Spain Travel Checklist

Feel free to print or download this checklist for your convenience.

If you would like to download the checklist as a pdf – in your browser click Print and next to Destination choose ‘Print to PDF.’

Travel can be stressful. This also includes anticipation of the trip and pre-trip activities involving the need to wrap up details at home, work and with family. Crossing multiple time zones will disrupt your circadian rhythm which can impact your sleep patterns, digestive system and overall well being. Different foods and cuisine may affect how you metabolize alcohol and you may find some foods increase your food sensitivity or reduced tolerance. Some people experience digestive extremes when traveling.

A week or more before traveling, we recommend starting to increase your intake of immunity boosting supplements that you and your doctor find best suited for your situation. During this time be sure to take extra rest, increase your exercise, watch your diet, and be good to yourself as you prepare for time away.

Consider bringing digestive aids with you such as increased fiber, pepto bismol or other treatments that work well for your body. Keep a small amount on hand in your carry-on.

We also suggest bringing a COVID home testing kit. As a friendly reminder, if anyone were to test positive, it would be necessary for them to stay behind, prioritizing the well-being of both yourself and the entire group.

We always suggest taking photos and copies of important documents. Keep the photos on your device in a location you can easily access, and leave digital or hard copies with your trusted emergency contact at home. These items include:

– Flight information

– Tour itinerary, including names and addresses of hotels

– Contact information of the tour director

– Your passport

– Credit Cards

– Travel insurance policy

– Any necessary medical or prescription details in case of emergency

During the day you will want comfortable clothing that you can layer and mix/match, along with comfortable walking shoes. For evenings, the best attire is “smart casual”; in between casual and formal. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella. Consider bringing clothing and shoes that might get dusty from walking on the Camino de Santiago and in the vineyards. For more tips on packing visit our blog at: https://inquisitours.com/tips-for-packing/

The voltage in Spain is 230V. You will need to bring an adapter.

Around the globe airlines and airports are short-staffed and baggage handling is no exception. The number of lost/delayed bags are at an all time high and you are encouraged to pack extra clothing and toiletries in your carry-on. Do not pack any valuables or irreplaceable items in your checked luggage. Always keep medications and your ID with you at all times.

Some pricy alternatives include shipping your luggage to your first location with companies such as “Luggage to Ship”. Or get creative with a “carry-on-only” challenge. If you plan on shopping, which is fantastic in Spain, consider bringing or buying an extra bag and check items on the way home.

Please check that your passport is valid and has not expired. Spain requires that your passport is valid 6 months beyond your date of departure. Visas are not required for stays less than 90 days.

You may already have an international plan with your provider, or consider upgrading to an international plan while you are away. Also, “WhatsApp” is a widely used communications platform for texting, voice, and video. It is free to download and use, and does not use cellular data, just wifi. It is fantastic way to stay connected with people at home and with your tour group.

Credit cards are accepted everywhere and your bank usually gives you the best exchange rate. it is always nice having cash on hand. Banks and ATM’s are frequent and numerous. However, do not take large amounts of money from an ATM at the airport as they have the worst exchange rate.

When making purchases with a credit card, you will be prompted to either choose Euros or USD. ALWAYS choose Euros as this will give you the best exchange rate.

Also, be sure to let your bank know you will be traveling!

Our day-to-day rhythm will vary quite a bit from our schedule at home. The siesta is real, lunches are the main meal of the day and are served around 2:00 pm. Dinners usually begin around 8:30 pm. Meals are meant to be enjoyed and savored – it’s a dining experience!. Embrace the culture and do as the Spaniards do!

For more insight on cultural differences, check out this article.

Helpful Spanish Phrases

If you’re only going to take 15 Spanish phrases away, these are the must-knows!

Hola – “Hello”
Me llamo… – “My name is…”
¿Y tú? – “And you?”
Mucho gusto – “Nice to meet you”
¿Qué tal? – “How are you?”
Nos vemos – “See you”
Por favor – “Please”
Gracias – “Thank you”
De nada – “You’re welcome”
Disculpa (informal “you”) / disculpe (formal “you”) – “Excuse me”
Me gusta / No me gusta… – “I like / I don’t like…”
¿Cuánto cuesta? – “How much is this?”
¿Dónde está el baño? – “Where’s the bathroom?”
¿Qué hora es? – “What time is it?”
Me puede ayudar, por favor – “Can you help me, please?” (formal “you”)

Helpful Basque (Euskara) Phrases

Here are a few common Basque phonemes that often trip up non-Basque speakers, as well as a rough approximation of how to pronounce them correctly. When in doubt, ask a local—chances are they’ll love having the chance to help you learn a little bit of Basque.

tx: “ch”
tt: similar to the “c” sound in Spanish
tz: “ts”
x: “sh”

Our favorite Basque word containing tx: txakoli (pronounced “cha-co-LEE”)!

Its time to put your Basque language skills to the test in San Sebastian! Try out a few of these simple Basque phrases and words, and you’ll be well on your way to winning the hearts of locals throughout the region.