How to Plan the Perfect Escapade to Spain
The Kingdom of Spain, as officially known, is the second largest country in the European Union. To most people, Spain is a dream destination. The country has plenty of mountain ranges, some of which you probably didn’t know. A few years ago, more than 570 Spanish beaches received the Blue Flag, an assurance that Spain has some of the best beaches around the world. Spain boasts of having more than 3000 miles of coastline which translates to plenty of beaches around the country. When it comes to the outdoor activities, Spain has a lot to offer all year long. It provides some of the best venues for climbing, paragliding and scuba diving. Also, for those looking forward to water skiing or surfing, there are suitable waves in the Basque Country, Canary Islands, and Galicia. Therefore, bearing in mind the many benefits that come with visiting the country, you can’t stand to waste a trip opportunity whenever it comes knocking at your door.
Here are the top five tips on how to plan the perfect venture to Spain.
1. Visa arrangements
Are you traveling to Spain for your summer vacation or taking a career trip? Either of which, having a Visa is essential. However, the Visa is dependent on your home country. You should know that Spain is a part of the European Union. Therefore, if you happen to be a citizen of other EU countries such as Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland, you don’t need the Visa. Also, tourists from most Oceania and American countries are allowed to visit Spain visa-free for a period not exceeding three months. You can consult with the authority or legit online platforms to confirm if you require a visa for your visit. The visa registration can be a complicated process and takes about six weeks. Therefore, it’s advisable to have the permit ready, and that’s a few months before your scheduled trip. Don’t be the last minute guy.
2. Food and accommodations
Almost every tourist will agree that visiting a new destination can be a challenge, especially financially. A trip to Spain, for example, should be fun and not leave your wallet empty. Research has shown that Spain isn’t the cheapest destination around the world. However, it’s one of the most competitive countries to visit in Western Europe. As a result, you may end up spending more than you have and thus cutting short your trip. As stated earlier, there is a lot to see in Spain. Food and accommodation are the two things that take much of one’s travel expenses. For housing, thanks to tech, you can now go with AirBnb which offers many sweet deals around Spain. Besides, you can choose the hostels which cost about €10 per night. It’s advisable to make your reservations a month or two before your tour date, especially if you’re visiting during the peak seasons. The early bookings can save you some money. For meals, it’s wise to eat at the beach restaurants. They are pocket-friendly and provide almost every meal that you would like to sample.
3. Consider using a debit card
Typically, moving around with liquid cash, especially as a tourist, is a risk. First, you stand the high chances of losing the money. Also, taking the cash with you everywhere increases your spending habits, and before you realize, all your money is finished. Therefore, when choosing your trip to Spain, you should consider getting a prepaid debit card. Load the debit card with most of the money you intend to spend during your trip. Today, most shops accept debit cards and thus your stay will be stress-free with the card in play. You will only need to carry cash for your transport, for example, or in case the card machine breaks down. Although, the breakdowns are rare. By digging shallowly in the blogs, you will learn that Spain doesn’t accommodate travelers’ cheque. Therefore, you should work with a direct deposit to the bank to avoid being stranded while having the trip of your lifetime.
4. Insurance
The topic about the trip to Spain and insurance is one that sees many people argue. Some people say that the cover isn’t necessary. Others believe that the insurance travel policy is crucial and choosing it is vital. Most European citizens have a primary medical cover with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The policy takes care of the necessary medical cases. However, it shouldn’t be confused for a travel insurance. A travel insurance policy covers extra health costs that aren’t on the EHIC cover, for example. Besides, the travel policy caters for lost luggage, valuables, as well as, flight rearrangements. For those looking forward to taking the Way of St. James, for example, having a travel insurance policy is essential. According to Camino de Santiago tours, chances of losing luggage or falling ill during the trek are high. It’s therefore wise to be ready for anything to ensure that you enjoy your stay in Spain to the maximum. You can get a monthly travel insurance cover which goes for about £10.
5. Tour the major cities
Spain is best known for its architectural cities. As many would insist, one week is never enough to quench the thirst for the towns. Barcelona, for example, is Spain’s famous city and one of the best cities in the European countries. Barcelona is known for having one of the best football clubs in the world, FC Barcelona. Who knows, maybe during your trip, there might be a game going on in Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Spain and Europe. You shouldn’t miss such an opportunity. Also, Barcelona is a cultural and adventure hotspot. There are numerous art and museums to keep your eyes occupied. Besides, it’s always busy with activities that you can’t exhaust within a day. You should never end your trip without visiting Spain’s capital, Madrid. The capital city has a lot to offer regarding the culture and outdoor activities such as cycling, sightseeing, adventure, paragliding among many others. Also, you can visit cities such as Valencia, and Bilbao. The two cities have a lot to feed your eyes and make your trip to Spain worthy.
A visit to Spain is one of a kind. To many, it’s an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. Planning for the trip might be a challenge because Spain is prominent and a quite expensive destination. In the article, there are five tips to help you plan your trip like a pro.