So all of the anticipation is finally over and I’m bound for Madrid and Valencia, Spain with Tile of Spain from Feb 8 – 15th! It’s going to be a fun and eventful trip for me as I’m an Associate Architect by trade and so this architectural trip in Spain is like a dream come true!

If you didn’t meet the Editors headed to Spain take a look at the editors here and meet the Passport to Creativity contest winners here.

If you didn’t see who is joining me in Spain take a look at the editors here and meet the Passport to Creativity contest winners here.

Watch the video for the Cevisama Tile Show we will visit while there.

Video–> Cevisama Tile Show

You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and Pinterest for all of the latest events, trends and happenings.  Follow the #TileofSpain hashtag to follow everyone attending too!

Traveling may have become cumbersome to you if you’re only anticipating long lines and layovers. Instead of worrying about the time spent on waiting to reach your destination – how about making the experience more pleasurable?  You do have the option to be productive when traveling.

When you travel for a business or pleasure, you have to take every minute of your time as productive as possible. This should take you away from boredom or any dull moment. Spending your time wisely while traveling is a great practice. Here are some helpful ideas on how to be productive while traveling:

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• Search for the best seat available

Finding the best seat means finding comfort. Needless to say, you can’t be productive with anything or at anywhere without being in a comfortable situation. And what better way to gain comfort is by having a nice seat. Nowadays, you can easily reserve a great seat through online booking.

• Purchase the things you need ahead

Whether you’re flying, sailing or by any means of transport, anything you buy inside the craft or vessel is always higher than its retail price. This is understandable. Besides, you don’t have any other choice than the in-store offer. The good thing is that you have the option to buy everything ahead. Make sure you have packed everything you need for traveling.

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• Consider lounges

This may sound expensive but think about the perks. When you’re in a lounge, you have free food, internet connection, comfortable couch and ample working space. It’s definitely the ideal place for people who wanted to relax and be productive. You can be sure that it’s not crowded and noisy.

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These are just some of the helpful ideas on how to be productive while traveling. Consider them seriously for your next travel and be productive.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

What is worse than traveling around from country to country and having to lug all of your bags around behind you? Not only the things you originally packed but also the trinkets and souvenirs you pick up along the way can turn into a lot of luggage quickly. Most people aren’t aware of this, but international shipping can really benefit your travel experience.

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No lugging your luggage

You won’t be bothered by broken wheeling suitcases and backpacks weighing you down. Just box it up and ship it to your location. Apple LTD recommends using powerful tapes like stretchable or duct tape when packaging up your shipment so they aren’t tampered with or shift while moving. If you are traveling, ship it home so it’ll be there when you arrive.

Don’t worry about customs.

Without the extra baggage customs will be a breeze. Just handle your paper work and walk on through. The same goes for all of the security check points in airports. With only a small carryon, security won’t hold you up at all.

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No lost luggage by airlines.

Besides flying, what is everyone’s biggest fear when traveling? Losing their luggage. This happens frequently when checking bags and switching airlines during travel. By shipping, this fear is gone. Shipments move from point A to point B and in most cases are track-able so you know exactly when and where your things are at all times.

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No baggage claim.

The dreaded baggage claim; waiting for the men and women behind the scenes to load the conveyor belts made to spit out the luggage from your flight that landed hours ago. All of this wasted time can be avoided and you can get out and explore your destination as soon as you land.

Of course international shipping might not always be the best option when traveling depending on duration of trip, how far you are going and how much stuff you are bringing, but it can save a lot of time and effort when it is.

For more travel tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Summer is the time when we start daydreaming at work about hitting the hottest beach spots or traveling to the national parks for a thrilling vacation. However, as we wake up, we realize that we need to start saving up for that summer vacation to happen. Even though it is a great way to spend quality time with our loved ones, the reality is, summer vacation can lead to a financial drain, if unplanned. So, we point you these easy cost cutting methods to get the most out of your next trip.

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Be flexible when planning summer vacation

Being flexible with your travel plans is the best way to save money during summer trips. Due to the cutthroat competition, many travel companies offer discounted last minute deals. You never know who is going to come up with the next awesome deal, so keep your alerts activated. Moreover, being spontaneous about your travel dates and destinations can be really exciting.

Package deals are always available

Going for package deals is a smart way to beat skyrocketing airfares. Online travel portals can help you find discounted deals if you book your hotel and flight together. That’s because they lock airfares well in advance, so they can easily offer lower prices.

Do your research on exchange rates

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Bagging a good deal on airfares and accommodation is just half the battle, you will also spend on food, shopping, and, entertainment while travelling. If you end up getting higher exchange rates, your summer vacation can turn up to be a serious investment. So, when planning your trip do take the currency difference into consideration. Always try to exchange cash at your bank as they offer wholesale rates and avoid using airport exchange counters or withdrawing cash with your credit cards.

Pack light

If you are unable to bag a good deal or being flexible is not an option, at least you can avoid the hefty baggage fees. When booking for air tickets, choose your airlines wisely. There are few airlines like Southwest that offers two free checked bags, whereas, some offer one or none. The prices for checked bags vary from $25 to $100. So, pack light or consider shipping your luggage if you must carry overweight or oversized bags.

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While planning ahead of time is always a great way to save money especially when travelling during the summer season, these tips will help you take a relaxing vacation without overburdening your wallet.

For more traveling ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Over the years, various travel lists have been complied to document the most wonderful and awe-inspiring constructions around the globe. While, someone who is hungry for travel and experience would want to witness and explore all the wonders of the world-natural, ancient, manmade, we have created a list of three wonders of the modern world that are a must have on every traveler’s bucket list.

Christ Redeemer: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Located at the top of Corcovada Mountain, this statue of Jesus stands approximately 38 meters in height and is considered to be one of the tallest sculptures of the world. It was created by a French sculptor Paul Landowski and designed by a Brazilian designer Heitor da Silva Costa. Today it is one of the most widely recognized monuments that symbolize the warmth of the Brazilian people and Christ’s love for all.

To see the Redeemer up close, you can travel by car or a 20-minute train ride. If it may interest you to get to the foot of the statue, you will have to climb more than 200 steps at the rails’ end.

The Great Wall of China

Image via: Keith Roper

Snaking its way through various landscapes, The Great wall of China is disputed as the only man-made structure visible from space. Myth or not, it is certainly a modern marvel and rightfully sits amid the other wonders of the world. This enduring symbol of the Chinese civilization was built as a defensive structure to protect the country against invaders from the north. It is believed to be made of several separate structures and offers a breathtaking view of the countryside.

Taj Mahal, India

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An enduring Indian icon, Taj Mahal is an elegant monument built by a Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan to honor the memory of his beloved wife. This mausoleum has exquisite carvings and is regarded as a perfect jewel of Muslim art. Every detail of the Taj is absorbing- walled gardens, elaborate designs on semi-precious stones, and, the reflecting pool. It is believed that 20,000 artisans and laborers who created this beautiful memorial had their hands amputated to ensure the uniqueness of the Taj Mahal.

A visit to any of these incredible sights is truly a lifetime experience! Chosen democratically by more than 100 million voters, these wonders of the modern world are certainly unparalleled man-made structures.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you are planning a vacation, then Bali just has to be one of the places you should be considering! Bali is also known as Island of the Gods! It is a small island which is part of Indonesiaand a former colony of the Dutch Since its independence in 1949, Bali has experienced turbulence in political conflict and many challenges, and it was only until the 1980s that some form of political balance grew on the island.

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Ngurah Rai International Airport is your best option to enter the island by air, while you can always head on by boat from Java. Bali is a tropical island, so expect it to be really hot. Between December to March is the wettest season and you should really avoid this season. June to September is the coolest time on the island and is the best time to visit.

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Kuta is a good place to enjoy your first day. This is the most developed part of the island. The beach front is the best place to relax after a traveling to Bali. The beach is also known as a surfing paradise and if you have are a first timer, no worries; there are plenty of classes to learn surfing. There are also many, many spas in Kuta to enjoy a relaxing massage. Try Villa de Daun, Reborn and Cozy – these are some of the popular ones.

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If you are searching for the cultural center of the Island, then head to Ubud. You will find many Hindu structures around town. Gunung Kawi is temple where you will find a burial ground of a former King and beautiful rock cut architectures. You can spend a whole day Ubud’s Sacred Monkey forest where you will find a variety of Macaque monkeys and plenty of ancient temple structures hidden in the forest. If you have time and a whim for cooking, drop by Janet de Neefe, a restaurant that offers introductory classes for the island’s cuisine – this is one of my favourites. On the outskirts of the town, a walk through the paddy fields will prove relaxing. If you are searching for something adventurous, there is a variety of rafting, kayaking and mountain cycling that can be done.

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And finally, there is no better way to escape the world than by making a trip to Lembongan Island. You will find this paradise on the south-east coast of Bali. This island is completely devoid of any hawkers, traffic or crowd. You will discover the white sandy beaches and be tempted to go snorkeling all day long! If you are taking a stroll on the south-east part of the island, prepare to be pleasantly surprised when you discover seaweed farms. There are a few temple structures that you can check out.

Legian is another beach town where you can practice your surfing skills. If you are tired of the slow life of the island, you can hit one of the many nightclubs in town.

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Bali culture is derived from Hinduism, but it is very distinct from what you may see in India. This distinctiveness has bought out a unique mythology you will discover in the ancient structures. Often, you will find offerings of leaf trays called canang sari filled with goodies and incenses. It is best not to stamp on them since it is believed that it brings bad luck. The island has its own music and dance, so watch out for Barong (lion dance) or Kecak (monkey dance). If you arrive during March or April you may catch, Nyepi, or the Hindu New Year which is great festival to enjoy.

If you are a seafood lover, you will love Bali! You must try out the nasi goreng (fried rice), nasi campur (steamed rice with various vegetables and meats), and mie goreng (fried noodles).

While you may be able to travel through Bali in a single day, the tiny island has enough to keep you occupied even if you stayed on for months! Amed, Kintaman and Mount Agung are places that you can also check out if you’re staying for long.

If you are looking for a world away from the world, Bali is the place for you.  Fall in love with it like I did!

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

A wine tour is not just about tasting wines, it’s about enjoying the whole experience of your travel. You get to learn about the history of the vineyards and the stories behind the labels. Whether you hire a guide or brave a wine tour on your own, these tips will help you make the most of your experience.

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Limit your vineyard visits

Visit no more than 3-4 wineries a day. Lingering around allows you to really savor the wines and understand what’s happening at every location. Rushing through the wineries will only take away from the experience. To get the most out of your wine tasting tour, consider visiting the vineyards during the off-season or midweek.

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Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water between tasting different wines. Staying hydrated will help you to avoid hangovers and keep your palate clean. Also, to save yourself from intoxication, make sure to eat small portions of food along the way.

Avoid fragrances

Take it easy on smell goods when going for a wine tasting tour, as smell is an important aspect of how you perceive a wine. So, avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, or, any other beauty products that contain fragrances.

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Say no to mouth fresheners

Stay away from chewing mints or gums during a wine tour. These items can significantly affect the taste of the wine, and generally in a negative way.

Ask questions

Winemakers love to talk about their wines and seek opportunity to discuss about it. Ask questions about the founders or the making process. Every question will surely proffer some valuable information. Learning during a wine tour is the best way to get the most out of your wine. Taking notes is a great way to keep a reference of your experience.

Designated driver

Even though wine tastes are small, they add up over the day. So, choose a designated driver or consider hiring a cab. It’s likely that you will consume much more than the legal limit. Be sure to follow the respective state laws in this regard.

Whether you are a wine aficionado or someone who is new to wine, these simple tips will help you take a wine tasting tour that you will surely remember for years to come.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Prague-historical pearl of Europe has its own unique charm and is one of the most beautiful cities across the globe. It is a perfect blend of ancient and modern, and romantic and successful. The city is fancied for its magical atmosphere, great cuisines, monuments, and, rich culture. If you are planning to take a walk in its tiny little medieval streets, you might want to check if your trip will coincide with most talked about Prague’s annual events. Here is the selection of events that can enrich and enliven your stay in Prague.

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Prague Beer Festival

Since 2008, Prague’s annual beer festival has gained much popularity throughout the world. It takes place every year in May and stretches for about two weeks. Here you get to taste more than 70 brands of Czech beer, served by 200 boys and girls in national costumes. Specialties of top chefs and live music add on to the fun. The festival has its own uniform currency called beer Tolar. You can use it to pay for tents, food, and, drinks.

Prague Easter Festival

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Easter is a very special time in Prague. Those who visit the city during Easter can look forward to enjoying its special customs and atmosphere. This holiday tradition can be traced back to pre-Christian, pagan times. The festival is followed by Easter markets that run from mid March to first week of April. Beautiful wooden huts offer a variety of handcrafted items such as, metal wares, candles, embroidered cloths, crystals, and, more. Brightly colored hand painted Easter eggs are quite common. Moreover, you can satisfy your taste buds with traditional food of Prague like large hams roasted on spits and Czech pastries ‘Trdelnik.’ Not to forget the stunning performances by dancers and folk groups.

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Prague International Jazz Festival

One of the oldest of its kind across Europe, The International Jazz Festival in Prague is much more than an average music event. It takes place every year in autumn and includes everything from traditional to Brazilian samba, classic, funky, acid-jazz, music with African roots, and much more. Since its inception in 1964, it has been attracting many international jazz players. So, if you happen to be in Prague around October, don’t forget to jazz it up!

Prague has events at all times, for all tastes. Once you have figured out what’s in store for you, it will be difficult for you to stay back home.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Spain is the fifth largest country in Europe. It is the home of Palacio Real or Royal Palace, La Concha, Aqueduct of Segovia, Cuenca, El Escorial, Sagrada Familia, Alhambra, Mezquita of Cordoba and many other beautiful attractions. These are marvelous places where tourists find reasons to keep coming back.

Travelling in Spain is indeed fun and exciting. But there are people who are hesitant to travel due to a tight budget. This shouldn’t happen and must not hinder you from going to Spain. All you have to do is to have a budget breakdown. This is an effective strategy to keep you on track with your itinerary without messing your budget.

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Here’s how to travel Spain on a tight budget.

Have a detailed itinerary

Detailed itinerary means writing down everything you necessary like what to see, things to buy and food to eat. These activities should have a budget range for you to spend. The cost is in a range because prices are not fixed. This will give you an idea on how much money you need in a certain place.

Know where and how you can get a discount

Transportation costs a lot in any travel. But you have to know that you can get transportation discount when you’re familiar with buying transport card especially in Spain. All you have to do is to know exactly where you’re going. There are also hotels that offer discounts with free breakfast.

Identify the attractions with fees

There are some places that you can go for free. However, if it has an entrance free, you have to deal with it. When you are aware of the fees, you will not worry about being stunned by the cost. You can also evaluate ahead if it’s all worth every penny.

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So, pack your things and get ready to explore the beautiful country of Spain.  Don’t forget to have your budget breakdown!

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Hampi, India maybe a small town, but you will find that a day is not enough to spend in your travel there. The land of Hampi holds the past of the ancient Vijaynagar Empire. Located in Karnataka, Hampi is 353 km away from Bangalore, the IT capital of India. There are only two routes to arrive in Hampi. One is by road, the other is you take a train to Hospet, a small railway station and from there head by road to Hampi. What you will find at Hampi is a tale of an ancient empire, pieced together by temples, palaces, ancient structures, stones, more stones and hills filled with stones, leaving you feeling eerie and wanting more. You will want to spend at least three to four days to see all that this ancient town has to offer.

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There are many temples to visit such as Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple and Krishna Temple. The Vittala temple is dedicated to Vittala, a Hindu God. It has a large campus which has many halls and shrines. The pillars in the halls have vivid carvings. A stone chariot pulled by elephants, welcomes you at the entrance of the main temple. Listen for the musical pillars at the main temple which resonate with different sounds when tapped. If you hire a guide, ask him to play a tune for you!

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The Virupaksha Temple is the located near the Tungabhadra’s riverside in Hampi. This is considered as one of the oldest active temples in India. It is a tapering structure filled with delicate carvings on the stone. Each carving tells a historical or mythological tale. Krishna Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was built by a king after his victorious campaign in Orissa and many of the carvings of the temple depict his battles.

If you are a history buff you will love the Royal Enclosure. This is where you will find the Royal Palace of the yesteryears’ royalty of Hampi. You will find Mahanavami Dibba, the platform from which the Kings used to sit. From Mahanavami Dibba, you will get overview of the whole Royal Enclosure. The waterworks’ structures and underground temples are worth a check. The Zeena enclosure – a structure that was restricted for royal women, the Lotus Palace – home to the royal ladies, the Queen’s Bath – the Queen’s private swimming pool, the Hazara Rama Temple – the private temple for the King and the elephant stables will transport you back in time

And if all the stone and granite is too much stone for you, you can take a break by visiting Daroji Bear Sanctuary. 15km away from Hampi, this sanctuary is dedicated for the protection of sloth bears. In addition to that, leopards, hyena, jackals, wild boars, porcupine and more wildlife can be found. The sanctuary has a special watch position from which you can spot animals.

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The Gagan Mahal, or Old Palace as it is known, is one of oldest Palace of the Kings of Hampi. It is small and for most it may not impress. However, what is interesting is that not far from there, in a little hut in one of the nearby gullies and lanes, lives the last of Hampi royalty. Before leaving, don’t forget to drop by Hampi Bazaar where you can pick up miniature sculptures.

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The first historical settlement in Hampi is known to date back to 1BCE. It is an amazing fact that so many structures still remain. Yet many of them are in ruins. If you will climb up any of the hills, you will find the landscape littered with stones, all of them ruins of old buildings, a shadow of the once flourishing empire. These are some of the structures that you must see, yet there are so many more. Just head on over there, and discover it for yourself.

For more travel destinations  on Stagetecture, click here.