--- title: "Spain: Trip Preparation & Destination Information" description: Traveling to Spain? Read on for tips to help you prepare for your trip. image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/trovatrip-spain.jpg --- - TRAVEL - [![Find a Trip](https://21025004.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21025004/website%20images/flight_icon.svg) Find a Trip ](https://trovatrip.com/trips) - [Read Reviews](https://trovatrip.com/trip/reviews) - [What is TrovaTrip](https://trovatrip.com/trip/group-travel-benefits) - [Traveler Support](https://help.trovatrip.com/en/collections/6193390-traveler-support) - HOST - [![Host a Trip](https://21025004.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21025004/website%20images/host_icon.svg) Host a Trip ](https://trovatrip.com/host) - [Host Testimonials](https://trovatrip.com/host/host-testimonials) - [Host Support](https://help.trovatrip.com/en/collections/3069035-host-support) - [Itinerary Library](https://trovatrip.com/host/itineraries) - [Referral Program](https://trovatrip.com/host/referral-program) - [ABOUT](https://trovatrip.com/about) - [BLOG](https://trovatrip.com/blog) - [Log in](https://my.trovatrip.com/login) - [Become a Host](https://trovatrip.com/host/onboarding) # Spain: Trip Preparation & Destination Information Print this page as PDF. ![Spain: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/trovatrip-spain.jpg) ### About Spain - [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/spain#overview) - [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/spain#packing) - [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/spain#language) - [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/spain#weather) - [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/spain#funfacts) - [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/spain#tipping) - [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/spain#faq) - [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/spain#luggage-restrictions) - [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/spain#other-if-needed) #### Overview Let your imagination run wild, with images of flamenco dancers, Spanish conquests and ancient architecture. Enjoy delicious and unique cuisine, daily siestas and gentle sea breezes on sun-kissed beaches. The Spanish live with passion and a thirst for life. Welcome to Spain!   Disclaimer: Space is a precious commodity in Europe, especially in its most dense cities, be prepared for smaller hotel rooms. The same goes for bathrooms and elevators, don’t be surprised if they feel cozier than those in the US.   **Capital City:** Madrid **Population:** 47.35 million (2020 est.) **Currency:** Euro **Time Zone:** Central European Time CET (GMT+2) **Emergency Number:** 112 **Outlet**: Type C ![Spain-Sangria](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Spain-Sangria.jpg) ![Ibiza](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Ibiza.jpg) #### Packing List **Active Shoes** - Great for exploring off-the-beaten paths, hiking trails and waterfalls. We love sturdy hiking sandals, such as Chacos or Keens, for warmer climates. **Swimsuit** - Best to be prepared if we hit the beach. **Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium.  Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness. **Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a lobster sunburn. Protect your skin from unwanted damage by loading up on SPF. Make sure you buy Reef Safe too. **Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip. **Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more? **Day Packs** - Great for long adventure days. **Reusable Water Bottle** - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! (and save the planet by not buying plastic water bottles)! You will have access to clean water for refilling at all the hotels. **Towel** - Quick dry is our go-to. **Packing Cubes** - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and thesewill keep you organized. **Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option. **Portable Chargers** - Stay juiced my people. **Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate. **Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes. **Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only. **Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling. **Always pack extra underwear!** #### Speak the Language Language: The official language is Spanish, also called Castilian, and it is the first language of over 72% of the population.   - **Hello** - ¡Hola! (O-la) - **Goodbye** - ¡Adios! (AH-dee-ohs) - **Thank you** - Gracias (GRA-see-as) - **Do you speak English?** - ¿Habla inglés? (Ab-la in-GLAYS) - **I (don’t) understand** - Yo (no) entiendo (yo no en-tee-EN-doh) - **How are you?** - ¿Cómo está? (KOH-moh eh-STAH) - **I’m fine, thank you** - Bien, gracias (bee-EN, GRA-see-as) - **What’s your name?** - Cómo te llamas? ((KOH-moh te ya-mas?)) - **My name is…** - Me llamo… (May ya-moh… ) - **Where is...** - ¿Dónde está… (DON-day es-tah...)   - An ATM - un cajero (un kah-HEH-roh) - - The bathroom- el baño (el BAH-nyo)   **Google Translate:** Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/)  ![Marbella-Spain](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Marbella-Spain.jpg) #### Weather [BARCELONA WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/41d392d17/barcelona/?unit=us)   [SEVILLE WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/37d39n5d98/seville/?unit=us)   [GRANADA WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/37d18n3d60/granada/?unit=us)   [LLORET DE MAR WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/41d702d84/lloret-de-mar/?unit=us)   #### Fun Facts - Spanish is the world's 2nd most widely spoken language. With roughly 440 million native speakers, Spanish is second only to Mandarin. - Spain was under Muslim control by the Moors of Northern Africa for over 500 years and the entire peninsular was known as Al-Andalus or Andalusia. Until this day, the influence of the Moors can be seen in architecture, art, music and language. - Spain is the world’s leading producer of olive oil, at 1.5 million tons per year, followed by the Italians and the Greeks. Most of the olive oil comes from the southern region of Andalusia. - Spain is one of four countries in the entire world that does not have lyrics in its national anthem. - Roman Catholicism is very rich in Spain, and as such catholic holidays such as Easter have large importance. Expect most businesses to be shut. #### Tipping Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are expected in Spain. Tips provide supplemental income and while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them. | **Guides** | | $5 USD per person/per day | | --- | --- | --- | | **Drivers** | | $3-5 USD per person/per day | | **Restaurants (full service)**  | | 10% of total bill if service is not included |   #### FAQ **Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/spain-travel-advisory.html#:~:text=Reconsider%20travel%20to%20Spain%20due,you%20plan%20any%20international%20travel) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling. To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.   **Is Spain LGBTQ+ friendly? **For information on LGBTQ+ travel safety and tips, this [LGBTQ+ Spain Travel Guide](https://trovatrip.com/blog/the-lgbtq-travel-guide-to-spain) has been put together in partnership with [EveryQueer](https://everyqueer.com/) to help you have a great time, keep you safe, and inform you about LGBTQ+ rights in Spain.   **Is the water safe to drink?** Yes, at least 99.5% of all public tap water in Spain is safe to drink according to international water quality standards.   **Do I need a Visa? **For Visa information, visit click [here. ](https://usa.blsspainvisa.com/nyc/short_term_visa_tourist.php)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.   **What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/spain)   **Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.   **What does public transportation look like? **There are metros in most major cities. In Spain, metro tickets and passes let you travel on all types of public transportation, from city buses to suburban trains. Spanish metros are known for their cleanliness and reliability.   **How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.   **Is Uber or Lyft available? **Uber is only reliable in Madrid. Many locals will use Cabify but generally, taxis are affordable and reliable.   **What about Wifi?** Internet access and cell service are very good, with wifi in cafes and hotels. #### Luggage Restrictions ![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg) ![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png) ### Book With Confidence [![USTOA-Member-Logo-gray](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Footer%20Associations%20Logo/USTOA-Member-Logo-gray.png?width=200&name=USTOA-Member-Logo-gray.png) ](https://ustoa.com/)