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14 Tips For Planning The Perfect Trip To Spain

Writer's picture: Tracy WebbTracy Webb

Updated: Apr 10, 2023


Are you thinking about going to Spain? Travelling to this lovely country can be an unforgettable

experience, but it requires careful planning and research. Check out these tips for planning the

ideal trip to Spain to ensure you have the perfect vacation!


1) Do your research


It is important to research before travelling to Spain in order to make the most of your trip.

Learn about the country's geography and culture. Learn a little Spanish before you go and find out about the currency that is used. Discover what types of food are popular in Spain and what the weather is like in the region you intend to visit. Read up on current events and tourist attractions in Spain that you might want to visit. Inquire with friends and family if they have visited this country and get their recommendations. Finally, ensure that you are aware of any visa requirements that may apply to your trip.


2) Set a budget


It's important to plan a budget and stick to it when visiting Spain. Establish your daily spending

limit and keep track of all of your expenses. The expense of a trip to Spain might vary significantly

depending on where you stay, how you get around, and which attractions you visit. To better

understand the costs related to traveling throughout the country, do some study beforehand.

Set aside extra money for unexpected costs or trip-related surprises. Additionally, it's a good idea to put some money away for emergencies in case something unexpected happens while you're traveling. Last but not least, remember to consider the exchange rate into your travel budget.


3) Decide what type of trip you want to take


Do you want a relaxing beach vacation? Are you seeking an adventure trip that includes lots of

sight-seeing and exploration? Do you prefer to just immerse yourself in Spanish culture and

experience everything it has to offer?

Once you've decided on the type of trip you want, you can start making plans. Consider the

best destinations for your trip type, what kind of accomodation you prefer, and any activities

or tours that may be available.

Keep in mind the amount of time you have available as well. If you are short on time, try to

focus on one region rather than trying to see too much of the country at once. That way, you

can truly experience what the area has to offer without rushing from one location to the next.

The sky is the limit when it comes to deciding what type of trip you want to take. Whatever

your ideal Spanish vacation looks like do your research and plan accordingly to make the

most of your time in Spain.


4) Consider the time of year you want to travel


One of the first things to consider when planning a trip to Spain is the time of year you want

to visit.

Spain has a diverse climate, with temperatures ranging from mild in winter to extremely hot

in summer.You will experience different types of weather depending on when you visit.

For example, if you visit in the Spring, you will be able to enjoy warm temperatures and long

days, which are ideal for sightseeing. Spain can be quite hot in the Summer, but there are plenty

of beaches and outdoor activities to enjoy. If you're looking for a more moderate climate, keep

in mind that Autumn and Winter can be cold.

Whatever time of year you choose to visit Spain, there are countless opportunities to explore

the country's many attractions. Do your homework to find out what activities are available when

you plan to visit, so you can make the most of your time in Spain.


5) Make a list of must-see attractions


Spain is a vibrant country with incredible attractions and sights. It's difficult to choose between

historical landmarks and beautiful beaches.

Make sure to carefully plan your trip to get the most out of your experience! It is important to do

your research before creating a list of must-see attractions. Begin by reading reviews from previous

visitors and getting recommendations from friends and family who have already visited the country.

You can also get more detailed descriptions of the attractions by looking up information online.

Make sure to research admission prices, opening hours, and other important information to make

the most of your visit.


6) Book your flights and accommodation in advance


One of the most important steps in planning a trip to Spain is to book your flights and accommodations in advance. This allows you to take advantage of the best deals and discounts while avoiding any last-minute stress or hassle.

In terms of flights, many low-cost carriers, such as Vueling, Air Europa, and Iberia Express, operate in

Spain. Booking your flight ahead of time will also enable you to get the best deal for your money.

There are numerous accommodation options available, ranging from hostels and Airbnb apartments to

luxury resorts. Booking ahead of time allows you to do research and compare prices for various lodging options. It's also a good idea to book your accommodation near the attractions you intend to visit in order to save time and money on transportation.

Finally, if you want to save even more money, think about booking your flight and hotel through a travel package website. This will often provide you with exclusive discounts and lower rates than booking everything separately.


7) Get travel insurance


When visiting Spain, it is essential to have proper travel insurance to ensure that you are protected in

case of an unexpected event. When purchasing travel insurance for a trip to Spain, you should

consider the following types of coverage:


- Medical coverage: This type of coverage will assist you in paying for any medical treatment that

you may require while in Spain. Select a policy that will cover any pre-existing medical conditions

you may have.

- Trip cancellation coverage: This type of coverage will protect you if you have to cancel your trip

due to an unforeseen event such as illness, injury, or a death in the family.

- Trip interruption coverage: This type of coverage will protect you if you have to cut your trip short

due to illness, injury, or the death of a family member.

- Baggage and personal effects coverage: This type of coverage protects you in the event that your

luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are in Spain.

- Emergency evacuation coverage: In the event of an emergency, this type of coverage will help pay

for transportation to the nearest medical facility.

- Travel assistance 24/7 support.


Before purchasing travel insurance, it is important to carefully review the policy details and check the

exclusions, coverage limits, deductibles, and other terms and conditions.

Check the requirements of your destination country, Spain, as it may require additional coverage that

your insurance provider does not provide.

Remember that more coverage is always preferable than less.



8) Learn some basic phrases in Spanish


Here are some basic Spanish phrases that may be helpful for your first trip to Spain:


Hola (oh-lah) - Hello

¿Cómo estás? (koh-moh ehs-tahs) - How are you?

Bien, gracias. (bee-ehn, grah-see-ahs) - Fine, thank you.

Lo siento. (loh syehn-toh) - I'm sorry.

Por favor. (pohr fah-vohr) - Please.

Gracias. (grah-see-ahs) - Thank you.

Sí. (see) - Yes.

No. (noh) - No.

¿Hablas inglés? (ah-blahs eeng-lehs) - Do you speak English?

No hablo español muy bien. (noh ah-bloh ehs-pah-nyohl mwee bee-ehn) - I do not speak

Spanish very well.

¿Dónde está el baño? (dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl bah-nyoh) - Where is the bathroom?

¿Cuánto és? (kwahn-toh ehs) - How much is it?


It's always good to practice and remember some of them before your trip and it will make

things easier for you. Also, keep in mind that people in Spain speak different dialects, so the accent and intonation of words might change. Spain´s official language is Castellano, but they also speak Catalán in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia and Basque in Basque country.

One very important thing to be aware of is that not everybody in Spain speaks English.

Check the Conversations page for more.


9) Leave plenty of time for exploring


Having extra time means you can change your plans if something unexpected comes up or if you discover a new place or activity that you want to check out. It also gives you the opportunity to discover hidden gems that you might not have otherwise known about.

Furthermore, it gives you the opportunity to interact with locals more frequently, which can give you

a more authentic and immersive cultural experience.

Sometimes travel can be stressful, but if you have extra time, you're more likely to be able to go with the flow, enjoy your surroundings and experience a more relaxed, authentic and enjoyable trip.

Something I´ve found out to be true and very satisfying is that exploring on your own allows you to

experience things at your own pace, which can lead to more meaningful memories and a deeper

understanding of the place you're visiting. It is also great for personal reflection and growth and a time

to disconnect, unplug and meditate on your experiences.


10) Try new things


Spain is a beautiful country with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty, so there are many unique and innovative things you can try while traveling there. Here are a few ideas:


- Take a hot air balloon ride over rolling hills covered in grapevines as well as traditional Spanish villages.

- Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Spanish dishes such as paella and tapas. You'll learn about Spanish ingredients, techniques, and culinary culture. Then you'll be able to recreate the dishes at home and surprise your guests.

- Eat at Spanish restaurants and try the different traditional dishes.

- Visit a vineyard and try the taste of the different and delicious Spanish wines.

- Visit the local street markets in which you can buy unique Spanish traditional souvenirs.

- Attend a flamenco performance. Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance that originated in the southern region of Andalusia. Attending a live performance is a great way to experience Spanish culture and tradition.


11) Avoid tourist traps


Spain is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to be aware of tourist traps that can take

advantage of visitors. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them:


- Research before you go: Look up popular attractions and destinations online and read reviews

from other travelers. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you avoid places

that are overpriced or underwhelming.

- Avoid areas with heavy tourist crowds or try to visit these places early in the morning or later in

the evening. Meanwhile, explore other neighborhoods that are less touristy.

- Be wary of street vendors: Street vendors in tourist areas may try to sell you fake or overpriced goods.

If you're interested in buying souvenirs, consider shopping at local markets or shops where you're more likely to find authentic and reasonably priced items.

- Avoid pre-arranged tours or packagies: Often these pre-arranged tours or packages are overpriced and will take you to places that you might not want to see or that are not really a good representation of the culture. Consider taking public transportation, renting a bike or walking to get around instead.

- Check prices before you buy: Before you buy anything, be sure to check prices and compare them with other shops. In some places, prices may be inflated for tourists, so it's always good to shop around.

- Be selective when choosing a place to eat or drink. Touristy areas often have restaurants and bars that are overpriced and don’t serve very good food. Look for local recommendations or do some research and look for places where locals go to eat and drink.

- Don’t be afraid to ask locals: If you're unsure about a place or a service, don't hesitate to ask locals for their opinion. They'll be able to give you an honest assessment and point you in the direction of authentic and enjoyable experiences.


12) Get ready for big crowds


If you're planning on travelling to Spain, it's important to be prepared for the crowds of people

you may encounter, especially in popular tourist destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.

Here are a few things you can do to be prepared:


1. Research the places you'll be visiting and try to plan your itinerary around peak tourist

times. This will help you avoid the heaviest crowds and make the most of your trip.

2. Crowds can be frustrating, but try to be patient and stay calm. Remember that everyone

is just trying to enjoy their vacation as you are.

3. While crowded destinations can be overwhelming, they also offer a unique opportunity to

experience a place in a different way. Instead of getting frustrated, try to see the crowds as part

of the local culture and experience.

4. In crowded places beware of pickpockets, keep your valuables in a safe place and pay attention

to your surroundings.

5. Take advantage of quieter moments. Even in the busiest destinations, there are often quieter moments to be found. For example, you might visit a popular attraction early in the morning before the crowds arrive, or in the late afternoon when many people are starting to head back to their hotels.


13) Don't forget to pack your sunscreen, drink plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes and bring a mask just in case.

Be prepared for the hot weather. Spain can be quite hot especially during the summer months, so be sure to bring sun protection and stay hydrated.

You'll likely be doing a lot of walking while exploring the sights, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

It's also worth noting that you have to wear a mask when using public transport, and at Medical Centers, Hospitals and pharmacies.

14) Stay connected


Fortunately, it's very easy to stay connected while you're travelling. Wi-Fi can be found pretty much everywhere these days, and unless you're heading to an extremely remote area, you won't have many difficulties in finding an internet connection and getting online.

It´s important to stay touch with your family and friends, and the best way is by calling them from time to time and talking about your experiences and adventures, by sharing photos, or using WhatsApp, Skype or other applications.


I hope all these tips help you with planning your visit to Spain, but I have one last thing to say to you and which is the most important one: "Enjoy yourself and have a wonderful trip!"



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