So before I announce the winner of the Barcelona Student JetPack Giveaway Contest, I am going to examine its contents minutely and share with you my thoughts:

‘Don’t Forget’ Checklist has a couple of interesting items which some of you may never even think of including in your own list. With this, apart from the basics, you will not forget to pack your contraceptive and your whistle/rape alarm. In my opinion, these are items which could be important for single (women) travelers.

The Continental Travel Adaptor Plug is designed for use in countries with European Electrical Infrastructures. If you are bringing gadgets (iPod charger, mobile phone charger) with you, this should be useful.

Travel Solutions’ Travel Money belt is your basic no frills money belt in black. It’s great for keeping your money closer to your body, away from thieves’ easy reach.

TriCircle Brass Padlock with 3 keys – good to have because you cannot really expect that all hostels have spare locks for your use. Besides, it’s safer to have one of your own. At least, you are sure that all spare keys are with you and that no one else has a copy.

Pre-paid SIM Card from Amena/Orange with starter credit. You also immediately get a phone number which your parents and friends can use to call you. It’s very useful to have, imo.

Several Maps and Guides:

• Barcelona Bus Turistic has the following information: Barcelona city map with the corresponding bus stops and routes. It also has a brief explanation of what you can expect (advantages) if you choose to use the services of Barcelona’s official city tourist bus.
• Plano de Barcelona is a detailed city map of Barcelona with a short description of must-see sights and a map of the integrated railway system. A must for every kind of traveler. I, personally, used this map a lot.
• Barcelona Cultural Agenda – should help you find the concert, dance, exhibition and sporting activities during your visit. Unfortunately, the one I received was for April-May ‘07. Student JetPacks should make sure that they send out the current issue.
• Barcelona Card leaflet which shows the price list and the kind of discount you get if you do purchase a city card.

Bonus information sent by Tarkan: Maps for Granada, Madrid and Spain & Tour Guides for Granada and Madrid.

Some of the above maps and guides are available for free in some hotel lobbies in Spain. However, if you want to plan your trip way in advance, it pays to get them (even at cost) when you purchase your Student JetPack.

Examining the Cost:

1. The Travel JetPack Plus costs £27,99
2. Travel Adaptor Plug – £3,95
   Travel Money Belt – £4,28 (on eBay)
   Tri-Circle Padlock – £2,69
   PrePaid Sim Card from Amena/Orange (with 16€ starter credit) – £29.99
   Guides and Maps – FREE (but I don’t think you’ll be able to get your hands on one until you get to Spain)

The contents of Travel JetPack is around £40,91 but will only cost you £27,99. £12,92 cheaper than if you buy each item individually (unless, you’d rather waste your time waiting for bids on eBay for something as small as those items). Plus, you have the advantage of planning your touring itinerary in advance with all those maps and guides.

EUROPESTRING’s RECOMMENDATION:

If you think about the cost first, the biggest push would be coming from the Pre-Paid Sim Card. If you think that you would need one then, you should go get the Travel JetPack Plus. Not only would you save yourself £2, you will also get all those other useful “goodies” which are included in the package.

Yes, I definitely recommend budget travelers to get the Barcelona Travel JetPack Plus.

Friendly advice to Tarkan: Make sure that you have people constantly scouring for updated map and guides.

P.S.  The winner of the  Barcelona Travel JetPack Plus giveaway contest will be announced later today.  Note that the contents of the same items reviewed will be given away and will not be kept by EuropeString. 

Post from: Europe String