GET APPY!

I thought I would share the most useful apps I found whilst travelling, excusing the obvious social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Skype and the MUST HAVE essential apps like Google Maps, Banking apps etc.  

1. Hostelworld

Those of you who have kept up to date with my posts so far will have seen that I am a massive champion of this app. For those of you who are less familiar, Hostelworld is a site in which you can search for hostels by location, check in date and guest number. The results then show the price (which can be edited to be different currencies) but also reviews about the hostel. This therefore allows you to collate and contrast. Furthermore, directions are often provided by hostel world. If you are going interrailing or travelling in general this is a must have app. You can always use the website version of this if you only have computer access. Let's not forget- it's free so you have nothing to lose! 

2. Booking.com

For when Hostelworld is not providing you with what you want. I would recommend this specifically for Italy hostels/hotels because the selection on Hostelworld is poor and often has bad reviews. It works in pretty much the same way as Hostelworld and there is a website version also if you should ever need it. 

3. RailPlanner 

This is a must have if you are planning on going interrailing! Basically the rail planner app allows you to search for trains and will present to you routes and has the option to select trains that do not need a reservation. The best thing about this app is that you can use this when you don't have wifi! As well as being able to check trains you can keep up to date with your journey and be able to work out if you are running late. Moreover, there are good extras like what the interrail pass offers you have in each country, country facts and city maps. Again this app is free! 

Downsides to the app are that they update it monthly so often if you have not updated the app the times may be slightly out. 

4. XE Currency 

This app simply allows you to compare currencies but it is so helpful especially in Europe when you are constantly changing currencies as you go east. Plus, you can check that you are paying the right price when you are paying for hostels when you arrive etc. it is also helpful before you go because if you are taking money out for the initial few days of your trip so you know you are taking out enough etc. 

5. World Mate 

This app allows you to keep all your boarding passes, hostel reservations, currency converters, tip calculators and all things holiday related in one place. It is basically a digital holiday notebook and allows you to stay organised throughout your trip without having to worry about needing pieces of paper etc! It even has tips for local restaurants although I did not use this option!

6. Trip Advisor

Although, dubious about including this I would recommend downloading Trip Advisor because it always shows the best sites to go and see and has reviews and advice everywhere. 

HOWEVER, be cautious of reviews because many people only review if they have had a bad experience rather than a good one. I am guilty of not publicising good reviews so always remember when looking at the reviews...what is important to you and whether the author of the comment is being pedantic especially where restaurants are concerned. So although helpful, do not forget that this is completely reliant on personal taste so take advice with a pinch of salt! 

7. Evernote

This app is a real help with essentially making lists so is perfect for packing and planning your trips. There are also there are good features which allow you to keep PDFs on there so if you have boarding cards, schedules or documents you need to hand and this is all accessible without wifi!  Furthermore, you can sync this up from your phone to your iPad, kindle etc. This means that you could not only link up your own devices but also the person/people you are travelling with as well! 

The Beautiful Buenos Aires

 Free Walking Tour 

If you have been following my blog since Europe you will be well aware of my love for walking tours. It's the best way to see the sites and also to get a grasp of your surroundings without getting lost! The tour starts at 3 every day from the National Congress. You are greeted by your guides who were so kind and friendly to us and the rest of the tour group. From National Congress you get to see several of the famous sites of Buenos Aires including Florida Street, the Obelisk, the Evita Mural amongst many more. You also recieve advise from a local which in my opinion is priceless. Our tour guide even recommended us to go to the grand Cafe Tontoni. 

Cafe Tontoni 

As I mentioned before, our tour guide recommended this cafe. It is the oldest cafe in Buenos Aires and the furnishings are still as grand as they ever were. It reminds me of Betty's Tea Rooms if you have ever  paid them a visit- if not, you definitely need to go! We were advised that whilst good for afternoon tea etc,to not have a full meal here. We indulged in churros and hot chocolate and I very much enjoyed myself! 

Tango Night 

Going to a Tango night in Buenos Aires is a must. We had this included in our pass but if you are staying at either of the Millhouse Hostels they also sell tickets for the same evening. If not ask at your hostel.  The ticket includes transport, lesson, show and three course dinner and an open bar. Our night was hosted at Complejo Tango. If you have a choice, definitely opt to do the lesson first as you don't want to be trying to do the tango on a full stomach! 

The lesson is fun and the teacher is great. It's a good social activity and it's surprisingly not awkward. All in all a great start to the evening. 

Moving on to the dinner, there is a menu in which you can pick from. I opted for an empanada, steak and finally a brownie. The food was excellent and so was the wine, definitely worth the price. You are then treated to a Tango Show, the dancers and singer are phenomenal. 

Beijing 

We had really been fancying a Chinese and had been informed that Palermo offers a good selection of Asian restaurants. Beijing has lovely decor and attentive service. We ordered prawn chow mien and sweet and sour chicken with egg fried rice. Portions here are very generous, so I would advise ordering one dish for two. Although, they did allow us to take away meals, free of charge. It's a little bit pricey but it is definitely worth it. 

San Telmo Markets 

These markets are infamous in Buenos Aires. This market is only open on a Subday. It is worth a visit but I would recommend not bringing a bag because pick pocketing is common and ruthless. They weren't the best markets that I have ever visited but the experience and atmosphere makes it worthwhile.

Parque de 3 Febrero 

Without a beach, when it gets too sunny, the perfect thing to do is go and have a picnic in the park. There is a large pond in which you can rent pedalos. You can also get ice cream, drinks, water and even candy floss from sellers nearby. The perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon!

La Cabrera 

This was possibly the best meal that I had whilst in South America. It was just phenomenal. 

Despite being open for several years, this restaurant is still bustling as if it was its opening week. We went at lunch time and had to wait for a table....but believe me it is worth the wait! Service here is excellent, the waiters and waitresses make a real effort to engage in conversation and give you hints and tips for Buenos Aires in general. 

Now on to the food. We ordered a steak and sweet potato to share. I can honestly say it was one of the best steaks I have ever had in my life. The Argentinians simply just understand steak. It was cooked to perfection and at the price we paid for it, it felt like a steal!

It would not be a trip to Buenos Aires without experiencing the night life. Although, club entry can be abit pricey, it us definitely worth it. I would definitely recommend checking out Club 69. You will be treated to a show in the club! A crazy experience to say the least. 

Love Imogen xoxo 

Buenos Aires Hostel Review Part 1

CIRCUS HOSTEL

When we tried to look for hostels we found it difficult to find hostels which had availability for the whole of our stay in Buenos Aires. This actually worked out quite well for us because we couldn't decide whether to stay in Palermo or San Telmo so this way we could stay in both.

Facilities 

Circus hostel had a pool, which despite being small was great to chill around when it was really hot in the day because when it's hot in Buenos Aires, oh my is it hot. There is also a 24 hour reception and you have to be buzzed in to the hostel to get in. Aswell as the outside area, there is also an inside area with tables, sofas and to to relax in at all times. There is a bar and they sell beer, crisps, wine and water although quite over priced. They allow you to print here for free aswell so if you need to print boarding passes, bus tickets etc it is no problem. Unfortunately, there is no kitchen here so you have to eat out regardless of whether you want to or not. 

The wifi here is sometimes really good and sometimes poor which we found annoying whilst trying to look for other hostels. The worse thing is, when wifi is bad so is the internet connection on the computer. 

Breakfast 

Breakfast here was quite good; fruit wise there were apples, pears and bananas. They also offered bread, croissants, an assortments of pastries and spreads including dulche de leche, cheese cream spread aswell as juice and different teas. Be careful at breakfast though as one man had his phone stolen and although he got it back it just highlights you need to be cautious. 

Showers/Toilets 

The ensuite we had was good, with a separate shower and toilet. It was cleaned daily and was kept at a high standard of cleanliness. The shower had both good pressure and temperature. 

Staff 

The staff here are friendly and helpful. They helped us with directions and they took the chance to get to know us. They can speak both English and Spanish so there's no need to worry in case your Spanish is a bit rusty. 

Value for Money 

We paid just £10 per night here and I would say it's worth it! The rooms are cleaned daily and the breakfast is of a good quality.

Dorms 

The room were nice, although not overly big. They were quite modern and there was also air con. There was a lack of plugs in the room so charging Electicals was a bit of a pain. Lockers were provided that were of a very decent size. 

The dorms are cleaned daily and beds made every day also. I would recommend leaving items on your bed as without it its unclear that your bed is your own as you are not assigned beds. 

Location 

This hostel was in San Telmo which is close to most of the tourist attractions. The hostel was quite a way from the bus station although it could be reached quite easily by public transport. As we found out taxis can be quite expensive to if you can try to just get public transport. It is close to subways to get to Palermo and a half an hour walk from national congress where one of the walking tours start. There is a supermarket down the road aswell. 

OVERALL

I enjoyed my time at the hostel, it has a really nice swimming pool and common areas, the rooms are nice and it's of a decent price. 

Imogen xoxo

Buenos Aires Hostel Review Part 2

ON THE ROAD HOSTEL

So seeing as Circus was in San Telmo, we decided to try Palermo. I warn you that if you are planning on staying in Buenos Aires on a weekend, book in advance. We booked this hostel on the Wednesday for the Saturday and there was not a lot of choice. 

Facilities 

On the Road had a nice rooftop terrace and chill out area upstairs, as well as a common area downstairs. There is a 24 hour reception but you have to wait for someone to physically let you in rather than being buzzed in. Don't be worried if you can't find the place either- most of the hostels in Palermo do not draw attention to themselves for security and tax reasons. There is not a printer here so if you need to print off tickets you will need to go elsewhere. 

Wifi is pretty good here, they have two points to cater for up and downstairs. 

Breakfast 

Breakfast here is not great. It is just bread which can be toasted, jam, dulche de leche and boiled eggs. There is a grapefruit cordial on offer. Honestly this is one of the poorest breakfasts we had throughout our stay. 

Showers/Toilets 

There are only two shower/toilets in this hot place so you will find yourself waiting. The showers themselves do have good pressure and temperature though. 

Staff 

The staff are great but also not at the same time. Nothing is too much for them, they will advise you about what to do in the city, give directions and even offer free walking and cycling tours. However, the turn around of staff is quick therefore they do not necessarily have an in depth knowledge of the city e.g one member of staff was unsure of where the nearest bank was. Furthermore, when we booked our taxi to the airport we found out the next day that it had not been booked. Although this was rectified, I would advise that you double check that taxis etc are booked. 

Value for Money 

We paid £12 per night here, a bit more expensive than planned but that's the price you pay for not pre-booking a room in Palermo at the weekends. 

Dorms 

The room was nice and of a decent size.the lockers were of an awkward shape, leading to us squashing our bags to ensure all our belongings fit. There were not many plugs in the room but there was plugs just outside the room. I didn't see our room get cleaned once whilst we were there. 

Location 

Located in the popular area of Palermo Hollywood, it is close to the metro station, the best restaurants, bars and clubs in the city. Also, within walking distance from Parque 3 de Febrero. 

OVERALL

The hostel was okay, the lack of bathrooms does affect the hostel but the staff do make up for this although if you need an airport transfer do not be afraid to check where it is. I would recommend a few days but not a prolonged stay here. 

Imogen xoxo