Weekly Check-In from Travel: 9 Essentials to Say Goodbye to September

A country that transports us to past eras, still preserving the remnants of the Silk Road in every corner, and surprising us with its hidden treasures. A land of contrasts that is now closer than ever: Uzbekistan Airways, the national airline, has direct flights from Madrid, making it even easier to marvel at its madrasahs and mosques.

What can't you miss in this destination? There are several places: Khiva, an oasis city lost in the Kyzyl Kum desert where you will be left speechless by the architectural complex of Itchan Kala, the Kalta Minor minaret, or the Mukhammed Aminkhan madrasah.

Also Bukhara, where its three markets, the madrasahs of Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan, and the Po-i-Kalyan architectural complex stand out. It's essential to delve into the Ark fortress, the oldest monument in the city.

But the epitome of beauty in this place is the stunning Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world, known as the meeting point on the Silk Road between merchants from China and Europe.

All this, and much more, in a country still unknown to the average traveler but which promises to give you an authenticity like few others. And watch out! Because it's said to be one of the friendliest countries in the world.

On September 27, the streets of the Aragonese capital will be filled with fans of the famous Star Wars saga. Zaragoza is celebrating its fifteenth Training Day, the largest European parade of the saga's characters. There will be nearly 1,000 dressed characters, 200 musicians, pre-events, and concerts in Plaza del Pilar. The '501st Legion - Spanish Garrison' is organizing this day, which will also feature sister associations, like the Rebel Legion, Mandalorians, and Astromech. No plans? We definitely will not miss it.

The new iPhone 17 arrives with improvements that make it the perfect companion for those who travel the world. The brighter and smoother display makes checking maps in the sun, reviewing airport schedules, or reading a digital guide much more comfortable. Its battery, with greater autonomy and fast charging to 50% in just 20 minutes, is essential to avoid being stranded during your journey. Furthermore, the glass reinforced with Ceramic Shield 2 adds peace of mind: it withstands impacts and scratches that can occur on any route, whether exploring a historic city or hiking in the mountains.

In terms of photography, the new camera systems with 48 MP allow you to capture spectacular landscapes, spontaneous portraits in local markets, or night videos without worrying about light. The Pro models, with their advanced telephoto lens, allow travelers to zoom in on architectural details or distant scenes without carrying a heavy camera. Even the new iPhone Air, ultra-thin and lightweight, becomes an ideal option for those traveling light but wanting top-notch technology. We can't wait any longer: we need to have one in our hands.

In September, Madrid is getting ready to transform into the ultimate plan with Villa Ahora, the grand village party reinvented by Ron Barceló. This event will host 1,000 lucky attendees who will become the first inhabitants of Villa Ahora, a fictional village that promises to be a tribute to traditional village fairs but with the unique and carefree spirit of the brand, which aims to gather music, dancing, laughter, and unforgettable reunions.

More than just a celebration, Villa Ahora is the ultimate experience for those who don't want to say goodbye to summer without collecting new memories. From a secret location in Madrid, the lucky attendees will enjoy an authentic village fair with a modern twist: in an atmosphere full of surprises designed for fun with friends. A party made for those who know that life is made of moments and that the joy of village life can also be experienced in the big city. In other words: the next time Ron Barceló will leave us all in awe.

There is no more spectacular hotel in the city of Madrid than this: the epitome of luxury, class, well-made things, and high-level gastronomy. The Four Seasons, located between Puerta del Sol and the Literary Quarter, is all that and much more. A five-star hotel featuring a four-floor wellness center, a restaurant by the award-winning chef Dani García, and an Asian-inspired restaurant, Isa, that is bound to please your palate. A place that is not just for sleeping: it is a destination in itself, where you want to linger from its imposing hall and which boasts some of the most desirable rooms and suites in the world.

A visit that is now a must. On September 25, it commemorates its 5th anniversary of opening in the heart of the city. A perfect opportunity to discover it, as they have prepared an agenda of exclusive experiences open to the public. Among them: open house days from September 25 to 28 with a guided tour of the hotel, a special edition of the Asian Journey menu from the Isa restaurant, a new version of Dani Brasserie's Sunday Brunch, or a new dessert at El Patrio commemorating the hotel's 5 years in the city.

Also, their coveted 4-floor Spa and over 1,400 square meters that, from Monday, September 22, to Friday, September 26, will open its pool to locals for 50 euros/person. A unique opportunity to enjoy the most sought-after pool in the city.

Summer bids farewell in Ibiza, and we have a preference for a part of the island that has everything we've always dreamed of when visiting the largest of the Pityuses. A relaxed area, with undulating and beautiful mountains and coves capable of bringing us to the nirvana of relaxation.

We are talking about the area of Santa Eulalia, which extends beyond its main urban center and is located just about a 20-minute drive from the city of Ibiza. There's a place that you've surely heard of that deserves your visit: Cala Llonga, a Mediterranean paradise where you would want to spend an eternal summer. It will be here, with a spectacular view of the green hills and its crystal-clear waters, where you will find Sonrojo, a restaurant that embodies pure Mediterranean essence.

It's designed for indulging in the good life: leisurely post-meal gatherings with salt on your skin, with sangrias and ice-cold beers and signature cocktails that are the perfect complement for a beach day.

The food will not disappoint: it is a place that bets on local products with dishes meant for sharing. Some must-haves include the Iberian ham croquettes with pork airbag, the bluefin tuna tartare, or the Russian shrimp salad. And definitely: you can't leave without marveling at their rice dishes or pastas, a true delight.

The Trans-Siberian is much more than a train: it is the longest railway line in the world and the backbone that connects Russia from west to east. Its route, which connects Moscow with Vladivostok, stretches over 9,000 kilometers and crosses eight time zones, linking Europe with the Far East in a journey that lasts at least seven full days. It is a genuine geographical and cultural experience, where the traveler observes how the landscape gradually changes from the golden domes of Moscow to the endless forests of Siberia, reaching the Pacific coast.

Beyond its magnitude, what makes the Trans-Siberian unique is the opportunity to glimpse the daily life of a country as vast as it is diverse. At each station, different scenes unfold: vendors offering local specialties on the platforms, families using the train as a regular mode of transportation, and international travelers drawn by the legend of this route. It is not a journey of luxury or speed, but of connection and discovery: a moving portrait of deep Russia, where each stop adds a new nuance to the experience.

Madrid again becomes the stage for one of the most recognized celebrations on the Bavarian calendar: the Paulaner Oktoberfest. Until September 21, the Gran Teatro CaixaBank Príncipe Pío transforms into a large Munich tent with hours suited for all audiences: Thursdays and Fridays from 8 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays in two sessions, at 1 PM and 8 PM. This urban plan allows locals and visitors to experience, without leaving the city, the essence of the world's most popular German festival, featuring Paulaner beer as the undisputed star.

Inside, attendees will find long shared tables, waiters dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits, and a culinary proposal that includes freshly baked pretzels, sausages, and typical German specialties. Added to this is a programming of live music with bands and DJs, stein lifting contests, and traditional games, ensuring a festive and participatory atmosphere. With this edition, Madrid not only inaugurates the Oktoberfest calendar in Spain but also establishes itself as a reference point for those seeking a different cultural and leisure experience in the heart of the capital.

The iconic sandwich from the Ham Museum, one of the best sellers in Madrid with more than 3,000 units daily, is renewed this season with completely new bread. Crunchier and with an aerated crumb, this bread is baked every morning in the brand's establishments to accompany its carefully selected ham. The goal is clear: to elevate even more the experience of a product that has transcended the culinary to become a true popular icon of the city since 1978.

Trying this new recipe is the perfect excuse to visit one of the seven Ham Museum locations in Madrid, where the sandwich is offered in different versions with up to seven types of ham, from the award-winning Tío Felipe to acorn-fed Ibericos. With prices ranging from 4 to 11 euros, it is an affordable and traditional offer that encapsulates the spirit of the house: tradition, quality, and friendliness. A must-stop for both locals and tourists wanting to savor one of the capital's most emblematic bites.