2020 was a critical year for the travel and hospitality industry, with an unprecedented fall of international tourism. However, with the rolling of vaccine programs, there is new hope that we will soon travel again. It might be very different from what we have done so far, but now is the time to explore 6 trends to rethink tourism in 2021.

The tourist sector is already coming up with creative solutions to survive and thrive in 2021. Additionally, the thirst for travel is more than alive. We are all dreaming about the places we want to visit when it will be safe to do so.

This idea is backed by data. In a survey of over 5,800 travelers by Travel Pulse, 61% feel hopeful about travel in 2021, of whom 83% will take two or more domestic trips, and 44% plan for two or more international getaways.

No one can predict the future, but for this blog post, we have relied on the experts’ opinion. Furthermore, we have looked at how countries are taking the lead to shape the future of tourism.

6 trends to rethink tourism in 2021

1. Long Trips

A recent Amadeus survey found that 55% of travelers said they would travel for 14 days or more, and 60% are now expecting to take only a few trips a year – which suggest that if people travel, they may want to do that for a prolonged time.

Of course, this will lead to radical changes in the tourism and hospitality industry. As we have seen in the last year, generous last-minute cancellation and refund policies are becoming the norm and will continue to be in the foreseeable future. At the same time, it is expected that travel providers will double their efforts in ensuring an unforgettable experience for travelers.

2. Nomadic travels

Digital nomads are remote workers who choose to travel from everywhere in the world. For some, this a real-lifestyle that allows combining work with their passion for exploring new places. During COVID-19 times, there are more digital nomads than ever (find data), so it is unsurprisingly that some countries are already announcing special Visa for digital nomads.

For example, Antigua and Barbuda are reviving the tourism industry that has characterized the islands for years by offering a long-stay visa program, entitled “Nomad Digital Residence” (NDR). Safety, fast connection, and astonishing landscapes are the keywords used by Antigua and Barbuda to effectively promote the country during COVID-19 times.

3. Domestic travels

The majority of countries in the world still have some travel restrictions in place. Moreover, not everyone can or want to become a digital nomad. For this reason, domestic travel is already becoming the norm everywhere in Europe.

Data released by Eurostat show that “after a drop of 93% in April 2020 compared with the same month of the previous year, by July 2020, domestic tourism in the EU almost returned to the level of the previous year”.

4. Reunion travels

It is safe to say that reunion travel will certainly become the trend for 2021. Just think that according to the latest Municipal Register of Inhabitants of January 1st 2019, one out of five Barcelona residents is of foreign nationality. With these numbers, we are sure many people will opt to visit their home countries once it is safe to do so (or at least, it is what we are planning to do 😉).

5. VR travels

When travel restrictions were first imposed, it seemed like the end of the tourism industry. However, travel magazines, tour operators, and museums have turned the pandemic into an opportunity. Through virtual reality, the tourism industry offers people a creative way of escaping the routine of lockdown.

For example, Globetrotter VR offers virtual tours in different locations in the world. The company relies on professional tour guides to accompany virtual travelers from the streets of Barcelona to safari in Africa.

6. COVID-free trips

A year after the pandemic exploded, many of us are dreaming of flying away from COVID-19. Some countries and regions in the world are offering exactly this opportunity.

 For example, the Alpitour group will start experimenting with Covid-tested holidays, that will create a “safe corridor” between Italy and the Canary Islands in an attempt to revive the tourism industry of the Spanish islands. 

It is not the only initiative worldwide, as many nations are running similar schemes to impulse international tourism. New Zealanders entering Australia do not have to quarantine, as New Zealand is regarded as a low-risk COVID-19 country.

A Bright Future

As you can see, there is still untapped potential for the tourism industry. In the next months, the key to thriving will be to monitor the 6 trends to rethink tourism in 2021. Apart for that it will be fundamental to  anticipate the needs and trends of the tourism industry. 

You can do that by keeping yourself informed on the latest news and trends, or you can opt to do an MBA in International Tourism & Hospitality Management or a Postgraduate in Tourism and Hospitality Management to take your skills to the next level.

The Pursue of Happiness

If you are in a managerial position or aspiring to one, it might be useful to understand the 3 secrets to foster happiness in the workplace.

The pursue of happiness is what drives us through all the major changes in our life. Like start a new relationship or break up an old one, change city and also, find a job that makes life worth living. 

In Europe, we spend an average of 37 hours per week working, in Spain this goes up to an average of 40. So, why on earth should we be unhappy at work? Moreover, research shows two main things:

A) In a study conducted by global staffing firm Robert Half, half of the people interviewed have quit a job because of a bad boss. It is especially true for younger employees, who are less likely to keep up with a bad leader.

B) There is a strict correlation between happiness and productivity in the workplace. Workers are 13% more productive when happy. 

For every manager, company owner, etc it is then essential to learn the 3 secrets for a happy workplace. We have analyzed them for you: employee motivation, talent retention, and change management.

1) Employee Engagement

Employee engagement refers to job satisfaction, loyalty to the company, and willingness to put in extra effort to reach the company’s goals. 

It is strictly correlated to production and, as research, shows, engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave than employees with low engagement. 

After years of analysis, Deloitte has concluded that 5 main indices make the difference between an irresistible workplace and an unattractive one. Meaningful work, supportive management, a positive work environment, growth opportunity, and trust in leadership are all factors that make employees want to work in a specific company.

It is crystal clear that managers are crucial in fostering a happy work environment. For example, leaders can and should provide a sense of purpose in employees. Moreover, they can make decisions to fostering a humanistic approach to business or a flexible working environment. 

Real-life Example:

Full Contact

Full Contact is the dream workplace for many people. The firm offers to its employees $7,500 to take a “paid paid” vacation. They realized that employees were happier and more productive after a real holiday. So the only rule they have set is that it is strictly forbidden to answer calls or e-mails from work. It is a clever way to increase happiness and loyalty. After all, who would leave a company with these benefits?

2) Talent Retention

Talented workers are more efficient and usually perform better than the rest of the employees. However, they are not necessarily the most passionate nor the most loyal. 

On the contrary, research by Harvard Business Review shows that “12% of all the high potentials in the companies studied said they were actively searching for a new job”.

Managers have the power and responsibility to create programs and implement actions to retain high-potential employees. At first glance, one might think that talent want great rewards like a higher salary or different benefits to be satisfied with their job.

On the contrary, according to McKinsey talented workers are looking forward to three main things: great leaders to empower them, a company with a great culture, and a job with an impact. To retain high-potential employees it is then necessary to work on strengthening the three areas mentioned above and not just promise something that is not realistic.

Real-life Example:

Shell

Shell has one of the best programs for retaining talent. The company has focused on the professional growth of high potential employees. It has appointed career stewards to take care of the professional journey of employees. As reported in the Harvard Business Review: “The stewards meet regularly with emerging leaders to help them set realistic career expectations, and make sure they’re getting the right development opportunities”. It is also the perfect chance to assess their level of engagement and understand which changes should be made.

3) Change Management

Managers and executives play a fundamental role in managing employees through a smooth transition. It is fundamental to communicate clearly, hire people specialized in leading transformations, and define goals to lead changes without scaring employees. 

The majority of people are very wary of changes. Just imagine that 62% of employees don’t like stepping out of their comfort zone. 

Nevertheless, changes are inevitable, especially in today’s fast-pacing world. People should consider changes as an opportunity to implement positive transformations in the workplace rather than a negative thing. 

For example, COVID-19 has shown that it is possible to rethink how we work without losing productivity. Companies are now experimenting with different solutions of smart-working that can combine the positive aspects of an office environment with the benefits of working remotely. Flexibility, new technological tools, and virtual moments to exchange ideas are essential for an effective transition to the “new normal”.

Real-life Example:

British Airways

When Jhon King was appointed chairperson of British Airways in 1981, the company was facing a crisis. It was highly inefficient, and precious resources were lost. King used his communication and leadership skills to prepare employees through changes. He eliminated unprofitable routes, bought modern jets, and hired a new management team to foster a customer-oriented culture within the company.

What’s Next?

Remember, employee motivation, talent retention, and change management are the 3 secrets to foster happiness in the workplace. 

A happy workplace will, in turn, increase productivity. When people work in an healthy and meaningful environment, they become loyal to the company. In other words, they will give the best of themselves and will rarely leave the organization. 

We have provided you with the basics, but if you are interested in mastering the skill of fostering happiness in the workplace, you should have a look at our MBA in Leadership and Talent Management or our Postgraduate in Talent Management and Leadership.

We all know the fantastic adventures that led to world-changing innovations. However, we often forget the women in STEM who changed our world.

In occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is celebrated every year on February 11th, we have dedicated this post to the amazing women in STEM who changed our world. We have told their story, and we have also made a list of movies that will inspire you.

We hope it will be another step forward in closing the gender gap by showing everyone how much women in STEM have played a crucial role in the way we live. To girls and women who are reading this post: the sky is the limit for you.

4 Women in STEM who Changed our World

Marie Curie (1867- 1934)

Physicist and chemist

She is one of the most famous scientists in the world, and her story represents the challenges women have faced to become respected in a male-predominant world. Born in Poland in 1867, she studied at Sorbonne University in Paris, where she met her husband Pierre Curie. The two worked together for the sake of human development. They discovered two new elements, polonium and radium. For this, they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903. She then received a second Nobel Prize, in Chemistry, in 1911 and played a crucial role in the development of X-rays in surgery. During World War One, Curie herself drove ambulances to the front lines. Despite her undeniable contribution to science, she faced opposition from male scientists and never received significant financial benefits from her work.

Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000)

The Inventor of WiFi

Hedy Lamarr was the mind behind WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth, as told in the documentary on her life called ‘Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story.’ Despite her exceptional mind, she was most famous for her career as an actress. The US Navy used her invention during the Second World War, but it then suggested to Ms. Lamarr to contribute to war efforts to cheer the spirit of soldiers as a pin-up rather than as an inventor. She didn’t get the recognition she deserved during her life. Nevertheless, things would be very different for billions of people if she had never been an inventor. Hedy Lamarr once said “The brains of people are more interesting than the looks I think”, and we couldn’t agree more.

Wangari Maathai (1940-2011)

Social, environmental, and political activist

Wangari Maathai fought all her life against stereotypes on gender roles. She was the first woman in East or Central Africa to earn a doctorate. Dr. Maathai was particularly interested in the intersectionality between women’s rights, human rights, and environmental rights. She envisioned a future in which people, particularly women, could be the main actors to fight climate change. For this goal, she founded the pioneering Green Belt Movement in 1977, which encourages women to plant trees to combat environmental degradation. As reported by UNESCO, the Green Belt Movement has planted over 50 million trees. In 2004, she was the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as a reward for her lifetime work in defense of the planet and women’s rights.

Tiera Guinn (1995-present)

Engineer

Tiera Guinn is among the most brilliant engineers on the planet. She studied at MIT, and even before graduating in aeronautics and astronautics, she was already working at BOEING and NASA. In 2016, she started working at the Space Launch Systems program, the most powerful rocket ever made, with the capacity to go into the deeper part of space. Ms. Guinn learned at a young age the power of believing in herself. As she said in a fascinating interview for Glassdoor: “I realized that I had to believe in myself and open my own doors before anyone could open a door for or believe in me.” Even though we are living in 2020, Tiera Guinn still represents a minority in the STEM world. She is the youngest person and the only woman working in the engine team at the Space Launch System program.

In case you are thirsty for knowledge, you can discover more about women in STEM who have shaped the world. In the next section, we have made a list of some of our favorite movies on the topic.

Movies to Watch on Women in STEM

Hidden Figures

The movie tells the story of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three African American STEM geniuses who worked at NASA during the Space Race. However, it was not easy to work in segregated America and, despite their skills, they were being constantly discriminated against for being black and women. Nevertheless, they never gave up. With perseverance, wit, and irony, Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson showed what women could accomplish if they were only given a chance. Hidden Figures has inspired extraordinary women like Tiera Guinn to pursue a career in STEM.

Code Girl

The documentary shows a different approach to the tech world to reduce the gender gap in STEM. Code Girl follows the story of young women who are competing in Technovation, a mobile app contest. To win the final prize of $10K, young girls from all over the world will have to fix problems affecting their communities like violence or waste management through apps. It is stimulating to see them mastering coding skills and apply them to create a positive impact in their communities. Moreover, the hidden purpose of Code Girl is to inspire everyone to code. They even offer free coding lessons for girls and boys on their website.

Black Panther

The character of Shuri is already a source of inspiration for the next generation of women in STEM. Shuri is the young mastermind behind the technological evolution of the utopic world of Wakanda. As noted by Madeline Buxton in this article, what impresses most of Shuri, is her intelligence and confidence in her skills. She leads the scene while she shows her latest inventions and how they work.

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

History is full of extraordinary women who contributed to the advancement of technology as we know it. In this post, we have recollected the stories of Women in STEM who changed our world, but there are remarkable women in every sector of society.

If you are looking for more inspiration, you should read or listen to Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. It is very refreshing to discover the real stories of mathematicians, aviators, journalists, and so on, who changed the world with their brains and stubbornness to not be defined by gender expectations.

Which woman has inspired you that we have not mentioned in “Women in STEM who Changed our World”?

We are looking forward to your answers in the comment section.

If you are an international student that has just arrived in Barcelona, you might wonder which apps you should download to enjoy your new home to the fullest. We have written “Top 5 apps for international students in Barcelona” to help you.

Here, you will find some of the apps that our staff at BEBS uses almost every day. Moreover, we have selected some of the most relevant events for business-mind people like you.

Before we present the apps we have chosen for you, there are a few things that you should know. First, all the apps that we have selected were created by start-ups that were founded right here in Barcelona. As you might know, Barcelona is a thriving city in Europe for start-ups: by the end of 2018, there were 1.197 start-ups just in Barcelona.

Second, when it comes to business events, there are few cities like Barcelona. Every day there are events for entrepreneurial minds. If you are an international student at BEBS Barcelona Executive Business School, you should check the 2 Business events you can not miss in Barcelona at the end of the blog post.

Top 5 Apps to download for international students living in Barcelona:

From food to finding the perfect flatmates, we have covered everything you might need during your time in Barcelona.

Badi

Let’s start with the basics: finding a shared flat. Looking for flatmates or a home can be a real nightmare. However, Badi will help you through this process. It is a hybrid between the characteristics of a dating app and a classical housing app, making it easier for Badi’s users to understand if they could be a good match as flatmates. You are lucky that Badi was created here because it is extremely popular in Barcelona. In other words, it will be easy to find other international students to share the flat and new experiences.

Glovo

Imagine this: you just come back from a busy day at BEBS, and you are too tired to cook your dinner. What could you do? Well, relax, sit on the sofa and check with your friends what you can order from Glovo. The app allows you to filter the food by categories (Thai, Italian, Indian, and so on), by proximity, rating, and delivery fee. Through Glovo, you can also order the grocery, medicines, or videogames.

Xceed

You already found a flat to share with other international students, sometimes you order all together a pizza from Glovo. There is just one thing left: find interesting activities to enjoy Barcelona to the fullest. Xceed is the answer to your problems. Even during Covid-19 times, the platform is rich with cultural events across the city. Moreover, it recommends you which bars you can not absolutely miss and discos you should check once they will open again.

Meetup

It is the only exception to our rules of apps created in Barcelona. However, the list would not be complete without this app. It is similar to Xceed, but Meetup will help you meet other international students and expats like you. It is a good option for networking. Several start-ups and co-working spaces publish their events on this app. There is so much offer that we are sure you will find some relevant activity from a personal or professional point of view.

Wallapop

Your experience abroad has come to an end, or maybe you are just changing flat, and you want to get rid of a table or other items. This app is the solution for you. Wallapop is the leading start-up for selling and buying second-hand items. From bicycles to I-phones there is no limit to what you can find in this app. It is very easy to use, and it counts on thousands of users in Barcelona.

Now that you have downloaded the top 5 apps for international students in Barcelona, it’s time to expand your network.

Have a look at the 2 Business events you can not miss in Barcelona

1) The Mobile World Congress (MWC):

It is THE world’s most influential exhibition for the connectivity industry. This year, it will be held from the 28th of June to the 1st of July, 2021. As you can read from their website: “In 2019, up to 2,400 exhibitors, 8,000 CEOs and 59% of the industries’ most important decision-makers gathered here”.

2) EU-startups summit:

From the 29th to the 30th of April 2021, Barcelona hosts the EU-startups summit. The event gathers start-up enthusiasts and founders, companies, and media from across Europe. The summit aims at inspiring entrepreneurs and investors, fostering collaboration and international partnerships.

To stay updated on the latest news in Barcelona, make sure to regularly check websites like Barcinno and Itnig. Here you will find all the most relevant start-up events happening in the city. It can be the perfect occasion to expand your international network and develop new ideas.

Want to know more?

If you are curious about the story behind these apps and their respective start-ups you can not miss our next e-book. We will talk about what makes Barcelona a thriving innovation hub. Furthermore, we will share with you the 8 Start-ups and 3 co-working spaces to watch in 2021.

You can download the e-book for free by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn in the next weeks.

And in case you are still adapting to your new life in Barcelona, you can read our blog post “must-know things before coming to study  in Barcelona”

What does the future of Africa look like?

In “The Future of Africa: Sustainable Development and Innovation” we will have a closer look at two of the most important trends that will shape the economic future of Africa: sustainable industrialization and digital innovation.

We want to mark with you the Africa Industrialization Day 2020, and to celebrate the extraordinary improvements that have taken place in the African continent in the last years.

But first of all…. What is the Africa Industrialization Day?

Observed for the first time on November 20, 1990, it was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of Africa’s industrialization to enhance the socio-economic development of the continent. Since then, each year has focused on a specific topic related to industrialization in Africa.

– On the road to the future of Africa: Sustainable Development & Industrialization

In the past 20 years, the African continent has seen a stark improvement concerning its economic growth. Once associated with poverty and conflict, it is currently home to 5 of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world. Moreover, it is characterized by rapid urbanization growth. Just imagine that by 2050, 56% of its population will live in cities.

However, economic growth means very little if it does not benefit society as a whole. Now it is the perfect time to impulse an inclusive and sustainable industrialization process. It helps to foster social stability, new economic opportunities, and development for all of its citizens.

Especially with the ongoing climate crisis, the future of industrialization looks green, and several African countries have already understood that.

For example, the world’s largest solar farm is located in Morocco, and many experts agree with the fact that African governments will reach prosperity and establish themselves as a superpower on the global market by becoming climate leaders.

But sustainable development initiatives are not limited to the North of Africa: South Africa, Mauritius, and Seychelles are leading the way to the development of innovative blue economy initiatives, with Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya following the lead. Moreover, different projects in the area of renewable energy, bio-ethanol production, green agro-industrial value chains, and the creation of eco-industrial parks have proliferated in many African countries.

-On the road to the future of Africa: Digital innovation

But the future of Africa is not related only to industrialization. According to an article published by the World Economic Forum, Africa is undergoing an outstanding digital revolution process. In 2019, there were already 442 tech hubs in the continent. South Africa (59), Nigeria (55), and Kenya (30) were leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In particular, with its fast-growing digital ecosystem, Kenya has already conquered a spot on the global map of digital innovation. You can check this article for examples of different projects that will show you that the sky is the limit for the digital revolution of this country. You will find projects as training in technology and entrepreneurship for women from a poor economic background.

In this environment characterized by a fast-growing use of digital innovation, top African start-ups will play a crucial role in creating some of the 18 million jobs needed by 2035 to absorb the youth force entering the job market every year.

To sum up

There is still a long road ahead, but the future of the African continent looks promising. Only a sustainable and innovative approach to industrialization will make sure African countries can reach their full potential.

We hope you found our new article “The Future of Africa: Sustainable Development and Innovation” interesting. You can join us in celebrating the #AfricaIndustrializationDay by checking all the initiatives we have planned for today. We have invited one of our students to share his opinion on the future of Africa. For more info, check our social media channels Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Everyone knows Barcelona! Some people visited the city as a tourist before and others know it from the movie “Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona”. However, very few people know all the tips for living in Barcelona.

So, if you are already on your way to study here for one year, there are things you must know about this beautiful place.

1. Let’s start with culture. First, you MUST know and get USED to it, that from now you are obliged to kiss everyone twice on cheeks instead of just saying “hi” and shaking hands. Yes, you got me right! To kiss everyone, twice, on the cheeks!

This must be understood correctly. People that are living in Barcelona are always happy to see each others so you need to respect this unwritten rule and obey the destiny. I understand that for people from different cultures this can be not that comfortable, but believe me, the hardest will be in the first days, then you are going to like it so much that people in your country will be worried about you when you visit them on you holidays! You just literally will be kissing everyone!

2. Let’s continue with food. If you are meeting locals, yo need to know what is “El Vermut”. It takes place before lunch, and during weekends it is very common to see friends drinking Vermut (typical beverage) and eating some “tapas” with it. Tapas are a small portion of any kind of Spanish food. They are delicious!

3. Languages! Be aware of the fact that in Barcelona, as well as in the rest of Catalonia, there are 2 official languages, Spanish and Catalan. All Catalan people are Bilingual!

4. Accommodation. I know how you feel about this big step and what you are thinking about it.

So, first of all, calm down and do not panic. It won’t help you. Believe me, I have checked!

One of the most important question which makes you stay hungry and causes insomnia is the accommodation question.

However, instead of dropping your hands and changing your mind let’s try to read this tip for living in Barcelona.

You must know that Barcelona is a small city and if you are trying to find anything closer to the school, consider that from the farthest side of the city to BEBS will take maximum 50 minutes of commuting. So it is not a big deal, since the transportation system works really very well and you will always find a way to get home at any time during the day (and night 🙂 Thanks to Google maps and night buses).

But let us divide Barcelona into areas:

Yes, you are right! The blue part on the bottom of the image is the sea, you are going to spend there a lot of time, no doubts.

Ciutat Vella

This is the down-town with the Plaça Catalunya, el Born, el Gotic , El Raval, Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera and La Barceloneta .

All of this is the old city, beautiful, crowded and busy, yet with an authentic character thanks to its unique architecture, cafes, restaurants, churches and shops.

L’Eixample

In English “The expansion district”. It’s the borough where the famous Sagrada Familia is. Also, other important buildings are there, such as La Casa Batlló y La Casa Milà/ La Pedrera. The district was designed by Ildefonso Cerdá during the 19th century. During that period, the movement Modernism was in its peakest time, and that is the reason why a lot of buildings in that area have beautiful modernist façades. It’s a must visit and a very nice place to live. The prices can be relatively higher depending on the specific areas.

Sants-Montjuic

This district has the Montjuic Mountain, a big park in which there are a lot of things from the Barcelona Olympics that took place in 1992. The main stadium is there, but also the “Barcelona pavilion”, a building designed by Ludwing Mies Van Der Rohe for the 1929 International Exhibition.

Sants is a very important place for you if you have a wanderlust soul because the main station is there. From Sants Station you can go to a lot of European cities by train 😉

Les Corts

Not a crowded place, but one of the most important buildings is here, at least if you are a soccer fun. Yes, you guessed it! The home stadium of FC Barcelona is there. Its name is the Camp Nou, and last year its museum was the most visited museum in Barcelona.

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

Originally it was a village, and a century ago it became part of Barcelona. Nowadays It’s the wealthiest district and still retains a unique atmosphere with its houses with garden, narrow streets and the main square with old people sitting on a bench feeding pigeons. Mainly reminds as a residential area.

Gràcia

This Borough is well-known by young people in Barcelona. Bohemians traditionally have chosen this place to live. It’s full of life, artists, art spaces and special boutiques. Also, its buildings are special because their façades are colourful and it is common to see windows with pots full of flowers. The district is full of beautiful cafés where a famous person can be sitting next to you.

Horta-Ginardó

It’s mainly a residential district, and there is a labyrinth. Yes, as the one in Alice in Wonderland. Its name is Labyrinth Park of Horta. If you decide to visit it, don’t forget your ball of yarn to make sure you don’t get lost 🙂

Nou Barris

Its name means “Nine neighbourhoods”, and it is located in the North of the city. This Borough is known for its multicultural population. This means there are a lot of restaurants with food from all over the world. Going through its main street is a great experience, it is like visiting different countries at the same time.

Sant Andreu

During your time in Barcelona, sooner or later, you’ll hear about the shopping mall “La Maquinista”. This shopping mall is in Sant Andreu. But, obviously, the district has many more things to offer, such as its churches. There are many of them because Sant Andreu used to be a village before joining to Barcelona, and all of the villages around Spain have at least one church, because until last century Spain used to be a very religious country. These churches are beautiful, and if you have time, they are worthy of paying a visit.

Sant Martí

This district has more than one beach, so it is a must visit because it is not so overcrowded as La Barceloneta. Also, it has the “Glòries tower”, mostly known as the “Agbar tower”, one of the symbols of the Barcelona of these days. If you want to have the feeling of living close to the sea without living in a big city, this is your quarter!

Once we have understood these 10 districts, we are almost done 🙂

Now, it’s time to do some research online. With patience, you’ll find a good flat. We advise you to make some calls or send Whatsapp messages instead of writing emails because it takes longer to have a response, and I must admit that it sounds crazy, but I’ve lost more than one flat because of waiting for an email from the owner. In Barcelona, the difference between renting or not is a matter of hours. Most flats are not advertised for more than a 3-5 days because there is a big demand. So, whatever you decide to do, don’t hesitate, do it!

5. Last but not least, let’s speak about the public transport.

It is our final tip for living in Barcelona. It works very well, and there is plenty of possibilities to go to every part of the city. In Barcelona there are underground, buses and trams. There is a common ticket for all of them, and if you are not going outside of Barcelona, tickets for Zone 1 are perfect for you, it will even get out to the suburbs of Barcelona!

There are 6 main fares, you can consult all the relevant information on the TMB website

T-Jove: If you are under 25 years old, you are lucky because you can buy a 90 days pass with unlimited journeys. It’s and individual non-transferable travel card. This is the most affordable option, but sadly not all of us are under 25. So, for the rest of adults there are different options.

T-trimestre: the same as the T-Jove, but at a higher price.

T-mes: it’s the same as the T-trimestre, but with a 1 month duration.

T-50/30: this option is to do 50 journeys within a month, it is valid for one person.

T-70/30: this option includes 70 journeys within a month. It differentiates from the last one because it includes more journeys and can be used by more than one person.

T-10: If you are not a commuter, this is your best option. It includes 10 journeys, and more than one person can use them. Also, you can use it for more than a month.

If you want to use the public transport, you follow a healthy lifestyle and/or you are concerned about the climate change, there are bikes. Their name is “Bicing”, and it has electric bikes and non-electrical ones. The fares are different and it is the most affordable option. It’s a nice way to travel because you can discover the city meanwhile you are on your way to your destination. Plus, you are doing some exercise.

Now, with all these tips for living in Barcelona, you are almost ready to live here. You might want to read our blog post “Top 5 Apps for International Students in Barcelona” to live your new life to the fullest.