Are you planning a trip to Spain? Before you go, make sure you have everything in order by following our simple traveler’s guide. Are you the type of person who loves exploring the world? There’s nothing better than getting away from home and traveling to new destinations. The world is full of exotic, beautiful countries just waiting to be discovered. And few are as exciting and mysterious as Spain. I have been to Spain a couple of times, so I know the best way to plan a trip to Spain. I’ll let you know the things to consider when planning your trip!
When planning a trip to Spain, there are so many things to do and see that you won’t want to miss out on any of them. That’s why we’ve put together this guide full of travel tips and tricks to help you make the most of your trip.
Let’s take a look at a few things you’ll want to remember as you book your flight and pack your bags!
Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Spain
Are you planning a trip to Spain? Before you go, make sure you have everything in order by following our simple traveler’s guide.
1. Learn Some Spanish Before Your Trip
Much like other parts of the world, Spain has plenty of hotels and various tourist spots where you’ll find English is spoken. But your time in Spain will be much smoother if you dedicate yourself to learning some basic Spanish before getting on the plane.
There are some good smartphone apps and foreign language dictionaries to help with some basic communication, but the more familiar you can become with the local language the easier it will be to do simple things like order coffee or get directions to the next stop on your itinerary.
2. Be Aware of Siesta Time
Believe it or not, many of the smaller shops and restaurants in Spain shut down from 2:00 to 5:00pm. This is the traditional Spanish schedule and so you’d better plan to do your shopping around those times.
Larger chain stores and supermarkets typically remain open throughout the day, but if you prefer family-run businesses, you’ll need to plan your week accordingly.
3. Skip the Hotel Breakfast
Here’s a question for you to think about: with all of the amazing cafes and pastry shops to enjoy in Spain, why would you want to spend breakfast eating at the hotel?
Spain is actually quite famous for fantastic coffee, eggs, and pastry, all available at affordable prices.
4. The Wine
Spain is a wine lovers paradise. In fact, it’s very easy to become a wine snob after spending only a short amount of time in Madrid, or really just about any place in Spain.
Because the price of wine in Spain is so reasonable compared to what you are likely used to paying back home, this is the place to experiment with wines you might pass up elsewhere.
5. Plan Your Trip for Fall or Spring
The fall and spring offer the best weather conditions for travel in Spain. This is especially true of April, May, June, September, and October.
Summer in Spain gets quite hot. Especially in cities like Madrid, Cordoba, and Seville. And resorts along the Mediterranean become extremely crowded during July and August, so it’s best to book your hotel early for those months.
6. Travel From City to City by High-Speed Train
King Felipe II selected Madrid as the capital city of Spain because it is the geographic center of the country. This makes it easy traveling from Madrid to neighboring cities. And the best way to get from city to city is by high-speed train.
The AVE is more comfortable than a plane, plus you are able to move around and visit the cafeteria car for a snack. All you need to do is study the map to see what cities the AVE goes to, then decide on your destinations so that you can get discounted tickets by purchasing in advance.
7. Use an ATM Machine to Get Euros
You’re going to need money while traveling, and Spain has more ATMs than any other country in Europe. It’s a good idea to contact your bank before leaving home to let them know you’ll be traveling and plan to use your ATM in while in Spain. This will prevent any service disruptions due to suspicious activity alerts.
8. Take a Food Tour
Spain is a city filled with amazing restaurants and some of the best food found anywhere in the world. When traveling in Madrid or any other city in Spain, we highly recommend treating yourself to a food tour.
This is a great way to be introduced to foods and restaurants that you might overlook otherwise.
Madrid is a city that features an immense diversity of eating experiences, complete with a fascinating culture, history, and locals who will always go out of their way to make you feel right at home.
For food lovers, taking a food tour is the best and fastest way to be exposed to the finest dining the country has to offer, as you explore hidden streets and dine on world-class cuisine that you’ll remember for years to come.
Here is more info that every tourist should know about traveling in Spain.
9. Go to Museums During Free Hours
You won’t want to miss out on Madrid’s fantastic museums, in general, Spain have amazing museums which some of which offer free admission at certain times of the week. Be sure to visit the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums to enjoy some of the finest art in Spain.
10. Visit Parque El Retiro
Considered by many to be the “Central Park” of Madrid, Parque El Retiro is a beautiful, peaceful, and serene place to take a stroll. Best of all, it’s free.
Making the Most of Your Time in Spain
Spain is a land filled with endless beauty and mystery. Planning a trip to Spain should be on everyone’s bucket list. Madrid travel guides like this one can help to make the most of every minute of your vacation.
Many people dream of exploring Spain, and yet so many of them miss out on all the wonders that await them. Don’t make that mistake! Throw your bag in the car, get on a plane, and start enjoying everything Madrid has to offer today!
Click here to see 7 cool things to do in Barcelona.
