Advice for Spain Trip

Question

On Wednesday me and a group of students will start a 2 week long trip to Spain I was wondering if anyone had any advice or recommendations for my trip? I'm really excited and I want to make the most of my trip What should I expect? I'm a little worried about speaking Spanish to the natives...

We're visiting Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalucía.

Answer 1

If you are American or Canadian and are bringing any electronics with you, you should look into a European travel adapter. I can't remember, but I think they use 220v electricity so you would need a converter to convert to 110v that is used in North America. Power cords with the box on them (like for a laptop or portable DVD player) usually have built in converters. One of mine, for example, says Input: 100-240v so I would just need an adapter so the 3-prong cord will fit into a European outlet. I think I bought a universal converter from Radio Shack for around $20 (American) six years ago. As for the Spanish, if this is your first trip to a foreign country, you'll probably feel a little foolish speaking it at first. I spent two days in France before I got the nerve to actually try speaking French. Once you start using it, you'll get comfortable with it though. I think they appreciate foreigners that try and speak the language and don't expect them to know English. I've only spent a few days in Spain, all in Barcelona, so I can't give you any advice on the sites where you'll be, and I was running out of money so I wasn't able to try a lot of different foods like I did in France. I just stuck with the cheap stuff. The restaurants I went to didn't have a hostess so you had to seat yourself (something I wasn't used too) and I was told by a German friend that tipping in Europe isn't like it is in America. It's not expected and only leaving a Euro or two for good service is sufficient. Things may be different in Spain. Besides all that, a Lonley Planet guide from your library could help get your trip planned. Have a good trip!

• Yes most European countries use 220v but not all. I believe the UK doesn't. - chicasabrosa Jul 12, 2011
• That's right we need adaptors too, but I believe our plugs in the UK are different to the ones in the States too, would be nice if they were standard world wide. - MaryMcc Jul 14, 2011

Answer 2

Force yourself to speak Spanish. Practice your greetings, and standard questions. (Time, directions, weather, how much does that cost? etc. SInce I don't know your level of Spanish, I think what I have suggested is a good bet. Don't be afraid to comment, "¡Qué bella es su país! etc. 99% of the people you speak to will be receptive and helpful, and appreciate your efforts to speak their language. The remaining few will still be asleep!

Answer 3

Don't wear an FC Barcelona shirt while in Madrid or a Real Madrid shirt in Barcelona. If you do you'll be paying 30% extra for your stuff and/or get beaten up on a regular basis.