What you should know before traveling to Spain

Visiting a new foreign country is always an exciting adventure that will keep you on your toes. However, before traveling to any new destination, you should do your research. That will give you a better understanding of the people there, the culture, and of course, the dos and don’ts. Below, you will find some valuable pieces of information that you need to know before going to Spain.

Their ‘siesta’ is holy

So, you walk around somewhere in Spain, it is 2 o’clock in the afternoon, and most of the places are closed. It sounds peculiar, to say the least. That is because Spanish people have their ‘siesta’ sometime between 1 and 4 PM. It is a time to rest and avoid all that midday heat. You will find a lot of places closed. It can be a pain at times because not everyone is having lunch at noon precisely, but it is something you have to deal with while in Spain. You can take that time to have a nice walk or sit on the beach. It depends on where you are.

Spain is bigger than you think

If you limit yourself to Barcelona and Madrid, then yes, Spain is small. But you would lose so much. The beauty of Spain is that it is big, both in size and culture. Different regions come with different cultures, and sometimes even language. It is rich in geography, and it would be a pity not to experience a little bit of everything.

Get out of the cities

The cities in Spain are amazing. Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, and of course, let’s not forget about Valencia, are all beautiful places. However, if you stay just in the cities, you will lose on a lot of beauty Spain has to offer. You have to get out of the urban areas and take in everything you can. The plains surrounding Madrid are something you cannot miss, and the Basque Region has plenty of mountains you can take hikes on. Also, let’s not overlook the fact that Spain is a Mediterranean country, so it has a lot of beaches. The Canary Islands and Tenerife are just a boat ride away, and you can have a lot of fun there.

Eat where locals eat

This is some kind of golden rule when it comes to traveling. If the locals eat in a particular restaurant, then you know that the place is good and the food there is great. Now, don’t get me wrong, Spanish cuisine is exquisite. Their famous Paella and the seafood alone make the entire country worth a visit. However, there is such a thing as a tourist trap, and you should make sure not to fall in it. So…eat where locals eat, and your belly will be satisfied.

Watch your pockets in Barcelona

It happens in most major cities around the world, but it never hurts to advise someone to watch their pockets while on vacation. Barcelona is a beautiful city where you can enjoy many wonderful experiences. Unfortunately, there are a lot of petty thieves, which is why you should be extra careful. The best course of action is to not have all your money on you and leave whatever you think is valuable in your hotel room or the hotel safe. If you fall victim to a petty thief, at least you will not lose everything. Also, do not wear expensive jewelry and keep a good eye on your electronics.

English is not as common as you may think

Spanish is one of the most spread languages in the world, with over 400 million people speaking it. There are many Spanish dialects in Spain, but not everyone speaks English. In fact, few people do, and most of them are in touristy areas. If you find yourself in a remote village in Spain, Spanish is the only language that will help you. It would be helpful for you to learn some common phrases before your departure. That way, you can at least ask about location and other necessary things.
Spain is a beautiful country with a wonderful culture. You should visit it at least once in your life. However, make sure that you are well researched before you leave. Also, depending on where you are from, you may need a visa. Take care of that ahead of time. Other than that, enjoy your stay in Spain.

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