Archive for the ‘Travelling In Spain’ Category

If you’ve ever traveled around Spain for any length of time, you’ve most likely found yourself without toilet paper at key moments. That’s right, the Spanish do not believe in restocking toilet paper. I have no idea if they go out TP-ing historic statues at night, or if they’re stockpiling for the next uprising, but whatever the reason, don’t expect to find it in bars, petrol stations, nightclubs, restaurants, etc. This is just one of many truths I’ve learned to accept in my time here. And allow me to be clear, many of these rules do NOT apply to Portugal – a country that I consider “well stocked”.

BATHROOM PROTOCOL

Beyond the need to carry some tissue with you at all times, there are several other bathroom tips I suggest you keep in mind. First off, the location of the light switch will rarely follow logic. It might be outside the bathroom in the hallway; inside the bathroom, but outside the stall; or inside the stall and simply not work. Additionally, most light switches are on a timer, meaning, that you have approximately 1 minute to do your business. I, personally, know very few people who can race through this ritual at lightening speed. Consequently, don’t be surprised if you find yourself in the dark, fumbling to keep yourself intact.

Suggestion: Bring small packet of tissues and a key chain flashlight

SIESTA TIME

I’d love to know how many people over the age of 21, and under the age of 60, actually take part in the traditional siesta, or nap time. I’m betting that the number is much lower than we’d like to believe; however, despite this fact that the siesta has fallen to the wayside, this time period in the middle of the day is cherished. And by cherished, I mean that nothing, and I do mean NOTHING, other than bars and restaurants will be open from approximately 2 to 5pm. Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit, because in most large cities, retail shops and souvenir shops are open through this time period, but this is the exception, and not the rule.

Suggestion: Plan on lunch between 2 and 5pm, dinner starting at 9m, while scheduling all other non food related events in between – such as visiting any information center!!

DINERO

First off, travelers checks are not the norm here in Spain. However, if you do bring travelers checks, the best thing to do is to come prepared with the address of your local AmEx office (there is one in the Madrid city center for example). You can also cash them in exchange places, and/or at the airport, but the commissions tend to be sky high. Instead, I suggest using either cash or credit cards. Most taxis, restaurants, retail shops and cafes will generally accept your credit cards, while mom and pop places will often require cash. That said, if you need to find a bank, they are normally open until…get this…2pm. That’s right, for whatever reason (and if anyone knows why, please tell me), bankers cannot be bothered when the clock strikes 2. So be sure to do all your money exchanges in the morning. If it’s a ATM you need, my suggestion is to look for the Servired or blue Telebanco sign (4B). These machines will not charge you an arm and a leg to take out money, and are commonly found all over the country. Keep in mind, you will always be asked to provide a picture ID when paying with a credit card. If you are reluctant to bring your passport with you while sightseeing, almost all places will accept a driver’s license as ID. (Flickr photo by Pingu1963)

Suggestion: Only carry the minimal amount on you at all times. Meaning, one credit card and small amount of cash, both located on different parts of your body. Don’t be like me, and have your entire life stolen from you on several occasions, because I didn’t follow my own advice.

SIDEWALK RULES

I have been a waitress for the best part of youthful existence, and in that time period, I quickly learned to find ways around people as quickly and efficiently as I could, whereby ensuring that I could attend to my customers. However, this theory, albeit effective in Spain, should be avoided! Why? Because like West Side Story, I find that people want to rumble! They would rather plow you down on a sidewalk than actually move out of the way. You could have 5 wee little grandmas lined up, not vertically, but horizontally, refusing to offer space when you pass, whereby forcing you into oncoming traffic. Therefore, I have adopted the bulldozer method. Regardless of age, me, and my little 5’1? frame, will hold my ground when passing. And if that means I have to hip-check Maria, the fragile and innocent “looking” grandma, in order to get my 6 inches of space on the sidewalk…well, let’s just say that the thought hasn’t crossed my mind

Suggestion: Wear a helmet and go full throttle!

NOISE ALERT

Part of the reason why I adore Spain is the Spanish zest for living life to the fullest outside in the open air. Hot or cold, rainy or sunny, city or pueblo, you will always find the majority of the population either high on their terrace looking down at you, or in the streets at all hours of the day. Grandchildren will be hand in hand with their 90 year old grandmother at 11:30 at night, a gaggle of 16 year old girls will be giggling over recent hormone triggering events in the early morning hours around a streetlamp, and come lunch time, stand back, as the world swarms to the streets to invigorate themselves with a dose of Vitamin D from the big yellow ball in the sky. However, the consequence of everyone being outside, speaking at astounding decibels to the person directly next to them, is that peace and quiet is rarely ever experienced. Instead, you find yourself becoming accustomed to impromptu jam sessions, raucous laughter at 3am and the ever so popular, dirt bike screaming through your neighborhood at all hours.

Suggestion: Purchase a crate of earplugs and learn to simply go with the flow.

TAPAS TRICKS

Don’t think for a second that either the customers, or the bartender, will pay any attention to you if you stand patiently by the bar. You might as well plant an “ignore me” sign on your forehead, because that is exactly what’s going to happen. If you truly want service, use the hip checking principal you learned above, followed by a fervent arm raise, and a “Perdone!” Or simply shout out your order “Dos tintos por favor!” This is both expected and acceptable, except if someone is clearly ahead of you in turn to order. Politeness is a relative term in Spain, because with every act of politeness is conjoined with an act of assertiveness. Use “please” and “thank you” accordingly, but don’t let yourself be a wallflower. Because wallflowers won’t get a delicious tapa or a cold and refreshing glass of cava.

Suggestion: Bring a blow horn on your tapas tour, or simply shimmy up the bar and signal the bartender with your hand, but be ready to order to minute they give you their full attention.

CROSSING THE STREET

Technically, for every crosswalk, or zebra crossing, without a light, the pedestrian has the right of way. In Spain, this is taken very seriously, and it is a courtesy I really appreciate. However, don’t assume that people will stop for you. I have seen my fair share of accidents, some of which have been deadly. So rather than ruin your vacation with a hospital visit (something I pride myself in achieving on every trip), step out into the crosswalk to prove you are serious about crossing, but wait until the car has slowed down before doing so.

Suggestion: Dress in day glow yellow, or wait until cars slow down before attempting a crosswalk.

TAKE THE TRAIN

Spaniards are fantastic at many things, but directions are not their forte. If you ever decide to rent a car, understand that you will get lost in your journey many, many, many times. Signs are typically confusing, streets poorly marked (or not marked at all), and driving is more gut related than associated to logic. Spain has incredible public transportation as it is, and if you’re considering a cross-country adventure, take the train! Granted, it’s not the cheapest route, but it’s absolutely the most enjoyable and least stressful. Additionally, grab a free map from Corte Ingles. These maps are by far the most helpful and descriptive ones you’ll find. Additionally, there are huge discounts on train fares on the Renfe web page for a 14 day or 7 day advance purchase, as well as for 24 hour (last minute) travel on the AVE. Sometimes reductions can go up to 70% !! And when booking, keep note that the higher of the two prices is the equivalent to 1st class called, preferente. Personally, I would go with the “turista” class, which not only gives you an excuse to walk 40 feet to the dining car, rather than getting personal service, but it also allows for some great conversations with your seat mates. As your normal “tourist class” attracts people from around the world, why not take advantage of the moment, and strike up a conversation.

Suggestion: Take the high speed train called, AVE. And if you do rent a car, DO NOT use Pepe Car (word of caution)

MENU OF THE DAY

First off, look for a traditional bar or restaurant. The last thing you want to experience is a bland and sterile tapas chain. Go for the mom and pop places that will offer you home cooked meals at a reasonable price. Secondly, go for the “menu del dia”. These menus, typically listed on a board outside the front door, normally provide you with a choice of your first and second course followed by a dessert or beverage. These are generally traditional meals that are fantastic for the price. Things to avoid: if you see any photos of a paella or pizza displayed on a board outside the restaurant, run!

Suggestion: With the current economic crisis, you can find a “menu of the day” for as cheap as 6 euros. Not a bad deal for what you’ll get!

PRACTICE SMOKING NOW

A few years ago, Spain passed a pathetic law requiring non-smoking sections in restaurants bigger than 100m sq. Unfortunately, that takes up approximately .00008% of all restaurants in Spain. And even those restaurants larger than 100m sq. rarely follow the rule, although this is slowly changing. Therefore, your choices are either to find outdoor cafes, for which there are many, or simply take up smoking now, because trust me, it’s everywhere. Check out non-smoking restaurants here.

Suggestion: Take to the streets and enjoy the many terraces in Spain, or ask for non-smoking. Although true “non-smoking” doesn’t exist yet (said to be occurring this year), it’s the best you’ll find.

Whilst Spain is one of the world’s leading destinations in the tourist industry there is more to this country than just beaches and islands. The country is situated on the Iberian peninsula. Spain also encompasses two groups of islands, The Balearic Islands (Islas Baleares), in the Mediterranean, coast and the Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) which lie off the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The Balearic Islands have ferry services to the mainland running to Barcelona, Valencia and Denia. Please bear in mind that car hire companies do normally not allow to transport a rental vehicle on board.

Furthermore Spain has got two enclaves in Morocco on the African continent, Ceuta and Melilla. Ferries link the enclave of Ceuta with Algeciras, Tarifa and Malaga. Melilla, the other enclave is served by ferries out of Malaga and Almeria. Remember that a rent a car in Spain may not be taken from Malaga to these enclaves on the boat.

Spain has a extended network of airports serving the following cities and towns: A Coruna, Alicante, Almeria, Aviles, Badajoz, Barcelona, Bilbao, Girona, Granada, Jerez de la Frontera, Leon, Madrid, Malaga, Murcia, Pamplona, Reus, San Sebastian, Santander, Santiago, Seville, Valencia, Valladolid, Vigo and Zaragoza. All the Canary Islands have at least one airport which makes it fairly easy to travel to El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canary, La Gomera, Lanzarote and Tenerife. Except for Formentera the rest of the Balearics Islands, namely Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca all have airports.

In addition to the many inter island flights which are available at reasonable prices the islands are also connected by ferry services. If you are not travelling with a car you may choose the much quicker jet foil services, however if you are travelling by car you will have to opt for the slower traditional ferries. Please bear in mind that rent a car companies do not permit to transfer a rental vehicle from ome island to another.

All mayor airlines provide scheduled flights to Spain but it is also a main destination for low cost airlines with flights available from almost any city in Europe. Furthermore there are many charter flights serving the major tourist destinations in Spain, like Malaga or Alicante, and it is possible to find some very good deals on seats on these flights if the tour operator has not sold out the inventory.

The train service is well developed and tickets are relatively cheap compared to other European countries. The AVE high speed train network is extensive, you can travel comfortably from Barcelona to Madrid, Sevilla and Malaga at a speed of almost 300 km per hour.

Travelling by car is an other cheap option for visitors from many European countries who do not depend as much on air transportation as tourists from the United Kingdom. Some roads in Spain are not of a good standard but the infrastructure has been improved considerably and so it is also possible to travel by car on some of the newest and finest roads on the continent. If you prefer to travel by bus Spain is served by many bus companies linking the major cities with express services.

One of the most interesting options for the independent traveller who wants to move around and see much more of Spain is the service of one of the many car hire companies in Spain. Especially in major tourist destinations car hire in Spain can be a very economical option if you compare with the total expenses for taxi fares for several sight seeing trips. Spain car rental is also available from the internet at bargain prices, all you have to do is use your favourite search engine to find the best prices for cheap car hire in Spain.