5 Things to do in Nerja Spain!

 Treasures of Traveling in Nerja

Nerja is a beautiful and charming coastal beach town located along Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol that has kept its traditional charm with its narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. Nerja is well known for its spectacular coastline between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of the Sierras de Tejeda. If you are visiting Andalucia, the region of southern Spain, there are many cities like Granada, Sevilla and Cordoba that are filled with historical wonders, but Nerja’s coast will draw you in to relax for a few days under the Andalucian sun. It’s located between the larger cities of Granada and Malaga and Sevilla isn’t that far away. Nerja isn’t just a beach resort town and actually has many other things to offer, other than beaches. Read more about the five things to do in Nerja on the Treasures of Traveling website.

-- Luke Keeler    

Exploring Nerja’s Balcón de Europa!

 

If you plan to visit Nerja, the main focal point of this beautiful coastal town is the Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe). It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Nerja, where you can just wander along the palm-lined broadwalk to the large circular plaza at the end. This plaza is extremely popular for both locals and tourists to be seen and meet up with friends. It has a nice pedestrian plaza area with stores, restaurants and cafes. While visiting Balcón de Europa, I suggest stopping and ordering an ice cream from a gelateria as this Mediterranean hot spot just begs you to savor some gelato while enjoying the views from one of the many benches overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. One of the main reasons this viewing terrace is so popular with visitors is because of it’s balcony over the rocky cliff that has wonderful views of the Nerja coastline in both directions. You can view many of Nerja’s popular beaches, the Mediterranean Sea that stretches for miles and the rugged mountains of the Sierra de Almijara that surround this lively Mediterranean town along Spain’s famous Costa del Sol. Read more about the Balcón de Europa in Nerja on the Treasures of Traveling website. 

-- Luke Keeler 

Visiting Andorra la Vella!

 

Treasures of Traveling in Andorra

Have you heard of Andorra before? If you don’t live in Europe, most likely you haven’t heard of this small landlocked country located between Spain and France in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains of the Iberian Peninsula. Andorra is the sixth smallest nation in Europe and 11th smallest county in the world if you are looking specifically at its population. Otherwise, it’s the 16th smallest country in the world based on its land mass. It might have a small population, but is a huge tourist destination for millions of people throughout the year. Tourists flock to Andorra for its winter sports which include multiple ski resorts to its abundance of summer time activities like hiking and mountain biking opportunities that abound in all corners of this tiny country. I can’t forget to mention this country’s stunning natural beauty! Every direction you turn there is a beautiful view of mountain peaks to small towns and villages tucked into the valleys.

There are many wonderful treasures of traveling to visit in Andorra. From museums and churches in the capital city of Andorra la Vella, to spectacular views of endless mountain ranges, there is a tremendous amount of exploring to do throughout this tiny country so start exploring by visiting the Treasures Of Traveling website to learn more about Andorra. 

-- Luke Keeler 

10 Things to Visit on top of the Rock of Monaco!

 

Monaco is the second smallest county in the world and if you exclude the Vatican City, Monaco is the smallest country in the world! It’s famously known for the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, its casinos and tax free status. It’s a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the French Riviera, also known as le Cote d’Azur with many other famous beach towns like Nice and Cannes, located right next door in France. Monaco is a small principality headed by the Prince of Monaco and it’s an extremely affluent spot along the French Riviera. Monaco has a lot of things going for it. From the warm climate to the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean Sea, along with the natural beauty of the mountains and the multiple gardens located throughout the city, it is a beautiful place to visit! It is tiny because the whole area of Monaco is only two square kilometers. That’s really small, but there’s actually a lot of things to see and do while visiting Monaco. Check out the 10 things to visit on top of the Rock of Monaco!

-- Luke Keeler

10 Things to Experience in Nice, France!

 

Treasures of Traveling in Nice

The south of France is known for its many beaches along the French Riviera, also known as le Cote d’Azur and Nice is just one of the many cities that stand out. It’s a great place to visit because of the beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. It also has many cultural attractions like Nice’s Carnival as it’s one of the largest Carnival celebrations in the world. Since Nice is located along the Mediterranean sea, it has a mild climate year round and perfect for relaxing on the beach from May to October. The boulevards are lined with palm trees and tropical flowers giving visitors the perspective of being in paradise. Nice has beaches, delicious restaurants, amazing views and a wonderful culture. Nice is just one of the many treasures of traveling throughout the French Riviera so check out these 10 things to experience in Nice, France. 

-- Luke Keeler

End Racism Now!

The mural "End Racism Now" painted in yellow, along W Martin Street in downtown Raleigh.  Photo by Luke Keeler

Ending Racism in Raleigh, North Carolina, the United States and the World!

We must end racism and be anti racist! So many people think we ended racism during the civil rights movement, but that’s not true. We still have a lot of systemic racism built into so many of society's institutions. We have a lot of work to do to turn these injustices around. If you are white, it’s imperative you have conversations with other white people! They might be difficult conversations to have, especially if the other person has a different viewpoint, but we all have to do something. Whether it’s a face to face conversation or just on social media, dialogue must continue to occur. Everybody needs to vote for candidates that will help change laws that will help benefit everyone and not just a select few. We need politicians to help change laws so there can be true equality because Black Lives Matter. 

I wrote the following in response to a long back and forth discussion to an individual on Facebook about their beliefs of the confederate monuments and flag and police reform in our country and how their talking points of all lives matter and black on black crime just deflect the underlying issue.

To read the response, please visit the End Racism Now post on Treasures of Traveling website. 

-- Luke Keeler

15 Places to Visit on a Walking Tour of Cannes, France!

15 Places to Visit on a Walking Tour of Cannes France!

The south of France is known for its many beaches along the French Riviera and Cannes is just one of the many cities that stand out. It’s a great place to visit because of the beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. It also has many cultural attractions like the international Cannes Film Festival that takes place once a year in May. Since it is located along the Mediterranean sea, it has a mild climate year round and perfect for relaxing on the beach from May to October. The boulevards are lined with palm trees and tropical flowers giving visitors the perspective of being in paradise. Cannes has a reputation of glamour with the number of famous and wealthy people who frequently visit the city. From private beaches to luxury yachts, along with expensive hotels and great tasting restaurants, Cannes is just one of the many treasures of traveling throughout the French Riviera. Read about the 15 places to visit on a walking tour of Cannes, France. 

-- Luke Keeler

4 Great Day Trips From Madrid!

4 Great Day Trips From Madrid!

Madrid has so much to see and do and is a great starting point on anyone’s trip to Spain, but there are so many other great day trips you can make that are close to Madrid as well. After spending a few days in Madrid you might want to escape the city for a day or two and explore a few other medieval cities around the central part of Spain. Madrid is just bustling with activity at all times, during the day and especially at night. Madrid has something for everyone, so take a look at the top 14 places to visit in Madrid and then check out these four great day trips from Madrid!

--Luke Keeler

8 Places to Visit on a Walking Tour of Toledo!

8 Places to Visit on a Walking Tour of Toledo!

Treasures of Traveling in Toledo!  

Toledo is a wonderful Spanish city to visit full of culture, history and treasures of traveling. Toledo is located only 45 miles south west of Madrid so it makes it a wonderful day trip if you happen to be visiting the capital of Spain. Toledo is the capital of Castilla-la-Mancha and is an ancient Spanish city that is full of interesting things to discover due to its history of the co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures within the city. Toledo is one of the many cities of Spain with stunning treasures of traveling to see and explore while visiting such a charming city. Everything in Toledo is within walking distance, which makes it easy to discover most of the city. The historic center is small and dense so you will have the best experience of the city by exploring it on foot. Walking tours are one of my favorite ways to discover a new city. Here are 8 places to visit on a walking tour of Toledo! 

-- Luke Keeler

16 Places to Visit on a Walking Tour of Segovia!

16 places to visit on a walking tour of Segovia! 

Segovia is a wonderful Spanish city to visit full of culture, history and treasures of traveling. Segovia is located in north western central Spain, in the autonomous region of Castile and Leon. Segovia has many famous landmarks from the Roman Aqueduct that runs through the city, to the Segovia Cathedral and el Alcázar de Segovia; three places you can’t miss if you are visiting this Spanish city. The Roman Aqueduct and the Alcazar of Segovia have been added as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but even more interesting, is that the entire old city of Segovia was added as a UNESCO site in 1985. Segovia is one of the many cities of Spain filled with stunning treasures of traveling to see and explore! Everything in Segovia is within walking distance, which makes it easy to discover most of the city. Walking tours are one of my favorite ways to discover a new city. Here are 16 places to visit on a walking tour of Segovia. 

-- Luke Keeler

Exploring the Alcazar of Segovia!

Exploring the Alcazar of Segovia!

Segovia is a wonderful Spanish city to visit full of culture, history and treasures of traveling. Segovia is located in north western central Spain, in the autonomous region of Castile and Leon. Segovia has many famous landmarks from the Roman Aqueduct that runs through the city, to the Segovia Cathedral and el Alcázar de Segovia. The Alcazar of Segovia is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but was also one of the European castles that inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. It is one of the many stunning treasures of traveling to see in the charming Spanish city of Segovia. 

Read more about the Alcazar of Segovia on the Treasures of Traveling website!

-- Luke Keeler

Top 14 Places to Visit in Madrid, Spain!

Top 14 places to visit in Madrid!

Madrid is the capital city of Spain and is full of treasures to explore. It is central to the entire country and is the seat of the central government. It is filled with grand boulevards full of shopping and restaurants. 

There are world famous parks like El Retiro, where you can relax and watch people enjoying themselves away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Madrid has world famous museums filled with European art, like the Reina Sofía and the Prado Museum showcasing works by Goya and Velázquez, just to name a few. 

Last, but not least, I can’t forget about the Royal Palace and the many famous city plazas filled with art and street performers. Madrid is just bustling with activity at all times, during the day and especially at night. Take a look at the top 14 places to visit in Madrid on the Treasures of Traveling website.

  — Luke Keeler