How to Seize Spain

If you’re visiting Spain for the first time, be warned: this is a country that quickly becomes an addiction. You may believe that traveling to Europe means traveling to the most well known countries such as France and England; and yes, these countries are filled with passionate art as well as the most notable landmarks in Europe. Even so, the country of Spain is one of-if not- the best country to visit in Western Europe. Spain is crowded with creativity and is definitely one of the most cost-effective countries for travel and leisure, and this I would know. In the past year I travelled to Spain with a school group, and this trip instilled in me a life changing love for travel. Although, you may intend to come simply for a laid back beach holiday, a walking tour of Spain’s captivating history, but before you know it you’ll find yourself absolutely addicted. With the wild celebrations of local fiestas, or the otherworldly architectures of Spain’s major cities; Spain is the destination fit for all your travel desires.

The first question that may arise when discussing European travel is, where do you start?

The most effective place to start begins with choosing the cities you’d like to visit. Limit the cities that you would like to visit from four to six cities. It is important think about what exactly you want to see, and what postcards you want to send home. In this example let us say that you have decided to visit these six cities: Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, and lastly Madrid. These six cities provide all aspects of Spanish life, from the cities of modern art and architecture to the beautiful castles of medieval Spanish kings and queens or of Islamic rulers in Spain, whose presence dates back to the thirteenth century. Also if you travel from city to city in said order it is more effective for transportation and your trip will begin with a notable city and end with a notable city.

Next, you must figure out how you’ll get to Spain. For the trip, make sure to book a reliable airline. Lufthansa is one of the most reliable, and affordable airline companies; however, you may be sacrificing comfort for cost. The only complaint some may have with this airline is tightly packed seating. Some may even compare such an experience to being packed and processed like sardines, but it is definitely worth it to save on the price of airfare for the adventures you wish to have in Spain.

Soon you’ll have to start planning where you’ll stay in each city. You don’t need to stay in a five-star hotel, but remember to read about the neighborhoods or talk with locals so that your trip is not only enjoyable but safe as well. It is also important to remember that you don’t need to stay in the heart of the city. Most of the major cities in Spain have outlying neighborhoods that host hotels or hostels that are cost effective and out of harm’s way. For example, when in Barcelona many people recommend staying in Sitges, a town just an hour south of the city. This beautiful town is not far from the big, buzzing Barcelona, but also provides views of the mystical Mediterranean sea. Before travel, it is also highly urged that you memorize the addresses of the U.S. embassy and each U.S. consulate in the cities you plan to travel to and how far away they are from where you plan to stay.

Then, you must think about how you’re going to get around. If you’re from the United States and feel comfortable renting a car, go ahead. Like America, Spanish drivers drive on the right side of the road. If you do choose to rent a car consider your ability to read in a different language and the cost of renting a car. Including not just your daily payment for the rental service but how much gas will be as well. Between each city there is a considerable amount of distance, so it is recommended to travel with public transportation because the time difference of self-travel versus public transportation is not much, and if planned properly public transportation can and will save you money.

Don’t know what to pack? Well, like any sort of packing for any sort of travel, you must research the weather for the time of year you are traveling. The best season for travel in Spain is spring and fall, but do not limit yourself to these seasons. You may believe that Spain in the summer will curb your enjoyment because of the heat, but with a cup of gelato or a bottle of cold water, which can be found at every corner shop; summer is still a fantastic time to visit the country.

Lastly, keep in mind that you are traveling to a foreign nation. Spain is a country that in many ways is very similar to the United States, but like any country in Europe, Spain has a different set of customs and rules. It is important to learn certain things before you travel, such as learning the types of languages used in Spain or researching certain customs of Spanish culture or inquiring about important laws and regulations to follow or studying maps of major cities and highways. All of which will provide a safer and more pleasant trip to Spain.

By using these practical tips on safety, housing, and transportation you should be more than ready for the adventure that awaits you in Spain. These tips are for first time travelers to Spain and many seem obvious; however, these tips could help anyone who plans to travel to Western Europe. Though, you may just find your worldly paradise in Spain, but before takeoff remember to research exactly where you’d like to go in Spain, to choose a cost-effective airline, to use safe housing and transportation, and to learn things that are relevant to Spanish life.

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