¡Hola! I’m Allison.

Welcome to Splendidly Spain! I’m Allison, a Barcelona-based travel blogger.

I’ve been living abroad since 2018, and in 2024, I finally made my longtime dream of living in Spain a reality.

Allison Sicking Headshot

A Little About Me

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, but my love for Spain started back in 2011 when I studied abroad in Alicante.

That experience completely changed my life. I spent my weekends traveling around Spain, and quickly fell in love with the language, culture, and “no pasa nada” way of life.

I knew from that experience that I wanted to live in Spain someday. It just took me a little longer than expected to get here!

Me standing on top of Castillo de Santa Barbara in Alicante with the ocean in the background
Me holding a Real Madrid scarf in front of the soccer field at Real Madrid stadium
Me standing in front of a monument in Madrid, Spain

After college, I moved to Chicago and spent several years working in the luxury hotel industry, but I couldn’t shake the idea of living abroad. 

I spoke Spanish and had always dreamed of living in a Spanish-speaking country, so when I got a job offer in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in 2018, I jumped at the opportunity.

While living and working in Mexico, I started my first travel blog (just for fun).

But what started as a fun side project eventually turned into a full-time business, and I was able to leave my corporate career behind.

Me in a blue swimsuit standing on a wooden swing over the turquoise waters of Bacalar Lagoon in Mexico
Me wearing a green helmet and safety harness hanging upside down on a zipline above a rocky cenote in Mexico
Me in an orange swimsuit standing in shallow turquoise water on a white sand beach under a bright blue sky in Holbox, Mexico

I ended up spending more than 5 years in Mexico before deciding it was time for a new adventure.

I applied for Spain’s digital nomad visa and finally moved to Barcelona in 2024.

These days, when I’m not working on the blog or exploring somewhere new, you’ll probably find me with an iced coffee in hand, reading a good book, or enjoying a crisp glass of white wine on a sunny terrace.

Why I Started Splendidly Spain

After years of running my first travel blog in Mexico, starting Splendidly Spain felt like a natural next step.

I know how much research goes into planning an international trip, especially when you’re visiting somewhere for the first time.

That’s why I focus on practical advice, detailed itineraries, and honest recommendations based on my own experiences.

I personally visit the destinations I write about, stay in the hotels, take the tours, and explore the attractions so I can share what I actually think is worth your time and money.

And while I love living in Barcelona, there’s so much more to Spain that I want to share with you!

How I Can Help You Plan Your Trip

My goal with Splendidly Spain is to help you plan an amazing trip to Spain without spending hours researching every little detail.

Here’s what you’ll find on the blog:

  • Destination Guides: Detailed information and tips on the best things to see and do in cities throughout Spain.

  • Detailed Itineraries: Practical sightseeing plans to help you make the most of your time, especially if it’s your first visit.

  • Up-to-Date Local Insights: Firsthand advice and current recommendations from someone who actually lives in Spain.
  • Honest Hotel and Tour Reviews: My personal experiences to help you decide what’s actually worth booking.

  • Food and Drink Recommendations: My top recommendations for the best restaurants, tapas bars, food tours, and cocktail spots throughout Spain.

  • Practical Travel Tips: Everything from getting around by train to what to pack, where to stay, and common mistakes to avoid.

Let’s Stay Connected!

I’d love to help you plan your next trip to Spain!

You can join my email list for more Spain travel tips, helpful resources, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

And don’t forget to follow along on social media, where I share more of my travels, favorite finds, and everyday life here in Barcelona.