Our Blog
Welcome to the Sapphire Blue Travel Blog library. Check our blogs on travel, relationship, faith and a combination of the lot. We hope the contents here will inspire you and your spouse to travel brilliantly through life and travel.
MSC World Europa Ship Tour
A Comprehensive Walkthrough of MSC World Europa's Dining, Entertainment & Cabin MSC World Europa is one of the most modern ships in the MSC fleet. It offers a blend of luxury, entertainment, and eco-friendly innovations. Whether you're looking for a relaxing...
A Relaxing Monday in Tarragona
When you think of a day trip from Barcelona, Tarragona might not be the first name that comes to mind. But sometimes, the best experiences are the ones that don’t go to plan. That was precisely the case when we headed to Tarragona on a quiet Monday, expecting Roman ruins but discovering something even better: a peaceful, picturesque city full of charm, history, and surprise highlights. We changed our itinerary, and I forgot to check that Tarrafgona was open, but all the Roman ruin sites are closed on Monday. We think it was the best mistake and made for a great day.
A Winter Escape on MSC World Europa
We cruised on the MSC World Europa in early February 2025, sailing the Mediterranean from Barcelona with stops in Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta. In this blog, we share our experience staying in an Infinite Ocean View Cabin, what it’s like to cruise the Med in winter, and tips we learned along the way as a couple travelling from Australia.
The Ultimate Travel Accessories List
Pack Smarter. Travel Easier. Packing for a trip can feel overwhelming, but having the right accessories takes the stress out of the process. Whether you're heading off on a weekend city break, a long-haul adventure, or a cruise, these travel essentials will help you...
Gaud۪̉s Barcelona: Top Sites to Visit and What You Need to Know
On our recent trip to Barcelona, we immersed ourselves in Antoni Gaudi's Barcelona, one of the most renowned architects in history. GaudÃ’s unique and imaginative style defines much of the city, and we were excited to visit several of his most famous works. Here’s a...
A Relaxing Montjuïc Walk: Castle, Views & Hidden Gems in Barcelona
Montjuïc is one of Barcelona’s most beautiful and historic areas, offering breathtaking views, lush gardens, and cultural landmarks. We spent an afternoon wandering through its diverse attractions, from the historic Montjuïc Castle to the tranquil gardens and scenic overlooks. Whether you’re drawn to history, nature, or panoramic cityscapes, Montjuïc provides a relaxing yet enriching experience.
Exploring Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter: A Relaxing Walk to Beat Jetlag
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is the heart of Barcelona, full of narrow, winding streets, medieval architecture, and a deep sense of history. During our visit in early February, this leisurely walk was the perfect way to combat jetlag while discovering one of the...
Exploring Barcelona in Winter
Exploring Barcelona in Winter: GaudÃ, the Gothic Quarter & Easy Day Trips, Top Attractions, Travel Tips, & Romantic Ideas for Couples Over 50 We recently explored Barcelona in winter, visiting iconic landmarks and stunning Gaudà architecture and taking two...
Packing for a Winter Mediterranean Trip: What’s in Our Bags?
Packing light has been an interesting adventure, but we are determined to make it work for us. Packing for a Winter Mediterranean Trip is no different; in this article, we share what we packed for a two-week trip to Barcelona, including a 7-night Med cruise in February. Our last attempt at packing for winter saw us go up a bag size; let’s see What’s in Our Bags for this trip. Check out this blog for our European winter packing list and lessons learned.
Essential Travel Apps for Stress-Free Travel
The Ultimate Guide to Travel Apps Simplify Your Journey Travelling as a couple over 50 is an exciting way to explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories. However, the planning and logistics of travel can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's where...
Our 32 day European White Christmas Market Itinerary
We spent thirty-four days exploring eleven cities and twenty-three Christmas markets across Europe. From Vienna’s famous Rathausplatz market to celebrating a medieval White Christmas in Tallinn, this was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with snow, mulled wine,...
We visited 9 Vienna Christmas Markets in three days
When you Google Christmas Markets in Vienna, you will find over 20 locations for Christmas Markets, some famous, and others will give you a more local feel. So, how do you decide where to go, how many to squeeze in, and whether you want to explore the city as well? It can get overwhelming, but by taking a moment to determine your priorities, you can devise a fantastic itinerary that suits you and your travel desires. There are a few Markets that are famous and often easy to visit, but with over 20 locations, you don’t have to stick to the big, well-known markets; you can seek a more local experience.