Top 10 Tips for Traveling Spain – Don’t Forget the TP!!

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, music venues, nightclubs, restaurants, etc. This is just one of many truths I’ve learned to accept during my time here.

Below you’ll find several other tongue-and-cheek tips for enjoying your next trip to Spain, a must for any curious traveler!

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 lightning 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 have your cell phone on flashlight mode!

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 5 pm. 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 5 pm, 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… 2 pm. 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 an 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.

Suggestion: Only carry the minimal amount on you at all times. Meaning, one credit card and a 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 are rarely ever experienced. Instead, you find yourself becoming accustomed to impromptu jam sessions, raucous laughter at 3 am 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 Spanish 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 the 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 – an absolute must if driving in Portugal!

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: 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

Like much of Europe, Spain passed a 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  changing. Therefore, your choices are either to find outdoor cafes, for which there are many, or simply take up smoking now, because while in Rome….

Suggestion: Take to the streets and enjoy the many terraces in Spain, or ask for non-smoking.

Please keep in mind that this article, though accurate as I see it, is filled with heaps of loving sarcasm. Enjoy, laugh a bit, and bring tissue!!!

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