Spain is an incredible country, boasting Atlantic beaches, Mediterranean coves and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Before travelling there, however, it would be beneficial to get acquainted with some key vocabulary words and phrases for travel in Spain.
These basic Spanish travel phrases will come in handy, especially if your vocabulary is limited.
Accommodations
Spain boasts an extensive variety of accommodations. Choose from hostels, guesthouses and hotels ranging from budget to five stars; unique state-owned inns like paradors may also be found within historic structures or locations.
Apart from traditional hotel rooms, family apartments provide all the comforts of home. There are also boutique cave dwellings and restored manor houses offering bed & breakfast stays; or camping outdoors or staying in a rural cottage are options as well.
During peak tourist season (June to August), it is advised to book accommodation well in advance; however, during the off-season period (September to May), rooms can often be found at more reasonable rates.
Backpacker hostels (known as albergue de juventud) provide an economical accommodation option in Spain, typically offering dormitory-style rooms accommodating up to 12 guests per room and often featuring a communal space where travellers can meet other travellers and experience Spanish culture.
Guest houses resemble hotels in that they feature private rooms for rent; many can be found in rural settings, offering peace and tranquility to those seeking some peace and quiet. Furthermore, there are hostales; these should not be mistaken with youth hostels; instead they are modest hotels without services that typically feature an “s” in front of the capital letter H in their name.
Documents
Spain is part of the Schengen Area, along with several other European nations, which allows travelers to enter without needing a visa. You should still bring all necessary documentation that proves your financial resources can sustain yourself during your stay in Spain and allow you to return home afterward.
As part of your application to travel abroad, you will require documentation such as a letter from your employer indicating the purpose and duration of your journey (or an invitation letter from a Spanish company outlining their activities and covering costs for visiting). Furthermore, you will require valid passport or identity document along with medical proof that confirms you are free of the COVID-19 virus.
Documents must be presented when entering an airport and at border control or e-gates when applicable; to get up-to-date requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Travelers attending cultural, sports and religious events may encounter certain restrictions upon entering their destination country. You may need to provide additional details regarding the event you are participating in and declare any items which could be subject to customs taxes (e.g. tobacco, alcohol or medication).
Getting around
An unforgettable trip to Spain offers the chance to see some of Europe’s most spectacular countryside, but selecting a transportation mode that matches your travel style is key. Spain boasts a vast network of transportation services that will allow you to maximize your visit.
Our country’s expansive rail network allows us to reach even remote villages, while most major cities provide multiple trains each day. Many routes also offer passes that cover multiple modes of public transport – from long-distance buses to subways – saving both time and money as well as eliminating stress associated with purchasing individual tickets.
Buses in Spain are known as turismo, automovil or coche and can usually be found outside hotels. As these buses may become overcrowded quickly, it’s wise to plan ahead and arrive early – most buses have their own luggage policy so knowing ahead of time what size bags will be allowed on board can save valuable time on arrival.
Rental cars offer the ideal way to see more of the country, particularly if you plan on visiting several destinations at once. Furthermore, most rental car companies provide discounts the more days you rent for.
Language
Though traveling through Spanish speaking countries without knowing much Spanish may be possible, doing so limits your options and may hinder communication with local people. At least some basic vocabulary and the ability to pose simple questions such as ‘What do you want? What needs do you have?” will go far toward making sure a memorable travel experience!
Understanding that there are different variants of Spanish is also crucial; some variants reflect specific communities or regions around the globe while other versions, like ‘neutral’ Spanish (sometimes known as ‘universal’), which strives to be understood by all speakers across the globe while omitting regional differences and colloquialisms, works best when writing informative texts like medical prospectuses or instruction manuals but may not suit marketing materials and other forms of communication as effectively.