Catalonia, Spain

5 Reasons to Cycle Catalonia

Catalonia, with its pristine beaches, warm climate and mountainous views, is arguably one of Spain’s most beautiful places to visit. Add to this its unique Mediterranean culture and delectable cuisine and it’s no surprise that Catalonia has become a premiere tourist destination. But Catalonia isn’t just a place to go for sun and relaxation. It’s also one of the most amazing places on earth to bicycle.

Here are five compelling reasons you should grab your bike and head to Catalonia.

· Barcelona

The capital of Catalonia, this city offers more than just the beautiful coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. It also boasts a variety of ancient architecture, such as that of famous designer Antonio Gaudi, who is responsible for several UNESCO heritage sites in Barcelona including the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Palau Güell and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Visitors will also enjoy the city’s Gothic Quarter, or Barrio Gòtico, one of Barcelona’s oldest areas. With medieval structures such as the Palau de la Generalitat, the Town Hall, the Cathedral, and the Palau Reial dating back further than the Roman Empire, visitors here get the unique experience of taking a virtual step back in time.

· Empuries

If ancient history and culture interests you, then a cycle through this quaint town should definitely be on your itinerary. This archeological site offers a fascinating glimpse back at the ancient Greeks and Romans who settled there centuries ago. With medieval ruins, a museum, breathtaking beaches on which to sunbathe, and beautiful coastline to cycle along there’s plenty to do and see.

· Catalan Culture

Much like Catalonia’s warm and pleasant climate, its people are just as welcoming. The culture there is completely different than that of other parts of Spain and can only be described as unique. For example, various festivals held throughout Catalonia often feature oddities like castells, which are basically human towers. Music and dance are an intricate and important part of Catalan culture, as is the combination of languages spoken there, which include Spanish, Catalan and Aranese. You really must experience the Catalan culture for yourself to truly understand.

· Girona

This historical city, located in Catalonia’s old Jewish sector, is lined with ancient alleys and multi-colored houses called Les Cases de L'onyar, which dot the river bank and give the city much of its character. Most notable is the city’s historical center, which is surrounded by the same thick walls that have protected it for centuries. The Onyar River divides Girona into two parts which are connected by four bridges. The Centre Bonastruca Porta (Museum of History of the Jews), located in the heart of Girona’s Jewish Quarter (El Call), offers guided tours and provides visitors with an excellent account of the people who inhabited the area before the 15^th Century, when the Jews were forced out by the Spanish monarchy.

· Weather and Landscape

There is so much to see and experience in Catalonia, but perhaps the simplest yet most compelling reason to cycle here is the very atmosphere itself. With comfortable temperatures and mild weather year-round, there’s never a bad time to visit. In fact, Catalonia is the choice of many pro cyclists because it offers the perfect weather in which to train. The landscape is also ideal, with a variety of options to suit any cycler’s needs. From the challenging Pyrenees hill climbs to the winding Mediterranean coastal roads, the environment is nothing less than perfect.

If its ancient history, rich culture and breathtaking landscapes you seek, Catalonia is the place to be. It’s certainly one of Spain’s greatest gems. And with its small winding roads, challenging terrain and miles of beautiful coastline it’s also a biker’s dream. For the reasons listed here, and countless others, Catalonia is a destination that should be on any cycling enthusiast’s travel itinerary.

Happy Valentine's Day

The Creation of Valentine's Day

How did Valentine’s Day become one of the most romantic days around the world? Many participants are unaware of how February 14^th came to be the “day of love”. Its origins date back to the ancient Roman Empire when February 15^th began the festival called “Feast of Lupercalia” which honored the Roman God of Agriculture. A custom followed the Feast to bring young boys and girls together. On the eve of the festival, February 14^th, a piece of paper with a girl’s name on it was put into a jar and the young men would pick one. The girl they picked would be paired with him for the duration of Lupercalia, usually a year. Most would end up falling in love and later marry. This tradition set the mood for the Valentine’s Day we know today, but this isn’t what made the day remembered around the world.

Emperor Claudius II of Rome found it hard to get soldiers to fight for him and felt it was because the men did not want to leave their wives and families behind while they fought a long bloody war. Therefore, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. A romantic priest, known as Saint Valentine, defied the Emperor and secretly married the Roman lovers. When his tactics were discovered he was imprisoned and put to death on February 14^th. While in jail he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and in his farewell letter to her he signed it “From your Valentine”. Over the period of time, the martyr, Saint Valentine, became the patron saint of lovers and they began to celebrate Valentine's Day as a day of romance by exchanging love notes and simple gifts such as flower.

France and England have another belief associated with Valentine’s Day. The people during the Middle Ages believed birds began to mate halfway through the second month of the year, February 14^th. Furthermore, it is said that the Valentine’s Day cards gained their popularity in France, when Charles, Duke of Orleans, who was captured at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 wrote a poem or ‘Valentine' to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London. More Valentine’s Day poems were written and the tradition has carried on through the years to present day.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated much the same way around the world. However, each country makes the day unique by calling it something different or has added a special tradition over the years. In the UK and France sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts is the traditional way of acknowledging Valentine’s Day, referred to as “Saint Valentin” in France. In Spain, Valentine's Day is known as "San Valentín" and is celebrated the same way as in France, although in Catalonia it is largely superseded by similar festivities of rose and/or book giving on La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George's Day). In Portugal it is more commonly referred to as "Dia dos Namorados" (Lover's Day / Day of those that are in love with each other).

Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated by lovers, however over the years the day has shifted to less of a romantic day to a more admiration day. The festival is celebrated to express love to anyone we are close to. Therefore, many celebrate Valentine's Day with friends, siblings, parents, grandparents, teachers or anyone who made a difference to our lives with their affection and support. Take this opportunity to express your love and gratitude to all persons you love. Happy Saint Valentine’s Day!!