Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Spain

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Spain on five different occasions visiting everywhere from the Northern Basque region to the incredible island of Mallorca and extensively throughout the South of Spain.  Spain is an incredibly beautiful and diverse country and it’s such a great European destination for first-time visitors to Europe or those looking for a fun girls getaway or solo adventure.  This is everything you need to know about planning a trip to Spain.

 

If you’re traveling to Spain, don’t miss…

• The Ultimate Spain Packing List
• 7 Best Places to Visit in Spain (that aren’t Barcelona)

 

Is Spain Worth Visiting?

Yes!  Spain is absolutely worth visiting.  There is so much beauty, interesting history, and a variety of things to see and do.  Every region of Spain feels different from the next but they all have two things in common – laid back locals and incredible tapas (or pintxos if you’re in the Basque Country) to gorge on.  Plus, Spain has great weather year-round (if you travel in the south) and is easy to get to from the US or other nearby countries you might be visiting.  So if you’re considering traveling to Spain, I would urge you to do so!

 

Brief History of Spain

Spain’s history is a blend of cultural influences, starting with the Romans and Moors, who influenced Spains language, architecture, and traditions.  In 1492, the Catholic Monarchs united Spain, ended Muslim rule, and financed Columbus’s journey to the Americas, kicking off Spain’s golden age of exploration and empire.  The country later faced turbulent times, including a brutal civil war in the 1930s and decades under Franco’s dictatorship.  Today, Spain has emerged as a democracy, celebrated for its lively fiestas, world-class art, and diverse regions, each offering a unique flavor of Spanish life, from the flamenco beats of Andalusia to the modernist architecture of Barcelona.

 

Safety Tips for Visiting Spain

Generally, I would say that Spain is a pretty safe country (I’ve traveled around Spain with family, solo, and with girlfriends).  However, there are common scams to be aware of, especially in Barcelona; and general safety tips I recommend following.  A few common scams in Spain to lookout for include…

• Pickpocketing (especially in Barcelona or tourist attractions) – I recommend bringing an anti-theft waist bag
• Fake petition scams (someone may try to pickpocket you when you’re distracted)
• ATM skimming
• Dropping a ring or giving a bracelet scam (nobody will give you anything for free)
• Taxi scams – Make sure the meter is running and know that it is law in Spain that each driver must have a machine to allow passengers to pay with a credit/debit card

As of 2024, Spain ranks 31st out of 163 countries and territories on the Global Peace Index (for reference, the United States holds the 132nd spot).   And even though it is safe, here are some general safety tips to follow when you travel to Spain…

• Make two copies your passport; keep one copy in a separate place from where you keep your passport, and leave the second copy at home with a loved one
• Forward all hotel reservations to a family member/friend so they can track where you’re supposed to be at all times
• Don’t carry all of your cash and credit/debit cards on you – keep some in your hotel room in case your purse was to be taken
• Know the number and address of the US Embassy (or whatever country you’re from).  In this case, there are several US Embassy’s throughout Spain in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valencia, and Palma
• Know how to dial out – the code for Spain is +34
• Know how to contact emergency services – 112

 

Travel Insurance

Another way to ensure safety during a trip is by purchasing travel insurance.  Travel insurance can cover illness, theft, airplane and hotel cancellation, and emergency evacuation services if something arises (each plan is different so make sure to see what your insurance covers before purchasing).  I used SafetyWing each time traveling through Spain and would highly recommend it.

 

Read more about why I recommend travel insurance…

• Why You Need Travel Insurance… From a Nurse’s Perspective
• 9 Most Important Things to Know About Travel Medical Insurance

 

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE!

 

Visa Requirements for Visiting Spain

If you’re traveling to Spain as a United States citizen, you do not need a visa to visit unless you plan to stay in Spain (or other “Schengen states”) for over 90 days.  If you’re traveling from elsewhere, you can check out iVisa to see what your requirements are.

 

The Best Time to Visit Spain

Because of its size and location, different regions in Spain experience different weather patterns throughout the year.  For instance, the south stays pretty warm year-round; while the north can get cold and rainy.  With that being said, the best time to visit Spain depends on the region and what you’re looking to experience.  For comfortable weather across the country, consider visiting during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). These shoulder seasons offer mild temperatures for sightseeing and fewer tourists, making them ideal for exploring cities like Madrid and Barcelona, as well as the beaches in Southern Spain.  Summer (July to August) is peak tourist season, especially along the coast, with hot weather and busy crowds, while winter (December to February) is cooler, great for visiting the southern regions.

 

How Many Days Do You Need in Spain?

You could spend months in Spain and not see everything.  However, if you have the time, I’d recommend staying a minimum of 10-14 days to experience a few different places.  In the past, my routes through Spain were…

• Bilbao & San Sebastian – 7 days; family trip
• Barcelona – 3 days; solo trip
• Malaga, Seville, Grenada, Madrid – 2 weeks; solo trip
• Madrid, San Sebastian, Rioja wine region, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao – 8 days; solo trip
• Barcelona, Ibiza, Mallorca – 10 days; girls trip
• Costa Brava – 4 days; road trip

If you don’t have much time, focus on visiting one of Spain’s bigger cities (Barcelona, Madrid, or Bilbao) and day tripping from there.  Day trips I recommend from each city include…

• Barcelona – Montseratt, Girona, & Costa Brava
• Madrid – Segovia & Avila; Toledo
• Bilbao – San Juan de Gaztelugatxe & San Sebastian

 

Cost of Visiting Spain

Depending on where you travel in Spain, the country is pretty affordable!  Although accommodation can get pricey, the cost of food, drink, and transportation is all pretty reasonable.  Plus, if you’re staying away from Spain’s biggest attractions (Barcelona, Ibiza, Mallorca, etc) – you can expect an even more affordable vacation.  Here’s what I would recommend as a budget when traveling through Spain…

• Budget:  $50-$70/day
• Mid-Range:  $90-$130/day
• Luxury:  $200+/day

 

Currency in Spain

Spain operates on the Euro (EUR; €).  The Euro is constantly changing so before visiting, make sure how it compares to your home country currency.

 

Cash vs Credit/Debit

Just about everywhere in Spain accepts credit/debit cards (with few exceptions).  When you pay, make sure to pay in Euro versus your home currency so that you get a better exchange rate.  Many machines will ask this question when paying!  Lastly, taxi’s in Spain are required to accept cards.  If the driver says “cash only”, this is not true and he/she is lying.

 

Tipping Practices

Tipping is not common practice in Spain and you will rarely be asked to add a tip.  If you are asked, know that tipping culture is much less common than in the US and an appropriate amount would be around 10% of your bill.

 

How to Get to Spain

If you’re traveling to Spain from outside of Europe, you’ll be flying to one of its main international airports – most likely Barcelona or Madrid; and transferring from there.

If you’re traveling to Spain from inside of Europe, especially a bordering country like France or Portugal, you can easily take a train, bus, or rent a car to get to Spain.  Or if you’re traveling from a non-bordering country, you will most likely be able to connect directly to the destination of your choice, without needing to stop for a layover through Madrid or Barcelona first.

 

IF YOU’RE FLYING TO SPAIN AND WANT AN ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER TO PICK YOU UP AT THE AIRPORT, BOOK AHEAD HERE!  (SELECT CITIES ONLY)

 

Tips for Getting to Spain from the USA

If you’re planning a trip to Spain from the USA your journey can be relatively long!  To make your journey more comfortable, and maybe even more affordable, here are some simple tips…

• If you live in a small city, buy a flight out of a bigger city to save money
  • For example, I live in Omaha, NE so I use points to fly to Chicago in the morning, then get a night flight out of Chicago to my destination
• If you’re flexible on travel dates, play around with dates when it comes to arriving/departing for the cheapest flight
• Open a travel credit card to earn points to potentially use for your flight
• Sign up for Going (there is a free version) for cheap flight notifications
• Compare flight prices on a big search engine
• Purchase travel insurance (before traveling) in case anything goes wrong with your flight
• Bring a good eye mask on the airplane for a chance at some shut eye

 

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TO SPAIN HERE!

 

How to Get Around Spain

One of my favorite things about visiting Spain is the ease of being able to travel around the country!  Train travel is incredibly easy and affordable.  Renting a car and driving around is easy.  And flying between cities is easy too (and affordable with budget airlines!).  Here are some great resources for traveling around Spain…

• Spain uses both Uber and Bolt (not in every city) – download both apps ahead of time
• For train/bus travel – Omio, Bookaway, & 12Go
• For an English speaking driver waiting to pick you up at the airport – Welcome Pickups (select cities only)
• To rent a car – Discover Cars (you will also need an international license to drive in Spain)

 

If you plan to rent a car, don’t miss…

• Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Spain

 

 

 

Accommodation in Spain

By far, the easiest way to book accommodation in Spain is using a search engine.  Not only will you find a plethora of hotels but you’re also able to filter through options when booking hotels.  Before browsing accommodations, I always make sure that I have “free wifi”, “very good 8+ reviews”  and “A/C” toggled ON.  From there, I browse through accommodations and choose the best one for me.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY IN SPAIN HERE!

 

Spanish Food & Drink

Not only are the food and drinks in Spain unique, flavorful, and well-known around the world; but dining out in Spain is a treat in itself.  Each meal is a celebration, with lunches and dinners stretching for hours as you enjoy small bites and drinks.  As for the food, Spanish cuisine is a rich blend of Mediterranean ingredients, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce, seafood, and meats.  Tapas (or pintxos as they are known in the Basque region), are a quintessential part of Spanish dining, offering everything from olives and cured ham to patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).

Paella, originating from Valencia, is another iconic dish, showcasing a blend of rice, saffron, vegetables, and proteins like seafood, chicken, or rabbit.  Each region of Spain has its specialties—Catalonia offers creamy seafood dishes like suquet, while the Basque Country is known for its pintxos, a sophisticated version of tapas.

When it comes to drinks, Spain is famed for its wine, particularly reds from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, and sparkling cava from Catalonia.  Sangria (or Tinto de Verano as the locals call it), is a refreshing mix of red wine, fruit, and brandy, is a popular choice, especially during the summer months.  In the south, a chilled glass of sherry, such as fino or manzanilla, is the perfect accompaniment to tapas.  Together, Spanish food and drink offer a unique journey that reflects the country’s rich history and regional diversity, making every meal a celebration.

By the way, if you’re dining out in Spain, know that lunches often don’t start until late in the afternoon (around 2-3 pm) and dinners don’t start until late at night (around 10 pm).

 

If you’re a foodie planning a trip to Spain, don’t miss…

• The Best Food Tours in Barcelona
• 5 of the Best San Sebastián Pintxos Tours

 

Language in Spain/Simple Phrases to Know

The official language in Spain is Spanish; and I would say most locals – especially those in the hospitality industry – know a good amount of English.  When traveling, I always think it’s polite to learn a few phrases in the language of the country that you’re visiting.  Here are a few Spanish words that will help you get by…

• Thank you = Gracias
• Hello = Hola
• Goodbye = Adios
• Toilet = Bano

 

The Best Places to Visit in Spain

Although I’ve traveled extensively through Spain, there are still tons of places on my ever-growing “Spain bucket list”!  If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are my top recommendations for places to travel in Spain…

• Canary Islands
• Cordoba
• Costa Brava
• Mallorca
• Menorca
• Grenada
• Ronda
• San Sebastian
• Seville
• Toledo
• Valencia
• Vitoria-Gasteiz

 

For more Spain inspiration and itineraries, don’t miss…

• A Complete Guide to Mallorca
• The Best 4 Day Basque Country Itinerary
• 8 Day Barcelona, Madrid, & Southern Spain Itinerary
• How to Make the Most of One Day in Grenada
• How to Spend One Day in Malaga, Spain
• Things to Do in Seville – 5 Experiences to Have
• The Ultimate Guide to Barcelona, Spain
• 72 Hours in Barcelona

 

Spain Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Spain

 

I hope that this guide to planning a trip to Spain helps you make the most out of your vacation.  If you have any questions about visiting Spain, let me know in a comment below!

 

---

For more information on things to see and do in Spain, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinspain” or under my highlights for “Spain”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Spain” highlight

---

 

Pin Me!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.