Things Not to Do When Traveling to Spain

Things not to do when traveling to Spain carrying too many bags, going to restaurants alone, and driving on deserted roads. Read some more below from the PowerPacPlus.org article:

What’s Fun About Traveling to Spain?

There is much to explore in Spain. Aside from the beaches, the country is home to historic sites and rare species. Santiago de Compostela is the final resting place of the Apostle James. Pilgrims flock here to walk the medieval Way of St. James, which begins at a pilgrim’s home and ends at a cathedral in the Old Town. This place was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

To get around, consider taking public transportation. Spain has a vast network of railways, making it easy to travel between cities. In addition to public transport, you can also take the bus or train to see some of the country’s less-visited locales. Another great option is ridesharing. An easy-to-use app called Blablacar makes this simple. Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, Spain is sure to offer a memorable experience.

If you’re traveling alone, you’ll want to consider staying in a hostel. While you’ll still need a place to sleep, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of attractions. In Madrid, Retiro Park is a great place for a low-key trip. Other popular attractions include the Prado Art Museum and the Royal Palace. Madrid also has many plazas scattered throughout.

Besides the traditional cuisine, Spain is known for its vibrant nightlife. Although Barcelona and Madrid get all the publicity, most of the wildest parties in Spain are held during local festivals. For example, in the Valencian town of Bunol, tomato-pelting parties are held during the La Tomatina festival, where people hurl tomatoes in the street. Besides the nightlife, Spanish towns also host ferias, which are lively festivals with carnival rides, street food, and makeshift discotecas.

What are things not to do when traveling to Spain?

You have chosen to travel to Spain, and now you’re worried about getting ripped off or picked up by tourists. Before you go, here are some things to avoid. Do not use your credit card abroad, eat at tourist restaurants, or drive on stretches of rural road. You should also call your credit card company before you travel. PowerPacPlus.org has compiled a list of the things you should not to avoid when you want to enjoy the best vacation in Spain below:

1. Stay away from tourist traps

As the third most popular tourist destination in the world, Spain is not without its share of tourist traps. From overpriced historical monuments to overcrowded beach towns, you can barely walk five minutes without encountering some sort of amazing sight. Here are some ways to avoid getting suckered into tourist traps when traveling to Spain. Avoid these common mistakes and enjoy your trip to the fullest! Read on for more tips!

Visit smaller cities. Madrid has plenty of cultural attractions, but you can also visit smaller, less popular cities. Don’t miss the opportunity to see some of the most stunning Roman ruins. If you’re a fan of art, visit the Sorolla house museum in the city center. While you’re in town, check out the smaller cities of Caceres, Girona, and Segovia.

Don’t get suckered by the stereotypical foods. Locals don’t order these foods in restaurants, and they rarely eat them in their native language. Also, avoid tourist traps that claim to have the best paella in the country. If you find a restaurant with a menu in English, the servers will probably be able to help you decipher it. Ask the staff for recommendations.

Avoid tourist traps by walking and taking public transportation. Many must-see locations have amazing public transportation systems, so make the most of public transportation whenever possible. Walking will not only add to the local flavor, but you may also come across some interesting discoveries along the way. So, be careful when traveling to Spain! Enjoy your trip! Avoid tourist traps and enjoy your vacation to the fullest! If you want to experience real Spain, take the time to avoid the tourist traps!

2. Keeping away from picking pockets

Several ways can help you avoid picking pockets while in Spain. The first is to watch where you put your valuables. Do not leave your backpack or other valuables unattended in public places. Do not leave it in your hotel room or on the bus. People will steal your stuff if you leave it there. A knife is a great weapon for pickpockets. It is important to keep your backpack between your arms to avoid being robbed. Another way to protect yourself from pickpockets is to make sure that you rent a licensed hotel or apartment. In addition, if you rent a place in Barcelona, check to see whether the Airbnb owner is licensed and insured. And if you do rent one affordable place such as: an apartment or a hotel in Barcelona, check whether the owners are reputable and licensed.

If you want to avoid pickpockets, don’t drink and wander around alone. Pickpockets love to target tourists who are lost or drunk. Try to stay with a group of people and ask them for assistance if you get lost. If you find yourself in an unfamiliar area, don’t fall asleep on the metro or in a touristy bar. It is easier to get scammed on public transportation, so always be aware of your surroundings.

Moreover, you can make sure you are not a target by dressing appropriately. In general, pickpockets are attracted to tourists who are carrying valuable items. Try to dress casually while in Barcelona, and keep your maps out of sight until you need them. You’ll look less like a tourist if you don’t have them in your pocket, but that won’t prevent you from being targeted.

3. Shun eating at tourist restaurants

If you want to have an authentic experience, avoid eating at tourist restaurants when traveling to Spain. Most of Spain’s cuisine is highly regionalized, but the homogenizing forces of modernity threaten this diversity. It’s possible to find a wide variety of Spanish foods in any area, but you should get to know the local preferences before going to a restaurant. For example, Galician food is known for its shellfish and octopus, and Andalusians are famous for their jam. Fried little fish are also common in Andalusia. In Basque Country, you’ll find thick-cut steaks, whole-grilled fish, and pintxos.

You can also avoid eating at tourist restaurants during the day. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day for Spaniards, and the main course is typically protein and a side of fried potatoes or salad. Most tourists are likely to order just one plate and leave at lunchtime. This is because most Spanish kitchens close at noon. While there are exceptions to this rule, you should avoid dining in touristy restaurants at this time.

When dining out, you’ll find that a majority of restaurants have outdoor seating. Many Spanish restaurants have tables outside, but tourists tend to order them. You can also find indoor spaces with a bar area or a formal dining area. Prices and menus will differ depending on the space. The bar section is often self-serve, while more formal dining rooms might require reservations. When deciding on where to eat, be sure to be patient and familiar with Spanish food vocabulary.

You may not feel comfortable ordering food in Spanish if you’re not a native speaker. You may have to learn the language if you want to eat at a local restaurant. It’s also easier to enjoy authentic Spanish food if you know how to ask for it. Some restaurants also offer free drinks or tapas. If you’re traveling with a group, it’s best to eat together. The traditional Spanish breakfast, known as chocolate con churros, is an excellent option. The long tubular doughnuts are accompanied by hot, thick drinking chocolate.

4. Avoid driving on isolated stretches of road in Spain

While in Spain, the first thing you should do is learn how to interact with Spanish people. This may seem counter-intuitive, but the Spanish value strong bonds above all else, which is why they want to build a personal connection with you before making a business deal. After all, you are going to be doing business with people they know, like, and trust, and if you don’t take the time to get to know them well, they might distrust you as well.

Another important thing to remember is that the Spanish are highly esteemed for character and modesty. As a result, they won’t place much emphasis on your professional experience or education. Rather, it’s important to show that you are interested in what they’re saying. Don’t be afraid to speak freely, but don’t speak too much. If you need to ask someone a question, don’t be shy or speak too quickly. Instead, ask them if they have any questions about the product you’re selling.

Vaccinations are necessary to protect you from certain diseases, and Spain is no exception. For instance, you can pick up a respiratory illness like pneumonia or influenza in a Spanish hospital. While vaccinations are not required by law, you should always follow the public health authorities’ recommendations. You can also get a detailed health map for Spain to find out more about the different types of diseases. In the long run, this will prevent you from spreading your illness and save you money.

Don’t be late. Spaniards are notoriously late, so make sure you’re on time for your activities. You might have to wait 15 minutes for a tour organizer to arrive, but don’t get stressed out about it. Try not to call locals “Spanish” or “Anglo” unless you have a local friend who speaks English well. The locals will appreciate your respect and kindness.