When to go and what to wear?
Dressing for a comfortable holiday in Spain depends on the season. If you want to get a gorgeous bronze tan, swim in the sea and enjoy dancing, the best time to go is in summer, between May and September. The sun is at its strongest during this period, so it’s a good idea to bring light, light-coloured clothing made of linen or cotton. However, it can be chilly on the coast in the evenings, and it’s a good idea to bring a long-sleeved sweatshirt.
In summer, there are many tourists in Spain. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December) seasons are best suited to those who want to sightsee and avoid the crowds. You’ll need to dress warmer for a trip like this. Tourists usually pack a few jumpers, an autumn jacket and demi-seasonal leather boots. On the north coast of Spain, a hat and scarf will be comfortable. It is worth remembering that autumn and spring have the heaviest rainfall. An umbrella or mackintosh protects against the unexpected vagaries of nature.
Medicines and medical care
Any kind of mishap can happen on a trip, so most tourists take a basic first aid kit with them. It includes painkillers and antipyretic medication, and allergy pills are also worth buying, even if the symptoms of allergies were not present before the trip. Spanish cuisine is quite specific, so it’s not unreasonable to take effective medication for the stomach. Sunscreen is a must. The Spanish sun is insidious in the summer, without protection it’s not worth getting burnt.
If a holiday does not go according to plan and a hospital visit is necessary, it is worth knowing under what conditions high-quality care will be provided. Spain’s medical care is highly regarded throughout the world: the speed and level of service is astonishing. EU citizens who present their insurance card will receive immediate assistance here. For other tourists, it is better to take out health insurance in advance to receive the same quality of services.
How do I protect myself against theft?
It is advisable to choose bags that can be worn over the shoulder when travelling. Otherwise, thieves on motorbikes can snatch the bag from their hands, and it is extremely difficult to catch up with them. Phone, wallet and any other valuables should not be placed in external pockets. They will be easy to draw out in the crowds that often gather around people performing in the street. It is best not to take large sums of money with you but, for example, to leave them in the room safe.
How to communicate? Is a knowledge of English enough?
In practice, Spaniards know foreign languages, but only in big cities and mostly young people. Knowing the basics of spoken Spanish will make life a lot easier for tourists. You shouldn’t forget about dialects by studying their characteristics too.
Where can I get a cheap meal?
Tourist cafés and restaurants are certainly not cheap. The same cannot be said for the places where Spaniards usually dine. Their motto is “tasty and inexpensive”, so following the locals can save a lot of money.
Tourists unanimously agree that coffee in Spain is good anywhere. This, of course, is an added plus for lovers of the drink.
What do I pay with?
Spain’s official currency is the euro. There are exchange offices at airports, hotels, and banks. You can also withdraw your savings from an ATM, but a fee of three euros or more is often charged. MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere. It is preferable to already have the right amount of cash in euros with you.