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.’

  • COVID updates / Country requirements (subject to change):

Latest Covid-19 requirements are listed at this website: https://es.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

 

Please familiarize yourself with your personal situation and always have copies/photos of your vaccination card available.

  • Items to copy / leave at home:

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 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 

– COVID vaccine/booster records

  • Clothing:

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. And always have a rain jacket or umbrella just in case.  Consider bringing clothing and shoes that can get dusty for walking on the Camino de Santiago and in the vineyards.

  • Voltage:

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

  • Luggage:

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.

  • Passport:

Please check that your passport is valid and has not expired. Spain requires that your passport is valid 3 months beyond your date of departure, though 6 months is recommended.  

  • Staying in contact while in Spain:

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.

  • Currency:

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.

 

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

  • Culture:

Our day-to-day rhythm will vary quite a bit from our schedule at home. The siesta is real, lunches are served at 2:00 pm and dinners usually begin around 9:00 pm. Meals are meant to be enjoyed and savored – it’s a dining experience!. Embrace the culture and do as the Spaniards do!

Helpful Spanish Phrases

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

 

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

Helpful Basque 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.

 

  1. Kaixo: hello (kai-sho)
  2. Agur: goodbye
  3. Tori: there you go
  4. Eskerrik asko: thank you
  5. Ez horregatik: you’re welcome (some Basque dialects don’t pronounce h)
  6. Barkatu: excuse me
  7. On egin: enjoy your meal
  8. Topa: cheers!
  9. Zer moduz?: How are you?
  10. Oso ondo: very good
  11. Bai/Ez: yes/no
  12. Jatetxea: restaurant (You may also see the Spanish spelling: jatechea)
  13. Zorte on!: good luck
  14. Komuna, non dago?: Where are the toilets?
  15. Ez dakit euskaraz: I do not speak Basque.
  16. Ba al dakizu ingelesez?: Do you speak English?
  17. Ez dut ulertzen: I don’t understand.