Indeed, you’ve not quite seen Spain if you’ve only been to Barcelona. Many tourists come here and ask where they can find the following: bullfights, flamenco and sangria. In Barcelona, bullfighting has essentially been banned. It’s not part of the Catalan culture, and neither is flamenco for that matter.

Can you see a flamenco show in Barcelona? Oh yeah. And go for it, but keep in mind that it’s from the south of Spain, and you should head to Seville if you’re truly interested in experiencing “real” flamenco. In fact, why not travel to Madrid too, one of the finest cities in the world.

So with an average, 10-day vacation, where should you go in Spain? There are many itinerary combinations you could concoct, but here is one suggestion that includes highlights of things to see and do along the way:

Famous architecture by Gaudi is a must-see on any trip to Barcelona. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Days 1, 2, 3: Start in Barcelona

I recommend starting your journey in Barcelona.

Highlights:

• Gaudi architecture is everywhere you look, but don’t miss the famous cathedral La Sagrada Família or Parc Güell.

• Get a sip of Catalan cava, reds and whites at fun wine bars.

• Taste local Catalan delicacies at these affordable restaurants, cafes and tapas bars.

• Stroll down Las Ramblas and explore La Boqueria, Barcelona’s famous food market.

• See a concert at the Palau de la Música

• Take a lovely stroll (or even swim!) along Barcelona’s many beautiful beaches.

• Check out one of the city’s best neighborhoods, El Born, a trendy and historic place to explore.

• Wander through the historic streets of the Gothic Quarter.

Related: EuroCheapo’s budget tips for Barcelona and EuroCheapo’s recommended budget hotels in Barcelona.

Days 4, 5, 6: Explore Seville

To save time, hop on a cheapo flight from Barcelona to Seville that takes less than two hours. The train can take more than five hours.

Highlights:

• Take in the difference in climate and vibe. Seville is much smaller and quieter than Barcelona and less overwhelming. It’s a nice change of pace.

• Eat delicious and cheap tapas in the plethora of bars all over town. The low prices in Seville restaurants will make Cheapos very happy.

• Get on the train for a 45-minute ride to Córdoba to tour La Mezquita (now the city’s cathedral). Prepare to have your socks knocked right off.

• Drink sherry, which is a delicious fortified wine produced in Andalusia.

• Gawk at the architecture of the Real Alcázar.

• See a flamenco show for free (or at least the price of a drink) and visit the flamenco museum. Ask around to avoid touristy spots.

Related: EuroCheapo’s budget tips for Seville and EuroCheapo’s recommended budget hotels in Seville.

Madrid is a quick ride from Barcelona thanks to frequent express trains. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Days 7, 8: Explore Madrid

Take the Ave fast train to Madrid for a quick 2 hour, 30-minute journey.

Highlights:

• Madrileños know how to have fun, so check out the nightlife scene, said to be the best in Spain. Whether you like bar hopping or live music and cinema, there’s something for everyone. Here are some tips for a great night on the town.

• Madrid’s museums are among the best in the country. Check out the Prado, Reina Sofia or Thyssen-Bornemisza, all of which offer free and reduced admission times.

• Sample traditional foods and drinks of Madrid at our favorite local restaurants or a tasty tapas tour.

• See a bullfight, if that’s your bag. Madrid is a good place to experience it.

Related: EuroCheapo’s Madrid full city guide and EuroCheapo’s recommended budget hotels in Madrid.

Day 9, 10: Back to Barcelona

Train: Getting from Madrid back to Barcelona is easy. You can take the Ave fast train from Atocha Station to Barcelona is less than 3 hours.

Flying: You might be able to find a flight that’s cheaper than the train, but in the end with transportation to the airport and security, it will take about the same time.

It’s almost time to go home, but you still have one more night on the town. Just make sure to stay centrally to have easy access to the El Prato airport bus, which takes about an hour. We like the Hotel Atlantis, a clean and efficient stay in the heart of the city.

Related: The top 10 affordable hotels in Barcelona

A whirlwind tour? Yes, and very much not in step with the popular slow-travel movement. However, with stops in Barcelona, Seville, Córdoba, and Madrid, you’ll have a great introduction to the country and a much better idea of what Spain really is — a beautiful country with rich and diverse cultures and climates.

Your trip ideas for Spain

How would you organize a 10-day trip to Spain? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post 10-day Itinerary in Spain: Touring Barcelona, Seville & Madrid, with budget tips appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Throw in a falling euro and a host of budget-friendly destinations across the country, and you have one of Europe’s greatest treasures. However, just in case you’re still unconvinced, here are 15 reasons to pack your luggage and head to Iberia in 2015.

1. Carnaval in Gran Canaria

Carnaval is like Mardi Gras in Spain, and will be celebrated in style February 13-21, 2015. Gran Canaria Island is an unmatched destination to dress up in costume and join the wild soirée because its celebration is one of the most spirited in Spain and the weather is warm—the Canary Islands are closer to Africa than Spain, and enjoy springtime weather year-round!

2. Tapas and art in Bilbao

Set on a river in the Basque Country, Bilbao is often passed up for San Sebastian, but both cities are worth visiting. Bilbao offers up a delicious tapas and pintxos scene in the old town neighborhoods. You can nibble as you bar hop for a tasty and affordable dinner. Plus, the Guggenheim Museum is found in Bilbao, the silvery and swooping building by Frank Gehry. Admission is €10 for this world famous attraction.

Related: Five tips for Bilbao on a budget

Typical sculpture at Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Regina W Bryan

3. Las Fallas Festival in Valencia

From March 15-19, Valencia, a vibrant city on Spain’s southern Mediterranean coastline, comes alive with the annual Las Fallas celebration. The festival revolves around creating enormous sculptures from papier-mâché, and then burning them (about 700 sculptures in all) to ash on the last day of the celebration. The sculptures are called “fallas,” and some of them cost up to €300K to create.

Cheapos will love that Las Fallas is a free event open to all. Expect lots of fireworks, firecrackers, noise, late night merrymaking, food, drink, and of course, smoke and flames on the last night.

4. Semana Santa in Seville

Easter Holy Week is observed throughout Spain, but Seville is one of the best cities to partake in this religious celebration. Solemn, dramatic, traditional, and a major tourist draw, Easter Holy Week (Semana Santa) will be held this year from the March 29 – April 5, 2015. If you plan to be in Seville for the week-long event, make sure to book a hotel room way in advance.

Related: Affordable hotels in Seville

Standing at Teide’s crater on Tenerife, Spain. Photo by Regina W Bryan

5. Volcano climbing in Tenerife

Head to Tenerife Island, one of the Canary Islands near Africa, not just because the weather is always around 70ºF, but because in its center is Teide, a beautiful volcano. At 3,718 meters above sea level, Teide is the highest point in Spain. You can visit the crater and hike around its base along several well-marked trails. Only a few visitors can tour the crater each day, and access depends on the weather, so make sure book your pass ahead of time online.

6. Feria de Abril in Seville

The biggest bash in Seville is the Feria de Abril, or April Fair, held this year from April 21-26, 2015. For many, the classic image of Spain is portrayed during this week-long fair. Women are dressed to impress in tight “traje de gitana” dresses and men look handsome in suits and ties. This is a formal party, so if you go, do dress up. Dancing, eating, drinking sherry, and taking carriage rides are all part of the fun.

While the Feria de Abril is open to all, be aware that some of the “casetas,” or small houses, are private and invitation only.  Locals in Seville love this celebration and spend months preparing for it and a week recovering from it.

7. Local eats in Madrid

Madrid is often overshadowed by Barcelona when it comes to food, but the two cities should be placed in separate categories. Madrid and Barcelona have very different geographies (Madrid is landlocked, Barcelona is on the seaside), different climates, and different cultures. Madrid’s location in the center of the country and cold winters mean meat-heavy dishes and lots of succulent strews.

Discover the tasty side of Madrid by taking a tour of its restaurants and bars. Learn about the history of Spain’s capital while stuffing your face with authentic eats and washing them down with locally-sourced beer and wine.

Related: Cheap hotels in Madrid

Temps de Flors in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Photo by Regina W Bryan.

8. Temps de Flors in Girona

Located about an hour from Barcelona by train, Girona is a stunning cobblestone city with Roman roots at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. Each year in May, locals decorate the streets with elaborate carpets and sculptures made of flowers. The festival is free to attend, and it’s best to get there early in the week when the flowers are at their freshest. Temps de Flors will be held from May 9-17, 2015.

9. Walking El Camino

Walking El Camino, or The Way of Saint James, has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Does it have something to do with the Emilio Estevez movie, The Way? Trekking all of the trail, or just a portion of it (many pilgrims just do the last 110 km), promises an amazing experience in a lush region of Spain which is often overlooked. The end of the trail is Santiago de Compostela, which is a university city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Patios Festival in Córdoba

Homes in Córdoba are built around verdant patios which are concealed behind walls most of the year. In May, locals open up their homes and display beautiful flower-clad patios to the public. This year this fragrant fest will be held May 4-17.

11. Spain’s top nightlife in Madrid

There’s a constant rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona: Which city is better? When it comes to soccer, food, art, architecture, and fashion, everyone has an opinion. But there is one thing that locals in Madrid do better, and that’s having a night out on the town. Madrileños are famous for their “marcha” or ability to party ’til the cows come home. If you want lively bars, clubs, and a population of people who love to get down, there is no better city in Spain than Madrid.

12. Sant Joan festival in Barcelona

Sant Joan kicks off beach season on the Mediterranean falling roughly around the summer solstice. On the night of June 23rd, residents head down to the city’s shoreline to have bonfires, light firecrackers, and eat dinnertime picnics. Dancing, booze, and skinny-dipping are rampant.

Related: 10 ways to enjoy summer in Barcelona

13. Hiking in Picos de Europa

This emerald area of Northern Spain gets almost no love. Not many outside of Spain know about Asturias or its national park, Los Picos de Europa. If you want to get way off the sand and sangria tourist trail and experience tiny hamlets, pungent cheeses, tangy cider, and some exceptional hiking, head to the Asturias region. Trails into Los Picos will take you past alpine lakes and quiet mountainsides where a handful of dwindling shepherds tend to their flocks.

Laid-back bliss on Ibiza. Photo by Regina W Bryan.

14. Ibiza for Island Bliss

An island with a reputation (deserved) for being a clubber’s paradise and 24/7 party place, Ibiza is more than discos, drugs, and cheap booze. In fact, the island has long been home to part of Spain’s hippy scene and still has a lot to offer those searching for an alternative lifestyle. Ibiza teems with yoga retreats, arts and crafts markets, hidden beaches, and campgrounds that look like the overspill area from a Grateful Dead concert. To find the peaceful side of Ibiza stay clear of Playa en Bossa, home to the big clubs and the airport.

15. Primavera Sound in Barcelona

Many music festivals are held in Barcelona each year, but Primavera Sound is one of the most popular, bringing in fans from all over Europe for the three-day show. If you buy tickets in advance you get a discount, otherwise, tickets go for about €200. Expect The Black Keys, Anthony and the Johnsons, and many other bands to perform from May 28-30, 2015.

Whatever reason you choose to visit Spain, keep the season and what festivals will be on in mind. Prices and crowds increase in July and August, and anytime there is a festival you should book accommodations in advance. October to May is low-season in Spain, and there are deals to be had on hotels, rental cars, and flights.

The post 15 reasons to visit Spain in 2015 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Sure, everyday small charges like cafe cremes in Paris (€2-4) and vaporetto rides in Venice (€6.50) do add up and can make a Cheapo panic. However, these are relatively minor charges when compared to the big-ticket items in your budget: flights, hotels, car rentals and train tickets.

Luckily, there are simple steps you can take right now to minimize these big expenses. Some of these tips may be old news to you, bien sur. But even if one tip comes in handy, it could save you a whole wad of euros.

Kayak’s price alert

1. Set up airfare alerts

Haven’t booked your airline tickets yet? Set up airfare alerts to find a flight deal on Web sites like Kayak.com and Airfarewatchdog.com.

On Kayak, do a search for your desired travel dates and then click “Get a price alert” on the left side of the page. Once you register, they’ll email you with daily or weekly airfare deals for your route.

On Airfarewatchdog, “Deal Hounds” sniff out the lowest ticket prices for your route and send similar email updates. On both sites, you stand a much better chance of scoring a deal if your travel dates are flexible.

2. Pack lightly

As we mentioned last week, most transatlantic airlines have introduced ridiculous baggage fees for checking a second, third or overweight bag. For flights from the US to Europe, these fees can be as high as $200 per bag (one way!).

Check out our roundup of airline baggage fees and only check one bag.

The RoissyBus taks passengers from Paris to Charles de Gaulle.

3. Take public transportation to and from the airport

Alas, how many people have we dissuaded from taking a taxi from Charles de Gaulle to their hotel in Paris! Every one of the major European cities we cover on EuroCheapo offers public transportation from the airport to the center of town, and the majority offer both train and bus options.

Whether you’re getting from Charles de Gaulle to Paris or Schiphol to Amsterdam, there’s a budget-friendly (and usually quite efficient) way into town that doesn’t involve an expensive taxi. Check out our city guides for more information.

4. Think twice before booking a rail pass

For Americans, the lure of the Eurail Pass is strong. Just reading the descriptions of the passes on their Web site can get you excited and ready to hop on board!

It’s easy to forget that these rail passes are not always a good deal. Sure, they offer some convenience and peace of mind, but they don’t always save you money over simply buying individual point-to-point rail tickets (like the millions of Europeans who take trains daily).

Aboard the Renfe train between Cordoba and Granada. No need for a rail pass.

To find out if a rail pass offers “rail” savings, compare the pass price to the point-to-point ticket prices found on the railways’ official Web site (and not the Web site of a rail pass re-seller).

For much more information on this, read these posts: Read this before you buy a European rail passes; Extra charges for rail pass holders; Deutsche Bahn fares better than rail agents; How to book French rail tickets (in French)

5. Book major train tickets in advance

If booking rail journeys directly with the European railways, like the SNCF (France), Deutsche Bahn (Germany) and Renfe (Spain), book those seats in advance. For long-distance train travel, ticket prices climb as the travel date approaches, so advance booking is essential to getting a deal. Most of these railways release tickets three or four months in advance. (Local trains for small jaunts, however, do not need to be booked in advance.)

For more information, read our post on the “three-month rule.”

The EuroCheapo gang rented this car in Berlin. We weren’t smiling two weeks later when we paid the bill.

6. Know the real cost of renting a car

How much will that rental car really cost you? When you do a quick rental car search online, the rates you see will most likely not include taxes or insurance, and certainly won’t include the price of gasoline or the tolls you’ll pay on major highways.

Read our quick guide to calculating the real cost of renting a car in Europe. Then weigh those costs against other options, like trains or budget flights.

Then, use EuroCheapo to search and compare car rental quotes from competing agencies.

While you’re at it, know whether or not to buy extra insurance for your car. (And for that matter, know if you should buy travel insurance for your entire trip!)

7. Choose your hotel wisely

Your hotel expenditure will probably be the most expensive part of your trip. Here at EuroCheapo, we’re obsessed with hotel values. That’s why our editors spend so much time snooping around hotels, taking photos and writing reviews. We can tell you that two hotels sitting side-by-side can charge radically different rates for remarkably similar rooms.

The Hotel Tiquetonne in Paris is central, clean and cheap.

When choosing a hotel, consider “losing a star,” downgrading perhaps from a three-star to a two-star hotel. Decide which amenities you require in a room: Do you need a minibar? cable TV? elevator? If you’re open to a simpler hotel, you can save a bundle and you might find the hotel to be more charming, as well.

Also, give careful consideration to the hotel’s location. If you decide upon a hotel located outside the city center in order to save money, will there be an easy and affordable way home at night? We usually opt for simpler hotels near the center, within walking distance of nighttime activities, if possible.

Read our reviews of budget hotels all over Europe and take our advice–we’ve been there!

8. Know what’s for breakfast

This may sound minor, but breakfast is a big business for hotels. Whether or not breakfast is included in your room rate can add a jarring amount to the bill or save you in the end. It’s a tad confusing, too, as breakfast offerings tend to change by city.

These water bottles in Venice are cheaper at the supermarket.

In Paris, for example, most hotels do not include breakfast in the room rate. When you pay for breakfast, you’ll often be disappointed by what’s set down in front of you: a croissant or piece of baguette, butter and jelly, coffee and juice–for about €10. You’d pay about half that if you headed to a neighborhood cafe, stood at the bar and enjoyed breakfast with the locals.

In London, meanwhile, hotels and B&B’s pride themselves in their included breakfasts, which often come with eggs, bacon, sausage, beans and toast. It’s not necessarily healthy, but it’s good for your budget! (It also helps you eat a lighter and cheaper lunch.)

In many cities, hotels sometimes include breakfast in the room rate, depending upon conditions when booking. The only way to really know if it’s included is to check when reserving your room.

There’s another easy way to eat a healthy breakfast and pay a fraction of the price: Head to a neighborhood supermarket after checking into your hotel to pick up the essentials (bottles of water, oranges, bananas, etc.). If your room has a mini-fridge, you could store yogurt, milk or juice. Bon appetit!

9. Be careful with American iPhones

Americans heading to Europe should be careful before powering up their iPhones abroad. AT&T offers various European travel plans, and almost all of them are too expensive to be a serious option for budget travelers.

We recommend leaving your iPhone set to “Airplane Mode” throughout your trip, and only using it when connected to a Wi-Fi network. Read more in our guide to “Using an American iPhone in Europe… without going broke.”

10. Understand bank fees before using your credit cards or an ATM

How much will your bank charge you to use your credit or debit card abroad? How about withdrawing money from an ATM? When’s the last time you checked?

American banks have “adjusted” their fee structures during the past few years, so we’d recommend checking in with your banks before heading to Europe. If you have multiple cards at your disposal, chances are that they’ll charge different foreign transaction fees. Knowing who charges what will save you money in the end.

Read our quick overview to ATM, Debit and Credit Card charges abroad.

Your tips for saving on European travel

What tips do you have for saving on your “big ticket” items when traveling in Europe? Have a question about any of the tips mentioned above? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

The post Cheapo Basics: 10 ways to save on the “big items” in your travel budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

High-speed links from Madrid

AVE trains run on dedicated tracks built to the regular European track gauge rather than the slightly broader Iberian gauge traditionally favored in Spain and Portugal. This growing network of new routes makes it possible to speed between major Spanish cities in just a few hours.

The fastest trains from Madrid to Málaga (321 miles) now take just 2 hours and 28 minutes. Some services link Madrid with Barcelona (388 miles) in just 2 hours and 38 minutes. So with a little planning you can enjoy a Catalan breakfast in Barcelona, stop off for a leisurely lunch in Madrid and still arrive in Málaga in time for an early evening swim in the Mediterranean.

South to Andalucía

The Despenaperros Pass. Photo: © hidden europe

Not everyone favors such speed. Take the modern high-speed line south to Andalucía and it slices through the Sierra Morena like soft butter. You’ll hardly notice the hills.

But if you have a few hours to spare why not take the old rail route that runs through the gorge at Despeñaperros. This is truly one of Europe’s finest rail routes, and a creative way of linking Barcelona or Madrid with southern Spain. En route you will run through some incredibly wild terrain as the train traverses Despeñaperros, so swapping the arid red plains of La Mancha for the fiery lushness of Andalucía.

The García Lorca

Not many trains follow the old Despeñaperros route, but you can identify them in the timetable as services that stop at both Alcázar de San Juan and Linares-Baeza. There are half a dozen daily services in each direction.

One in particular is worth highlighting. The García Lorca is Spain’s most interesting train, every bit as eclectic as the poet and dramatist after whom it is named. The train leaves Barcelona around 8 every morning bound for Andalucía carrying through carriages for many of the principal cities of southern Spain: Málaga, Almería, Córdoba, Seville and Granada (Almería and Granada are served only on alternate days). The entire run from Barcelona to Málaga takes over 13 hrs, but it is a magnificent transect through Spain of which Despeñaperros is the highlight. The Despeñaperros route is also served by the twice daily Talgo services from Madrid to Almería and by all through trains from Madrid to Jaén.

Beyond Despeñaperros Gorge

Cast back to before the construction of the railway and Despeñaperros was the haunt of banditti who would waylay innocent travelers as they went south to Andalucía. It is a little tamer nowadays, but still the most exciting rail route to Andalucía.

South of Despeñaperros, you emerge into a land of dense olive groves with huge oleanders on the platforms of railway stations. Suddenly there are lush colors and Moorish architecture, and scenes outside the carriage window that seem taken directly from paintings by Murillo and Velázquez.

The post Spanish Trains: Hi-Speed train services in Spain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.