Hi Everyone!  Happy Monday!  Today I have a special post for all of you!  CheapOair reached out to me a couple weeks ago about sharing some guests posts written by their writers.  We chatted about what would be the best types of posts and I thought it would be great to share a post about travel and Spain.  Today I am sharing a “Guide to Visiting Spain for the First Time”.  I think everything they included is pretty accurate, especially the part about ‘eating local’- Spain has some of the best food!, watching your valuables, and visiting the art museums in Madrid.  I hope you enjoy this post and feel free to let me know what you think in the comments:

A Guide to Visiting
Spain for the First Time

With stunning views, rich history, and delicious food, trying to narrow down plans and pick and choose exactly what to do in Spain can become overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. This article is going to serve as a brief guide for some basic tips, dos and don’ts, and must-see attractions when traveling to Spain.

Travel Tips

Spain is an extremely culturally diverse country. Your surroundings and activities can change drastically just going from one city to another! However, there are a few important things to know before traveling anywhere in Spain.

• Get ready to nap! Siestas, or afternoon naps, are very real and very appreciated all throughout Spain.
• Meals are served pretty late – Dinner is usually eaten around 10pm.
• Eat local. If you want true Spanish food, find out where the locals eat. And don’t forget to try some of Spain’s infamous Paella — seriously, you have to try it.
• Keep your valuables safe. Just like anywhere in the world, there will be people who are looking to do more harm than good.
• Tipping at restaurants in Spain isn’t required (but always appreciated).
• There’s more to Spain than the big cities. Consider checking out the Mediterranean coast and surrounding mountains or plains.

Do’s and Don’ts

When traveling anywhere, there are always certain things you should and shouldn’t do. Spain is no different – and with being in a foreign country, it’s important to know a few mistakes you should avoid making.

Do….

Pack for the weather. Oftentimes, people assume Spain is always hot and humid, no matter the time of year. But this is not true! While temperatures can easily reach over 100 degrees during the summer months, it can get cold in the winter months. So it’s important to do some research ahead of time and figure out what the weather is going to be like in the part of the country you’re visiting.

Try to learn the languages. You should remember that you’re traveling to another country and you most likely won’t be fluent in Spanish. If you are, then props to you! But if you’re not, it may be a good idea to brush up on some basics before your trip. Also, it’s important to remember that not ever local you come into contact with will speak Spanish as their first language. There are actually five native languages in Spain! So consider picking up a few key words in the regional language to help you out while traveling.

Don’t…

Try to see everything. Unfortunately, you won’t get to see every inch of Spain on your trip. Spain is a pretty large country and trying to cram too much sightseeing into your schedule will only leave you exhausted. If you try to speed through everything, you’ll only deprive yourself of truly enjoying your trip. So make a list of a few absolute “musts” and make sure you leave time for you to thoroughly enjoy yourself on your trip.

Forget your cash. While it’s important to not carry too much cash on you, you’ll want some. If you plan on visiting some local vendors or small, local shops, you’re probably not going to be able to use your credit card. It’s also important to have a variety of bills on hand as some shops won’t be able to make change for big bills.

Must-See Attractions

Each one of Spain’s cities is unique and full of things to do. However, like mentioned before, it’s important to not try to do too much. So with that in mind, we’ve compiled a few “must-see” attractions to visit in different cities.

La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Religious or not, Barcelona visitors have to make a stop at Gaudi’s notorious unfinished basilica. With its unique architectural designs, it’s one of the most amazing structures in the world. If you walk all the way around the building, you’ll be able to see different religious scenes within the building design. You can’t go to Barcelona and not visit the biggest unfinished Roman Catholic church in history.

The Golden Triangle of Art Museums in Madrid

If you’re interested in art, this one is definitely for you. Close to the Atocha train station are the Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. These three art museums are located in a convenient triangle and are considered some of the best art museums in Europe. From classical sculptures to modern art, these three museums have something for every kind of art lover and are a definite must when visiting Madrid.

Barrio Santa Cruz in Seville

While Seville is broken up into several different neighborhoods, Barrio Santa Cruz is one you can’t miss. With its classic Spanish structural design, wonderful restaurants, and endless entertainment, it’s a place you have to see. If you get the timing right, you may even see some bullfighting and flamenco. Basically, Barrio Santa Cruz has a little bit of everything to fill your Spanish-loving heart.

With its wide variety of food, entertainment, and culture, Spain is a common destination on people’s bucket lists. So if you’re one of the lucky people who actually get to go, make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to get lost, try something new, and meet new people. If your heart has been yearning for a new adventure, Spain is where you’ll find one.