Ideally located where the mighty Atlantic
meets the alluring Mediterranean Sea, the country of Spain is made up of a
diverse and unique culture that has been shaped by its long history. Miles of magnificent coastline entice
sunbathers from across the globe while the soaring peaks of the Pyrenees hover
over the peaceful countryside.
Visitors are met with welcome arms as they dine on delicious authentic
cuisine, sip exquisite Spanish wine and watch as age-old traditions are carried
out before their very eyes. Spain
is alive with vibrant, passionate people and an exhilarating atmosphere that is
unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Before you pack your bags and head over to
this exotic country, here are a few travel tips to keep in mind.
Better to Be Safe than Sorry…
Given its vast and varying terrain, outdoor
activities and adventure sports are commonplace. While they can certainly make your trip memorable, be sure
to take the appropriate precautions when participating. For example, be aware that many of the
beaches along the coast, particularly around the Spanish Islands, may have
dangerous undercurrents. Before
entering the water, be sure you pay attention to and understand the local flag
system used for safety purposes (i.e. a red flag indicates swimming is off
limits) and heed any warnings.
It’s also important to use care when doing other activities such as
mountaineering, climbing and canyoning.
Take note that the Catalonia region has
recently begun charging negligent climbers, skiers and other adventurers who require
emergency rescue services. If you
happen to be one of the unfortunate ones who needs to call for help, don’t be
surprised if you get a bill in the mail when you return home.
On the Road Again…
Driving in Spain is typically uneventful
but there are a few rules and regulations you’ll want to take note of before
getting behind the wheel. For
example, motorists driving in Spain are legally required to:
- Carry two red triangles to be
placed in front and in back of the vehicle in the event of an accident or
breakdown
- Carry an extra pair of glasses
if they are needed for driving
- Keep a spare tire and a full
set of spare bulbs in the vehicle, as well as the tools to change them
- Wear a reflective jacket when
waiting outside the vehicle for assistance or emergency services
Also note that talking on a mobile phone,
even when pulled to the side of the road, is strictly prohibited and seatbelts
are required for all passengers.
Additionally, the drunk-driving laws in Spain are quite strict, carrying
penalties from hefty fines to loss of license to imprisonment. If you drink, don’t drive. It’s not worth the risk.
Interesting Local Laws…
Spain has a number of unique laws that many
visitors are unaware of and as a result end up facing anything from fines to
jail time. Before you head there,
keep in mind the following local laws and customs:
- It is illegal to smoke in indoor public places such as restaurants,
airports, shopping malls and even bars.
It’s also illegal to light up outside schools, hospitals or anywhere
near children’s parks.
- Be aware that authorities have been cracking down on drinking and
sexual activity in public places.
This includes beaches.
- It’s against the law to wear only a bikini or swim trunks on the
streets in Barcelona. Topless and/or
nude sunbathing anywhere but on the beach or on the seafront promenade is
prohibited.
- In some public or government buildings the wearing of a burka or niqab
is not allowed for security reasons.
Be aware that you may be asked to remove them while inside a particular
building.
Don’t Get Conned…
The crime rate in Spain isn’t alarming by
any means, and most incidents are typically petty in nature. Obviously, as with any place, where
there are tourists there will inevitably be thieves looking to capitalize. Do your best to avoid looking like an
obvious tourist, keep your valuables well concealed and always remain aware of
your surroundings. One of the more
popular ways in which Spanish criminals get their hands on unsuspecting
victims’ money is by conning them.
While there are probably too many creative scams to list, here are a few
of the more common ones to watch for.
- The “Bird Mess” Ploy – A friendly stranger taps you on the shoulder
and is kind enough to inform you that a bird has unfortunately just used your
back for its bathroom. While you
twist to look, your bag becomes loose and the would-be good Samaritan makes off
with it before you realize it.
- The “Fellow Tourist” Trick – There have been a lot of recent reports
of locals posing as tourists in busy areas (usually public transportation),
striking up a friendly conversation or asking for directions and then
pickpocketing the unsuspecting victim.
No matter how friendly someone may seem, always stay on guard and
protect your pockets and belongings.
- The “Friendly Card Game” – A group of charming locals invites you to
join them for a friendly game of cards.
You just have to put up a little bit of cash. You may even notice another “tourist” win a hand or
two. Unfortunately, most of the
time these people are all in on the scam together and it’s just a creative way
to get ahold of your hard earned money.
- The ATM Sham – If your bank card gets eaten by an ATM machine and a good
Samaritan mysteriously appears out of nowhere offering to help, beware. They’ll probably try to get you to call
some “hotline” from their mobile phone at which point they’ll ask you for your
PIN. Surprisingly, people still
fall for this seemingly obvious trick so it’s worth mentioning, just in case.
And, of course, it goes without saying that
you should never leave your bags or valuables like mobile phones
unattended. Restaurants, bars and
beaches are favorite hangouts for sneaky crooks so don’t make yourself an easy
target for them. It’s also a wise
idea to always check the bill before paying in bars and restaurants. Occasionally underpaid wait staff will
attempt to make a little extra money from unsuspecting tourists by charging them
for things they didn´t eat or drink.
As with anything, pay attention and you should be fine.
Show Respect…
Finally, as is the case when visiting any
foreign country, you should show appropriate respect to the local customs and
traditions during your stay. Spaniards
are notoriously patriotic and passionate about their country. Avoid criticizing or talking about
negative events from the past, such as the former fascist dictatorship of
Francisco Franco. You are
certainly entitled to your opinion, but it’s never a good idea to insult or
offend those who call an area that you are visiting home.
Spaniards are a generally friendly,
affectionate people who think nothing of greeting you with a kiss on each cheek
or patting you on the back during a conversation. Feel free to return the gesture and be sure to always show
gratitude for their welcoming nature.
If you follow their lead you’ll fit right in.
Spain is by far one of the most beautiful
and fascinating countries in the world.
Breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and an intriguing history make a
visit here absolutely unforgettable.
Just be sure to take heed these travel tips so that your trip is
memorable for the right reasons.
Related Articles:
A Guide to Spain's Islands
A Taste of Spain - The Secret of Sangria
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