And although it is one of the top cities in the world, Madrid can still be explored on a cheapo budget.

Case in point: The abundance of high-quality cheapo-friendly hotels across the city. So brush up on your Spanish and start planning your trip!

More tips for Madrid:
• 5 Budget tips for visiting Madrid
• 8 Ways to save on drinking and eating in Madrid
• How to save time and money at the Prado Museum

The top budget hotels in Madrid

We’ve searched through our listings to find our favorite budget hotels in Madrid based on comfort, amenities, and the overall atmosphere.

Before you book, you can read up on how to save at Marid hotels.

The view from a balcony at Hostal Gonzalo.

Hostal Gonzalo

Neighborhood: Near Atocha Train Station & Prado Museum
Doubles from $89

If you want a room at the charming, family-run Hostal Gonzalo, you’d better book now! The hotel’s low rates coupled with its location near the Museum Triangle and the Atocha Train Station means it’s often fully booked. Amenities include air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. And down the quaint street, you’ll find fruit bodegas, bookshops, and neighborhood taverns. Read the full review

A charming reception greets you at Hostal Marlasca. Photo: Booking.com

Marlasca

Neighborhood: Huertas & Santa Ana
Doubles from $97

Tucked away on a quiet side street in central Madrid, Marlasca is cozy and homey. The hotel has been upgraded to sport modern, minimalist-style rooms, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on amenities. You can find flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. As an added bonus, exterior rooms open up to balconies. Read the full review

We highly recommend the airy corner rooms at Hotel Plaza Mayor.

Hotel Plaza Mayor

Neighborhood: La Latina-Lavapies
Doubles from $88

You’ll be warmly welcomed at the Hotel Plaza Mayor, which is situated near — you guessed it — Plaza Mayor. You can save money in the regular rooms, and still get plenty of wonderful amenities, but we suggest the superior corner rooms, which boast floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the plaza. Read the full review

Peek out the window at Hostal La Macarena for this classic city scene.

Hostal La Macarena

Neighborhood: Huertas & Santa Ana
Doubles from $85

Right across from Plaza Mayor is the Hostal La Macarena, a cozy hotel in the heart of Madrid. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of traditional restaurants and tapas bars. Plus, most rooms are complete with wrought-iron balconies, so you can peer out onto the beautiful streets below — perfect for people-watching. Read the full review

Hostal Benamar offers an excellent location at an excellent price.

Hostal Benamar

Neighborhood: Chueca
Doubles from $105

At Hostal Benamar, you’ll find clean and comfortable rooms, complete with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms also come with a view, of either the quiet street below or Hostal Benamar’s courtyard. It’s a great place to stay if you want to get a taste of the vibrant Chueca neighborhood from restaurants to nightlife. Read the full review

More recommendations in Madrid on where to stay

• Full hotel guide to Madrid
• Madrid hotels under $100
• Best value hotels in Madrid

The post The top budget hotels in Madrid for 2025 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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.

From hotels to flights, rental cars, and train tickets, there are several things to keep in mind before you hit “book”. Regular readers might recognize a few of these tips from posts in previous years (including “10 Ways to Save Before Leaving for Europe”). They’ve been included below if they’re still important today, and if they represent a budget travel faux pas worth avoiding.

Related: The best budget hotels in Paris, Venice, Barcelona, and London.

Note: This post was updated in September 2024 with new information and current pricing.

1. Don’t over-pack your itinerary with too many destinations.

American travelers (myself included) tend to over-pack our itineraries when planning trips to Europe. It’s understandable — for many, vacation days are scarce and trips abroad infrequent. There’s a natural tendency to try to jam as many cities and countries as possible into our trips, as we don’t always know when we’ll be back!

However, this can be costly (not to mention exhausting), as over-packing trips with too many destinations in too few days leads to more time on the road, and more gas or train tickets. In extreme cases, it can sabotage a trip, turning it into a blur of hotel check-ins and check-outs (with constant packing and unpacking), while watching a never-visited landscape race past the car windows. If possible, slow down. You’ll save on transportation and gain more time to explore your destinations.

Looking for a helpful itinerary? Check out our 10-day itineraries for Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

On Kayak, click into “Multi-city” to search for flights into one city and home from another.

2. Don’t race back to fly home.

When searching for flights from North America to Europe, don’t forget about “multi-city” and “open jaw” tickets. These are flights into one destination and home from another. These tickets often cost about the same amount as simple round-trip flights, but, depending on your itinerary, can save you the hassle and expense of returning to your arrival city.

For example, imagine you’re flying from Atlanta to Paris and then spending 10 days visiting France and Italy, winding up in Rome. You might instinctively book round-trip tickets from Atlanta to Paris, and then try to figure out how to speed from Rome back up to Paris at the end of the trip to fly home. Instead, click into “multiple destinations” or “multi-city” when researching flights, and search for Atlanta to Paris, and then Rome to Atlanta. You can often find a flight for about the same price as the simple round-trip airfare.

Note: If you’re planning to rent a car, “open jaw” flight can make rentals a bit trickier and more expensive. It’s almost always cheaper to pick up and drop off the car in the same location, and dropping off in a different country can add a huge fee to your rental (we’re talking about hundreds of euros). However, you could still book an “open jaw,” rent a car for travel in one country and then switch to train tickets for reaching the last leg of your trip.

3. Don’t assume you need to rent a car from day one.

Many travelers renting a car for their trip instinctively start their rental on the day they arrive, picking it up at the airport. However, if you’re planning to spend at least one day visiting your arrival city, you shouldn’t rent that car until you’re leaving town. This will help you save on the rental and parking, and help preserve your fragile jet-lagged sanity.

For example, imagine that you’re flying into Rome, spending two days visiting the city, and then heading off to explore Italy by car for a week. Start the car rental on the third day of your trip (the day you’re leaving town, not arriving). You’re going to be visiting Roman ruins and the great sights of the central historic city and the Vatican—the last thing you’re going to want to think about (or pay for!) is parking. You’ll be getting around by foot, bus, and Metro, or taxi.

The same holds for Paris, Amsterdam, London, Barcelona… really any major city with a well-preserved historic center. Driving your way around the town’s big sights isn’t going to happen (or at least it’s not going to happen twice). That car will wind up in an expensive garage.

Get the car on your way out of town. This will also give you flexibility in terms of pickup location, as rental car agencies offer a wide variety of pickup spots in most major cities, often with many options around the major train stations.

Related: Search rental cars in Europe | How to calculate the “real cost” of renting a car

The Hotel de Nice in Paris won’t show up on page one, but it’s worth filtering for.

4. Look past page one for that hotel.

So you’re searching, and searching, and searching for that perfect hotel. Remember when researching on most major hotel reservation websites that the hotel results are often ranked by those that the website wants you to book. In most cases, these “page one” results are hotels that pay the site the highest commission. It’s in the website’s best interest to show you these hotels first.

For budget-minded travelers, this often means looking past these “page one” results, no matter how many bells, whistles, and “Only 1 room left!” freak-out messages they throw at you. Filter by guest rating, neighborhood, and price, and start digging around to find the good stuff.

On EuroCheapo, we’re a bit different as we’ve already done this filtering and ranking for you (and we don’t believe in freak-out messages). We list our hotels by “CheapoFactor,” which is a formula that presents the top-rated hotels (including those reviewed by our editors) that have the lowest rates in the most central neighborhood. If you do a hotel search (in the box above or from our homepage) you’ll see these hotels by default.

Related: Our favorite cheap hotels in Paris packed with old-world charm

5. Don’t sacrifice location for small hotel savings.

If you’re struggling to decide between hotels that are within your budget, I recommend giving preference to the hotel with the more central location. Budget travelers, in particular, have a tendency to choose a hotel in a far-flung location that’s €10 cheaper than one in a more central neighborhood. I’m a strong proponent of paying a bit more for something more central, as you’ll save time and money on transportation (especially if you wind up taking taxis).

Related: How to save on hotels in Europe

You can almost always save by not using a rail pass. Above, Munich’s main station. Photo: jseita

6. Don’t assume that you need to buy a rail pass.

As we’ve mentioned in several posts throughout the years on the blog, European rail passes sold to American travelers usually don’t save you any money. Unless you’re spending most of your travel days taking long-distance high-speed trains, buying a rail pass is probably going to be an unnecessary expense.

These days, the official websites of Europe’s main railways (SNCF in France, Trenitalia in Italy, Renfe in Spain, and Deutsche Bahn in Germany, among many others) are easily searched in English and offer great deals on high-speed and long-distance trains when booked a few months in advance. Buy these tickets like the locals: Book early and get great discounts.

For example, during a recent to Paris, Munich, and Venice, I took two trips by train, one high-speed (TGV and ICE) from Paris to Munich, and one Intercity train from Munich to Venice, on a romantic voyage straight through the Alps. Booked directly through the official rail websites about two weeks before the trip, the first ticket cost €74, while the second trip was only €69. These two trips covered several countries and cost only €143 for first-class travel. A rail pass would not have made these more affordable.

Having said that, there are still some reasons why you might want to book a rail pass. They do allow for greater flexibility in your schedule — you can determine your schedule at the last minute and not worry about paying more for the ticket (although you still risk sold-out trains). And yes, if you plan to take a great number of long-distance trains, it can pay for itself. They come with some other benefits, as well, like a family discount that allows two children to travel for free with a Eurail pass-carrying adult.

Related: Read previous posts about booking rail tickets, how to book slower trains in Europe, the three-month rule for high-speed tickets, how to save on French rail tickets, and booking German rail tickets.

7. Don’t pre-book the small stuff.

It’s now easier than ever to pre-book activities in each of the cities you’ll be visiting. You can book museum tickets and passes, walking tours, boat cruises… The list is endless and quite tempting. However, try to remain calm and limit the number of smaller activities that you pre-book, as you risk wasting cash and causing disappointment.

In the fun lead-up to your departure, there’s a tendency to forget about the unplanned realities that always creep into a trip. Things happen, people get tired, blisters form, the weather doesn’t cooperate. Making plans and compiling itineraries is a great idea — but pre-booking every small attraction puts you at the risk of burning out, skipping things, and wasting money. You’re not going to know what speed you’re able to travel at until you get on the ground.

Having said that, a couple of high-profile sights are worth pre-booking, especially during high season when their lines could lead to long waits, or worse, not being able to get in (I’m looking at you, Louvre…).

These include:

• tickets to the Eiffel Tower (book in advance through the tower’s website)
• tickets to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
• tickets to the Alhambra in Granada,
• the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam
• tickets to the Vatican museums
• tickets to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (again, skip the ticket line)

8. Don’t write off guidebooks.

Okay, I know that I’ll hear from detractors on this one, as it’s now fashionable to ditch heavy guidebooks in favor of apps and free information that you can pull up on your phone, tablet, and laptop. But I’m here to say that the best guidebooks out there can greatly enrich your trip and yes, can help you save time and cash by allowing you to put away your electronic devices.

When I was in Athens on a recent trip, I spent several days running around town with my Rick Steves‘ guidebook, following their informative (and often humorous) walking tours, getting restaurant advice, and gaining an understanding of how the city worked. That book was my companion, folded, dog-eared, and often tucked under my arm. Its value became doubly-obvious when I witnessed a couple in the ancient Agora trying to read information off of their iPad in the blazing hot sun. It wasn’t happening.

Relying on electronics is risky and can be unnecessarily costly. Batteries die. Sun makes it hard to read. And data charges are incredibly expensive. Don’t underestimate the value that a $20 guidebook provides.

9. Don’t forget to call your phone carrier.

As we have written in several previous posts, if you plan to use your phone abroad, call your carrier before leaving to discuss your international options. First, you should make sure that your phone works abroad and has been activated for international use. Secondly, you should discuss with your carrier the costs associated with using your phone to place calls, send texts, send emails, and access the internet.

AT&T, for example, has recently changed their international packages, and now offers an “International Day Pass”  that bundles together unlimited texting, data (to send emails and use the Web), and cheaper calling rates. These packages start at $12 per day and make good sense for anyone considering using their phone while traveling. (Verizon offers similar plans.)

“Winging it” without knowing how much you’ll be charged is not recommended. Call your carrier, get a plan if you plan to use your phone, and then make sure you set up your phone to avoid accidental data charges (in brief: turn off cellular data and restrict the number of apps that can use cellular data). And, as a plan, stick to free Wi-Fi networks for downloading and sending emails, checking the Web, and using apps.

Another option? Buy a SIM card for your phone when you get to Europe. Here’s our handy guide: Buying a SIM Card in Europe: The cheapest way to use a smartphone while traveling. We have also done the research to find the best SIM Cards to use in France, Spain, and Germany.

Withdrawing cash from ATM machines like this one in Berlin is almost always cheaper than converting dollars on your own. Photo: skohlmann

10. Don’t waste money getting euros before the trip.

Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe? Travelers waste a lot of money purchasing euros from their bank (or worse yet, from a currency exchange counter) before arriving in Europe. In most cases when exchanging money from home before a trip, you will pay dearly in fees, lousy exchange rates, or both. If exchanging a bit makes you more relaxed, go for it — just don’t overdo it.

I often arrive in Europe without a euro in my pocket. I head straight away to an ATM at the airport and withdraw cash using my American ATM card. It’s simple, and the exchange rate that I’m getting for the transaction is almost certainly better than any rate I’d get from my bank back home (especially once fees are factored in). Call your bank before you leave to ask about international ATM transaction fees, as they vary widely depending on the bank, the type of account you have (banks often wave transaction fees for premium accounts), and the type of ATM accessed abroad (your bank may have international locations or partnerships with local banks).

What if there isn’t an ATM at the airport? I’ve never experienced this. I have experienced long lines at the ATM, which has led me to use my credit card for purchases (rail or bus tickets into town, for example) until I found an ATM in the city without a line.

Related: Questions to ask your bank before you leave.

Your tips?

Have another mistake to avoid to add to our list? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Planning a trip to Europe? Avoid these 10 costly mistakes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But even though Spain easily figures among Western Europe’s cheapest destinations, with a good dose of common sense, you can stretch those euros even farther on your amazing Spanish adventure.

Check out 50 of our best tips for saving money on your trip to Spain below.

Related:
• Spain: 10 First-time mistakes to avoid when visiting
• 10-Day Itinerary in Spain: A Budget trip through Madrid, Barcelona & Seville
• 10 Spanish phrases every traveler should learn before their trip

Spain Budget Travel Guide: 50 Ways to save

This is a “Cheapo Checklist” to Spain. We’ve included links through to more in-depth articles wherever possible. Also, check out comments for additional tips and to add your own.

When to go

1. Spanish cities can be cheaper in August

Spain’s biggest cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville) will be quite hot, sure, but come August, most locals are on vacation. Spaniards flee urban areas en masse and head to the beach or abroad, making for a much less expensive time to visit. That said, some restaurants and shops will be closed or operating reduced hours.

2. Avoid major events in Madrid and Barcelona

Whenever possible, try to plan your trip on dates that don’t coincide with major local events — avoid visiting while the Mobile World Congress is in Barcelona (usually in late February) when room rates double and triple, and skip Madrid’s Fashion Week (usually in the Summer) unless you’re actually in town to see the latest from Spanish designers.

3. Plan your trip during Spain’s off-season

If the dates work for you, save tons of cash on your trip by choosing the time of year you visit carefully. Try for winter (not Christmas or New Year’s) for the best rates on rooms. Or if you’d like warmer temperatures, aim for the late fall or early spring shoulder seasons for competitive rates on rooms and better weather.

How to get cheaper flights to Spain

With low-cost airlines offering more and more flights to Spain, now is a great time to find cheap airfare.

4. You don’t have to fly round trip

Consider buying two one-way tickets or booking your flights into one city and home from another. For example, fly into Madrid and explore the central part of Spain before you head north and fly home from Barcelona. “Open jaw” trips, as these sorts of itineraries are called, can save you time and money as you don’t have to travel all the way back to where you started. Sometimes these tickets can be even cheaper than regular round-trip tickets.

CheapoSearch: Find low-cost flights to Spain

5. You don’t have to fly into Madrid 

Flying in from the US or Canada? Madrid isn’t your only option. You can also fly into Barcelona, or if fares directly into Spain are pricey, fly into a major hub like London, Munich, Dublin or Paris, and hop a budget airline to your Spanish city of choice.

6. Try flying a low-cost airline

Be sure to take into account budget air carrier options from the US to Europe. There’s also a new kid on the block, Level, a budget airline by Spanish carrier Iberia, with fares starting at $400 RT from Los Angeles, San Francisco, NYC, Boston, or Miami to Barcelona or Madrid. It’s important to note that the cheapest fares don’t include a checked bag or a meal.

7. Add a stopover for extra savings

Not finding a cheap fare directly to Barcelona or Madrid isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it could mean something even better. Stopping over in a major hub city for a day could bring your flight expenses way down and give you the perfect excuse to see a new place.

8. Skip the taxi into the city center

Don’t pick up your bags and head straight to the taxi ranks. In Barcelona and Madrid, there are inexpensive public transit options that will take you directly to the city center from the airport. In Madrid, the subway may be your best bet, but in Barcelona, we recommend the train (if you’re flying into T1 you’ll have to take the free shuttle to T2 to get it.)

Organizing your itinerary

Check out our 10-day itinerary through Spain for a classic trip to the highlights of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville.

9. Take things slowly

Signing up to do too many things in too little time is a sure way to overspend and not have a spare moment to relax. Take your time. Choose a few highlights you don’t want to miss (i.e., see one or two Modernista architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, not all of them) and spend some of your time wandering — sometimes getting lost is the first step to finding your new favorite place

10. Focus on a smaller area 

Instead of trying to see sights from across the entire country, decide on a specific region to explore — you’ll get a much more in-depth understanding of a place and spend less money traveling. More off-the-beaten-path parts of Spain, like Galicia (don’t miss Santiago de Compostela), Asturias, or Teruel and Valderrobres in Aragon, are good choices for extra savings on food and accommodation.

11. Go where the locals go 

If you’ve already seen major highlights from around Spain like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Prado in Madrid, head to lesser-known attractions that locals frequent and small villages and towns near big cities where urbanites go to get away from it all. One of our favorites? The beautiful coastal town of Tossa de Mar near Barcelona.

Want some more itinerary tips? Check out the following articles:

• Spain: 8 Overlooked destinations worth adding to your itinerary
• Best affordable seaside escapes in Spain
• How to save on your trip to Madrid

A Renfe train rolling through a mountain landscape in Spain. Photo: Nelso S

Saving on transportation in Spain

12. Tourist passes aren’t always worth it

Public transportation in Spain is very reasonably priced and easy to use, particularly when it’s aimed at locals. That’s why, for the most part, deals aimed at travelers (Eurorail passes, visitor passes in Barcelona and Madrid) aren’t the best value for your money unless you plan to use transit constantly.

13. Book Renfe train tickets ahead of time

Especially during peak travel times like Easter Week, Christmas, and summer, book your train tickets on the Renfe website ahead of time to get the cheapest tickets. Later in the game, you might not be able to get a tourist class ticket — it’s not worthwhile to pay for first class on Spanish trains.

14. Buy your tickets directly from Renfe

Whatever you do, don’t buy your tickets from third-party vendors. For the lowest prices and a legit ticket, always buy your tickets either from the ticket office in the train station or from Renfe’s official website, renfe.com.

15. Book tickets online for extra savings

There are special offers marked “promo only” available online that will save you a few euros, or quite a few if you want to book a high-speed AVE train.

16. Take the slow train for extra savings

Spain’s high-speed rail, AVE, is understandably more expensive than the plodding regional trains that stop in every village. But unless you’re rushing to make a flight, we think taking the slow train is a great way to see the countryside — and keep your budget in check.

17. Reserve AVE tickets as far in advance as possible

The high-speed AVE tickets are generally more expensive than any other way of arriving at a destination, with one caveat — if you book an AVE ticket far enough in advance, you could get a very good price — we found fares for around €50 each way online.

18. Consider taking the bus

Regional transportation companies like Sagalés buses go places the rails don’t and are usually cheaper than the train.

19. Fly budget for larger distances 

Flying a budget airline between Spanish cities is almost always cheaper than taking the high-speed train, and a good portion of the time, it’s cheaper than taking a slow train.

20. Use a rideshare service for greater flexibility 

If the trains, buses, and flights don’t go where you want to go when you want to go, arrange a rideshare with Bla Bla Car instead. It’s cheaper than a taxi and less hassle than renting a car. For more tips, read our guide to using Bla Bla Car.

Rental cars are a great way to see Spain. Just book in advance! Photo: Travis

Save on rental cars and driving

To really get out and see the Spanish countryside, renting a car is the way to go. However, before you hit book on your reservation or get behind the wheel, there are several tips you should know about. To find the latest prices, check out CheapoSearch to find good rates on car rentals across Europe.

21. Book a car with free cancellation 

Particularly during peak travel times, it’s best to book a car with free cancellation as early as you can. You wouldn’t want to do without a vehicle on your Spanish road trip, would you?

22. Cancel if you find a better deal 

If you’ve booked a car with free cancellation (or cheap cancellation if you didn’t follow through with our first piece of advice), keep looking for better deals as your travel dates approach, and if you find something better, book it and cancel your original reservation. Don’t feel too guilty, the car you’re not taking might end up being some other traveler’s windfall.

23. Pick up your car at the airport

It’s always more money to pick up a car in the city center, and it’s almost never worth the hassle. Even if it means you have to hop a bus to the airport, and a shuttle to the rental parking lot, it’s well worth the money saved, not to mention saving yourself the struggle of driving in traffic in Barcelona or Madrid.

24. Give yourself plenty of time for car pick-up

Give yourself a generous window of time after your flight lands to pick up the car, because if you’re late, the company might give your vehicle away or mark you a no-show, which is no fun.

25. Park carefully in Spain

Parking in the wrong spot in Spain can cost you dearly. Beyond the fines, parking in the wrong space might also get your vehicle hauled off to the local tow lot.

26. Don’t speed 

This is a no-brainer. Take your foot off the gas. An encounter with a police officer in a foreign language is no fun, especially not in a country where fines for speeding range up to €300!

27. Have a paper map

Everywhere I’ve been in Spain, the GPS occasionally fails. Sometimes the signal doesn’t come through or the digital maps haven’t been updated to reflect improvements. Either way, having a current paper map (preferably from your rental company or a tourist office) can really help out in a pinch… not to mention that maps don’t have batteries that run out.

28. Use GPS

That having been said, whether you prefer to use a GPS program on your phone or rent a GPS terminal from the rental office, having the technology will make navigating the confusing bird’s nest of Spanish roads far easier, especially if you’re traveling alone and have to be your own navigator.

29. Don’t drive in big cities (if you can avoid it) 

Big cities in Spain have cheap and reliable public transportation, which begs the question: why drive at all? Especially when driving means you can’t enjoy wine with lunch. If you’re stopping at a big city on your way somewhere else, park the car in a lot on the outskirts. If you’re thinking about keeping the car a few extra days to explore Barcelona or Madrid, return it and hop the Metro instead.

More tips: 10 Tips for renting a car in Spain | How to calculate the “real cost” of a rental car in Europe

Save on budget hotels in Spain

Check out EuroCheapo’s recommended budget hotels in Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville — and book at hundreds more Spanish destinations through our homepage.

30. Book early for the best deals 

Book your accommodations as far in advance as you can. Spain’s excellent selection of basic but comfortable accommodations in 2-star hotels, pensiones and B&Bs fill up fast with locals.

31. Rent something with a kitchen

If staying for a while at the same hotel, we recommend renting something with access to a kitchen to save money on eating out. Especially if you’re going to stay multiple nights, having the option of cooking for yourself will make you feel more at home. Access to a kitchen is particularly advantageous for family travelers and folks who have dietary restrictions.

32. Sleep in a pension

In Spain, pensiones are basic family-run accommodations. Usually, they only have a few rooms but they make for a truly local experience at a very low cost.

33. Save big when you book last minute 

If you’re willing to gamble a little, you could win big by booking your hotel at the last minute. Sometimes waiting to book until the day-of will win you a 4-stary room at a 1-star price. One of my favorite methods is booking a hotel with free cancellation ahead, and then canceling it if I get a better deal on a cheaper room. It’s important to note that as a general rule, walking in the day-of doesn’t usually get you any extra savings.

34. Stay somewhere without a view

Year-round, lodging with a view (beach, mountain or cityscape) will cost you substantially more than a comfortable room facing the inside of a city block or a garden. Since chances are your room is just a place to sleep, the view might not be worth the extra cash.

More hotels tips: How to save on your hotel in Madrid | Saving on your Barcelona accommodations | Our favorite cheap hotels in Seville

Save on sightseeing

35. Pre-book your “can’t-miss” activities

If there’s something you’re sure you absolutely must see that’s in high-demand, book it. Booking ahead will usually cost about the same, but it can save you the fuss of waiting in line. That said, don’t organize your days down to the minute. At most, book one activity per day and be sure to allow yourself lots of free time.

Also, don’t waste your money booking anything right after landing. You might be so exhausted that you sleep through that wine tasting you’ve spent months dreaming about, and who wants that?

Related:
• How to save time and money at the Prado Museum
• How to buy tickets to Alhambra, even at the last minute
• Tips for visiting La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

36. Hit up tourist information booths for tips

Even the most experienced travelers go to tourist information for tips (and free maps!). It’s a good place to get your first dose of local advice on where to eat, sights to see, and how to get places. The free maps will save you, so you don’t have to get a cab back to your hotel, and the advice on where to eat will usually save you from tourist traps like the restaurants on La Rambla.

37. Seek out free things to do 

Barcelona’s Parc Güell may not be free anymore but all of Spain’s major cities have plenty of art and culture available for free — try to plan your museum visits on free days or afternoons. Besides, one of the best activities anywhere in Spain, wandering around, is 100% free everywhere.

38. Be careful buying museum and city passes

Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, and other Spanish cities will try to sell you museum and city passes, and for most travelers, they’re just not worth the investment. Unless you’re a serious museum buff, or you plan to zigzag around the city all day like a crazed mosquito, you should probably just skip it.

Eating and drinking for less in Spain

Spain is a paradise for foodies on a budget. From cheap eats in Barcelona to tapas in Bilbao, you’ll find something tasty (and affordable!) around every corner. Just be careful of overpriced restaurants in more touristy areas like Las Ramblas.

39. Shop for food at grocery stores and local markets

Food out in Spain is cheap, but it’s still cheaper to eat food from the grocery store or the local markets like the famous La Boqueria, even if you stick to prepared stuff. Here are the top grocery stores in Barcelona.

40. Dine out during lunchtime

There’s just no better deal than the menu del día in Spain — in every-day sorts of restaurants you can get a feast of an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, with bread, coffee and wine for around €8-12. Keep an eye out for these must-try local dishes in Spain. Here are our favorite lunch spots in Barcelona.

41. Don’t overtip

Tips aren’t expected in Spain but rounding up small change is appreciated, as is a euro or two for exceptionally good service.

42. Stick to wine and beer 

Keep your alcohol bills to a minimum by drinking like locals do. Spanish wine and local beers (mostly Estrella and Mahou) are very cheap and available almost everywhere.

Still hungry? Check out these 18 tips for eating like a local in Barcelona.

Save on shopping

43.  Rebajas, ofertas and liquidacion are your new best friends

Want to save on your shopping trips in Spain? Make a beeline for establishments advertising discounted merchandise, sales, and clearance. In Spain major sales happen twice yearly, in early January (after 3 Kings) and in August.

44. Don’t forget to get your taxes back

If you’re doing triple to quadruple digit shopping in Spain, make sure to sign up for tax-free refunds. In 2018, Spain removed the minimum spend requirement, but note that for small purchases, the amount of cash involved is probably not worth the hassle. Also, you technically can’t use goods before you leave if you want the VAT refunded.

Stop! Check your phone plan before sharing that selfie in Barcelona. Photo: mingusmutter

Staying in touch for less

45. Buy a Spanish SIM card 

If you want or need to have your phone in full working order during your trip, spring for a pay-as-you-go Spanish SIM card. They’re cheap, and they’ll keep you from racking up insane international roaming charges. Find out more details on buying a SIM card in Europe.

46. Negotiate with your carrier

If you only want to use your phone in case of emergencies or very, very occasionally, it might be of interest to negotiate international roaming terms with your carrier. Whatever you do, don’t travel with a cell phone and use it without having talked to your carrier. Your phone may not work, but if it does, it may cost you a small fortune.

Check out these tips for using your cell phone in Europe without going broke.

47. Use free Wi-Fi

McDonald’s locations, many cafes and bars and even Barcelona’s El Prat airport all offer some form of free Wi-Fi (sometimes it’s limited or with purchase). Make the most of it to stay in touch without jacking up your cell phone bill.

Banks and money

48. Use a no-fee credit card

Before you travel, look at your credit card terms and grab the cards that offer no extra charges on international transactions. You can also rack up your points or miles on chargeable purchases during your trip. Although in the past, it was hard to use credit cards around Spain, more and more businesses are fully equipped to accept your Visa and MasterCard (sorry, no Discover and rarely Amex).

Also, be sure to call the provider ahead of time so that charges aren’t blocked.

49. Don’t change money

If you must take some cash, stash it away in the safe, and don’t change it to euros unless you absolutely have to — the fees and poor rates for converting from dollars just aren’t worth the hassle. Instead, use your bank card for the best exchange rates and lowest commissions. Just be sure to get the all clear with your bank before you leave.

Related: Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe?

50. Leave the traveler’s checks at home

Traveler’s checks are another thing that just aren’t worth the hassle for most folks. Lots of Spanish banks won’t even cash them unless you’re a client at their bank and the places that accept them charge a hefty processing commission. If you’re worried about getting into a pinch if lose your cards, or they stop working, remember that there are Western Union offices all around major cities and Spain, and in a pinch, you could have a friend or family member wire you money.

More tips to save in Spain

Want more of our best advice on spending less in Spain? Check out our favorite budget hotels in Barcelona and Madrid, or search over 60,000 accommodations across Spain including hotels, pensiones, B&Bs and vacation apartments.

For more tips, visit our Spain budget guide for more blog posts.

Are there other ways you’ve used to save cash on your trips to Spain? Share them with us in the comments below.

The post Spain Budget Travel Guide: 50 Ways to save in Spain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are five tips for simple ways to save in Madrid, from finding a perfect pastry and scoring free museum admission to booking a cheap and charming hotel in a convenient location.

Related
• How to save on your trip to Madrid
• 10 Spanish phrases every traveler should know
• Search for cheap hotels in Madrid

1. Visit the Reina Sofia and Prado museums for free

Madrid’s Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is free for evening admission from 7 pm to 9 pm on Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday. On Sundays, admission is free from 1:30 pm to 7 pm. If you happen to visit Madrid on April 18, May 18, or October 12, or December 6, lucky you — the museum is open to visitors free of charge for the entire day!

Meanwhile, the permanent collections of the Museo del Prado are free every evening from 6 pm to 8 pm, except Sundays and holidays when the free hours are from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Tip for the young travelers: In addition, guests under 18 and students between 18 and 25 years of age (with an ISIC card) can always visit the Reina Sofía and the Prado free of charge.

Related: How to save time and money at the Prado Museum

2. Find a perfect croissant

Yes, you read that right. This is a list of budget-friendly tips for Madrid, not Paris, but the Spanish capital’s exceptional La Duquesita (Calle Fernando VI, 2) bakes a fantastic croissant for €1.80. It’s flaky and soft — pretty close to perfect. It’s not a bad way to start the day for just a handful of change.

Hostal La Plata is a budget traveler’s dream come true. Photo: EuroCheapo

3. Stay at a great hotel for a low price

Hostal La Plata (Gran Vía, 15) is a dependable, tried-and-trusted cheapo option. Family-run run since 1972, La Plata has a central location and a level of charm that plenty of inexpensive and mid-range hotels don’t quite capture. There are cheaper beds in Madrid, but few of these match the convenience or comfort of La Plata.

Related: Budget hotels in Madrid under $100 per night

4. Save with a public transportation pass

Madrid’s Tourist Travel Pass covers one day of travel in Zone A for just €8.40 (two days for €14.20; three for €18.40; five for €26.80; one week for €35.40). Zone A includes Madrid-Barajas Airport. The pass is valid through 5 am on the day following the expiration date.

Spend a little bit of time with maps of Madrid to figure out where you want to spend your time. If you intend to move about a fair amount, this pass can end up saving you some valuable euros.

Keep an eye out for “Menú del Día” lunch deals all over Madrid. Photo: Melanie

5. At lunchtime, go for the Menú del día

Spain’s “menu of the day” lunches are a great way to eat a two- or three-course meal for what you might reasonably expect to pay for a single course at night. If you enter a restaurant at lunchtime and a menú del día isn’t advertised, just ask for one. For a great menú del día deal in Madrid, check out Restaurante Momo (Calle Libertad 8 in Chueca). You get a nice three-course meal for only €12.50.

More ways to save in Madrid

Looking for more budget tips for Madrid? Check out all of our Madrid posts here, and be sure to explore this list of recommended cheap hotels in Madrid.

The post 5 budget tips to help you save in Madrid appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, not all of these summer destinations are recommended for travelers trying to keep their costs under control. Many are absolutely crammed with tourists, while others have become blighted with commercial development and sub-par restaurants. Meanwhile, many of those peaceful spots that retain their charm come with a high price tag.

But fear not: We’ve got several affordable Spanish seaside options for you, along with some tips on keeping it cheap at the beach. Who’s ready for a swim?

Related: Soak in the sun at these 6 budget beaches in Europe

Our favorite seaside getaways in Spain

Formentera

My favorite shorelines in all of Spain are found on the island of Formentera. The water surrounding the tiniest of the Balearic Island undulates between clear and turquoise, and come summer, it is warm and calm like a heated swimming pool.

Because there are no direct flights to the island, it has remained unspoiled and less popular and expensive than neighboring Ibiza and Mallorca. To get to Formentera and its idyllic beaches, fly first to Ibiza and then hop on a ferry which will get you to the island in about 25 minutes (about €20/each way on the Trasmapi ferry).

Accommodations in Formentera

When booking a room, note that inland options away from the beach will be a lot less expensive. Browse 240+ hotels and vacation rentals in Formentera.

Cadaqués, Costa Brava

Beautiful coves and beaches are also tucked along Catalonia’s Costa Brava. But warning: Certain areas of the Costa Brava are touristy and abound in Irish bars, fish and chip eateries, shops selling cheap plastic junk, and booze tours.

My advice is to skip these worn destinations and seek out the Costa Brava’s smaller villages. Cadaqués, a whitewashed fishing village in the north of Catalonia, is one of the regions prettiest and remains relatively unspoiled, thanks to a snaking two-lane road that is the only access to the hamlet. In August Cadaqués (and all beach towns in Spain) buzzes, but the rest of the year it’s sleepy and affordable.

Accommodations in Cadaqués

Staying in Cadaqués will put you near the Dalí Museum in Portlligat where the artist lived for 40 years. Search through this list of hotels to find affordable options.

Calella de Palafrugell is another (usually) affordable option along the Costa Brava. Photo: franganillo

Calella de Palafrugell, Costa Brava

Also along the Costa Brava is the bustling village of Calella de Palafrugell. As is the norm in this region, Calella’s shoreline is made up of several intimate coves instead of one long beach. From Calella trails cut through Mediterranean pine forest to connect to hidden inlets and other fishing villages.

Accommodations in Calella de Palafrugell

You should have no trouble finding an affordable place to stay in Calella most of the year, except in August when hotels fill up. (Check this list for available hotels.)

Islas Cies offers pristine beaches to travelers who don’t mind roughing it a bit. Photo: darkhornet

Islas Cies

On the other side of Spain in Galicia, one of the country’s most pristine coastlines welcomes travelers who don’t mind roughing it a bit. There are no hotels on the Islas Cies, and cars are not allowed. To stay right on the island’s beachfront, visitors must bring their own tent or rent a large canvas tent from the campground (neither of which is expensive). There are a couple of restaurants on the island, but not much else.

The Islas Cies offer up powdery beaches that look more like something you’d find in the Caribbean than in Northern Spain and are not crowded most of the year. The crisp, clear Atlantic is surprisingly calm along the best of the island’s beaches, which teem with sea critters.

Like Formentera, the Cies have remained immaculate partially because they take some work to get to. Visitors must fly to Vigo (there are several affordable hotels in Vigo) and then take a ferry to the islands; from the ferry, it’s a 10-minute walk to the campground and the island’s top beach.

Because the islands are in the North of Spain where the weather is rainier and colder, the summer months are the best time to drop by.

Hitting the beach in Cadaques. Photo: eugeniocanevari

Tips for seaside savings

Finally, if you find yourself at a crowded and touristy beach such as Playa d’en Bossa on Ibiza, Lloret de Mar in Catalonia, or Benidorm in Valencia, there are a few things you can do to make your money last.

• If you’re traveling in a group, you might want to opt for a vacation apartment to save on meal costs. Search for accommodations in Ibiza.

• Stock up on food and wine at the supermarket and make dinner at your apartment before a night out on the town.

• As with all of coastal Spain, the summer months are high-season and prices rise steeply from June to September. Visit outside these months if at all possible.

Beachfront eating tips

Another tip is to ask Spanish locals where they like to eat; chances are that they will be more than happy to point you in the direction of an authentic paella or tapas joint. Be careful when considering restaurants. If locals are eating and drinking at an eatery the prices will probably be lower than at spots filled with tourists.

In general, sidestep “the strip”. I’m thinking specifically of Playa d’en Bossa which boasts an overrated strip of restaurants and bars both on the shoreline and a few blocks in from the beach. No matter which beachy town you visit, search out eateries and shops along the less touristed side streets.

Your favorite beaches?

Have another budget-friendly seaside escape to add to our list? Have you been to any of these listed above? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

The post The best affordable beach escapes in Spain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Once you book your hotel, it’s time to figure out what to bring. So should you pack the sandals or the sneakers? Just jeans or slacks, too?

Here are some tips for looking like a local.

1. No socks with sandals… or sandals too early

It’s primavera (springtime) in Spain and this makes it a snap to see who is local and who just landed for spring break. How can I tell? I look at people’s feet.

It is still too cold for most locals to wear sandals, and while they may not be wearing warm, leather boots anymore, we’re still not ready to get the manicure and show off our ankles yet. Sandals make their appearance more in May, and definitely in June. When sandals are firmly on Spanish feet once more, you will never, ever, in a million years, see them worn with socks. There should be a law…

In addition to not wearing sandals yet, locals will also be the ones wearing a coat, perhaps of the light mid-season variety, and scarves… which brings me to tip number two.

2. Pack scarves for color, variety and warmth

When a friend came to visit he told me that “real men don’t wear scarves, or eat quiche, or wear pink.” While this may have been true in his part of the world, it is not so in Madrid.

Scarves are in year-round (especially on women) and will give you Euro-flair and something warm around your neck when the cold spring rain beings to fall (and it will fall). Also, bringing a few scarves in different tones and textures will spice up your wardrobe if you’re traveling light.

If you don’t have any scarves, don’t fret, you’ll find an abundance of them for sale here.

Related: 10-day itinerary for Spain through Barcelona, Madrid and Seville

3. Consider hats and sunglasses.

Every local has at least two pairs of shades. You need them in Madrid for those long strolls through Buen Retiro Park and lunches on sun-drenched plazas.

Hats are also in, but not so much the baseball cap or cowboy hat. I’ve seen many locals donning newsboy hats which work for hiding a bad hair day and keeping the sun off your nose. In the summer months those with sensitive skin should wear a hat, as the Spanish sun is fierce. However, most locals do not.

4. Keeping it casual?

For the most part, people do dress nicely when they go out, and Madrid is not a “sweatpants” culture. This does not mean you need to wear your best dress and high-heels (unless you want to) or a suit. Instead, a pair of ironed jeans or slacks, a button-down shirt, a pair of stylish sneakers (not bright white Nikes), and perhaps a sweater or jacket will work for guys.

More informal? Jeans and a t-shirt will work, too, depending on where you are planning to spend your time. Ladies: Do pack a dress or two for a night out. Jeans and sneakers also work for girls and can be dressed up with the right blouse or sweater. I’d go for flats or sneakers any day over heels simply because there is a lot of walking in Madrid.

Overall, dress up rather than down for this sophisticated city.

Related: Which Madrid neighborhood is right for your visit

5. Accessorize!

I see many visitors on the Madrid Metro wearing their backpack in front of them. While this is a clever way to not get robbed, it makes you look like a tourist. To which you may respond, “But I am a tourist!” And there is nothing wrong with that. I’d sling the backpack over one shoulder and keep a good grip on it. I’d also tuck the camera away if you’re not using it, as nothing screams “I just got off Delta” like a dangling Nikon.

Instead, wear your favorite watch. Spanish men (I’m generalizing) add fashion “bling” with fancy-pants watches and nice belts. If you’re a lady, show your style with a large handbag that has a million zippers (making it impossible for anyone to rob you on the bus).

Your fashion tips for Madrid

Have you been to Madrid? Tell us what you like to wear during your Spanish vacation.

The post Madrid: 5 ways to dress like a local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s one strategy for lowering costs: eschew particularly expensive locations for cheaper alternatives. As always, think broadly about alternatives. In some cases, a neighboring city will be less expensive than a popular tourism draw in spitting distance. In other situations, you might consider swapping one region for another half-way across the continent.

Here are five suggestions to get you thinking.

1. Consider Bratislava instead of Vienna

Vienna is glorious. It is impossible to forget that the city was once the seat of an empire. Though there are low-cost hotels, it can also be expensive and, during the summer months, overrun with tourists.

Enter Bratislava, the cute, relatively diminutive capital of Slovakia, just 40 miles to the east. It is a quieter and far less expensive alternative to Vienna. You can count on paying around €40 per day less in Bratislava between budget accommodations, meals and bar tab. Plus, hotels in Bratislava can go for as little as $40-50 per night when we did some searching for dates in the spring.

Furthermore, it’s easy and relatively cheap to travel between the two capital cities. A one-hour one-way train fare will set you back €15; the almost two-hour bus journey costs only €8. You can upgrade the trip with a 75-minute boat ride for as low as €20.

2. Switch out the Slovenian Alps for the Swiss Alps

Let’s compare two popular Alpine destinations, one in Switzerland and the other in Slovenia.

In the winter, a double at a cheap bed & breakfast in St. Moritz, Switzerland runs 110 CHF ($112) per night; in Bled, Slovenia: €29 ($35). In the summer, rate differentials aren’t quite so dramatic. A cheap studio in St. Moritz in mid-July is 63 CHF ($64); an equivalent property in Bled mid-July runs €36 ($44). Bled is less developed than St. Moritz, and (arguably) more interesting in terms of geology and landscape.

As an aside, Slovenia offers far more than Alpine vistas. Other places of note include Ljubljana, the country’s dynamic, pretty capital, and a tiny little arc of the Adriatic, centered on Koper.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s greatest and cheapest cities to visit. Photo: Francisco Antunes

3. Try Lisbon over Madrid and Barcelona

Lisbon is one of the most appealing cities in all of Europe — and an outstanding value to boot. It’s got everything one might want in a European capital: atmospheric neighborhoods, grand plazas and boulevards, good coffee, affordable public transportation, cheap taxis, great restaurants, and perfect egg tarts at more or less every bakery. It’s much cheaper than Madrid, Barcelona, and even Paris.

Hotels in Lisbon start around $30 for simple rooms, and you can score 3-star accommodations for as little as $60. In other words, Lisbon is still a cheapo paradise!

The French coastal region of Côte Bleue, west of Marseille, is a great alternative to the ritzy Cote d’Azur. Photo: Jeanne Menj

4. The Côte Bleue in place of the Cote d’Azur

The Côte d’Azur remains charming despite the glitz and celebrities that keep it humming. But goodness gracious is it pricey. For a less expensive holiday, look to the Côte Bleue, to the west of Marseille.

Carry-le-Rouet, a fishing village surrounded by a nature reserve, is one idyllic spot. In Carry-le-Rouet, the Villa Arena Hotel offers double rooms for €60. And in the nearby village of La Rove there is a simple, welcoming guesthouse called L’olivier, with double rooms for just €55 in July.

Jahorina in Bosnia offers a fun ski vacation for almost 75% less than the Alps! Photo: vladotesanovic

5. Go east for an affordable ski vacation

A quick glance at the top resorts in France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria turns up exorbitant daily lift pass costing as high as €70 ($86) in Zermatt. Even relatively good value resorts in the region, like Courmayeur in Italy’s Aosta Valley, cost €44 ($54) per day for a lift pass.

A turn to the east reveals much less expensive territory: Jahorina, Bosnia (€20, or $24 for a lift pass); Popova Sapka, Macedonia (900 MKD, or $18); and Brezovica, an ethnic Serbian mountain enclave in the south of Kosovo, where a lift pass costs just €12 ($15) per day.

Related: 5 affordable ski vacations in Europe

The post 5 cheapo alternative destinations in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Renting a car will get you to little villages, mountains, secluded beaches, and vineyards you’d never see otherwise. Many of the best jaunts I’ve been on in Spain have been by car. Getting wheels is worth the effort it takes.

Related: Calculating the real cost of renting a car in Europe

Tips for Saving on rental cars in Spain

Before you go online to book your vehicle in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville, and hit the road, take a little time to read through these tips. Over the years I’ve taken many jaunts from Barcelona by rental car, and I’ve learned a thing or two about driving and keeping your rental experience hassle-free. Here are my top tips, many of which are applicable to renting a car throughout Europe.

1. Check your license

Always check with the rental car agency beforehand to make sure you have the right documents for driving on Spanish roads. For Americans, agencies usually only require a valid passport (that means within the six month travel period allotted to Americans for travel in Europe) and a driver’s license.

I have never been asked for an international driver’s license when renting a car, so I have never bothered to get one. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and it is recommended that you get one. You can learn about the International Driver’s License on this website.

2. Find a good deal

I have rented from many different companies in Spain and have had a range of good and bad experiences. The main takeaway is that if it looks too good (or too cheap) to be true, then it probably is. Like the cheapo airlines that will nickel and dime you for every pound of luggage and every inch of legroom, many cheapo rental car companies will hit your wallet for gas, mileage, insurance, and additional drivers.

I have ended up spending much more than I expected to at super budget companies. In the end, I stopped using them and decided to pay more in advance for a better product and less hassle. Check out EuroCheapo’s rental car search to check current prices from a wide variety of companies in Spain.

3. Read the small print and sign off on the dents and scratches

This car rental tip could be applied to many aspects of your trip. Make sure you know all of the extra charges (including unfilled tank charges!) before you sign on the dotted line. If there’s a certain type of car you want, be sure to ask for it. Be assertive and ask now.

At the rental counter, they usually give you a piece of paper that includes a small illustration of a car. Often, especially with city rentals, you’ll have to go outside and find your rental car in a big parking garage, and there may not be anyone there to help you. Insist that someone go with you or meet you in the garage to go over any flaws that the car has on the interior and exterior. Mark all these flaws, even the small ones, on the documents that you got at the rental counter, carefully marking the dents and scratches on the diagram of the car. This may sound excessive, but being thorough could save you a lot of money. The rental company’s representative will have to sign off on all the flaws you identify.

Don’t be embarrassed if it takes you a few times around to find your exit. Photo: BJK

4. Roundabout advice

Depending on where you’re from, you may or may not be familiar with roundabouts. These circular intersections have replaced many crossroads and four-way stops in Spain. Some roundabouts consist of four lanes and can be daunting to merge into and out of. Slow down when entering, but you’ll only need to come to a full stop if you’re waiting for traffic to pass by. Otherwise, gracefully enter and wind around to your desired exit.

Another perk is that roundabouts give you additional time to figure out where you’re going. Not sure which turn off to take? Just keep circling the roundabout until you find the right road! I’ve been known to loop around three times before sorting out the right direction.

5. Pay a bit to save time on toll roads

In Catalonia many of the highways are toll roads, and many of them are not cheap. Expect to pay from €0.45 to €10 for access to these roads. Tunnels also usually collect a hefty toll. You can avoid the toll roads, but more often than not, this will add on to your travel time, and you’ll be faced with more traffic and more roundabouts.

Depending on how far you have to go and how much time you have, it may be better to suck it up and pay for the toll roads. Most toll booths will accept both credit cards and cash. While tolls are very common in Catalonia, other regions of Spain have fewer tolls or no tolls at all.

6. Hide all valuables from sight

Always lock your doors, and do not leave your suitcase, purse, camera bag, or anything else of value in plain sight in your parked rental car. Put everything that could be tempting to an unsavory character out of sight in the trunk. If it’s really valuable, you probably just want to take it with you. This is especially important in big cities like Barcelona and Madrid, but applies to smaller towns as well.

If you don’t drive stick shift, expect to pay a lot more. Photo: LenDog64

7. Be prepared to pay more for automatic transition

Most rental cars in Spain (and throughout Europe) are equipped with manual transmission, and most Spaniards know how to drive a stick shift car. Automatic cars are the exception, not the rule, and you may have to pay hundreds of euros more to rent one.

If you really want to rent an automatic, then look around and compare prices. Make sure to reserve an automatic far in advance, because many companies have a limited supply, especially in the high season when Americans come in droves.

8. Choose your parking spot wisely

It is not easy to park in Barcelona or Madrid. Parking spots are scarce, and when you do find one, you need to determine if it is a public parking space or only open to those living in the neighborhood. I made the mistake of parking in a spot I thought was public parking only to find my rental car towed; €250 later I had learned my lesson. In some small villages you will be able to park just about anywhere and won’t have to pay a cent. This is especially true in the countryside. When in doubt, check with a local to make sure you’re not parking in front of someone’s gate or doorway.

If you are unsure about what the rules are or where you can park, the best bet is to put your ride in a garage and pay a bit more. Your car will most likely be safer in a garage, and will definitely be there when you return. There are parking garages everywhere in cities and larger towns.

9. Be careful on the road

Generally speaking, driving in Spain is not much different than in the rest of Europe or North America. The laws and road signs are similar. Mostly, roads are well marked and freeways are well maintained. Drivers can be aggressive and tailgating is common, and for many locals, turn signals seem like more of a suggestion than a requirement. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed at any point on the road in Spain, just slow down; the guy behind you may not like it, but he can pass.

I’ve driven all over Spain and by far the fastest drivers I’ve encountered were on the island of Tenerife. I’m not sure what it is about island life that makes these locals put the pedal to the metal, but they certainly seem to be in a hurry.

10. Don’t forget to fill ’er up (with the right fuel!)

Gas is self-service in Spain. You pay inside or at the pump with either a credit card or cash. It’s pretty straightforward and very similar to what you’re probably used back home. Just make sure to fill up with right kind of fuel. You really don’t want to put unleaded gas into a diesel car. Trust us!

Your tips for driving in Spain?

Have you rented a car in Spain? Tell us what companies you like, what tips you used to find a good deal, or your favorite road trips!

The post 10 tips for renting and driving a car in Spain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But as you plan your Spanish jaunt, it’s important to think about a few pitfalls that are easy to walk into… but just as easy to avoid.

Once you reach Spain, keep these rookie mistakes in mind to avoid any mishaps that can cost you precious time and money.

Related: Recommended budget hotels in Madrid | Barcelona | Seville

1. Trying to see too much

Spain is fairly large as European countries go, and you cannot possibly see it all. Where you go during your trip depends on what your interests are, but plan (at the very least) a couple of days in Barcelona, a day in Madrid, and some time in Andalusia. If you are a foodie, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list.

Whatever you do, don’t try and bulldoze through your vacation, spending just a day in each town. Spain’s cultural rhythm is slow and leisurely, and it’s best to adapt to this way of being while visiting. (We go into this further in our guide to creating the best itinerary for your trip to Europe.)

To help you organize your visit, check out this 10-day trip itinerary for Spain that will take you through some of our favorite places in the country.

2. Thinking it’s all about bulls and flamenco

When many tourists think of Spain, they’re often only conjuring up an image of one region of the country, Andalusia. Angry bulls and beautiful women in ruffly dresses can indeed be found in Seville, but not so much in Barcelona or San Sebastian.

Each region of Spain has its own food, culture, and in some cases (like the Basque Country or Catalonia) language. However, while the tradition is illegal in some regions, you can still see a bullfight in Madrid.

3. Mistaking a rhythm for rudeness

Things move more slowly in Spain than they do in the United States and Northern Europe. Lunches are long and unhurried. Dinners last for hours. A drink at the bar can easily turn into watching the sun rise over the Mediterranean. Don’t mistake your server’s inattentiveness as rudeness. At the same time, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for whatever it is that you need (the bill, salt, another beer, etc.).

Your server may not come by every 10 minutes to ask you how everything is, but you will also never be hustled out the door so they can “turn” your table. Act like a local and chill with your glass of wine; feel free to linger and chat as long as you want.

Related: 10 Spanish phrases every traveler should know

3. Not packing the right gear

For whatever reason, many tourists assume that Spain is hot and humid year-round. Not so! Make sure to pack lots of light layers in the summertime and a heavy coat in winter (unless you plan to spend your entire vacation on the Canary Islands).

In the north of Spain rain is common, even during the summer. In the south of Spain, temperatures can easily reach the 100+ mark from June to August, and you’ll want to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.).

4. Ordering the wrong food at the wrong time

Important: The big meal of the day in Spain is lunch, and this is the time to have a hardy seafood paella. Do not order paella at 10 p.m. in the evening; it’s too heavy and in most respectable restaurants, it will not even be offered on the dinner menu.

Usually, Spaniards eat lighter fare for dinner, including tapas, fish dishes, and salads. Drink wine with lunch and dinner–order the whole bottle, and no one will bat an eye.

Related: 8 Tips for eating like a local in Barcelona

5. Eating too early

It can be difficult to get on the Spanish clock when it comes to meal times. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are enjoyed quite late by American standards. If you’re starving, go grab some tapas to hold you over until the restaurants open.

Lunch is typically served between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. If you go out to dinner at 6 p.m, you will either be dining alone or with other tourists. Most local restaurants don’t even open their doors until 8 p.m (or later).

Related: 7 local dishes you need to try when visiting Spain

There might be one Spanish flag, but Spaniards speak a variety of regional languages as well. Photo: abdallahh

6. Not knowing the languages (that’s plural)

If you know Spanish, then you’ll be able to communicate with everyone in Spain. However, not every local you meet will speak Spanish as his or her mother tongue. Don’t be surprised to see signs in Basque or Catalan as you travel, and keep in mind that there are five national languages in the country.

Picking up a few words in the regional lingo will show some respect (and really endear you to the locals). It can also help you save–here are 7 Spanish phrases to help you save in Barcelona.

7. Tipping too much

This one is always hard for visitors from the United States. Tipping is not common across all of Spain. You should not leave 20%. If you get a really good meal or excellent service, you might leave something, but generally, tips are not expected.

Even in popular cities like Barcelona, you don’t tip bartenders, cab drivers, waiters, or anyone else more than some spare change.

8. Not having cash on hand

Want to pick up some tasty Jamón ibérico or a pair of authentic espadrilles from a local vendor? Take note that many small shops and taxis do not take credit cards. Furthermore, numerous stores, both big and small, will not have small change if you give them big bills. Be prepared and have cash on hand in a variety of sizes.

Crowded areas like Las Ramblas are ripe with pick pockets and other scams. Photo: Fraser Mummery

9. Not paying attention in touristy areas

This largely applies to Barcelona and Madrid, but you should be careful all over Spain, especially in the most touristy areas. Don’t leave your valuables on the beach while you go for a dip. Instead, leave everything important in the hotel’s safe.

Do some research ahead of time to book a hotel in a safe area of the city where you are less likely to be hassled. Spain is not dangerous, but petty theft can be a problem.

Related: Safety tips for female travelers in Barcelona

Final Tip: Just go with the flow

Spain is a diverse and fascinating country filled with open and relaxed people. It’s hard not to love it once you get into the rhythm. Visit at an easy pace and allow yourself plenty of time to just chill. Loiter on a plaza. Dawdle in a park. Hang out for hours at a cafe or bar on the beach.

It’s in the waiting and watching and just “being” that Spain shows herself to you.

The post Spain: 10 first-time mistakes to avoid when visiting appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.