Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Advice for Spain trip including Barcelona & surrounding areas.
Page <prev 2 of 2
Jun 23, 2022 21:23:52   #
ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA
 
This may be obvious, but take plug adapters for European sockets. My wife and I stayed for a night in Barcelona coming off a cruise, and we were totally unprepared? The hotel claimed not to have any to lend!

Reply
Jun 24, 2022 07:27:11   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
azted wrote:
Yes, me too. I knew it was a problem so I kept most of my money under my shirt, and a small bill in my pocket. Sure enough I was photographing a street performer, and three young gypsies surrounded me and before I could protect my pocket, the small note was gone. They are so fast and so well organized that you cannot protect yourself, unless you have hidden pockets or a money belt!


Hidden pockets.... I have several pairs of pants that I use for such travel that have zippered pockets inside the regular front pockets and a smaller zippered pocket inside the pants. The zippers for the hidden pockets are thin and run right down the seam line so it is hard to know by looking or feeling that they are there. Still not a bad idea to leave a few small bills where they can be had so that aggressive thieves will grab it and go. Never had a problem, but have had a few close calls.

Reply
Jun 24, 2022 08:54:21   #
alphonso49uk
 
Just watch out in Barcelona......from personal experience...dont leave any bags on the backs of chairs in any bars or restaurants. Otherwise you wont have any problems

Reply
 
 
Jun 24, 2022 09:09:04   #
WarpedWeaver
 
I lived in Spain for about 5 years awhile back. All the advice given is good. I would like to add avoid letting a group of children surround and touch you. Pickpocketing starts very young here in large cities and children in groups work the tourists.

Reply
Jun 24, 2022 11:58:27   #
dbgordon8001 Loc: South Florida
 
Been to Barcelona several times. Just be aware of the pick pockets. Great sights, food and people there.

Reply
Jun 24, 2022 12:22:45   #
Tote1940 Loc: Dallas
 
Keep photos passport travel dicuments and covid vaccine in phone
Credit card info elsewhere

Reply
Jun 24, 2022 13:57:17   #
Craig Meyer Loc: Sparks, NV
 
Spain is a beautiful country, and the food is spectacular and very photogenic. Try the lamb, even if you're not a fan. Something about it in Spain makes it taste fresh and delicious.
As far as street thievery, they're pretty advanced and the above posts say. Most surprising, for me from NYC, was how young the girl practitioners are. Particularly in their Parochial School uniforms. Swarming, unzipping packs and pockets etc. Keep everything as concealed as possible, keep your head on a swivel, and alert your companion when your "head" is into the photograph. This is not the place for a very big "kit." And by that I mean no big bag. I suggest one good prime lens, for touring shots. Zoom with your feet and your crop tool. Reserve dedicated "Art" photography for the golden hours, especially sunrise when "those folk" are otherwise occupied, and have a watchdog companion.

Enjoy this fine place as much as I did.
C

Reply
 
 
Jun 24, 2022 15:04:13   #
DICK32
 
ClarkJohnson wrote:
This may be obvious, but take plug adapters for European sockets. My wife and I stayed for a night in Barcelona coming off a cruise, and we were totally unprepared? The hotel claimed not to have any to lend!


The 2 prong adapters fit European, Asian and Australian plugs. Get a European adapter and take a 6 socket plug strip so you can charge camera, cell phone and use computer at the same time.

Reply
Jun 24, 2022 16:58:11   #
hh677
 
Gaudi. Just fabulous!

Reply
Jun 24, 2022 17:58:50   #
Tote1940 Loc: Dallas
 
An extension cord some hotels have few plugs or inconvenient location
We take a couple of small rechargabke flaslights every where we go place them to light path to bath

Reply
Jul 5, 2022 06:42:52   #
classic320
 
My wife and I have had several adventures in Spain and will have yet another this Fall. Barcelona is our absolute favorite city! See if you can participate in the group dance at the cathedral, catch the fountain light show at city hall, visit the market, walk Las Rambles, etc. I have not had any problem with pick pockets but the city is known for them--keep money, passports, etc. in a money belt, and be aware of your surroundings--every large city can be rough--and enjoy!

Reply
 
 
Jul 5, 2022 09:54:03   #
Tote1940 Loc: Dallas
 
We carry photocopies of passports actually scanned and printed leaving actual passports in Hotel safe Never a problem with acceptance except when checking in Hotels they need original to scan for daily police report Be careful around ATMs prefer those behind double glass doors or in Hotels someone may be watching

Reply
Page <prev 2 of 2
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.