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Spain: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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Spain: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Spain

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
Ibiza

Packing List

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 

Marbella-Spain

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 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 has been put together in partnership with EveryQueer 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. 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.

 

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 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

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