What you need to know for 
travel to Spain

Medical and Travel Insurance
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country. Before you leave make sure that your medical insurance has coverage overseas.  If that is not the case you will need additional insurance since the Spanish Social Security system can only offer treatment in the event of an emergency.  
If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured.  In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be very frustrating without insurance.  Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance.  For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. 

Visa Information
US citizens need a valid US passport for entry in Spain.  No visa is required for U.S. passport holders for a stay of up to 3 months.  Make three photocopies of your passport.  Leave one copy at home with family and carry the other separately from your original.  Due to new airline regulations, a copy of your passport must also be sent to Pilgrim Tours.

Health Certificates
None required.  No inoculations are required when traveling between the United States and Spain.

Language Spoken
Spanish

Currency
The currency in Spain is the Euro.  The travel section of your newspaper or the Internet will give you the most recent exchange rate.  You may choose to exchange a small amount of currency at a US bank before you leave, however, you may do so upon arrival at the airport in Spain.  Your escort will be able to show you the best place to exchange money upon your arrival.  ATM machines are available in the major cities throughout Spain.  However, in smaller towns, ATM cards, traveler’s checks and credit cards may not be accepted.  Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in EURO ONLY - NOT US DOLLARS.   For purchases during your trip we recommend that you use a major credit card.  Credit card charges will appear on your statement converted to US currency.

Voltage
Electricity is 220 volts.  You will need to bring along the necessary converters to operate any 120-volt appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc.

Medication
If you are required to take medications, you should notify the leader of your group in the event of an emergency.  Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription to take with you if your medication is lost.  It is also recommended that you carry a letter from your doctor stating your prescription and dosage.  All medication must be kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medications.

Baggage Allowance
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in addition to your purse, camera case or video camera).  Be sure your luggage is clearly tagged on the inside and outside.  If you are traveling with a tour group, you must use the baggage tags provided along with your own.
Airlines limit carry-on luggage to ONE piece not to exceed a 45-inch dimension, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Time Zone
Seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

Climate
The average temperatures in Spain vary from region to region.  In the month of July the average temperature in Madrid is 78 F, in Seville 80 F, Granada 77 F, and in Tangier, Morocco 76 F.

Pre-Flight
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers.  In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Travel at 800-322-0788.

Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily.
When at the airport, never leave your luggage unattended for any length of time…no matter how short.  Do not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.
Check-in time for international flights is normally three hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of identification for international travelers.
Bring along a moisturizer, as the air in the plane cabin is extremely dry. In order to avoid jet lag, avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Rather, opt for natural fruit juices and water.

What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good suggestion.  Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful. You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit but it is not necessary. Include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings. A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) are easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella. Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Never pack these items in your checked luggage. Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry.  A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes. Do not over-pack. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
If you are traveling with a companion, cross-pack is a good idea. Put half of your items in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa. This will ease the frustration of lost luggage.
Take along a small backpack. While touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, paper and notebook.  It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs.
Don’t forget these travel sized necessities: sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), plastic “zip-locking” bags (for storing open bottles and containers). Purchase your film and batteries in the US.  Remember to bring extra for your video camera.

Tipping
A service charge is often added to the bill in hotels and restaurants.  However, if it is omitted, a tip of 10-15% is customary. A usual tip for tour bus drivers is $2.00 per person, per day and a tour escort usually receives $3.00 per person, per day.  Hotel maids receive $1.00 per person, per day.  Tip taxi drivers at least 10-15% of the fare. This is simply a general guideline. Tips and gratuities are earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner. Plan ahead so that you have enough cash on hand each day to cover the tips and gratuities that are needed.

Meals
For meals that are not included, check with your group leader or the front desk at the hotel for suggestions (be sure to mention the price range you are interested in).  If you like Spanish food at home, you’ll like it even more in Spain.  Each of Spain’s political regions is also a gastronomically distinct entity.  For the most gratifying dining experience, the traveler in Spain should seek out the specialties of each region:  exquisite fish dishes all along the country’s extensive coastline (and also in Madrid, which features the very best seafood from all of Spain’s coasts); magnificent roast lamb, suckling pig, game, bean dishes and sausage products in central Castile; and rice dishes – most especially paella – in the southeastern regions of Valencia and Murcia.

Shopping for Spanish Specialties
Among the best buys in Spain are the diverse handicrafts which include antiques, cultured pearls, shawls, pottery, ceramics, damascene, embroidery, fans, glassware, hats, ironwork, jewelry, knives, lace, paintings, porcelain (e.g. Lladró from Valencia), rugs, trinkets and carved woodwork.
Spanish leather goods are excellent quality (but are no longer cheap) and include leather and suede coats, jackets, handbags, belts, boots and shoes (a shoe shop is a zapatería). Loewe is one of the best-known and most expensive brand names. Spanish shoes (usually produced in Alicante and the Balearic islands) are good value, although they are generally made in one width (medium) only.