Travel With Pau – Page 8 of 36

SAN AGUSTIN, GRAN CANARIA TRAVEL GUIDE: TOP THINGS TO DO & WHERE TO STAY

May 16, 2025 No Comments

San Agustín is the calm, grown-up cousin in Gran Canaria’s south coast family. Just a few minutes east of Playa del Inglés, it trades wild nights and party strips for peaceful walks, soft sand, and a slower pace of life. It’s the kind of place where you hear the ocean at night, and where the most stressful decision of the day is choosing between the pool or the beach.

This is a destination for people who want to do less, better. Mornings are for long breakfasts and sun loungers. Afternoons mean coastal walks, maybe a massage, and the occasional lazy sangria. And evenings? Dinner with a view, with the sound of waves in the background.

San Agustín is relaxed, quiet, and low-key — especially compared to nearby Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas. It’s popular with Scandinavian and German visitors (some of whom live here part-time), and it’s definitely not a party town. It’s about sea views, casual walks, good food, and the occasional spa day.

You won’t find big shopping streets or all-night bars. Instead, you get coastal promenades, mellow beaches, and restaurants that don’t rush you. It’s a great fit for couples, solo travellers, families and anyone who wants to avoid the chaos without being completely isolated.

VISITING SAN AGUSTIN, GRAN CANARIA: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / San Agustín is very walkable — you can get to the beach, shopping centre, and restaurants on foot. There are local buses that connect you to nearby areas like Maspalomas or Las Palmas, but if you want to properly explore Gran Canaria, renting a car is the best move. The island is small and easy to drive, so you can comfortably do day trips from here. Book your rental using DiscoverCars, the comparison site I use for all international car hires. If you’re not hiring a car but need an airport transfer, I recommend WelcomePickups — more reliable than local taxis and you can pre-book in English.

Tours / If you’re not driving or just want an easy day out, book a tour — these are the most popular and worthwhile experiences in Gran Canaria:
Catamaran Morning Cruise with Water Sports
Explore Las Palmas, Volcano & Botanical Garden Tour
Gran Canaria Highlights & Hidden Gems
Rum, Wines & Bananas Tour
Dolphin Watching Cruise

Stay / Accommodation in San Agustín is mostly mid-range, quiet, and close to the beach. These are your best options:

Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel $$
The biggest and most well-known hotel in the area, with sea views, multiple pools, and a well-rated spa. The rooftop restaurant, Gorbea, is a popular dinner spot even for non-guests. This is where I stayed and loved it!

Hotel San Agustín Beach Club $$
Corallium Beach by Lopesan Hotels $$ (Adults Only)
Don Gregory by Dunas $$ (Adults Only)
Apartamentos Buganvilla $

Eat / My top recommendations for each meal:

Dinner:
Loopys Pizzeria
Addio Mare
Ice Cream: Helamore

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Spain, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Fashion

I Tried 5 Pairs of VIVAIA Shoes—Here’s My Honest Review

April 29, 2025 1 Comment

As someone who values style and comfort in equal measure, I’m always searching for footwear that’s versatile enough for travel, city walks, workdays, and everything in between. VIVAIA is a brand that kept popping up on my radar—marketed as sustainable, elegant, and genuinely walkable. When I had the chance to try out five of their pairs, I was curious: would they live up to the hype?

I tested them over a few weeks, rotating through different styles, weather, and occasions. Here’s my honest take on each pair.

1. Izabel Round-Toe Water-Repellent Sneaker Flats

🟤 Best for: Travel days, light rain, and casual errands

If I had to crown a go-to everyday shoe, the Izabel would be in the running. It combines the easy slip-on feel of a ballet flat with the support and sole grip of a sneaker. I took these out on a drizzly morning—my feet stayed dry, and I didn’t slip once. They’re breathable, cushioned, and machine washable, which makes them a dream for travel.

Fit: True to size
Comfort: 9/10
Worth noting: Great for airports or days when weather is iffy
Style tip: Works best with joggers, jeans, or anything casual-sporty

2. Jillian Square-Toe Block Heels

🖤 Best for: Work-to-evening transitions and dressy casual outfits

I’ll admit I was skeptical about comfort when I unboxed the Jillian heels—they look elegant, with their square toe and knit finish, but heels are heels, right? Turns out, these are different. The knit upper hugs your foot without pressure, and the block heel offers stability all day long. I wore them to a long brunch-turned-gallery-day and didn’t feel the need to swap shoes once.

Fit: True to size
Comfort: 8.5/10
Style tip: Try them with wide-leg trousers or midi skirts for an elevated everyday look

3. Cristina Lace-Up Derby Flats

🪶 Best for: Smart casual days and minimalist style

The Cristina lace-ups have a cool, Oxford-meets-sneaker vibe that’s ideal for adding polish without feeling overdressed. They’re lightweight, flexible, and sharp enough to dress up a simple outfit. However, fair warning: I got them in a lighter shade and they attracted dirt faster than I expected. They’re washable, yes—but if you’re not up for that maintenance, go darker. These are the only ones of the bunch I wouldn’t buy again.

Fit: True to size
Comfort: 8/10
Worth noting: Stylish but not made for messy terrain
Style tip: Pair with tailored pants or monochrome outfits for a clean, modern aesthetic

4. Nelly Mary Jane AdaptAll Flats

🎀 Best for: Everyday wear and all-day comfort

These are a standout. The Nelly Mary Janes are made with Vivaia’s AdaptAll technology, which basically means they stretch and adapt to different foot shapes—ideal if you have bunions, wide feet, or just prefer a forgiving fit. The strap gives a cute, vintage feel, but the shoe itself is ultra-modern in comfort. I wore these for a full walking day with no socks, no blisters.

Fit: Extremely forgiving, true to size
Comfort: 9.5/10
Style tip: Looks great with socks and a flowy dress, or cropped denim for a casual French-girl vibe

5. Maville Pointed-Toe Slingbacks

✨ Best for: Dressing up without the pain

The Maville slingbacks are the most “fashion” of the bunch, but still surprisingly wearable. I was expecting them to be stiff or too narrow, but the knit upper stretches just enough, and the slingback actually stays put. I wore them out to dinner and walked a few city blocks comfortably—which I can’t say for most pointed shoes. They’re an easy way to elevate a basic outfit.

Fit: True to size
Comfort: 8.5/10
Style tip: Pair with straight-leg jeans or a midi skirt for an effortless dressy look

Final Thoughts

VIVAIA really delivered on comfort, especially for a brand that leads with sustainability and style. All five pairs felt thoughtfully designed—nothing pinched or needed breaking in, which is rare. I especially loved how lightweight and breathable they were, making them great for warmer months and travel.

If you’re looking to invest in versatile shoes that blend fashion and function (without sacrificing your feet), these are genuinely worth a try.

Thailand

BANGKOK BUCKET LIST

April 16, 2025 12 Comments

Before visiting, so many people told me they didn’t like Bangkok — too busy, too chaotic, too overwhelming. But honestly? I couldn’t disagree more. I ended up loving it. I found the city full of contrast and character: a mix of buzzing street life and peaceful temples, gritty alleys and glossy malls, ancient history and modern comforts.

I spent around four days exploring and never got bored. Bangkok has everything you’d expect from a massive city — endless cafés and restaurants (with options for every cuisine and dietary need), a vibrant nightlife, fascinating cultural spots, and shopping that ranges from luxe boutiques to wild night markets. And of course, there’s the iconic Thai charm: golden temples, cheap mango shakes, and that intoxicating energy you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are some of the best things to do while you’re in Bangkok.

VISITING BANGKOK: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / Bangkok is one of the easiest places to get to in Southeast Asia, with two major airports — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) — connecting the city to the rest of Thailand and the world. Both airports are about 30–45 minutes from the city depending on traffic (and yes, Bangkok traffic is real). You can hop on the airport rail link, grab a taxi, or book a private transfer — I always use WelcomePickups for smooth and stress-free airport arrivals. Once in the city, the BTS Skytrain and MRT are your best friends for getting around quickly, especially during rush hour. Taxis and tuk-tuks are everywhere, but make sure to agree on a price or ask for the meter. Need a ferry in Thailand? Then use Ferryhopper. Need to book various modes in Thailand? Then use 12Go Asia which allows you to book buses, and other connections such as bus + ferry or bus + plane in just one search!

Tours / There are countless tours across Krabi but these are the most popular ones:
Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market
Bangkok: Muay Thai Boxing Tickets at Rajadamnern Stadium
Bangkok: White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise free Beer
From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch
Bangkok: Hands-on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour

Stay / There are tons of hotels in Bangkok to choose from, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Bangkok, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Thailand

KRABI BUCKET LIST: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN KRABI, THAILAND

April 9, 2025 3 Comments

KRABI BUCKET LIST: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN KRABI, THAILAND — **Family Tree Hotel**

After a great time in the town of Pai in North Thailand, it was time to go explore the Andaman Sea. Krabi is one of the most visited places in Thailand due to its proximity to many of the famous islands that feature on most tourists’ Thailand itineraries. Many people visit Krabi purely as a stop-off point before heading on to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta — but I’m here to tell you that Krabi is a fantastic destination in its own right.

When I started planning my Thailand trip, I quickly realised that Krabi would make an ideal base to explore the region. With each Google search, the list of the best things to do in Krabi just kept growing — jungle treks, limestone cliffs, temples, island-hopping tours, and some of the most stunning beaches in the country.

It can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what’s worth your time and what to skip, so I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re here for a few days or a longer stay, these are the best and most unique things to do in Krabi.

VISITING KRABI: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / Krabi is easily accessible by air, land, and sea, making it a perfect gateway to the southern Thai islands. Krabi International Airport (KBV) connects to major cities in Thailand and some international hubs, with plenty of budget airlines flying in daily. From the airport, you can grab a shuttle, taxi, or private transfer to Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or your resort — most rides take 30–45 minutes. I always use WelcomePickups for airport transfers. If you’re coming from Phuket, Koh Lanta, or other nearby destinations, ferries and minivans run regularly. You can pre-book your ferry tickets here using Ferryhopper.

Tours / There are countless tours across Krabi but these are the most popular ones:
Krabi: Phi Phi & 4 Islands Sunset Boat Tour
Krabi: 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Snorkeling
Krabi: Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour
Krabi: Hong Islands Day Trip by Speedboat with Lunch

Stay / There are tons of hotels in Krabi to choose from, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:
Rayavadee $$$
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort $$
Ban Sainai Resort $$
Bluesotel Smart Krabi Aonang Beach (Adults Only) $$
Wake Up Aonang Hotel $
Family Tree Hotel $$

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Krabi, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

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