8 Pro Tips For Planning the Perfect Spain Vacation
Are you planning on taking a trip to Spain? Don’t make the mistake of doing so without reading these 8 brilliant tips for planning the perfect Spain vacation.
What did 82 million tourists all have in common last year? They explored the beauty and culture of Espa?a.
Your Spain vacation is going to be amazing if you can fit everything in. Spain has so many beautiful cities and serene country towns to discover. Not to mention the mouth-watering cuisine.
When planning your trip to Spain, there are some mistakes you want to avoid. There are also tons of awesome tips you need to know. Keep reading for 8 travel planning tips for a Spain vacation.
1. Take Advantage of Transit
It can be tempting to rent a car for your Spanish getaway because it seems more convenient. But, you should consider embracing public transportation.
The roads in Spain are good in most places, but the signage isn’t in English. Why stress about directions and miss out on sightseeing? Sitting in a comfortable bus allows you to get to your destination and enjoy the sights along the way.
Spain has plenty of transit options. The train system is extensive, and the Renfe Spain Pass can save you some money.
There are lots of inner-city buses that also connect you to nearby cities. Alsa, Eurolines, and Starbus operate in Spain.
In the bigger cities, don’t be afraid of using their underground subway system. Barcelona’s is easy to navigate and get around with.
2. More Time in Big Cities
Some travelers make the mistake of cramming too many places into their trip. If you only have a week, it’s recommended you pick 1-2 cities to explore. Any more and you won’t get to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Look at a map of Spain. There are neighboring cities that pair well on a travel itinerary.
If you want to visit Barcelona, consider also going to Tarragona. If you want to see Seville, consider checking out Cordoba.
The big cities in Spain have a year’s worth of things to do. It can be stressful trying to cram everything in. So, give yourself enough time to see everything you want to.
3. Learn Some Lingo
Although Spanish is a national language, different regions have their own main languages. In Catalonia (the region with Barcelona), they speak Catalan. Madrid and the central region speak Castilian. The South speaks Andalusian.
It’s true that in big touristy cities, you can get by speaking English and a little Spanish. The people won’t look down on you.
But, why not try to speak the language of where you’re going? It’ll help you communicate with locals. They’re the people with the best recommendations and tips for the area.
4. Spanish Hours
Spaniards live on different hours than the rest of Europe. You’re probably familiar with their daily siestas or naps. That’s one aspect of their unique lifestyle.
Because of these afternoon naps, most restaurants and businesses shut down during siesta time. If you’re planning on exploring, pack a lunch during this time.
Consider starting your day later so you can stay up later. Most Spanish cities come to life after 9 pm. Treat yourself to sleeping in so that you can explore and socialize at night.
5. Cool Accommodations
Spain has tons of options for accommodations. If you’re on a budget, the hostel game is strong in Spain. But, make sure you read the reviews before you book as some are better than others.
You could also stay in a hotel if you’re looking for concierge amenities.
Consider renting an Airbnb for a truly local experience. You get your own private space and a key to lock up behind you. Plus, some of them have super cool d?cor and ambiance.
For returning travelers, why not get in on a timeshare? If you fall in love with a city and know you want to come back, timeshares are the best choice. Many of them, like Fab Timeshare, give you access to timeshares and resorts in other countries.
6. Embrace the Cuisine (It’s Not Hard!)
Spain has notoriously awesome food. The common tapas method of serving allows you to try many different dishes in small portions.
While paella is Spain’s national dish, it’s the best quality in coastal cities. Make sure you try paella in the Balearic Islands and in Barcelona. But, avoid super touristy restaurants because they won’t be as good as places that serve locals.
In the Northeast, make sure you try Galicia’s savory empanadas. In the South, chilled gazpacho is legendary. And, no matter where you are, try the local wine!
7. Plan Around Events
Festivals and events are a big part of Spanish culture. Every month there’s something exciting going on somewhere in the country. Do your research on the events during your trip and plan your travels around them.
For example, the popular La Tomatina tomato-throwing festival happens in Valencia every August. Each July, Pamplona holds the Running of the Bulls. Seville’s April Fair is a must-see if you’re around during that time!
8. Keep Your Valuables Safe
Pickpocketing happens in every touristy city, not just in Barcelona and Madrid. You need to protect your belongings everywhere you go.
Spain’s crime rate is pretty low, and pickpocketing is the main thing for tourists to worry about. You can protect your valuables by not keeping them in open pockets.
Wear your purse or bag on the front of your body. Carry a portable travel safe. Know where your passport and credit cards are at all times.
If you have a safe in your hotel room, leave valuables there and carry around cash.
Ready to Plan Your Spain Vacation?
Your trip to Spain is going to amazing. The culture, cuisine, and festivals make this country an international treasure.
When planning your Spain vacation, make sure you follow the tips listed above. Consider learning some of the languages, embracing the daily routine, and getting immersed in the city. Spend more time in one place to truly get a sense of what it’s like there.
For more tips and guides on worldwide travel, you’ll find everything you need on our world travel blog.
