Planning a holiday can be stressful, especially when you do not know what to expect and the essential preparations you should make! However, do not worry! There are always hacks and tips to make you as ready as possible. So, if you are going to Spain next, check out our top 7 tips for traveling to this great country!
Know The Basics
There are some things you must know before arriving in Spain, and even though they seem like the most basic things, they are crucial in the process of planning.
- Currency: Euro;
- Language: Spanish. Spaniards are a progressive community, and they are not opposed to travelers conversing in English. Still, you should not expect to be able to communicate in English wherever you go. In addition, it is always a good idea to try and talk in their native tongue;
- Electricity Socket: 230V AC electricity. Make sure to bring the right adapter so that you can charge all your electronics;
- Visa: Visitors from both EU and non-EU countries are not required a visa if their stay is up to 90 days. However, citizens from the EU, but not part of Schengen, have to have a valid Schengen visa to enter.
Find The Right Transportation
If you already have a list of places to visit in Spain, then make sure to know how to get to them beforehand. Planning ahead is the key!
You can rent a car to have the freedom of time and travel if you wish. But if a car is not what you prefer, you can always travel by Spain trains. They are quick, cheap, and comfortable. You can reach the most remote villages, or navigate through the biggest cities, like the Madrid to Barcelona train.
Buses are also available and have many convenient routes!
Choose The Best Time to Go
Spain is fantastic any time of the year, but there are months that we consider the best for visiting. Regarding weather conditions, entertainment, and tourist flow, the best time to go on this trip is late spring and early autumn. The weather is clear and mild, and all of the main attractions are already or still available. Also, these months are not as crowded as they are when you are visiting in the summertime, so your trip will be more comfortable!
Know Your Budget
Luckily, Spain is not the most expensive country to visit in Europe, but it all depends on what type of holiday you want. It can be the most affordable trip if that is what you want and the most luxurious one. Nonetheless, check these approximate prices:
- Accommodations: one-night stay in a middle-range hotel will cost you from €60 to €120;
- Food: a nice dinner at a local restaurant will be approximately €20-€40;
- Transport: a bus trip will only be up to €3, regional trains €15-€45, high-speed trains €50-€140.
Do not forget to carry cash for taxis, sightseeing, and markets.
Mind What You Pack
Many travelers think that if you go to Spain, all you need is a swimsuit, other types of very light clothing, and a good SPF. However, there are many other things you may not even consider! The air is warm and pleasant, but do not forget that the evenings get chillier, so pack a light scarf, a cardigan, and long pants.
You can also drink tap water basically wherever you go, so make sure to bring a water bottle with you.
Long walks are inevitable when you travel to Spain, so pack your most comfortable shoes! The pavements in some cities are uneven due to old age.
Prepare For A Different Timetable
As you have probably heard, everything in Spain happens a little later than in every other country in Europe. But it is not because of what most people think – Spaniards are neither slow nor lazy. On the contrary, they live in the wrong timezone!
Just know that you will not be able to get breakfast at 7 am, or some places even 8 am. This is because the start of their days is delayed, as they have an afternoon meal at about 2 pm, take a traditional nap, known as a siesta, in the afternoon, then slowly rise to face the rest of the day, and have dinner sometimes as late as 10 pm. This also affects the working hours of shops and cafes, so keep that in mind!
Plan An Itinerary
Do not keep everything you wish to see and do in your head! Instead, write it all down, narrow it down to transport and timetables, so that you are somewhat prepared for everything you do once you get there. The more carefully you plan, the easier it will be to get all those things done. However, remember to leave time slots to simply wander around – you may stumble upon something crazy fun and unexpected!
You are all set now! Skim through our list one more time before you travel just to make sure you have completed all the essential preparations. In any way, be curious, brave and just try to have a good time in Spain!