By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, compiled and reported by Li Xinyi
Despite the ruthless impact of the European debt crisis, Spain—once the maritime powerhouse of the 16th century—still draws crowds of tourists. Whether you've been to Spain or not, there's now a chance to experience a free journey to this captivating country. Starting today, European travel expert Golden Field Travel Agency and European Language Consulting are hosting an essay contest titled “My Dream Spain,” with submissions due by June 25. The first-place winner will receive a breathtaking 9-day Spain tour sponsored by Trafalgar Travel.
Gaudí’s Casa Batlló features an extraordinary undulating stained-glass window in the living room that makes a striking impression. (Photo provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Due to the Arab invasion of Spain in the 7th century, which initiated 800 years of rule, a key aspect that sets Spain apart from other European cultures is its Islamic influence. Zhang Shiyi, marketing manager at Golden Field Travel Agency, notes that visiting Spain offers a unique opportunity to observe how Islamic and Christian cultures manifest in architectural art. Additionally, Spain boasts one of the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, and it has nurtured artistic masters such as Picasso, Miró, and Dalí, as well as the architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, whose seven “works” are listed as World Heritage Sites—each drawing fans from around the world every year. Currently, besides joining group tours, independent travel is also quite common in Spain. But travelers need to do their homework before the trip. For those who prefer not to join a group but don’t want to bother with preparation, they might consider “international unique travel” packages arranged by travel agencies—for example, Contiki tours designed exclusively for young people aged 18–35, or Trafalgar Travel, which emphasizes depth, diversity, local perspectives, meeting friends from around the world, exploring hidden spots, and even staying with local families.
One of Gaudí’s renowned works—Sagrada Família—has been under construction for over a century and still remains unfinished. (Photo provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Lei Xinyi, manager of European Language Consulting Co., Ltd., states that Spanish is currently the second most spoken language in the world, with 500 million people across 21 countries using it as an official language. Taiwanese students mainly choose Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Málaga, and the eastern coastal city of Valencia for Spanish language study programs in Spain. However, studying in Spain isn’t just about learning the language—the concept of “cultural immersion stays” has become a new trend in study abroad programs. In addition to language learning, students can gain deeper insights into local culture and acquire related skills. Examples include combining Spanish language study with cooking classes or flamenco dance lessons. This integrated approach of travel, learning, and skill-building is especially popular among female travelers. For more details, please visit: www.goldtravel.com.tw/spain.html.
● Further Reading: Savoring Nature and Innovation in Wine – Spain’s Ganuza Winery
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