Affordable and easy to use, the country’s high-speed train network makes it easy to visit its beautiful, lesser-known regions and cities

Forget checking in two hours early and stuffing your belongings in a tiny suitcase or battling traffic and wasting time finding a prized parking spot; taking the train is by far the most relaxing way to travel. In Spain, it’s also often the quickest way to get around. With 3,100km of track, the Spanish high-speed train network is the longest in Europe. Running at speeds of up to 310 km per hour, this extensive network means you can quickly zig-zag your way across the country. You can, for example, whizz from Madrid to Barcelona on the train in just two hours 45 minutes, while doing the same trip by car would take around six-and-a-half hours.

With the majority of fast-speed trains in Spain running on electricity from renewable sources, it’s also a no-brainer when it comes to planning an environmentally friendly trip. The stats speak for themselves – rail transport emits between five and seven times less CO2 than road transport and seven to 10 times less than air transport. In Spain, the transport sector is responsible for about 26 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions, while trains contribute just a tiny 0.3 per cent of this figure. The evidence is clear – you really are doing your bit when you take the train.

Considering the current economic climate, it’s a bonus that train travel is also very affordable in Spain. The introduction of low-cost lines run by the likes of Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo has made travelling between the major cities – including Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga and Valencia – both speedy and cheap. Book in advance and you could get fares as low as €9 (£7.90) one way. Even better, these routes keep growing. For example, this March, Iryo launched a new route between Madrid and the Andalusian cities of Córdoba and Seville.

Travelling by train is also one of the best ways to see the country. Whether you’re rolling through the lush green hills of Asturias or the dramatic desert-like landscapes in Andalusia, the journey is as important as the destination. There are options aplenty when it comes to exploring by train in Spain and taking the train opens you up to creative itineraries and places you might have otherwise missed. While there are routes between all the big cities, middle-distance and local trains make travelling to smaller places also very easy.

Madrid, and the beautiful Atocha station, is the starting point for a vast range of routes. If you like a culture-packed city, head north west to the Castile-León region with stops in Valladolid and Zamora. The former is a mediaeval city with impressive Renaissance architecture and a stellar line-up of museums, while the latter, on the banks of the Duero river, is a pretty city of important Romanesque artistic heritage.

If food experiences are high on your list, the Basque country and neighbouring Cantabria does not disappoint. By train you can take a pintxos tour in the port city of Bilbao (with a stop at the iconic Guggenheim Museum), sample the world-famous restaurants in the beachside town of San Sebastian and enjoy a local seafood feast in the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera.

Of course, the sunny south with its beautiful beaches always appeals and the white sand beaches of the Costa De Luz can easily be reached from Cádiz. You can combine a visit to this historic city – one of the oldest in the world – with a train trip that delivers the full Andalusian experience with stops in Jerez de La Frontera, the home of sherry, and Seville, the city of flamenco and rich architectural history.

However you like to travel, Spain’s vast range of landscapes, culture and experiences are likely to offer an itinerary that ticks you boxes – and chances are, it will be an even easier, cheaper and magical trip by train.

Create new Spanish memories

From sustainable city breaks to little-known towns and unsung culinary capitals, take the road less travelled in Spain. Discover the best places to visit for home grown, authentic experiences and slow travel trips that will help you uncover the unknown and see Spain’s most popular destinations in a whole new light.

Our world has been thoroughly explored, however, it still has a lot of secrets that we have yet to discover. When it comes to islands, they are some of the most mysterious places on the planet because they’re isolated from the world and it takes a long time to discover and research them.

Some islands that were discovered very recently are extremely strange, and the public is not that familiar with them. Here are 7 of the weirdest islands on Earth that will definitely amaze you.

7. Diego Garcia: Indian Ocean

Two thousand people used to live on this small island until they were relocated by force in the 1970s. Britain leased the land to the USA and a navy base was established on the island.

The location of the island was important strategically because the army had access to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In recent years, rumors started circling that the island was used as a prison camp for years by the CIA and that many political prisoners were there, however, these rumors were never confirmed.

Another strange thing about this island is that some conspiracy theorists believe that MH370, the Malaysia Airlines plane that went missing in 2014 either landed or was shot down near Diego Garcia.

6. Earthquake Island: Arabian Sea

Located on Pakistan’s coast, the island was formed in 2013 after a strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake which destroyed the land and took the lives of around 40 people.

Several locals were present at the moment of the island’s creation, however, scientists were unable to determine precisely what caused the island to form. The island disappeared completely in 2016 and was never seen again.

5. Floating Eye: Parana Delta

Several islands make up the delta of the Parana River in Argentina, and one island stands out because it has the shape of a perfect circle.

This island has a diameter of almost 400 feet, and there is a channel around it which makes the island look like an eye. The island floats and rotates, and it was discovered by a movie director named Sergio Neuspiller.

4. Magic Island on Saturn’s Titan Moon

NASA’s astronomers were comparing new and old photos of Saturn taken by the Cassini probe when they noticed a weird phenomenon. They saw a sudden change in the seas of Saturn’s moon, Titan, and named it “magic island.”

Although astronomers think it’s a small island, the anomaly could also be a storm or a change in the waves. NASA proposed to build a special raft or submarine to explore Titan’s seas and prove if the mysterious “magic island” exists.

3. Socotra Island

Socotra Island belongs to Yemen, and it has an unnatural appearance, resembling an alien world. The island is isolated, and its temperatures are extreme, but 700 of its plant species can’t be found anywhere else on the planet.

The plant life is so unique that more than 70% of Socotra Island was closed off and turned into a national park. The Dragon’s Blood Tree is among the strangest trees on the island, with red sap flowing out of the branches.

Other plants look like they were taken from another planet and planted here on Earth. In addition, large caves can be found all over the island, and the walls of the caves are filled with mysterious carvings in many languages. The locals of Socotra Island have unique DNA, and they claim that the island used to be the location for the Garden of Eden.

2. The Lost Island of Bermeja

Isla Bermeja was shown on maps in the 16th to 20th centuries, and it was located in the Gulf of Mexico. It was the farthest distance away from any island in Mexico, which means that the island would have extended the country’s territory as well as its offshore oil claims.

However, research from 2009 concluded that Isla Bermeja could not be found. Some conspiracy theories about this island claim that it was bombed or somehow destroyed due to global warming.

1. Partridge Island

This island is located in the Bay of Fundy, Canada, and almost two centuries ago, it was used as a quarantine station for immigrants.

More than 2,500 immigrants from Ireland were sent to this island in the 1840s. The immigrants who were ill were not allowed to leave the island, and many people died and were later buried on the island.

The grass over the mass grave they were buried in was darker than anywhere else on the island. Partridge Island was closed off in 1941 and is still off-limits to visitors.

For most people, the monsoon season is very appealing. The weather is ideal for travelling and exploring new locations as it is neither too hot nor too cold. We all enjoy rainy days, the sound of raindrops hitting the ground, and the warmth of a hot cup of tea. But without the right precautions, the season can bring illness, and even cause accidents. However, this should not prevent you from travelling and exploring the country. In order to help you plan your tour during the monsoon, here are a few tips that can come in handy.

1. Always check the weather forecast: Most parts of India are drenched in rain during the monsoon. Therefore, before you plan out your trip, the most crucial thing to do is verify the weather prediction for the region. This is especially useful in challenging terrains, such as mountain ranges, where the chances of landslides and cloudbursts are very high. Check the weather forecast 3-5 days before and after your departure date to avoid such instances.
2. Carry Medicines and repellents: The monsoon months are a time when mosquitoes and insects are at their highest. In your travel kit, make sure to include a spray and lotion-based repellents that secure the room and your body. Additionally, carry a first-aid kit, as injuries on wet and damp roads can happen frequently. Also, along with your regular medicine, put some emergency pills that you might require on your journey. For example, for a cold and fever, if you get drenched in the rain.
3. Waterproof clothes: While taking a trip during the monsoon, pack synthetic fabric, which is easy to dry. They are light, and at the same time, if you get drenched, they will dry up quickly, so you will not have to halt your journey as well. Further, when planning a trip in the rainy season, you should pay extra attention to footwear. Investing in decent waterproof shoes will allow you to walk easily and comfortably. Also, ensure that your shoes are anti-skid to prevent you from losing balance on wet and slippery roads.
4. Take care of your food: The monsoon season is also renowned for the outbreak of waterborne illness. Food is one of the most crucial considerations for any traveller during this season. Avoid eating food from open stalls or counters because they are especially prone to contamination during the rains. Also, try to drink packaged water and not from any community taps.
5. Monsoon accessories: These would include an umbrella, raincoat, and hairdryer. While you can omit these during other seasons, during the monsoon they are a must. You can opt for foldable umbrellas that are lightweight and will not take up much space in your luggage.

As tempting as squeezing your entire home into a backpack may be, use these packing tips to travel smart like a minimalist.

Dusting off old suitcases and getting started with packing can build the anticipation for an upcoming holiday, no doubt, but packing is by far one of the worst bits about traveling and, perhaps, the only one. How many pieces of luggage does the airline allow? What if you exceed the weight limit? Do you really need three pairs of shoes and five extra pairs of clothing “just in case”? How will you squeeze all of that into a tiny little suitcase?

To avoid the stresses that come with packing, following the mantra of minimalism is key. Strip down to the very essentials, pack minimally, and travel light because there are far better things to spend your time and energy on than trying to squeeze your entire wardrobe into a suitcase before a trip. Here are some minimalist packing tips for minimalist travel.

16. Be Smart About Your Clothes – Start Here For Minimalist Packing

Clothes take up most of the prized real estate inside a suitcase and soon there is no minimalist traveling. To hold off from carrying half a wardrobe on holiday, consider picking clothes that are versatile. This is the key to minimal packing in the attire department. Bring lots of basics and go for neutral colors that can be mixed and matched in multiple different ways. While packing minimally for a beach trip or summer vacation is a breeze when light fabrics like cotton and linen squeeze in easily, winters can be a bit more tricky. Rather than packing thick and bulky sweaters, consider packing lighter clothes that can be worn in several layers– multiple pairs of leggings, long-sleeved sweatshirts, and foldable jackets.

15. If You’re Not Sure About It, You Probably Don’t Need It

Okay, so the Airbnb that you have a booking for probably won’t have your favorite brand of shampoo, but then again, can you get by without it for a few days? If so, leave that bulky bottle of liquid behind. Don’t pack any clothes that you won’t wear at least twice or shoes that you know you probably won’t use. Anything that you hesitate before throwing in your suitcase is probably something that you don’t really need. Pack things that you need and not what you love.

14. Scale Back On The Toiletries

Toiletries are mostly liquid, and liquids, unfortunately, are the most troublesome things to travel with. They can’t be squeezed, they take up a lot of space, they weigh a lot, and there’s always the fear of spills. So that bag of toiletries is the department that’s going to need the most scaling back. Only take what you’re absolutely going to need, like minimalist travel toiletries that come in smaller sizes, and even then, transfer what you can into smaller travel-friendly containers. In most cases, you may even be able to buy travel-sized bottles of toiletries at your destination, if not in the airport.

13. Limit The Electronics

Electronics can be extremely pesky to pack, especially because they tend to be fragile and need to be packed carefully in even bulkier cases of their own. Lay out all the electronics that you think you might need, and then downsize the pile to the absolute essentials. Will you need that portable coffee maker if you’re traveling to a town that’s lined with cafes? Or a hairdryer if you’re staying at hotels that usually provide their own? Is it paramount that you carry both your laptop and the tablet? If you really think about it, you might just realize that you don’t need half of those smart gadgets.

12. Stick To A List

It’s easy to get lost in the flow of packing when you’re tossing things as and when you see them without a real game plan. Oftentimes, it’s easier to pack minimally if you sit down and make a list of must-have things to pack for a vacation and pack only items that are on there. Not only are you less likely to forget important things, but making a list with a clear head will help you narrow down your essentials so that you don’t overpack.

11. Share What You Can

When it comes to minimalist packing, having travel buddies can be a real boon. Decide in advance with your companions on who is bringing what – there’s absolutely no reason for there to be one tube of toothpaste per person. While it’s understandable for you to want your own things out of personal preference, there’s no harm in cross-checking your packing lists to look for things that are unnecessary overlaps.

10. Choose A Bag That’s Suitable For Minimalist Packing

Among the minimalist packing tips is to start with the most important part: the bag. To become a truly seasoned minimalist packer, it’s important to consider the bags that you’re traveling with. Look for bags that are easy to carry and don’t weigh a lot. Invest in bags that have lots of different pockets and compartments that you can neatly organize. Luckily, luggage these days can be awfully savvy and shape-shift to meet several different travel needs on the go — there are even suitcases in the market that easily transform into carry-on backpacks with detachable pouches.

9. Pack Smart When Minimalist Packing

No packing tips matter if you don’t spend time packing things well. This means it’s important to consider not just what you pack but also how you pack them. Don’t be afraid to stuff things into your shoes, roll up cables into neat bunches, keep a separate bag of toiletries, use packing cubes to keep things organized, and think of what Marie Kondo would do when you go about folding your clothes.

8. If It Doesn’t Fit, Wear It

It may be a sly trick to use, but it works! What doesn’t fit can be worn. Pick the heaviest and most space-occupying things from your suitcase and simply travel while wearing them. It’s easier to pack light flip-flops than heavy-duty sneakers, after all! If you don’t mind a little bit of discomfort, you can even wear layers of sweaters under bulky coats and pop them off once you’re onboard a flight. It may not technically be minimal packing per se, but it’s an age-old trick that bends the rules a bit.

7. One Size Fits All Is The Mantra For Minimalist Packing

Although most prefer to have dedicated items that are meant to do a specific job, using versatile multipurpose items can cut down on a lot of items – any minimalist travel tips guide will state this, guaranteed. Opt for 2-in-1 items like a body wash that doubles up as a shampoo, lotion that also works as a sunscreen, or laundry detergent that can be used to wash the dishes, which will reduce the number of toiletries and liquids that need to be packed by half.

6. Set Aside A Budget For Laundry On The Go

A major reason why minimalist packing doesn’t work for many travelers is that they pack a different outfit for each day of the holiday. While you could get away with it on short weekend trips, it’s a packing menace for longer holidays. Consider setting aside a few dollars for hotel laundry to scale back on the number of clothes that need to be packed. Worn clothes can be washed and repeated several times, and even if you do laundry just once on the whole trip, you could easily stretch five outfits for ten days — that means only packing for half the trip! If laundry isn’t an option, you could even handwash clothes in the bathroom sink.

5. Lose The Paper When Minimalist Packing

Technology has many boons, so why not use it to your advantage? Long gone are the days when travelers needed to print out tickets before a flight, carry hotel booking confirmations on paper, and have itineraries written in print. These days, pretty much all important documents people need while traveling can be accessed on a phone or, at the very least, scanned on one. Airlines have their own apps that show boarding passes, vaccine certificates can be downloaded on smartphones, and showing an email generally works for all other bookings. It’s very rare for anyone to ask for physical copies, so throw the pesky papers out; there’s no need to lug that fat folder of documents around.

4. Re-Evaluate The Bag Before You Zip It Up

Now that your minimalist packing is done, and you’re ready to zip the bags up, give them another careful do-over. Scan through your bags one last time to see if there’s anything that you could do without or something that you’ve changed your mind about. Plus, you want to make sure that there’s enough buffer space for any unique souvenirs from around the world or any shopping that you may want to bring on your way back.

3. Get A Travel Jacket

This last minimalist packing tip is a little less about packing a bag, but more about packing stuff on oneself. Still, it’s a genius way to save space in a bag (or not take a bag at all). Everyone’s been there – packing as minimally as possible, yet the suitcase is still overflowing. Alternatively, some people don’t even want to take a suitcase; some want to go even lighter and simply take a small backpack and not much else. Either way, there’s a solution to help with both cases – terrible pun intended.

Travel jackets are now a thing, as are travel hoodies. These are strategic pieces of clothing that travelers can wear – while also, quite literally, wearing their luggage. They come with intelligent pockets and storage expertly designed to enable travelers to fit as much as possible on their person, but without it being a nuisance or pain. With special pockets for certain items designed for easy access – like passport and document pockets, and even spaces for electronics such as phones and small laptops – travel jackets and hoodies are the ultimate hack for globetrotters who want to carry more baggage (but without the literal baggage).

2. Limit The Travel Guides

It can be nice to have a printed travel guide and a book about the place the traveler is visiting. It is also nostalgic to carry a map. But these can add up and add weight and take away from minimalist traveling. That is not to say don’t take a Lonely Planet travel guide or something similar, but it is to say, consider going digital. Information online is generally more up-to-date online than anything printed – and anything printed can be found online anyway.

1. Rely On The Smartphone For Minimalist Travel

Smartphones are extremely compact and everyone has them. One of the great things about having a phone is that it can remove the need for taking many other items. If the phone takes good enough photos, then there is no need for a proper camera. It removes the need to carry around travel guides, printed maps, and even books or a Kindle. Take a photo of the passport and the immigration stamp and leave the passport in the hotel. Phones can also supplant compasses – GPS can be a lifesaver out in the woods (although be aware of the limitations of a phone). From the point of view of minimalist traveling, this is a good thing.