VALENCIA, SPAIN PRO'S AND CON'S 4k

[@wolcottwu756]

Great fun following you. We loved Valencia as well - look to go back.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you!!

[@adrianlopez3288]

i was in Valencia in May and loved it so much! So walkable everywhere. Love the city center, almost no cars. The beach is huge and beautiful. Agree on the english, but thats also very ok!, because theres not many tourist there, most are spanish tourist. I was also suprised by how many that didnt speak english, but pointing and body language did the thing, if not I took up the phone and used google translate. Valencia is beautiful

[@BrianandCarrie]

Adrian, we have learned that a smile, a little effort, and Google Translate can go a long way!! Thank you for watching and safe travels. Cheers!!!🍻

[@luismiguelsoria7985]

You have close to 30 minutes the Sierra Calderona all mountains and I recommend you go on an excursion to Montanejos you will enjoy the water in the river and the wonderful places all 30/50 minutes by car or bus

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much for those recommendations. We will definitely look into these and hopefully have the opportunity to check them out.

[@senoritasofiavalencia]

I agree, sooo many beautiful places around Valencia if you love lakes and mountains!

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Am I correct in thinking that you could stay near the beach rather than in the city if that was your preference?

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is our preference yes. Not only a beach but a smaller community as well. We don't much care for the large city. 🍻

[@AvFenix55]

Near Valencia city there are mountains: -Examples: Calderona Mountain Chain, about 25 km North west from the Valencia city. Towns Náquera, Serra, etc. Xativa, about 60 km south from Valencia city. Highly recommended, the Xativa castle. About 10 km to the south is the Albufera lake. You can get there from Valencia by bike path and bus.

[@BrianandCarrie]

These are great examples for those planning their trip to Valencia. Thank you for your input Felix! Love the detail...

[@celtibero9742]

Welcome to Spain, disfrutad de su historia y su Patrimonio histórico, artístico y gastronómico !

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We are loving Spain! The culture,food,wine. Perfecto! Cheers 🍻

[@celtibero9742]

@@BrianandCarrie Me alegro mucho, saludos !

[@luismiguelsoria7985]

I love that you like my country and you are in Valencia, my city that is the great unknown for many tourists

[@BrianandCarrie]

This is our first time to Spain. We absolutely loved Valencia and really enjoyed our month long stay here! You live in such a beautiful part of the world. We are now looking forward to exploring Alicante and Seville and spending more time in your country.

[@jdmortega9121]

sí señor , soy de Madrid y Valencia es la joya de la corona desconocida en España gran ciudad y he visto muchas incluso en la Costa Azul y no cambio por ninguna

[@SlowTravelChronicles]

We were in Valencia in October as well. We had the EXACT same thoughts as you guys did, even on the taco seasoning. Loved the video.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We have watched a few videos on Valencia and it sounds like a lot of us have a similar opinion of the city. We enjoyed our time but the "cons" are definitely prevalent! Thanks for watching and safe travels!!! Cheers!!!🍻

[@QueenBee-mk8xm]

Great video. Totally random but.....I just realized who Brian reminds me of....the late Jerry Orbach from Law & Order!

[@BrianandCarrie]

HAHA!! Love that show!😂

[@QueenBee-mk8xm]

@@BrianandCarrie Hee hee I was not sure whether to mention it, but the resemblance is striking.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Too funny not to mention, Queen Bee!! 😂

[@tessajones9393]

Omg you are right! I looked up young J.O and scrolled pics as I was watching this 🤣

[@BrianandCarrie]

🤣🤣

[@DeanRamser]

Thanks again for the informative video. Numbeo's stats for 2024 place Valencia high on the list. So, I'm curious. And that it is walkable, accessible to resources, and it's affordable!

[@BrianandCarrie]

It's a very beautiful and walkable city - a great place to stay! Cheers

[@jdmortega9121]

Valencia is one of the best cities in Spain and even of all Mediterranean coastal areas including FR IT GR

[@BrianandCarrie]

Valencia was amazing! We are loving Alicante and can't wait to see the rest. We only wish we had more time. Cheers 🍻

[@NicoleT-d7k]

Love this. Would you say you prefer Valencia or Seville?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We enjoyed both but if we were to have to choose one over the other it would be Seville. Thank you for watching!! ❤

[@mistreated]

What a great video. Really enjoyed it! As someone who has been visiting Spain for 20 years, we've learnt a lot. The first 14, we regulated ourselves to mostly Madrid, (it's become our "home away from home") Valencia, Barca. But we've since discovered the glories of Northern Spain. If you're wanting; mountains, hills, rivers, streams, beaches and winding roads, then the "mother load" is in the north. Asturias, Cantabria and Basque Country have it is spades. I guess Galicia too but we don't get there till next Spring. Anyway I think, based on what you've said, you'd really appreciate that region. Also, very few tourists. Loving the vlogs

[@BrianandCarrie]

This sounds amazing! We have done some research on Basque Country and it's definitely on our list of places to go. We like the idea of very few tourists, although we are tourists, we would be there for at least a month. Thank you so much for the comments. It really is nice to get feed back!! Cheers

[@jmgf6006]

@@BrianandCarrie I am from the bask country. You can find beaches, mountains, rivers, and a different kind of tourists. It is not as chesp as Valencia, but still is cheaper than USA. The population is 2,3 millions, and 6 of the top 100 best restaurants in the world are here. It is rainy, green. The other areas of the cantabric are pretty similar (Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria). And if you try to speak spanish, much better. Enjoy Spain.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for the insights JM. We are loving our time in Spain. The bask country sounds a lot like where we are from. Rainy and green Washington! CHEERS!!

[@elenaaraujoborisoff6169]

​@jmgf6006 I've thought about this area too but I've heard the Cantabrian Sea is ice cold! Is this not a major con?

[@kennielsen3896]

Just found your Alicante video's today. I've been on a day trip there and it's nice, but I just hate the tall buildings on the beach. But at same time, I recently lived in a small village on the sea in the Valencian community for 9 months and would take the train to Valencia to socialize, but only slow train available so it took well over an hour. Russafa is my favorite location. The Mercat Russafa is the smaller, but is a real market, as Mercat Central is touristy. As soon as my home sells, I'm moving to Spain, but having a hard time figuring out where I would fit best. Now, I think Playa Perillo could be a good option, as I believe I can just get on the bus and be in central Valencia in 20-30 minutes, and I'd be living right on the sea. Loved Barcelona, Madrid and Sevilla, but I wouldn't want to live there. Maybe a beach town near Malaga. Haven't ruled out Alicante.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Sounds like a great plan. We did love Alicante, but look forward to making it to the southern coast to explore more. Cheers!!

[@yello1183]

@BrianandCarrie you guys have been around the globe now, would love a revised list of pros and cons of retirement spots

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is a great idea!! We have a list of videos that we will be working on in the coming months. We will add that one to the list. Thank you for your support. ❤

[@melissatravelgal]

May I have the name of the most spectacular mall you mentioned in this video?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We can't recall the name of the mall...sorry...🤔

[@noellehilgesen612]

Love it!

[@Willem-dd1fe]

An 8 m trip to the beach is still acceptable. The bicycle network in Valencia is well-developed or take a taxi.

[@PoolCarol]

Good info about how you can get almost anything there.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yeah, we are finding we can get just about anything we need wherever we travel. Thanks for your support!!

[@RedWhiskMedia]

Do they have more "specialty" items at the grocery store? Things like oat milk, arrowroot powder or chickpea flour?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We found the stores in Spain to be very well stocked with a variety of food options. Unfortunately, we didn't look for those specific items so can't speak about them specifically. You may have luck looking on a map of the area you are staying in and seeing if they have a more specific style store that will supply the items you are looking for. Thanks for watching!

[@elenaaraujoborisoff6169]

I would love to know this too! Thanks for asking the question.

[@johnvolkman7208]

So, Brian and Carrie, where did you end up? Or are you still looking?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, John. We are still looking and will be for some time. We have only been traveling for less than a year so have many more places on our list to see and explore. Cheers!!🍻

[@sukoruizvelez]

Good video, but one of the cons about Valencia just can not be a water mass nearby... c'mon

[@BrianandCarrie]

Suko, thank you! The beach is simply too far away from old town, city center and where we were staying. We loved the city, just prefer being closer to the beach. Cheers 🍻

[@Malecare]

Good vlog. Great to hear insights from travelers around my age. Feel encouraged to keep vlogging

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you ☺️

[@worldofhospitality4326]

Out of all of the cities and countries that you visited so far, which cities are your top 5?

[@BrianandCarrie]

That video will be out in a couple of weeks!!! 😁 Stay tuned!! Cheers!!🍻

[@worldofhospitality4326]

@@BrianandCarrieawesome! Really curious to see where you guys would live in this beautiful world.

[@williamwarner8189]

Hey Guys, we really appreciated your insightful video, and brevity too. My wife and I are visiting Spain in the Fall to visit friends. Meanwhile, we're gathering information for the long term. Gracias de nuevo por la informacion. Afortunatemente, podemos hablar español un poquito. 🤗🤗

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thanks, William! We liked Valencia but really enjoyed Alicante!!! More our vibe in Alicante with the beach and marina close by. We are still trying to figure out our long-term but the Algarve in Portugal is currently in the lead!! 🙂Thanks for watching and safe travels. Cheers!!!🍻

[@RVAmerica]

We are possibly going here im January with our granddaughter. I'll be watching to learn all I can. We are only staying a week. If you have any advice we will really appreciate it! Lynn and Danny

[@BrianandCarrie]

Valencia is such a wonderful city with so much to do and see. Some of the top places we really enjoyed were the City of Arts and Science, Old Town, The Central Market, and Turia Riverbend Park. Plus, the El Carmen District was very cool to explore and check out the great street art. Enjoy your travels 😊

[@marisaangulodedefago7753]

I have seen many of your videos and I want to ask which one liked you the most, Alicante or Valencia? I am from Peru and am emigrating to spain and thinking on one of this two cities to live.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi Marisa, we really liked Alicante. The city is smaller with the beach vibe we really enjoy. We also liked the ease of getting out of town and heading up the coast on the tram system. We were supposed to be in Peru in May but covid changed our plans. We hope to get there in the next couple of years. The county looks amazing. Cheers!!!🍻

[@marisaangulodedefago7753]

@@BrianandCarrie Thank you very much for your quick answer! It will be really helpfull. I hope you can come to Peru sometime, which is really very beautiful and the food is delicious!

[@shahnazotanian6486]

Hi guys, did you notice a lot of cigarette smoke smell outdoors while traveling in Spain? I’m really sensitive to it. Are people smoking near the cafes? On the beach, in the parks? Thanks much… Shawna

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, Spain, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, and now Portugal. Not so much on the beach but cafes and bars, yes. Unfortunately...

[@shahnazotanian6486]

@@BrianandCarrie thank you so much for the quick reply. That makes me very sad because I won’t be able to move there

[@BrianandCarrie]

We would suggest a visit before deciding. It is easy to avoid if you are sensitive to it. Europe is an amazing part of the world but it is the culture here.

[@steinarbrevikknudsen1546]

It's good to see that it's ... ok Americans too :) There are enough mountains in Spain ... there are mountains around me everywhere ... La Nucia. 10 minutes from Benidorm

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes Steinar, we found them!! We are loving the area. Alicante, Benidorm and the rest of Costa Blanca. We are excited to move on to our next destination but sad to leave at the same time. We'll be back :) CHEERS

[@rap_babcia_lala7943]

Lovely guys!thx

[@BrianandCarrie]

😊

[@adalbertorubio9265]

how many days should I stay in Valencia?

[@BrianandCarrie]

In three days you can see everything from the historical center to the City of Arts and Science. Take in the central market and enjoy the food. It's a beautiful city but definitely spend more time in Seville. Hopefully this helps!

[@anacasanova7350]

Los angloparlantes cultos deben hablar un poco de español.visitando las ciudades ,capitales de España . Y en los pueblos no turísticos, hay miles, hay que hablar un poco de español.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We absolutely agree! We will be in Spain for quite a bit longer and are working at learning the language so we are able to communicate better. This is a beautiful country and we are loving it!

[@rowanwindsong]

There are mountains within 45 minutes of the city center

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, we now know! 😃 We really enjoyed Valencia and confident that we will be back to explore the outlying areas someday. We are really enjoying Alicante and the easy use of the tram. We are making sure we get up the coast to really see the entire area. Something we wish we had done more of in Valencia. Lesson learned. Cheers 🍻

[@fernandadegio1111]

We are booked to go to Valencia in January but we are concerned about Covid restrictions? Mask wearing and curfews? What is going on at the moment please ?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi Fernanda, We are no longer in Spain. Our 90 days have expired. I do believe the restrictions have been tightened to wearing masks outside. We can't confirm this however. We spent two days in Barcelona after we left Sevilla. The restrictions were tighter in Barcelona. We needed a covid passport to get into many bars and restaurants. At the time there was no curfew but I think I read there could be one starting at 2 a.m. soon. Good luck in your travels and stay safe. Cheers!!!

[@josefinagascon1135]

Welcome to to EUROPE !!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We loved Spain and now experiencing Montenegro. Cheers 🍻

[@cheste-lq8gs]

I am delighted I am David d Espania delighted what is your name what is your city?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi David, we are Brian and Carrie. Currently in Alicante, we are from the Seattle area. Welcome our channel! Cheers 🍻

[@cheste-lq8gs]

@@BrianandCarrie I live valencia capital suigo your videos delighted if you come one day to valencia I would like to know we have something I do not speak English I write to you by translators

[@cheste-lq8gs]

@@BrianandCarrie if you have instagram can we talk?

[@BrianandCarrie]

@@cheste-lq8gs Thanks for translating for us David. We understand you just fine 🙂

[@BrianandCarrie]

@@cheste-lq8gs a link to our Instagram is in our video description. Please follow us to stay current on our adventures! Cheers 🍻

[@holdencawffle626]

How does the guy have so much hair?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Ha! The forehead is bigger than it used to be for sure! 😆 Cheers 🍻

[@cheste-lq8gs]

welcom valencia

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank You!! CHEERS!

[@anamariatienda8735]

Tacos un Valencia? Go for paella,, gazpacho, de horchata. y spanish products. For tacos, go to México. Big mistacke.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Ana, we don't eat out much. When we do then yes, its paella or a local dish from wherever we are at. We cook in and tacos are easy to make to home. :) CHEERS!!

[@anamariatienda8735]

@@BrianandCarrie You need to look aroud. Go to Central Market. Is one of the places to eat and see and also to wach. Is not a typical market.

[@anamaria2053]

@@BrianandCarrie Actually, Antoenneta, another KZbinr and former LA resident has a favorite taco restaurant in Valencia. 😊

[@devindenadel9171]

5:53 😂😂😂

[@BrianandCarrie]

HA! :)

[@anamaria2053]

Too late, but if you had gone just a bit south you would have seen less flatness, more hills and eventually mountains. As far as learning Spanish, it’s best to have a tutor to help you with pronunciation. You cannot expect service folks to instruct you. 🤨

[@franciscorosales2212]

We are a couple from San Francisco planning to go to Valencia again. Thank you very much for your informative productions. There is so much fluff online that is fresh air to follow your videos, concise, coherent to the point. We’ve one question : to what part of the U.S. do you compare Valencia ? Hopefully one day we’ll say hola que tal en Valencia soon. From San Francisco , muchas gracias and have a grand stay in Valencia. Btw, go to Benimaclet…you’ll travel in a time machine.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much! It's a learning process, hopefully our videos will continue to get better and better. I would compare Valencia to Southern California I suppose. The weather, wine, It's difficult really to compare to any city in poetical. Safe travels!! Cheers 🍻

[@anthonyposso3764]

Gringos 😃 Ha! Not too bad though✌🏼😉

[@BrianandCarrie]

😂 thanks!!

[@philip5899]

World traveler/ no habla español 😮. American tourists 😢. It’s a con that local people don’t speak American 😂.

[@lucisandu]

Don't Spaniards speak English? Wow, incredible, even the aliens talk in your films. For me this is a big plus. Maybe that's how the anglophone vloggers who flood KZbin learn another language of international circulation. Spanish would be a good start :)

[@BrianandCarrie]

One of our very first videos 3 years ago! Thank you for watching!

[@kennielsen3896]

45 minutes from Rusaffa to beach? Huh? I can walk there in under 30 minutes and 15 using subway and tram. I’m in Valencian region hour north with mountains and sea in minutes. Okay it’s very slow place here, but lots of retired people from all over Europe and common language is English. But I’m thinking Alicante might be a better fit for you. Enjoy ur adventure.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Ken, thanks for the comment. Yes, by the time we walk to the bus stop, wait for the bus, then walk from the bus stop to the beach, 45 minutes. We really enjoyed Valencia, the slow pace of life is why we have decided to retire early in the first place. And what better place to start then Valencia? We are enjoying Alicante as well. 5 minute walk to the beach and the convenients of the central market next door has been very nice! Spain is a beautiful country and we feel lucky that we have another 6 weeks to explore. Cheers 🍻

[@RobertRod818]

In general americans like everything easy. They don't like walking as europeans do. That's why they have obesity issues back home.

[@kennielsen3896]

@@RobertRod818 well to be fair, most Americans don’t live in places where you can walk everywhere. I spent 20 years in West Hollywood where you can walk to a lot of places. Here in Spain I don’t have a car, so I walk to work, stores every other day, restaurants and just to see the beach if nothing is going on.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We were actually excited when we sold our cars last summer. We love the easy access and availability of everything we need within a few blocks of wherever we are staying (so far anyway) We enjoy walking and like the idea of just getting what you need at the grocery store for a couple days. Cheers 🍻