Dreaming of a Spain Holiday

Do you dream of a Spain Holiday?

The more I read about it, the more I yearn to visit Spain.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Spain every year in search of sun, fun and relaxation thanks to its beautiful beaches, alluring scenery, diverse culture and so much more. One day in the near future, I too hope to stroll the streets of Spain leisurely and soak in the culture. I’ve been in love with the idea of a Spain holiday for decades now!

As this country may very well be one of the most alluring destinations in the world, it should come as no surprise that the number of visitors is increasing rapidly. I am going to share what I learned to make my travel more budget-friendly by booking early, using trusted currency websites to get the best rates and of course, saving on stay.

Around this time next year, we hope to visit my friend abroad and this time, stopover in the UK unlike last year, when we simply passed through.

Although Spain may only be a stone’s throw away from the United Kingdom, we’ll still have to manage our budget while giving in to the urge to see a new country and a bit of preparation and foresight will go a long way in enabling us enjoy the holiday we’re dreaming of.

After our trip overseas last year, here are three important lessons we learned that will help us stretch our travel dollar.

Booking Ahead of Time

There are many reasons why one chooses to visit this European paradise.

And in case you didn’t know, Spain is one of my dream destinations. Years ago, during my corporate career, in the process of coordinating with one of my clients, I actually enrolled for Spanish classes so the time spent waiting every day could be used more productively. Our tutor was amazing and made each of us want to pack our bags and head to this lovely country. In fact, she encouraged me, after the course, to enroll for an immersion program. Sigh.

Spain holidays are famous amongst beach lovers from all over the world for its gorgeous beaches and landscapes, its diversity in culture, to name just a few of its attractions. Unfortunately, these very same attractions will cause airline prices to rise dramatically during peak tourist seasons. So confirming any flight reservations at least six weeks before the departure date is a must. During our travel last year, since we planned our trip suddenly, we didn’t have the luxury of time and had to go with expensive air tickets simply because we did not plan and book ahead.

Exchange Rates

Travel overseas requires local currency, naturally. In the rush of ticket bookings and packing and winding up work so we could enjoy our three week holiday, we happily assumed we could exchange money at the airport. What we learned was – never make the mistake of exchanging money at the airport immediately before you leave. It is a fact that you will normally not receive the best exchange rates. Also, these currency portals will tend to charge a rather high commission. Instead, the best thing to do is use the power of the Internet and trusted currency websites. Then, visit your local bank when the rates are the most favorable. It is also easier to bargain locally.

More May Not be Better

You know I believe in less is more. Although a luxury hotel may be very appealing, prices can be crazy-expensive. I always remind myself that we’re there to visit the place, not enjoy hotel comfort. I prefer to choose a slightly cheaper establishment or even a hostel with positive reviews. Not only does this let me save additional funds, but gives me a more “hands-on” feel for the culture as a whole. I always enjoy checking out travel bloggers’ sites for firsthand information and experiences about a place, especially because the interaction is easy when I want to know more details about what to see.

I’ve found that the above tips stand me in good stead no matter where I travel because, my friends, I like being a budget traveler. And moreover, with any holiday, planning ahead is the most powerful tool that will enable you to enjoy the eclectic sights and experiences – and Spain is no exception.

So as I build my travel wish list, I’ve added Spain to it. I hope to fulfill my dream of visiting these places in the next five years, starting next year.

What place do you dream of visiting the most?

And why?

I’d love to know in the comments!