Navigating Spain in Your 20s
Planning your first international trip with your partner can feel daunting, especially when it’s to Spain. But trust me, the mix of excitement, adventure, and the occasional “why didn’t we plan this better?” moment made for an unforgettable week.
The Influencer-Approved Itinerary
I’ll be the first to admit it: This trip wouldn’t have been half as magical without the help of travel influencers. They don’t get the credit they deserve, but I relied on them for everything, from food recommendations to hidden gems we wouldn’t have found otherwise.
In Madrid, Maddy in Madrid was my go-to for all food spots. Thanks to her, we devoured Asian-style tapas at Kitchen 154 and tried Squid Ink Croquettes at Taberna La Indigna (yes, we got squid ink on our clothes, and no, we still don’t know how to get it out).
Over in Barcelona, In Between Pictures helped us navigate a city bursting with history, art, and breathtaking views. We spent our days hopping between Gaudí’s masterpieces—Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Park Güell, and, of course, the Sagrada Família. Each stop felt like stepping into a dreamscape of color, curves, and light, proving why Gaudí’s influence remains unmatched. (Scroll down for home decor inspiration based on his designs, because yes, we’re bringing some of that magic home.)
One of the most memorable experiences was The Paella Club, where we took a hands-on cooking class to learn the secrets of authentic paella. With fresh ingredients, expert guidance, and a glass of Cava in hand, we cooked up one of the best meals of our trip. Not only did we leave with full stomachs, but we also brought home some incredible saffron and spice blends to recreate the flavors back home.
The Unplanned Adventure in Zaragoza
Even with all the planning, we found ourselves in Zaragoza with no itinerary, no influencer recs, and no idea what to do. But sometimes, that’s when the best experiences happen.
We stumbled upon the city’s first-ever Festival de Luce (Festival of Lights), completely surrounded by locals soaking in the street performances and stunning light displays. The night ended at El Meli del Tubo, where we had the best meal on our trip. Lessons learned? Leave room for spontaneity; it might just lead to your favorite memories.
The Power of Community: Our Friends Who Made It Happen
One of the best parts of this trip was how much our friends helped make it memorable. From sharing their recommendations to helping us with logistics, their insight made our experience richer and more seamless. Whether it was a local tip about the best markets or an introduction to a must-visit hidden spot (Bunkers del Carmel is a must-visit in Barcelona), we felt the power of community guiding us throughout our journey. It’s a reminder that travel is more than just the places you visit; it’s about the people who help shape those experiences.
What We Brought Home
Of course, we didn't leave Spain empty-handed. Here are a few of our favorite finds:
Logan picked up a handmade denim apron from Bramby Supply Co., perfect for all of our future cooking experiments.
While we didn’t dare risk traveling with fragile wax, we found Paddywax Candle Shop back home to recreate the warm, colorful vibe of the shops we loved in Spain.
Spices from The Paella Club, including the best saffron deal of our lives ($12!). If you’re in Barcelona, book the cooking class—it’s an experience in itself.
Bringing Spain Home: Inspired by Gaudí
Now that we're back, we're in full-on post-trip nostalgia mode. But we’ve found ways to bring little pieces of Spain home:
The breathtaking light filtering through the Sagrada Família’s stained glass windows left us in awe. Inspired by this, we're excited to immerse ourselves in stained glass art by participating in local workshops offered by studios like Little Glass Art. Through these hands-on experiences, we aim to recreate that magical interplay of light and color in our home.
Inspired by the intricate mosaics at Park Güell, we’re incorporating similar colorful tiles into our home decor. Think coasters, tabletops, and even framed tile art. To source materials, we’re turning to ReCreative Denver, a local nonprofit dedicated to sustainability and supporting the arts. They offer reclaimed and donated art supplies, making it easy to find unique pieces while giving new life to materials that might otherwise go to waste.
Looking Ahead
This trip was just the beginning. If Spain taught us anything, it’s that beauty, design, and community go hand in hand, values we’re bringing into everything we do at The Lavender District. Whether it’s through intentional home choices, sustainable finds, or future travels, we’re excited to keep exploring and sharing what we learn along the way.
Until the next adventure!
