Spain by the Numbers: Quick Tips!

Didja like my new video? I hope so- I spent an awful lot of time on it. But if you don’t have fifteen minutes to watch its exhaustive but quirky collection of travel instructions, I compiled my quickest tips here in a blog for easy access:

Toiletries:

Don’t bother bringing shampoo, as your hotel should provide it, but bring your own conditioner, as that’s rarely provided in European hotel rooms.

Folding:

Watch this 30 second video to learn the military fold technique!

Food #1:

In Spain, a “tortilla” isn’t a type of flatbread used for burritos and quesadillas, but a potato and egg omelet. It’s gluten-free AND delicious!

Food #2:

If your hotel room has a mini fridge, use it. There are markets and grocery stores everywhere, and oftentimes buying several days worth of fruit, cheese, meat, and snacks will save you money in the long run.

Expenses:

Bringing your student ID card will get you into many events and museums for a reduced price, and walking through open doors after aimlessly wandering can be more interesting and rewarding than you’d imagine!

Gifts:

If you’re trying to use only carry-on luggage for your return trip, stick to smaller gifts, and gifts with dimensions that will definitely fit in your bags. That means to heavy mugs or large street art. Seriously, your friends and family will be happy with anything you bring them. If they’re not, well, you should rethink buying them something in the first place.

Research:

DO YOUR RESEARCH. You’ll manage your time better while you’re actually on your trip, and you’ll be able to find the free attractions you might not have otherwise known about. For example, the Reina Sophia museum in Madrid is free on Sundays.

Public Restrooms:

Oftentimes, in Europe, public restrooms are hard to find, so always go before you leave the hotel and before you leave a restaurant, because there is absolutely no guarantee you’ll find one in time otherwise. On that, sometimes you have to pay a euro or a couple euro cents to use the restroom, so always bring coins.

Wandering:

Like JRR Tolkein said, not all those who wander are lost. Sometimes, just by the act of getting yourself a bit lost with no plans, you’ll find the coolest things. If you’re new to travel, and even if you’re not, it might be a good idea to bring a buddy along for this wandering. But that’s entirely up to you.

 

And there are the quick tips! But seriously, you should watch the video. It’s good. Scouts honor.