The hidden value: A lesson from Barcelona

I recently enjoyed a delightful summer holiday with my family in Cap Salou – a sleepy town nestled on Spain’s beautiful Golden Coast. It was a wonderful time to refresh and engage in activities like water polo, bingo and pool, as well as relax in the water with my children.

Given our household's passion for football, visiting the world-famous Nou Camp while in Costa Dorada was a must. Although the stadium is currently under renovation, we took the immersive tour, visited their temporary home at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, and viewed the new stadium under construction. This trip was well worth taking.

My wife, keen on experiencing more than just football, also ensured we spent some time absorbing the rich culture of Barcelona. We explored the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, the Arc de Triomf, while my eldest daughter (aged 14) particularly enjoyed Las Ramblas, immersing herself in the local culture and shopping at the large Spanish Primark (although this was perhaps not so culturally enriching)!

To maximise our experience, we booked a fully guided tour of both Barcelona and the Barcelona FC experience. Though slightly more expensive than a partially guided tour, it was more economical than organising everything ourselves. The experience justified the cost. Our guide, Maria, was incredibly knowledgeable about Barcelona and its surroundings, providing insights on everything from the history of Catherine of Aragon to practical tips on saving money in shops and avoiding pickpockets.

In the afternoon, Maria introduced us to Antonio (known as Jimmy to his friends), an expert on all things FC Barcelona. Maria, a fan herself, acknowledged Antonio’s superior expertise. He provided an extensive overview of the club, including other sports played there, and offered tips on purchasing kits and souvenirs at a fraction of the usual cost. He even arranged a visit to La Masia and the Johan Cruyff stadium, where young talents like Messi and Jamine Yamal began their careers. My son James (9) declared it the best experience of his life.

The key to the success of our trip was paying a little extra upfront to benefit from the knowledge and experience of genuine experts. But was it really that much more expensive? Consider the following:

Itinerary	DIY	Partial Tour	Full Guided Tour
Tickets
Transport
Barcelona Guided Tour
Understanding of shopping tax
Safety briefing (Pickpockets)
Guided FC Barca Tour
How to get discount in Barca store
Viewing point of new stadium
Visit of temporary home
Visit of FC Barcelona academy
Budget (2 adults – 3 children)	£240	£295	£340

At first glance, the DIY option seems cheaper. However, when factoring in tax savings and discounts at the FC Barcelona store, the cost difference is minimal. The added benefit of expert insights made the full package worthwhile.

Parallels with the mortgage and insurance industry

Much like planning a trip, the house buying process is an emotional one, requiring expert guidance. Clients seeking their perfect home start with an estate agent and then consult a trusted mortgage adviser to support them with the biggest financial commitment they will ever make. However, just as Maria recognized her limits and passed us to Jimmy for his expertise, mortgage brokers, busy as they are with regulatory compliance, cannot be experts in everything.

At First2Protect, we have a team of insurance experts ready to complement your services. By leveraging our knowledge of the insurance market and our vast network of connections, we can ensure your clients save money and enjoy peace of mind. Like Maria partnered with Antonio, mortgage brokers partner with us to enhance their clients’ experience.

If you would like to learn more about what First2Protect has to offer, register today: First2Protect Registration.