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67 Essential Spanish Travel Phrases Every Traveller Needs To Know

Spain. Mexico. Argentina. Peru. Colombia.

If you're learning Spanish , the mere the mention of these countries can leave you daydreaming about your next trip abroad.

And although there are many incredible things to do and see in Spanish-speaking countries, what really makes these places special are the local people.

So before you pack your bags and jump on a plane, why not learn a little Spanish to help you make the most of your trip?

In this post, you’ll learn 67 Spanish phrases for travel that can help you survive in the language during your trip abroad. And who knows, they might even help you make a few new friends too!

To make it easier for you, I’ve divided the phrases up into different categories:

Table of Contents

Take the time to learn a few of these key Spanish travel phrases and you’ll be able to mix with the locals, get by in various situations and have a much more enjoyable and authentic experience during your trip.

By the way, if you want to learn Spanish in time for your trip, my top recommendation for language learners is my Uncovered courses, which teach you through StoryLearning®.  Click here  to find out more and try out the method for free.

Press play on the video below to learn Spanish travel phrases thanks to a story. Otherwise, keep scrolling to discover all 67 Spanish travel words and expressions.

First Things First: Greetings To Use On Arrival

Knowing how to greet people is the most basic thing you can learn in a foreign language. And yet its importance shouldn't be underestimated.

Even if you aren’t fluent enough to hold a long conversation, a simple ¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?  (Hello, how are you?) can make all the difference.

You'll be able to use these expressions as soon as you arrive at your destination, whether it's at the airport, the train or bus station, or the hotel.

People appreciate it if you make an effort to speak their language when you visit their country, even if it’s only a few words.

Spanish-speaking countries are especially polite and greeting people correctly will go a long way towards endearing you to the locals, be they friends, people you meet in shops or on the street.

• ( BWAY-nos DEE-as)
• (BWAY-nas TAR-des)
• (BWAY-nas NOH-chays)
• (KOH-moh eh-STAH)
• (KOH-moh eh-STAHS)
• (bee-EN  GRA-thee-as [Spain] / GRA-see-as [Latin America])
• (KOH-moh te YA-mas?)
• (May YA-moh… )
• (MOO-choh GOO-stoh)

And of course, let’s not forget common courtesy!

• (por fa-BOR)
• (GRA-thee-as [Spain] / GRA-see-as [Latin America])

If you get stuck in your Spanish conversation, you can always fall back on these next two phrases to get you out of trouble.

• (yo no en-tee-EN-doh)
• (Ab-la in-GLAYS)

Get What You Want On Your Trip With The Verb Querer 

Once you’ve finished greeting someone, you’ll need to be able to move on to the crux of your conversation and to do that you’ll need to learn a couple of common verbs.

There are hundreds of Spanish verbs to learn and, to make your life more difficult, these verbs conjugate (change form).

This means learning a verb is never as simple as learning one word; you have to learn multiple different forms.

Having said that, you might be surprised by how far you can get only knowing one simple verb: I want .

It may not make you the most sophisticated Spanish speaker but 9 times out of 10 it will get you what you, well, want .

The verb in question is querer (to want) and in the first person form, it becomes quiero (I want).

Let’s take a look at how you can use it:

• (yo kee-EH-ro oon me-NOO)
• (YO kee-EH-ro oon taxi)
• (yo kee-EH-ro OO-na ser-BAY-za)

If you’d like to be a bit more polite (which is usually a good idea), you can also use:

• (kee-see-EH-ra…)

Asking For & Understanding Directions On Your Trip

Whether you’re looking for the toilet in a restaurant or trying to find a hotel to stay at, you’ll inevitably need to ask for directions at some point during your trip.

The simplest way to ask where something is, is to use ¿Dónde está? followed by the noun you are looking for:

• (DON-day es-TAH el BAH-nyo?)
• (DON-day es-TAH el BAN-koh?)
• (DON-day es-TAH la KA-yay de al-cal-AH?)

When travelling in a foreign country, if you're asking someone on the street for directions, don’t forget your manners! To get someone’s attention, start by saying:

• (Dis-KUL-pay)
• (Con per-MEE-soh / Per-DOH-nah-may)
• (eh- stoy per-DEE-doh)

Asking for directions is one thing but it’s pretty pointless if you don’t know how to understand the directions that are given to you!

Memorise these phrases to help you understand what the friendly locals are trying to tell you when you ask for their help:

• (A la de-RE-cha)
• (A la iz-kee-ER-da)
• (De-RE-cho)
• (En la es-KEE-nah)
• (a OO-na KWAD-rah)

Getting Around Spanish-Speaking Countries

If you’re not keen on walking everywhere, you'll need to be able to find out about local transport options to find your way around wherever you are.

Here are a few simple phrases you can use to locate a bus, train or taxi and get to wherever you need to go:

• (DON-day PWAY-doh en-kon-TRAR oon taxi?)
• (DON-day eh-STAH la pa-RAH-dah de ow-to-BOOS mas ser-KA-nah?)
• (DON-day eh-STAH la es-tah-see-ON de ferro-carr-EEL mas ser-KA-nah?)
• (KWAN-to KWES-ta oon bee-YET-ay PA-ra …)
• (oon bee-YET-ay PA-ra … por fa-BOR)

At A Restaurant On Your Travels

Each Spanish-speaking country has its own unique flavours and cuisine for you to try when you travel!

Food is definitely one of the big attractions to cities like San Sebastian in Spain and Buenos Aires in Argentina , so you'll need to make sure you have a basic grasp of food vocabulary ahead of your journey!

To start with, you need to be prepared to hear and understand certain questions in restaurants, such as:

• (kee-EH-res AL-go PA-ra koh-MER?)
• (kee-EH-res AL-go PA-ra beh-BER?)
• (KAY kee-EH-res koh-MER?)

When you read the menu, you'll see the available food grouped into different categories, just like in an English menu:

• (oo-na en-TRA-da)
• (oon PLA-toh prin-si-PAL)
• (oon POS-tray)
• (OO-na beh-BEE-da)

When you're ready to order, use either  quiero (I want) or  quisiera (I would like) with the items on the menu to tell the waiter what you'd like. For example,  quiero…

• (OO-na SOH-pah)
• (OO-na en-sa-LA-da)
• (el POY-oh)
• (la CAR-nay)
• (oon AG-wa)
• (oon BEE-noh TIN-toh / BLAN-koh)
• (OO-na ser-BAY-sa)
• (oon ka-FAY)

So, for example, to order that ice-cold beer you're looking forward to at the end of a long day, you'd say  quiero una cerveza.

If you're not sure what to try, you can always ask your waiter for a recommendation:

• (kay may re-kom-ee-EN-dah?)

In most restaurants in Spanish-speaking countries, the staff will be more than happy to suggest a particularly tasty local dish for you to try.

If you're a vegetarian or you have dietary complications, these next two phrases are essential:

• (soy be-he-tah-ree-AH-noh/nah)
• (TEN-go al-ER-hee-ah a las noo-EH-ses)

Finally, let's learn a couple of quick phrases you can use to ask about prices and pay the bill.

• (KWAN-to KWES-ta? )
• (la KWEN-ta por fa-BOR)

Key Spanish Question Words For Your Trip

Over the course of your journey, you'll almost certainly find yourself asking lots and lots of questions.

You might not have a huge Spanish vocabulary to draw on, but if you know the basic question words, you'll be able to get by in almost any common situation you might find yourself in.

Here are some key Spanish question words you need to know:

• (KWAN-doh?)
• (A kay AW-ra?)
• (KWAN-toh?)
• (KWAN-tohs)
• (kah-dah KWAN-toh?)
• (por KWAN-toh tee-EM-poh)

Once you’ve got these question words in your memory bank you’ll start noticing the patterns in Spanish grammar which will help you to move away from the basic Spanish phrases every tourist is using.

As you learn new words on your trip, you'll be able to combine them with these question words to start forming your own sentences and questions!

Get Ready For Adventure With These Spanish Travel Phrases!

Take the time to memorise these key Spanish travel phrases and you'll have everything you need to get the most out of your journey.

With just a few words of Spanish, I'm sure you'll meet lots of amazing people and have plenty of life-changing experiences along the way.

Who knows, perhaps spending some time visiting a Spanish-speaking country will motivate you to strive for fluency?

If this article has inspired you to both travel and to learn Spanish, then I've got something to get you started on your Spanish learning journey. 

I'm a big believer in the power of story to enable you to learn a language. That's why I've created an entire beginner course dedicated to learning Spanish by immersing yourself in an engaging story.

It's my Spanish Uncovered course, and it's designed to take you from beginner to B1 Intermediate level.

Click here for more information on the course, test it out for free and to find out how it'll help you.

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Important Spanish Travel Phrases (with Downloadable PDF)

Have you been dreaming about your upcoming vacation to Spain?

Eagerly awaiting your backpacking trek through South America?

Whatever the case, your trip to any Spanish-speaking country will be so much more fun and meaningful if you can communicate with locals .

But what kind of Spanish travel phrases do you even need to know?

Below are the essentials— the most common Spanish phrases for travel  to help you upgrade your trip from “goodw” to “great.”

1. Basic Spanish Greetings and Phrases

2. basic spanish phrases for everyday use, 3. asking for directions in spanish, 4. spanish travel phrases for the hotel, 5. spanish travel phrases for the restaurant, 6. spanish phrases for the airport and ticket offices, 7. medical emergencies in spanish, 8. spanish phrases for having a bit of fun, and one more thing….

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Spanish-speaking countries are generally very polite and you must always be courteous and say “hello” and “how are you?”

Don’t worry about making mistakes. Most people will try their utmost to understand you and to make sure you understand them. Try your best and they will be happy to reciprocate!

• Buenos días — Good morning
• Buenas tardes — Good afternoon
• Buenas noches — Good evening
• ¿Cómo te llamas? — What’s your name? (informal)
• ¿Cómo se llama? — What’s your name? (formal)
• Me llamo… — My name is…
• Mucho gusto — Nice to meet you
• ¿Cómo estás? — How are you? (informal)
• ¿Cómo está? — How are you? (formal)
• Bien, gracias — Good, thank you
• Por favor — Please
• Gracias — Thank you
• Perdón — S orry
• ¿Habla inglés? — Do you speak English?
• No hablo español — I don’t speak Spanish

You can go far with some very easy-to-remember travel phrases and words.

You’ll likely use “I want,” “I like” and “Do you have…?” quite often. If you don’t know the noun, you can simply point at the object or show a photo.

You can also say a lot of things with very simple verbs we’re about to introduce. It may not be the sophisticated way you speak in English, but you will be understood.

• Quiero / No quiero  — I want / I don’t want
• Me gustaría ; Quisiera — I would like (more polite)
• ¿Dónde está…? — Where is…? Since  dónde ends in  e and  está  starts with one, these two words flow into each other, almost like they were a single word.
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost? 
• ¿Qué hora es? — What time is it?
• ¿Tiene…? — Do you have…?
• Tengo / No tengo  — I have / I don’t have
• Entiendo / No entiendo  — I understand / I don’t understand
• ¿Entiende? — Do you understand?
• Quiero un boleto — I want a ticket

…un hotel — …a hotel

…un taxi — …a taxi

• No funciona — It doesn’t work

That last one is an all-purpose word . You can use this for a million circumstances! Just point at the shower or whatever and say “ ¡No funciona!”

What we’ve seen so far is basic survival Spanish, so even if you can only remember these words and phrases, they’ll still help a great deal.

If you get a bit lost or unsure of how to get somewhere, “¿dónde está?”  is the simplest way of asking for directions. Here are a few more phrases, locations and other directions in Spanish that will be helpful on your trip:

• ¿Dónde está la estación de ferrocarril? — Where is the railway station?
• ¿Dónde hay un restaurante? — Where is a restaurant?
• Un tren — A train
• La calle… — The street…
• Un banco — A bank
• El baño — The bathroom
• Busco un hotel — I’m looking for a hotel
• Necesito un hotel — I need a hotel

…un cuarto — …a room

…un cuarto con baño — …a room with a bathroom

• ¿Dónde hay una casa de cambio? — Where is the currency exchange?
• ¿Dónde está el banco? — Where is the bank?
• Dinero — Money

Once you have asked a question, someone will answer you in Spanish. Listen for these key words:

• A la derecha — To the right
• A la izquierda — To the left
• Derecho — Straight ahead
• En la esquina — At the corner
• A una cuadra — In one block

…dos cuadras — …two blocks

…tres cuadras — …three blocks

…cuatro cuadras — …four blocks

You’ve finally found your hotel and you’re ready to check in!

Staff at international chains will probably be able to communicate in English with you, but these phrases and questions will come in handy for local hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, etc.

These will also be helpful when you need to make adjustments to your reservation or are curious about other hotel amenities.

• Tengo una reserva a nombre de… — I have a reservation under the name of…
• Estadía de tres noches — Three-night stay
• Una habitación para dos personas — A room for two people
• Una habitación con una cama de matrimonio — A room with a double bed As you can see, habitación is a synonym of cuarto . You can use either term when booking a room.
• ¿Dónde está la piscina? — Where is the pool?
• ¿A qué hora es el desayuno? — What time is breakfast?
• ¿Puedo solicitar una salida tardía? — Can I request a late check-out?
• ¿Tiene servicio de habitaciones? — Do you have room service?
• ¿ Cuál es la contraseña de WiFi ? —  What is the WiFi password?
• Una cama supletoria — An extra bed
• Vista al mar — Ocean view
• Vista a la ciudad — City view
• Un balcón — A balcony
• La terraza — The rooftop / terrace
• El gimnasio — The gym
• La playa — The beach
• El vestíbulo — The lobby

Probably the most useful travel phrases you will need are the ones you would use in a restaurant. Let’s go over some basic restaurant vocabulary in Spanish :

Ask for anything by using quiero  or quisiera  — “I want” or “I would like.” And remember to say  por favor  and  gracias!

• Una mesa — A table
• Una mesa para dos — A table for two

…tres — …three

…cuatro — …four

• Un menú / Una carta — A menu
• Sopa — Soup
• Ensalada — Salad
• Hamburguesa — Hamburger
• Con salsa de tomate — With ketchup

…mostaza — …mustard

…tomate — …tomato

…lechuga — …lettuce

• Una entrada — An appetizer
• Un postre — Dessert
• Una bebida — A drink
• Agua — Water
• Vino tinto / Vino blanco — Red wine / White wine
• Cerveza — Beer
• Un café — Coffee
• ¡Señor! / ¡Señorita! — Mister / Miss (when calling a waiter or waitress)
• La cuenta — The check
• Una tarjeta de crédito — A credit card
• Una tarjeta de débito — A debit card
• Pagar en efectivo — Pay in cash

Note that many places in smaller towns still don’t take credit cards , so make sure you have enough cash with you.

You can ask if a place takes credit cards by using the noun with a question. For example, you can pull out your credit card and say: ¿Tarjeta de crédito? They will understand.

It’s time to soak in some culture ! Whether you want to go see a show, check out an art exhibit, watch a local movie or visit the next town (or country) over, you’ll need to buy some sort of ticket.

We’ll start with some airport-specific vocabulary —bearing in mind that many of these phrases are versatile and can be used in various situations—followed by more general vocabulary. 

• Su pasaporte, por favor — Your passport, please
• Quisiera cambiar mi reserva — I would like to change my reservation
• ¿Podría elegir mi asiento? — Could I choose my seat?
• Quisiera cambiar mi asiento — I would like to change my seat
• Este es mi equipaje de mano — This is my carry-on luggage
• ¿Se ha cancelado el vuelo? — Has the flight been canceled?
• ¿Dónde está la terminal internacional? — Where is the international terminal?
• ¿Dónde está la puerta de embarque? — Where is the boarding gate?
• ¿A qué hora es el embarque? — What time is boarding?

Earlier we defined entrada as an “appetizer.” Entrada has multiple meanings related to “start” or “entry,” so you can also use it to say “ticket.”

• ¿Cuánto cuesta una entrada? — How much does a ticket cost?
• Dos boletos de ida y vuelta — Two roundtrip tickets
• ¿ Tiene un pase de un día ? — Do you have a one-day pass?
• ¿A qué hora sale el próximo tren ? — What time does the next train leave?
• ¿De qué plataforma sale? — Which platform does it leave from?
• ¿Qué puerta? — Which gate?

For more specific situations, here are some words and phrases you might need when purchasing tickets:

• El espectáculo — The show / performance
• El teatro — The theater
• La exposición — The exhibit
• El cine — The cinema
• Una película — A movie
• Un vuelo — A flight
• Viaje de ida — One-way trip
• Viaje de ida y vuelta — Return trip / round trip
• El asiento de pasillo — The aisle seat
• El asiento de ventanilla — The window seat
• La primera fila — The first row

La segunda fila — The second row

La tercera fila — The third row

La cuarta fila — The fourth row

Also, as you’ve likely noticed, for anything dealing with money or quantities, you’ll want to be familiar with numbers in Spanish .

A smart traveler always comes prepared with some emergency over-the-counter meds. After all, you never know what could happen when you’re overseas.

But when those aren’t enough, these are the phrases that will help with your health-related concerns when in a Spanish-speaking country:

• ¿Dónde está la farmacia? — Where is the pharmacy?
• ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano? — Where is the nearest hospital?
• Seguro de salud internacional — International health insurance
• No me siento bien — I feel sick / I don’t feel well
• ¿El doctor habla inglés? — Does the doctor speak English?
• ¿Necesito una receta? — Do I need a prescription?
• ¿Qué medicina necesito? — What medicine do I need?
• La cita médica — Doctor’s appointment
• La cita de seguimiento — Follow-up appointment

If you need help explaining your symptoms, these terms will help you out. With the exception of the last phrase, start off by saying tengo , followed by any of the below:

• Un resfriado — A cold
• Dolor de garganta — Sore throat
• Tos — Cough
• Fiebre — Fever
• Dolor de cabeza — Headache
• Dolor de estómago — Stomachache
• Dolor de espalda — Backache
• Resaca — Hangover
• Me gotea la nariz — I have a runny nose

Of course, a trip to a Spanish-speaking country wouldn’t be complete without a little ¡fiesta! (carnival; party). If you’re keen to hit the town, here are a few phrases to help you get your groove on.

• ¡Salud! — Cheers!
• ¿Hay algún bar por aquí? — Is there a bar around here?
• ¿Dónde están las discotecas? — Where are the clubs?
• ¿A qué hora abren las discotecas? — What time do the clubs open?
• ¿Me recomienda un lugar para bailar? — Can you recommend me a place to dance?
• ¿Quieres bailar conmigo? — Do you want to dance with me?
• ¡Bailemos! — Let’s dance!

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Useful Travel Phrases in Spanish: Listen and Practice!

Sí, por favor, or no, gracias are two of the most famous Spanish travel phrases in the world, because they are so simple. 

When eating tacos in Mexico , hiking in Costa Rica , exploring Cuba , tasting coffee in Colombia , visiting the Maya ruins in Guatemala , admiring the Iguazu falls in Argentina , traveling through Spain , or stopping by Equatorial Guinea , it would be very wise to keep a few more Spanish travel phrases available in your head.

If you feel like learning a little bit more than some basic greetings and farewells in Spanish and adding an arsenal of phrases to your travel Spanish, lay back and get ready to start learning some travel Spanish by listening and reading some more Spanish phrases to become more fluent and sound more natural.

Why Is Listening Beneficial?

Before we start feeding your travel Spanish, it is important to understand why listening is beneficial when learning Spanish. 

As someone who has taught English mainly to Spanish-speaking students for a couple of years, I’ve noticed that those who limit themselves to only reading and solving grammar exercises tend to have a harder time with the language. 

On the other hand, those who take the listening exercises seriously and try to repeat as they listen tend to achieve fluency more quickly than their peers. While our level of mastery is directly linked to our specific set of abilities and how much we practice, listening to a native speaker in their language and trying to imitate them is one of the best pathways towards fluency.

Travel Spanish Conjugation

The first thing we need to know is our verb, the Spanish translation for “to travel” is viajar. In this section you’ll learn how to conjugate this verb in:

• Simple present – Presente del indicativo
• Simple past – Pretérito del indicativo
• Simple future – Futuro del indicativo 

Keep in mind that, ustedes and vosotros are both the second person of the plural form—however, Latin Americans use ustedes and Spaniards use vosotros . 

Presente del indicativo

Pretérito de indicativo

Futuro del indicativo

To keep this part simple practice one sentence with each tense:

Tú viajas hoy. You travel today.

Mis padres viajarán el sábado. My parents are going to travel on Saturday.

Mi vecina viajó el año pasado a Colombia. My neighbor traveled to Colombia last year.

PRO TIP: In Spanish, we use el presente del indicativo to talk about habits, but also to talk about something that is happening today.

Simple Spanish Travel Phrases

We’ll start off with some basic travel vocabulary in Spanish. 

In this section, I include 4 basic phrases to show where you’re from, what you will do on your travels when you’re going back, and how long you are staying in a country.

 Check out these useful Spanish travel phrases.

Where You’re From

Vengo de Inglaterra.  I come from England.

Soy jamaiquino(a). I am Jamaican .

Soy estadounidense; vengo de Pittsburgh. I am American, I come from Pittsburgh.

Talking About Your Plans

Haré un tour por Guatemala, El Salvador, Belice y Honduras durante dos semanas. I will make a tour through Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, and Honduras for two weeks.

No iré a Nicaragua porque no es parte de mi plan. I won’t go to Nicaragua because it isn’t part of my plan.

Regresaré a Jamaica el 3 de Diciembre. I will go back to Jamaica on December 3rd.

Estaré tres días y dos noches en Guatemala. I’ll be in Guatemala for three days and two nights.

PRO TIP: Some South Americans use the verb devolverse instead of regresar when talking about going back to your country. In the sentence above, you can substitute the word regresaré for me devolveré too.

Travel Spanish To Use at the Airport:

For most of us, the airport is the first thing we see in a foreign country. Latin America has some awesome airports , where they probably speak English—but why take any chances, when you can learn some useful Spanish travel phrases.

Looking For a Place

¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the bathroom?

¿De qué terminal sale mi avión? From which terminal does my plane leave?

¿Cómo llego a la puerta 40F? How do I get to gate 40F?

Stating Your Business

Vengo a este país de visita. I’m visiting this country.

Venimos por motivos de negocios. We are coming for business.

Mi hermano viene a estudiar; yo solo vengo a dejarlo. My brother is coming here to study; I am just dropping him off.

Stating the Duration of Your Visit

Nos quedaremos aquí por dos semanas. We’ll be staying here for two weeks.

Regreso el 25 de Noviembre. I’m going back on November 25th.

Mi hermano se quedará hasta el próximo año; yo hasta la próxima semana. My brother will be staying until next year; I will (be staying) until next week.

Declaring Your Belongings

No traigo más de diez mil dólares en efectivo. I do not bring more than ten thousand dollars in cash.

Llevo cinco cajas de medicinas en mi maleta. I carry five boxes of medicine in my suitcase.

No tengo nada que declarar. I have nothing to declare.

Travel Spanish To Ask for Directions

One of the most important things when traveling is asking for directions, knowing where to go and where not to go and. If you’re in Latin America. 

Remember to use the usted when talking to people you don’t know and are (or seem to be) older than you, and tú or vos when talking to someone your age or younger.

Formal Ways To Ask for Directions:

Disculpe, caballero, ¿dónde se encuentra La Mano? Excuse me, Sir, where is La Mano ?

Perdone, señorita, ¿cómo podría llegar al Museo del Oro? Excuse me, Miss, how can I get to the Gold Museum ?

Señora, ¿me puede indicar cómo llego al Palacio de Bellas Artes? Madam, could you tell me how to get to Palacio de Bellas Artes ? 

Informal Ways To Ask for Directions:

¿Dónde está el volcán El Arenal? Where is El Arenal volcano?

¿Me decís cómo llegar a la Fortaleza del Cerro? Can you tell me how to get to Hill Fortress ?

Dime por dónde sigo para llegar al hotel. Tell me where to go to get to the hotel.

Following Directions in Spanish

After asking, most locals will try to help you and they will most likely combine the following verbs:

With some of these directions:

Practice Sentences

Siga derecho y al llegar a la esquina cruce a la derecha. Keep going straight and turn right when you get to the corner.

Regrese por donde vino y al terminar la cuadra camine 50 metros al oeste. Go back, all the way down the block, and walk 50 meters to the west.

Gire en la próxima avenida y llegue hasta el mercado; allí estará enfrente. Turn in the next avenue, reach the market; it’ll be there right in front.

Spanish Travel Phrases To Use at the Hotel

After finally arriving at your hotel and being about to reach some peace of mind, you’ll need to talk to the staff . Since they are people you do not know, I would recommend using formal Spanish in order to be more respectful.

Phrases To Use When Arriving

Reservé una habitación sencilla a nombre de… I booked a simple room under the name…

Es posible que me quede dos noches más en el hotel. It is possible that I will stay two more nights at the hotel.

¿En qué piso (o planta) se encuentra mi habitación? Which floor is my room?

Asking About Additional Services in the Hotel

¿El wi-fi está incluído en la tarifa? Is Wi-Fi included in the fee?

¿Hasta qué hora sirven el desayuno buffet? What time is the breakfast buffet served until?

¿Tengo acceso al spa y al jacuzzi con la habitación que renté? Do I have access to the spa and jacuzzi with the room I booked?

Asking About the City

¿Qué es lo mejor para ver en esta ciudad si solo tengo un día para visitarla? What’s the best thing to see in this city if I only have a day to visit it?

¿Se puede llamar a un taxi que me lleve, me espere y me traiga de vuelta al hotel? Is it possible to get a cab that takes me where I’m going, waits for me, and brings me back to the hotel?

¿Qué tan seguro es visitar ese barrio por la noche? How safe is it to visit that neighborhood at night?

FUN FACT: Many Spanish speakers don’t mind when a foreigner uses tú (the informal way) to talk to us, since some of us adopt a “forgiving” attitude towards this.

Talking About Currency

While the U.S. Dollar is widely accepted in many big cities, the deeper you adventure yourself into a country, the more difficult it gets to trade with a foreigner currency.

Solo tengo un billete de cien dólares, ¿me puede dar cambio? I only have a one-hundred-dollar bill, can you give me change?

¿Puedo pagar con dólares? Todavía no tengo la moneda local . Can I pay in dollars? I don’t have the local currency.

¿Cuánto es/son…en dólares? How much is… in dollars?

Getting Cash

¿Dónde hay un cajero automático por aquí cerca? Where can I find an ATM close by?

¿Cuánto me va a cobrar de comisión por hacer un retiro? What is the additional commission it will charge me to make a withdrawal?

Necesito que me dé el vuelto en billetes de a cincuenta quetzales, por favor. I need my change in fifty-quetzales bills, please.

Moving Around on Your Own

If you visit places out of walking range you are going to need to get a cab, a bus, a tram, or a metro, and it is useful to ask around for metro lines, times, and being safe on your trip.

¿Qué línea de metro debo tomar para llegar a Insurgentes? Which metro line do I have to take to get to Insurgentes?

¿Cuántas paradas faltan para llegar a…? How many stops to get to…?

¿A qué horas pasa el siguiente bus y a dónde va? What time does the next bus pass and where does it go?

¿Hay un tranvía en esta ciudad? Is there a tram in this city?

Quotes About Travelling in Spanish

For this last little section, I compiled four great quotes about travelling in Spanish to motivate you to travel, get to know magical places outside your country and see how beautiful Spanish can be.

“El mundo es un libro y quienes no viajan leen sólo una página”. “The world is a book and those who don’t travel read only one page.” —St. Agustine.

“Viajar es fatal para los prejuicios, la intolerancia, y la estrechez de miras”. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” —Mark Twain.

“Viajar es la única cosa que compras que te hace más rico”. “Travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” —Anonymous.

“Nadie se da cuenta de lo hermoso que es viajar hasta que llega a casa y descansa su cabeza sobre su vieja y conocida almohada”. “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow”. —Lin Yutang.

Unlock a Continent by Speaking Spanish

These Spanish travel phrases are great, and you should practice them before visiting Latin America, Spain, or Equatorial Guinea, but remember that they can only take you so far. If you want to up your Spanish game, master true fluency, and make any Spanish-speaking country feel like a second home try a free Spanish class today!

Homeschool Spanish Academy can help you in your listening, speaking, and reading abilities, not to mention the flexible scheduling in our classes, earned high school credit, live instruction and different payment options !

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Spanish Travel Phrases

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Plan a Trip to a Spanish-Speaking Country

Do you want to planear un viaje ( plan a trip ) to a país hispanohablante ( Spanish-speaking country )?

Planning a trip can be really fun. Some even say it can be more fun than actually taking a trip! Keep reading and allow yourself to indulge in the excitement of planning a trip to an enchanting, exotic, or culturally rich país hispanohablante .

Did you know that Spanish is one of the official languages of Equatorial Guinea, a small country on the west coast of Africa? Or that the Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador? Before choosing a Spanish-speaking destination, click here to learn which countries in the world speak Spanish, their capitals, and some interesting cultural facts about each country.

Here are five easy steps for planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country:

1. Choose a Destination

Choosing a destination is the first step in planning a trip. Here are some things to consider when choosing a destination:

Your Travel Style/Interests

¿Prefieres pasar las vacaciones en la playa o en las montañas? ( Do you prefer to spend your vacation on the beach or in the mountains? ) When choosing a destination, consider what type of trip you want and go from there. Check out this article to find Spanish-speaking destinations that match your travel personality.

Budget and Trip Duration

Are you going away for una semana ( a week )? Un mes ( a month )? Un año ( a year )? Before you can figure out how much money you’ll need for your dream vacation, decide on the length of your trip, and research the prices of food and lodging at your destination.

The number one rule for traveling on a budget is slow travel is generally cheaper than fast travel . The more you move around, the more you spend. Let’s take a look at some Spanish-speaking destinations categorized by budget:

It’s important to note that this table is just an estimate. Of course, you can spend as little—or as much!—as you want, no matter your destination.

Before deciding on a destination, make sure to research what the weather will be like. The weather can make or break your experience.

Mexico and Spanish-speaking countries in Central America and in the Caribbean have two principal seasons: rainy and dry. The peak travel season coincides with the dry season, but don't count out the rainy season! Traveling during the rainy season will not only save you money, but it is also a great way to avoid crowds and experience the breathtaking tropical scenery. Just avoid hurricane season if you're traveling to the Caribbean!

If you don’t like the rain and you want to save money and avoid the crowds, travel during shoulder season! Shoulder season is the travel period between the peak season and off season.

South America is huge, so the seasons vary greatly depending on the country and its regions. In Peru, for example, the changes in altitude are so extreme that you could be sweltering on the coast today and shivering in the mountains tomorrow.

Remember that, in the southern hemisphere, summer falls between November and February, and winter between June and August.

Spain enjoys four seasons, and the weather varies throughout the country. The best time to visit Spain is in the late spring, before it gets too hot and before the local tourist season begins.

2. Research Things to Do

Grab your laptop and find yourself a comfortable chair because now it’s time to research things to do! We recommend using a mix of online guides, blogs, and social media platforms to find the perfect activities for your trip. Make a list of all the cities, sights, and activities at your destination that interest you. If this list gets too long, accept the fact that you can’t see it all, and narrow it down. Consider how much time you’ll need to travel between activities and sights. For example, it would not be feasible to explore Santiago, hike Torres del Paine, and watch an Atacama sunrise from a hot air balloon in a one-week trip!

Before finalizing your itinerary, make sure the pace is right for you. Leave room for unforeseen events and unplanned activities.

3. Make Flight and Hotel Reservations

At this point, you will probably have already looked at flight prices for your destination. However, you shouldn’t book your flights until you know exactly where you are going. If you book a flight before finalizing your itinerary, you will probably end up spending more on transportation in the long run.

Do you want to stay in a bungalow on a beach in Manuel Antonio National Park? How about a hostel in downtown Medellín? Spanish-speaking countries offer a wide range of accommodations, from budget to luxury. Personal recommendations are always the best, so join a Facebook travel group or read a few blogs to find the perfect place to stay. Don’t forget to research how you are going to get around before you book.

4. Get Your Ducks in a Row

This part is not so fun, but it is super important! Here is a checklist of things you need to do leading up to your trip.

• Do you need a visa to enter the country that you are visiting? Make sure to double check the requirements for your destination.
• Visit the CDC website to find recommended vaccinations, medications, and a list of health risks for your destination.
• Don’t travel without proper travel insurance! It is affordable and easy to get, so there is no reason not to!
• Tell your bank that you are traveling so they don’t freeze your card. Also, travel with a backup debit card in case an ATM machine eats your card!
• Several Spanish-speaking countries require an IDP (International Drivers’ Permit) to rent a car. This is also easy to get, but make sure to apply well in advance.

5. Practice your Spanish!

Last but not least, practice your Spanish! You are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, so there's no better time to practice.

Focus on practicing Spanish for everyday situations, such as going to the market or dining at a restaurant. Here is a list of useful links to help you!

At the Market

At the Restaurant

At the Hotel

At the Airport

If you want to go above and beyond, learn how to sound like a local at your destination by learning slang words and colloquialisms.

How to Sound like a Local in Argentina

How to Sound like a Local in Ecuador

How to Sound like a Local in Colombia

How to Sound like a Local in Costa Rica

How to Sound like a Local in Chile

How to Sound like a Local in Peru

How to Sound like a Local in Spain

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Master Essential Spanish Travel Phrases for Your Next Adventure Before Going to Latin America

If you are planning on travelling to a Spanish-speaking country any time soon and want to learn words and Spanish travel phrases that will help you survive during your stay, this is a must-read article !! I’ll give you a language survival kit that will certainly make your life easier, así que ¡vamos a darle!   

1. Starting a conversation with these Spanish phrases

So, let’s imagine you are on the plane to Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Lima, Oaxaca, Montevideo, you name it… and let’s say you want to chat with the person sitting next to you because the flight will last five hours and it might be somewhat boring and even awkward to spend it in complete silence, right?

As an icebreaker you may say:

• ¡Hola! Soy Mariana . ¿Cómo te llamas? (Hi! I’m Mariana. What’s your name?)

You could also say:

• ¡Hola! Mi nombre es Mariana. ¿Cómo te llamas? (Hi! My name is Mariana. What’s your name)

The other person might respond: “ Mucho gusto . Me llamo Elena ”. (Nice to meet you. My name is Elena or whatever their name is).   

So, Spanish allows you to introduce yourself in three different ways. Let’s go over them once again:

• Soy Mariana. (I’m Mariana.)
• Mi nombre es Mariana . (My name is Mariana.)
• Me llamo Mariana . (My name is Mariana.)

In addition to hola , which means “hi”, you could also say “ buenos días ”, “ buenas tardes ”, or “ buenas noches ” depending on the time of day. We cannot delve into the details right now, but if you want to know more about these other ways of greeting people, you should not miss out on our video about greetings in Spanish.

2. Keep the conversation going with basic Spanish phrases

Okay, once you know the other person’s name, you might want to know how old they are. You have two options here:

• ¿Cuántos años tienes?
• ¿Qué edad tienes?

They both mean “how old are you?”. 

The other person will say: “ Tengo 28 años ”. (I’m 28 years old). Once they’ve told you their age, the person will certainly ask you: “ ¿Y tú? ” (And you?) or “ Y tú, ¿qué edad tienes? ” (Literally, this would translate into “what age do you have?”. Since that obviously makes no sense in English, this chunk is the equivalent of “how old are you?”) You may respond: “ Tengo 30 años .” (I’m thirty).

Another thing that people usually ask to try to get to know someone, even if it’s just briefly, is what they do for a living, right? Once again, Spanish gives you two options:

• ¿A qué te dedicas? (Literally, what do you dedicate yourself to?)
• ¿En qué trabajas? (Literally, what do you work in?)

Since the word-for-word translation into English of these two chunks in Spanish makes no sense, you should learn the way it’s said in Spanish by heart as the equivalent of “what do you do for a living?”. 

✔️ Cheat Sheet with 54 essential Spanish Chunks you’ll hear and use yourself in ANY Spanish conversation (and example sentences). Taken from our YouTube Teacher’s most popular videos!

✔️ 2 Bonus Cheat Sheets with Travel Chunks and Dating/Relationship Chunks

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3. Switching a conversation into English

Now, let’s say this person turns out to be very chatty and they start conversing non-stop about their family, their job, what have you. If you have trouble understanding them, you may say: “ Disculpa, no hablo mucho español ” (Sorry, I don’t speak Spanish very well). 

If you want to switch into English, you may ask them: “ ¿Hablas inglés? ” (Do you speak English?). If they do, you may suggest: “ ¿Podemos continuar en inglés? ” (Could we speak in English now?)

Or  let’s say you want to challenge yourself in trying to understand most of what the other person is saying but you need them to slow down. Then, you should say: “ ¿Pudieras hablar más despacio, por favor ? ” (Could you speak more slowly, please?)

Additionally, if you didn’t understand a specific bit and you want them to repeat it, you should say: “ Disculpa, no entendí . ¿Puedes repetirlo? ” (Sorry, I didn’t get that. Could you repeat it?)

You may obviously use all the phrases we’ve learned so far in any conversation, not just to chat with the person next to you on a plane. 

4. Asking for information with Spanish travel phrases

Now, let’s imagine the plane has landed. You get off it, but you’re not quite sure where to collect your luggage. Then, you could ask a flight attendant or airport staff: “ Disculpe, ¿dónde recojo mi equipaje? ” (Sorry, where should I collect my luggage?) 

Once they’ve provided you with the information you should always say “ Gracias ” (Thanks!). If you truly appreciate the help or the information, you may say “ Muchas gracias ” (Thank you very much!) and if you want to acknowledge how helpful the other person was, you may say “ Muy amable ” (Very kind of you!).

So, you’ve got your luggage with you. Now you need a taxi to go to your hotel, but you also need cash to pay for the taxi. What now? Well, you may ask:

• Disculpe, ¿dónde hay un cajero automático? (Sorry, where can I find an ATM?)
• Disculpe, ¿dónde hay un banco? (Sorry, where can I find a bank?)
• Disculpe, ¿dónde hay un centro cambiario? (Sorry, where can I find a money exchange center?)   

Notice that I’ve used the word “ disculpe ” several times before asking a question. This word may be translated as “sorry” or “excuse me” and we use it to get someone’s attention in a polite manner.

Now, if you say “ disculpe ” you will be addressing the other person with deference, but if you say “ disculpa ” you will be addressing them informally.

Okay, you’ve got cash on you. Now you need a taxi, right? So, the question goes: “ Disculpe, ¿dónde puedo tomar un taxi? ” (Sorry, where can I get a taxi?)

You’ve been told where to get a taxi. You’ve said “ gracias ” to thank the other person for the information and you are now walking towards the taxi rank. Someone gets on your way because they’re carelessly looking at the arrivals board (I absolutely hate it when people do that!). Anyway, what’s the equivalent of “excuse me” in Spanish? “ Con permiso ” or, simply, “ Permiso ”.

5. Useful Spanish phrases when asking for recommendations

Okay, now you’re on the taxi. Since taxi drivers usually know their way around cities very well, you might want to ask them something like, “ ¿Qué me recomienda visitar? ” (What would you recommend that I visit?)

In my experience, taxi drivers are very good at telling you where to eat amazing local food. To get this sort of information from them, you may ask: “ ¿Qué restaurante me recomienda? ” (Which restaurant would you recommend?)

Now, you’re at your hotel. You’ve checked in, you’ve left your luggage in your room, and you are starving. Maybe it’s time to look for the restaurant that the taxi driver recommended, right? You may ask hotel staff, “ Disculpe, ¿dónde queda este restaurante ” (Sorry, where is this restaurant?) They will surely give you directions; some hotels might even offer you to get you a cab that can take you there.

6. Spanish words to use in a restaurant

Let’s say the restaurant is right around the corner. You get there and you want to tell the waiter or waitress that you are vegetarian.

So, to order food, you may say: “ Soy vegetariana ” (if you are a woman) or “ Soy vegetariano ” (if you’re a man) (I’m vegetarian).

If there’s something you don’t want in your food, you should say “ sin ”, which is the equivalent of “without”, plus whatever it is you don’t want to eat. For example: “ Quisiera una ensalada sin queso, por favor .” (I’d like to have a salad without cheese, please).

7. Basic Spanish words when talking about allergies

If you are allergic to something, you should definitely learn how to say it.

If you are a guy, you should say “ Soy alérgico ” and, if you are a woman, “ Soy alérgica ” and then you add whatever it is you are allergic to. For instance, “ Soy alérgica a las nueces ” (I’m allergic to nuts). I once travelled with a friend who has a massive allergy to nuts and it was nuts!!

Now, to order your drink, you may say: “ De tomar, quisiera una limonada ” (To drink, I’ll have a lemonade, please). And we all know that the saddest thing about travelling abroad is spending money. So, how do you ask the waiter or waitress for the bill? “ Disculpa, ¿me traes la cuenta, por favor? ”

There’s also a shorter way of saying it: “ La cuenta, por favor ” (The bill, please). 

8. A basic Spanish for travelers: buying souvenirs

Okay, your holiday is over, you’ve had an amazing time in Mexico City eating tacos or drinking mate in Buenos Aires. It’s time to go back to your country, but you want to get a souvenir for your mom, your dad, your significant other, or even yourself.

You go into a souvenir shop, you like something, and you want to know how much it costs. What should you say? Once again, you have two options:

• ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
• ¿Esto qué precio tiene?

9. Learn Spanish with FREE Spanish Training

Muy bien , you’ve got your language survival kit! You are ready to travel to any Spanish-speaking country and you will certainly rock it! If you need ayuda (help) and want to learn more, feel free to check out our Spring Spanish Travel videos on our channel! 

Now, if you’re ready to take it a step beyond this survival Spanish lesson and get serious about learning the language, we have a free Spanish training on our website where you’ll discover the method we use in our Spring Spanish Academy to teach students to speak fluent Spanish. You also get some free sample Spanish lessons there that come straight from our Academy! If you’re interested, just click on the link in the description box below to sign up!

Mariana has always been passionate about languages, so much so that she speaks English, Italian, and French; additionally, she is currently learning German and is eager to learn one or more Mexican indigenous languages. Given her love for languages, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Modern Languages and a Master’s degree in Communication and Language Studies. In addition to being a teacher at Spring Spanish, Mariana works as a legal translator (in fact, she’s a sworn translator in Mexico). She’s also a singer who loves travelling with friends and family and whenever she has a bit of free time, she enjoys reading a book or watching a movie.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Spain - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Spain due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel in Spain.

If you decide to travel to Spain:

• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Spain.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

6 months recommended, 3 months beyond your date of departure is required

1 page per stamp

None required for less than 90 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Madrid Calle Serrano, 75 28006 Madrid, Spain Telephone: (34) 91-587-2200 Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200  Fax: (34) 91-587-2303 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Barcelona Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23 08034 Barcelona, Spain Telephone: (34) 93-280-2227 Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200  Fax: (34) 93-280-6175 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Fuengirola (Málaga) Avenida Juan Gómez "Juanito", 8 Edificio Lucía 1º-C 29640 Fuengirola (Málaga), Spain Telephone: (34) 95-247-4891 Fax: (34) 95-246-5189 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Las Palmas Edificio Arca Calle Los Martinez de Escobar 3, Oficina 7 35007 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain Telephone: (34) 92-827-1259 Fax: (34) 92-822-5863 E-mail:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Palma de Mallorca Edificio Reina Constanza Porto Pi, 8, 9-D 07015 Palma, Islas Baleares, Spain Telephone: (34) 97-140-3707  Fax: (34) 97-140-3971 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Seville Plaza Nueva 8-8 duplicado 2nd Floor, Office E-2 No.4 41101 Sevilla, Spain Telephone: (34) 95-421-8751 Fax: (34) 95-422-0791 E-mail:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Valencia Doctor Romagosa 1, 2-J 46002 Valencia, Spain Telephone: (34) 96-351-6973 Fax: (34) 96-352-9565 E-mail:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Spain for information on U.S.-Spain relations.  

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens traveling to Spain are not subject to any COVID-19 entry restrictions.

Spain is a party to the  Schengen Agreement . This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. Visit the  Embassy of Spain  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit, transit and/or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .  
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

Students and athletes:  Students, prospective students, and athletes should visit the  Embassy of Spain  website for additional information on entry requirements. You should not travel to Spain as a student or for an athletic/study program without the appropriate Spanish visa. U.S. citizen students and athletes have been denied entry and held in immigration detention at Spanish airports awaiting return flights to the United States because they lacked the appropriate visa. If your coach or sponsoring program says that you do not require a visa to study, play for a sports team, or participate in a sports training program in Spain, you should confirm this information with the nearest Spanish consulate in the United States before you travel.

U.S. citizen minors living in Spain:  Spanish law mandates that all Spanish minors traveling internationally without their parents or legal guardians must have written notarized permission from a parent or guardian. The law also applies to foreign, minor residents if their country of nationality also requires parental permission. While U.S. law does not require minors traveling without a parent/guardian to have the parents’/guardians’ written permission, Spanish authorities and airlines have occasionally misinterpreted the law and stopped U.S. citizens minors from departing the country. Therefore, parents/legal guardians should consider preparing a notarized, written permission for their U.S. citizen minor children to travel abroad unaccompanied or with a third party.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Spain.  

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on encouraging or conducting attacks worldwide, including within Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

Spain’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility for terrorists to enter and exit the country anonymously. Additionally, Spain’s enclaves in Melilla and Ceuta on the North African coast allow for entry into Spain from the African continent. Spain has taken robust actions to guard against terrorist attacks, including arrests of suspected extremists allegedly involved in terrorist plots. Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks in Europe, including Spain.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime:  Pickpocketing and other minor crimes, such as theft, are very common in Spain including instances where the victim is purposefully distracted to facilitate the theft. Street crimes against U.S. citizens usually occur in  tourist areas, including airports, train stations, and both urban and beach destinations .

Violent crimes, including robberies, have also been reported. Some instances have required the victim to seek medical attention. Car break-ins are also frequent in Spain.

Use common sense, awareness and the same personal security measures you would normally use in any large city or tourist destination.

Keep track of your passport at all times, including on flights and other modes of transportation. There have been reports of passports being stolen on planes en route to Spain. Do not leave bags unattended. Keep them in sight and avoid placing passports, cash, cell phones, or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses on tables or floors, grounds in public places. Do not leave bags slung over the backs of chairs, on hotel or store counters, on top of your suitcase or travel bag, or out of your physical control in hotel lobbies, car rental locations, train stations, restaurants, and other public places. Avoid carrying your passport unless needed for travel, especially in tourist areas. Instead, carry a photocopy or photo of your passport’s biographical information page and consider leaving your passport in a secure location, such as a hotel safe. Your passport will be required to check in into any hotel in Spain and may be required for trains or tourist sites.

Sexual Assault:  The U.S. Mission in Spain has received numerous reports of sexual assaults affecting U.S. citizens, especially younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers.

Navigating the Spanish criminal justice system after surviving a sexual assault has been difficult for many U.S. citizen victims, who report feeling judged and re-victimized throughout the very lengthy process.

Although it is not required, many U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault in Spain have found it helpful to hire a local attorney to be their advocate and defend their rights during any judicial process or use the help of the local Office of Victim’s Assistance. Information about the local victim’s assistance program is given out at the police station when the report is filed.

There have been numerous reports alleging sexual assaults against U.S. citizen students by Manuel Blanco Vela, a representative of a tour operator based in Seville, Spain. Conduct research online to determine who owns and operates tour companies to make informed choices.

Many sexual assaults occur at night or during the early morning hours. In most cases, assailants take advantage of alcohol or drugs to make victims more vulnerable.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call the toll-free emergency number in Spain, 016, for assistance, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid at (34) 91-587-2200 or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona at (+34) 93-280-2227. Note that the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or other violent crimes are encouraged to report crimes to the local emergency services at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or consular agency for assistance . Note that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care  
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests  and demonstrations .  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Financial scams are prevalent in Spain. Beware of anyone asking for money, particularly people who establish a “romantic” relationship online or anyone who claims the Spanish authorities are asking them for money. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:   

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent/Relative targeting 
• Free Trip/Luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits/Job offers 

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business. 

Furthermore, some violations of laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Spain are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Most cities in Spain have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street, other than in registered street cafes and bars. You could be arrested or fined if you break the law.

Local police, sometimes dressed in plain clothes, can require you to produce identification to establish your identity upon request and detain you for further questioning. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you as proof of your identity. If you are stopped by someone who claims to be a plainclothes police officer, ask to see their law enforcement identification.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy Madrid or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also have to pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Spain. 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.  

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Spain prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. In general, public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure are accessible. Taxis that can accommodate wheelchairs are available, but usually must be booked in advance.

In historic areas and older areas, sidewalks can be narrow and have uneven surfaces. Take this into account when planning your visit.  There may be differences in small towns and villages, where accessibility may be more limited.

Rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants are widely available in Spain.

Students:  Follow the tips below and exercise caution and good judgment to make your study-abroad experience a positive and safe one. If you are coming to Spain to participate in a sports program, please check with the  Embassy of Spain  that you have the correct visa.

Do your research before contracting a tour operator or other service provider, including coaches and organizers of sports camps, schools, and training centers.

Exercise caution when agreeing to an internship or to serve as a recruiter for a specific organization or company. Most arrests, accidents, and violent crimes U.S. citizens suffer in Spain involve excessive alcohol. Drink in moderation and stay in a group of friends when in clubs, bars, or traveling.

See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : The U.S. Mission in Spain has received numerous reports of sexual assaults affecting U.S. citizens, especially younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers. Please see more information under Safety and Security.  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Good medical care is available in Spain. However, regulations regarding medications vary from those in the United States. Spanish regulations do not permit the international shipment of medication . Do not ship medication from the United States to Spain . Spanish customs authorities will reject and return to the shipper medication mailed from the United States. This may cause a significant delay in receiving your medications. The U.S. Embassy cannot help you retrieve medications stopped by Spanish customs.

Medications requiring prescriptions in the United States also require a local doctor’s prescription in Spain. In some instances, a medicine prescribed in the United States will not have a local equivalent. It is important that travelers research this on the  European Agency for Medication  website prior to travel.

For emergency services in Spain, dial 112. You may ask for an English-speaking attendant.

Ambulance services are widely available. 

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Medical care is not free in Spain. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. Lack of payment may bar future travel to Spain.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the embassy to ensure the medication is legal in Spain. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains  a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance or funds before admitting a patient.  Medical staff may speak little or no English. Patients may be asked to bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Patients have to pay their medical treatment in public hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.
• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.

Pharmaceuticals: U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy: If you are considering traveling to Spain to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 

Surrogacy is illegal in Spain and subject to complex local regulation. 

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Road conditions in Spain can differ significantly from those in the United States. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise increased caution as traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is often faster-paced than in the United States and can be unnerving because of unfamiliar signs and traffic lights and different driving habits, including motorbikes weaving between traffic lanes.

Obey the traffic light located at your stop line, as there are separate traffic lights for each side of the intersection. Be alert when driving at night in urban areas; you may encounter drivers or pedestrians under the influence of alcohol.

Night driving in isolated rural areas can be dangerous because of farm animals and poorly marked roads.

Rural traffic is generally heavier in July and August as well as during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Emergency services, including roadside assistance, are plentiful, competent, and can be easily accessed by dialing 112 from any phone.

Traffic Laws: You must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to your arrival if you plan to drive in Spain. The permits are only valid for one year.

It is illegal to rent a vehicle if you don’t have an International Driving Permit. Your rental car may be impounded, and you will be required to pay a fine if stopped by the police.

It is against the law to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving. There is a €300 fine for violating this regulation, and you may also lose your license.

All drivers and passengers are required to buckle up (even in taxis and in the backseat) and wear a reflective vest if they need to stop on the roadside. A reflective triangle warning sign is also mandatory if you stop on the roadside.

You must have liability insurance to operate any car or motorcycle.

If you are stopped by the Spanish National Police or the Guardia Civil, they may levy fines on the spot and issue a receipt for payment. This ensures that foreigners pay their fines while still in Spain.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation in large Spanish cities is generally excellent.

Only use clearly identified cabs, ensure that taxi drivers always switch on the meter (except for fixed-fare trips originating to and from the Madrid airport), and ask for a receipt.

Private transportation companies (such as Uberor Cabify) are often used in Madrid and Barcelona but check private transportation websites for operating status before arrival.

Official taxis to and from the Madrid airport to the city center charge a €30 flat rate.  Official taxis to and from the Barcelona airport to the cruise ship terminal charge a €39 flat rate.

Rail service is comfortable and reliable but varies in quality and speed. Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Spain’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Spain’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Spain should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the   U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Spain . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Travel Consent Form (English / Spanish)

• Parental Consent Form
• Travel Consent Form (English/Spanish)

A Travel Consent Form is used when a child is traveling internationally without both parents or legal guardians. It serves as permission for the child to travel with a designated adult. It may be issued in both English and Spanish to accommodate different languages.

Either the parent or legal guardian of a minor child would typically file the travel consent form, which can be filled out in either English or Spanish.

Q: What is a travel consent form? A: A travel consent form is a document that gives permission for a child to travel without one or both parents.

Q: Why do I need a travel consent form? A: A travel consent form is required when a child is traveling without one or both parents to prove that they have permission to do so.

Q: Who needs to sign a travel consent form? A: The parent or legal guardian of the child needs to sign the travel consent form.

Q: Is a travel consent form required for domestic travel? A: A travel consent form is generally not required for domestic travel within the United States, but it can be helpful to have one.

Q: Do I need to notarize a travel consent form? A: Notarization requirements for travel consent forms may vary, but it is generally a good idea to have the form notarized as it adds an extra level of validity.

Q: Can a travel consent form be in a language other than English? A: Yes, a travel consent form can be in a language other than English. However, it is recommended to have a bilingual form that includes both English and the other language.

Q: How long is a travel consent form valid for? A: The validity of a travel consent form can vary, but it is generally recommended to have a new form for each trip as some authorities may require a recently dated form.

Q: Do I need a travel consent form if the child has a passport? A: Having a passport does not negate the need for a travel consent form. It is still recommended to have one, especially if the child is traveling without both parents.

Q: Can a single parent travel with a child without a travel consent form? A: It is generally recommended for a single parent traveling with a child to have a travel consent form, especially if there is a chance of encountering any questioning or issues during travel.

Download Travel Consent Form (English / Spanish)

Linked topics.

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

What to Know Before Flying Internationally: 17 FAQs Answered

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

• General Travel
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Traveling internationally is your gateway to becoming a world citizen. You have the freedom to hop on a plane and visit places you’ve never seen before, taste exotic foods and learn foreign languages, go to sleep mid-flight and wake up on the opposite side of the world.

First step to adventure? Preparing for an international flight.

But international travel isn’t all fun and games. Between visas, security checks, long haul flights, and the drama of packing, international travel can be overwhelming—whether it’s your first time flying internationally or not.

It’s natural to have questions as you’re preparing for an international flight. Learn what to know before flying internationally, so you can begin your travel plans with confidence and ease.

If it is your first time flying internationally alone, you may be wondering, “ where do I even start? ” Who can help you navigate the nitty gritty of international travel? Lucky for you, every question you could imagine is right here at your fingertips.

What is the difference between domestic and international flights?

While domestic flights take you to other destinations within the same country, international flights take you overseas. If you’re planning to travel abroad, it’s important to know that you’ll be flying internationally.

Airports typically have separate domestic and international departures, with airport procedures before take off looking quite different. Keep reading to find out what to know when flying internationally.

How early do you need to be at the airport for international flights?

When preparing for an international flight, you’ll need to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your departure time. Three hours might seem like a long time, but between checking your bags, moving through various security checkpoints that may have you waiting in enormous lines, and finding your way to your gate, you’ll be happy you allowed yourself plenty of time.

Most international flights begin boarding between 40 and 60 minutes before take-off, leaving you only about two of those hours to get to your plane. Worst-case scenario? You arrive early and get to kill time in the food court or grab a quick beverage at the airport bar.

Dig into a pre-flight meal while you wait for your flight to board.

What do I need to fly internationally?

Flying internationally requires a lot more than just your passport. While your passport is absolutely essential , most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months longer than the dates of your trip. Some places also require you to have a certain number of blank pages to allow for visas and stamps.

Depending on where you’re headed, you may also need a visa , proof of onward or return travel, or proof of immunizations. The truth is, every destination will have different travel regulations, so it’s important to check with your destination when preparing for an international flight.

FAQs about preparing for an international flight

1. how to pack for international flight.

Packing for an international flight can be overwhelming, no matter how long you plan to be away. The very first step is to check your baggage allowance with the airline. How many bags are you allowed to bring on board? How big can they be and how much can they weigh?

Once you figure out how much you can bring, separate your checked and carry on bags:

• In your checked luggage, pack classic clothing items that can be mixed and matched to save space—even better if they’re lightweight and quick-drying fabrics. Remember that less is more, especially because you’ll want to leave a little extra room for souvenirs.
• In your carry on, pack your essentials, all your travel documents, and anything you might need while in flight.

Don't forget to weigh your bags after packing to make sure you aren’t hit with outrageous luggage fees at the airport.

2. How to prepare for a long international flight

When preparing for an international flight, you can do a few things to make sure you’re ready for the long haul:

• Get lots of rest in the lead up to your trip—flying can be exhausting!
• Take your Vitamin C to boost your immune system.
• Move your body before the flight so you feel prepared to sit for longer periods of time.
• Load up on entertainment—music, movies, TV shows, and books—to keep you busy in flight.
• Set your phone to the local time zone of your destination as soon as you get on your flight so you can minimize jet lag.

Remember, the more prepared you are, the less anxious you’ll feel when it comes time to travel.

3. What to do before an international flight

If it’s your first time flying internationally, making a to-do list will help ease your mind.

Make yourself a checklist. Do you have your passport, visa, and all your travel documents easily accessible? Have you purchased travel insurance ? It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance to protect yourself during international travel, just in case.

Next, make sure you let your bank know you’ll be traveling overseas. Having your bank freeze your credit card for unexpected transactions while you’re abroad is one big (but avoidable) travel nightmare .

So, notify your bank that you’ll be traveling. While you’re at it, check the international transaction fee policy so you know what to expect, and perhaps get some cash converted so you have it on hand when you land. ATM fees are usually most expensive at the airport, so it’s always comforting to have cash on arrival.

Last but not least, check the health advisories and travel warnings for your destination so you can ensure you’re safe when preparing for an international flight.

4. What to bring to the airport when traveling internationally

If it’s your first time flying internationally alone , there’s no such thing as preparing too much. Make sure you bring all of your travel documents with you, and if you have time, make digital copies of your travel documents too. You’ll want to bring all of these to the airport with you along with your carry on and checked luggage—and your comfiest clothes to wear in flight.

FAQs about documents needed for an international flight

1. what are the documents required for international travel.

When flying internationally, having a valid passport is non-negotiable. However, every country has different travel requirements beyond that.

If your destination country requires a visa, you will need to show this at the airport when you check in for your flight. In the days of COVID-19 , you may also need to show proof of vaccination for travel.

Check out the policies of your departure, arrival, and any transiting countries so you know exactly what documents are required for each leg of your trip.

2. Can you travel internationally with just a passport?

Ready to start collecting passport stamps? Yeah, we thought so.

This depends on where you’re traveling. Some countries allow departure and entry with just a passport, but many international destinations require a visa in some capacity.

Some countries allow you to get a visa on entry, with some visas free and others obtained with a fee. This is another big one to check on your destination’s immigration website before you depart so you know exactly what to expect when flying internationally.

3. Do I need my driver's license to travel internationally?

Typically, you’ll only need to show your passport when checking in for a flight, but it’s always a good idea to bring a driver’s license or another form of ID just in case.

Your driver’s license may come in handy more when you arrive at your destination, as carrying your passport around in a foreign country comes with some risks. You might want to put your passport away, lock it in your hotel safe, and use another form of identification when you’re out and about abroad.

4. Do you need two forms of ID to fly internationally?

Though you typically will not need two forms of ID to board a flight, if you have a second form of ID, bring it with you. If you are requested to show a backup ID or lose your passport while abroad, it’s always a good idea to have multiple proofs of identification on hand.

FAQs about international connections and baggage

1. what is allowed in carry on luggage on international flights.

Most airlines have a limit to how much luggage you can carry onto a plane as well as limits on the size, shape, and weight of your bags. Many airlines allow one piece of carry on luggage plus a personal item like a purse or backpack that can fit under your seat, but it’s always best to check with your airline.

You’ll always need to limit the amount of liquids you carry on to small bottles of 100 mL or less. All bottles will need to fit into one quart-size resealable bag.

Other regulated items include:

• Sharp objects
• Household items and tools
• Medical equipment

When packing your carry on, check the TSA guidelines .

2. What to pack in a carry on for an international flight

Your favorite clothes are just the top of your must-have packing list.

Use this checklist for packing your carry on to feel prepared for your international adventure:

• All travel documents (passport, visa, etc.) plus copies of each.
• Small toiletries that you’ll need for a long haul—think toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant at least.
• Any medications needed abroad, stored in their original containers.
• An eye mask, ear plugs, and pillow to get a good night’s sleep.
• An empty water bottle that’s easy to refill.
• Your electronics (laptop, phone, kindle, headphones) and their chargers.
• Snacks to tide you over, especially if you won’t have meals served on your flight.
• Spare undies and a change of clothes—just in case!
• A pen for your customs forms.
• Any other valuables.

3. Do I have to recheck my luggage on an international flight?

If you’re wondering what to know before flying internationally with layovers, it’s always best to check with your specific airline. Most international flights will check your luggage all the way through to your final destination, but this could change depending on your flight route.

For example, some countries require you to recheck your bag at the first point of entry, which means you’d need to pick up your bag, go through customs, and then recheck your suitcase for your next flight. When you first check your luggage at the departure terminal, ask the airline staff and they will let you know if your particular flight path requires you to recheck your luggage.

4. How much time do you need between connecting flights internationally?

If you want to be safe, allow at least two hours between connecting flights. Sometimes you can get away with shorter layovers, but it will undoubtedly be stressful.

Remember you may need to go through security if your connection is in another country, and it’s common for flights to be delayed—two hours will go by in a flash.

5. When do you go through customs on international flights?

Usually, you go through customs when you exit the airport at your final destination. However, if you have a layover in a different city in your destination country, you may need to go through customs before your connecting flight.

How to board international flight step by step

You’ve got this! Memories to last a lifetime wait on the other side of your flight.

Now that you know what to expect when flying internationally, it’s just a matter of showing up at the airport and going through the process to check in and get to your gate. Don’t be intimidated, it’s actually quite simple!

1. Check in for your flight.

Sometimes you can check in online, but if you have enough time and have questions, checking in at the airport can ease your nerves. This way, you can speak to your airline staff and ask any questions about your journey that you haven’t answered already. Make your way to the international terminal and find your airline’s check-in stand to get started.

2. Check your baggage and get your ticket.

When checking in for your flight, you’ll have an opportunity to check your luggage. The airline staff will give you your boarding pass and a tracking sticker that matches the one on your luggage. Keep these safe and tucked into your passport for easy access throughout the airport.

3. Go through the security checkpoint.

Now that you’ve lightened your load, it’s time to go through security. Follow the airport signs or ask the airline staff where to get in line for the security checkpoint. Typically, this involves waiting in line, scanning your carry on luggage, and showing your passport and boarding pass to enter the terminal.

4. Go through immigration.

If you’re flying internationally, you may need to go through a second security screening before your flight: immigration. All you’ll need to do here is show your passport and follow the instructions from the immigration staff. This is the last step before you can walk to your gate for your flight.

5. Find your gate.

You’re in! Your boarding pass will usually tell you the gate where you’ll board, but if it doesn’t, check the screens just past immigration. These screens list all destinations and their boarding gates. You may also want to double-check the information on your boarding pass—gates sometimes change.

Make your way to your gate and relax. If you arrive with time to spare, you may wish to explore your terminal a bit more, shop for snacks or books, or grab a meal and drink at one of the bars or restaurants nearby.

6. Board your flight.

About 40 to 60 minutes before your international flight, you will hear the airline staff announce boarding. Make sure you are at your gate and ready to board. Many airlines will board in groups, so check your boarding pass for your boarding group or zone, wait to be called, and line up. Have your passport and boarding pass ready to show the flight attendant, find your seat, and enjoy the ride!

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 travel programs—it’s free!

Don’t panic—flying internationally is so much easier than it seems.

The world awaits, so where will your first international flight take you?

While there’s a lot more to flying internationally than traveling on a domestic flight, it’s actually so much easier than it seems. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for that first time flying internationally to make sure you have everything you need, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re in doubt. Once you know what to expect when flying internationally, those long flights will seem like a breeze and the world will be at your fingertips .

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Teach In Spain Program + 2 Weeks of Spanish Immersion

Accepting Applications for Academic Year 2024-2025!

Aug 23, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Program Fee

Compensation.

1,000 Euros/month

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Teaching in Spain is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and build Spanish language proficiency.  This program offers you the opportunity to get even more out of the experience with an intensive two-week Spanish immersion experience before you start teaching English in Madrid.

After arriving in Madrid and completing CIEE’s comprehensive orientation, you’ll spend two weeks living with a Spanish host family and taking intensive Spanish classes.  The Spanish classes are taught by experienced Spanish instructors and will be geared to your level. You’ll be able to practice what you learn in class with your Spanish host family.

While living with your host family, you’ll also have the time to search for your own permanent housing in Madrid.  We hear from alumni every year, that they’re grateful they had this extra time to search for an apartment before starting their teaching position.

Program Highlights

• Two-week homestay with Spanish host family in Madrid
• Two weeks of intensive Spanish classes before starting teaching position
• Guaranteed placement as language assistant in the region of Madrid
• Part-time schedule and 3-day weekends so you’ll have time to explore
• €1,000 monthly stipend to cover living expenses
• 4-day CIEE orientation in Madrid with 4 nights of hotel accommodation and cultural activities

Check out  Teach in Spain FAQs  to learn more!

Interested in boosting your Spanish level even more? Consider  4 weeks of language immersion  with a Spanish homestay and language classes before you start your teaching position.

About Our Program Fees

Founded in 1947, CIEE is the leading intercultural exchange organization.

As a non-profit, CIEE relies on program fees to provide participants with placement assistance, international insurance, orientation, and support before and after arrival. The program fee of $3,550 is paid in two installments:

• $500 commitment deposit after acceptance ($1,000 for programs with TEFL)
• Remaining balance due when you receive your  teaching  placement

Build teaching skills and confidence by adding a CIEE TEFL certification $1,000 ($1,195 VALUE)

What's included.

• Two-week homestay with a local Spanish family - breakfast and dinner included
• Two weeks of language immersion courses
• Guaranteed placement as language assistant in region of Madrid
• Support before you depart, including expert visa guidance and online preparation course
• Support after you arrive from CIEE staff in Madrid
• Airport pickup and transportation to your orientation hotel on arrival day
• Four days of orientation with topics including housing, banking, residency, health & safety, and more
• Four nights of hotel accommodation during orientation
• Cultural activities during orientation
• Private Spanish health insurance with no deductibles or copayments, and 24/7 emergency assistance

The Destination

Madrid is the cultural heart of Spain. Teachers in Madrid have the opportunity to visit world-renowned art museums, explore diverse neighborhoods, and meet with friends at its countless parks and tapas bars.

School placements are located in the Region of Madrid, in urban and suburban areas up to 120 minutes away from the city center. Teachers arrange their own housing, so they can choose to live near their schools, or commute from further away, giving everyone the option of living in the city center.

CIEE wants all our participants to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while teaching abroad. To that end, we've gathered information from local teams and perspectives from former CIEE teachers and others about conditions and cultural attitudes  that teachers with specific identities might encounter abroad. We hope those resources are informative and helpful.

Please note: because of the Spanish visa process, it is not possible to plan other international travel in the three months before your program begins. Plan to be in your home country during that time.

• SEE MORE ON:

The Take-Aways

Two weeks of Spanish immersion with intensive language classes and homestay with a local family

PREPARATION

Job placement, visa application guidance, an online pre-departure course, 4-day in-country orientation, cultural activities.

24/7 support from CIEE staff in Madrid, health insurance and emergency assistance, resources for finding housing.

Program Blogs

48 Hours in Belgium

Because Madrid has a number of bank holidays, us language assistants benefit from days off of school which are in turn, great times to travel and explore different places for... keep reading

Three Weeks In

September 14, 2022 Orientation, homestay, and Spanish classes have come to a close and now I am in the midst of a three-and-a-half week period of time in which I... keep reading

We're Going to Spain

Hi! My name is Ebbie and I graduated from college in May. I majored in communication studies, and before last January, planned on starting a career in digital marketing or... keep reading

Job Description

While teaching in Spain, you’ll serve as a  Language and Culture Assistant  ( Auxiliares de Conversación)  in a public school in the region of Madrid.  The primary responsibility of Language and Culture Assistants is to help students develop their English language skills.  You’ll do this by organizing discussions and activities in English that relate to the topics students are learning in their classes.

Language and Culture Assistants are also responsible for facilitating cultural exchange and teaching students about other cultures.  You’ll have the chance to share the cultural traditions and holidays that are important to you.  For example, you might organize fun activities related to Halloween.

You will assist local, lead teachers and will collaborate with them to design activities in English that support their lesson plans.  Exact responsibilities can vary, but you will not be responsible for grading or the independent supervision of students.

Learn More About Teaching in Spain with CIEE

CIEE Language and Culture Assistants in Madrid work from October to June and receive a monthly stipend of 1,000 Euro. For most participants, this is adequate to afford a comfortable lifestyle. If you’re careful with spending, you’ll have some money for fun and to explore Spain and other European countries. Your income will go further outside of city centers where the cost of shared accommodations, food, transportation, entertainment, etc., are lower. We will provide you with advice on how to find an affordable apartment and how to best plan your budget each month.

Most program participants also teach private English classes, either through their school or independently. CIEE can help here, too, with advice on how to advertise and find private lessons when you get to Spain.

CIEE participants have paid holidays around Christmas and Easter. Exact dates will be confirmed when the school calendars are approved in September. There is usually a two week break around Christmas. Participants also have Holy Week off, which is the week before Easter. Official provincial calendars are available in September.

CIEE teachers are placed at public schools participating in a governmental bilingual initiative, including kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. Most schools are outside Madrid's city center, in the Community of Madrid's other cities and small towns. If you are placed in a small town, it is possible to live in the city center and commute to your school by public transit. Location and age-group preferences are considered by CIEE, but we are not able to guarantee specific placement preferences.

As a Language and Culture Assistant in Madrid you’ll teach 16 classroom hours per week and have a 4-day work week. In addition to your classroom hours, you may be required to spend a few hours attending planning or professional development sessions each week.  Many Language and Culture Assistants also enjoy participating in sports clubs or other extracurricular activities at their schools. You’ll enjoy 3-day weekends with either Monday or Friday off so you’ll have plenty of time to travel, learn Spanish, or participate in local clubs and organizations. CIEE teachers in Spain start their teaching positions in early October and the school year ends in late June.

Hear from CIEE participants about how the Teach in Spain Immersion program connected with their goals for advancing their Spanish language skills and exploring Spanish culture!

What people are saying.

"Very helpful with the visa process (gathering the documents, locations, etc); the support staff were helpful, genuinely caring, and always quick to responf, both during predeparture and once in Spain."

Trisha L. | Teach in Spain

"CIEE has been extremely helpful throughout the entire process and has responded to all of my needs timely and effectively."

Monica B. | Teach in Spain

"The help CIEE provided while in Spain was invaluable. As well as the friends I have gained. The ministry wouldn't have provided the same opportunity."

Breanna S. | Teach in Spain

"I thought the assistance provided in the program was well worth the money. Also the support and information received from CIEE was very helpful and appreciated."

Eric M. | Teach in Spain

"I would have drowned every day these first few months in Spain if it wasn't for CIEE! They've been an excellent support system as I've navigated cultural adjustment and challenges with my school."

Cody A. | Teach in Spain

Qualifications

Teaching experience and Spanish language skills are not required for the position, but having some background in teaching and Spanish language skills will be helpful. Some ways to enhance your language skills are signing up for CIEE's Spanish Immersion program and learning some of the language before you arrive. You can also enhance your teaching skills by getting TEFL certified with CIEE.

Requirements

• Native-level English fluency
• A bachelor’s degree in any field
• Citizenship in the United States
• Must be under 60 years old on January 1 of the upcoming academic year
• Passport must have 3+ empty pages and must be valid at least 3 months beyond end of program on June 30

TEFL Certification

Boost your teaching skills and confidence before traveling to Spain with CIEE’s  150-Hour TEFL Certificate  course.  This premium online TEFL course includes:

• 130 hours of online coursework you can complete from anywhere
• 20-hour teaching practicum to give you practice teaching
• Small class sizes so you’ll build relationships with other classmates planning to teach abroad
• ACCET accreditation recognized by US Department of Education

“This course opened my eyes to the world of TEFL.  While I do not have a degree in education, I feel more prepared to teach English in Spain this year.  The course provides you with plenty of practice, guidance, and resources to help you succeed in the classroom!”   Ashlynn H., Teach in Spain Participant.  Read more of Ashlynn’s  reflection on the TEFL certificate course .

Add TEFL Certification to your CIEE Teach in Spain application and receive a $195 discount!

Luke Beland

Associate director.

Luke studied abroad in Morocco and taught English in Jordan, and visited many other countries along the way. He is pleased to put those experiences and lessons to good use...

Lauren Massey

Teach abroad manager.

Lauren taught English in South Korea for two years and later lived in Thailand and Nepal for a year and half. She loves guiding others on their teaching adventures abroad.

Laura Canadillas

In-country support.

Laura worked in various social services positions in France, Scotland and Thailand, before she came back to her hometown, Madrid, to support CIEE teachers in Spain.

Ready to change your life?

You might also like.

Teach In Spain Program

Work as a Language and Culture Assistant in public primary or secondary schools in the region of Madrid.

Teach In Spain Program + 4 Weeks of Spanish Immersion

Take a 4 week Spanish language immersion course while living with a host family. Then teach English as a Language and Culture assistant...

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Where to Find Allergy Translation Cards for International Travel

If you have food allergies and you're planning to travel to a country where you don't speak the language, consider packing an allergy translation card to help you communicate with staff members at restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

An allergy translation card is a credit card-sized document that you can give to waiters, concierges, physicians, and other people who may be in a position to help you with food service needs while you're traveling abroad.

This article describes an allergy translation card, where to find them, and other tips while traveling when you have a food allergy.

What Is an Allergy Translation Card?

Allergy translation cards indicate your allergy needs in the language and dialect of the region you'll be traveling in. Typically, these cards will state that you're allergic to a particular type of food or ingredient.

There are also more elaborate allergy translation cards that may list ingredients and dishes that typically contain your allergen, and may list potential substitutes that a chef could use to prepare a meal without your allergen.

Allergy Translation Card Basics

A small cottage industry has sprung up in translation cards, with prices ranging from free to around $8 to $10. Here are some features to look for and issues to consider:

• Cards should indicate all of your dietary needs and should mention the possibility of cross-contamination. They ideally recommend that completely clean utensils, pans, and cutting boards be used for your food (since it will be difficult for you to clarify your needs with the kitchen, especially if the restaurant staff speaks a different language).
• Make sure you have at least two copies of your card (in case of loss or if you accidentally leave one in your hotel room). If you're flying through a country in which you're not fluent in the local language en route to your final destination, consider buying one for the language of your stopover city in case your flight is delayed, especially since these cards are inexpensive and portable.
• If you're ordering a card that needs to be delivered, order it early enough to check for completeness. Many cards can be ordered via PayPal or credit card and printed on your computer. Consider laminating the cards you print yourself or backing them with cardstock for durability.

Where to Find Allergy Translation Cards

Here are companies that offer allergy translation cards, along with some of the features of each. You'll find that most languages and diets are already represented by these companies, but if you don't see the language you need, Select Wisely offers custom translation services.

• Select Wisely offers cards in over 25 languages and for over 40 foods, including the eight most common food allergens, plus other relatively common allergens like MSG, alcohol, corn, rice, gluten , mushrooms, onions, and peas. Their cards are based on simplicity and brevity. It offers a "strongly worded" allergy card stating that your allergies are severe enough to require emergency services should you eat a trace of your allergen. The cost of the food allergy cards is $14.95. They can also create special orders for unusual languages or diets.
• Equal Eats offers cards in 49 languages for 13 allergies, multiple allergies, and nonfood allergies (such as latex, aspirin, and penicillin), as well as cards for over 10 special diets (such as halal, vegan, and diabetic). The company has a three-step process for creating the cards: professional translation, expert proofreading, and evaluation by a native speaker. The cost of these cards ranges from free to $15.49 for the print-from-home version.
• Food Allergy Card is a free app that creates your card to store on your smartphone and works offline. You can create a card for more than 40 languages and there are 14 food allergens to choose from. This app also has a vocal feature to communicate with the people in contact with your food.

Allergy translation cards are available in the languages spoken for most travel destinations. However, if your dietary needs can't be met by any of these companies, consider contacting the nearest major university or a local translation firm to inquire about hiring a professor, graduate student, or professional translator to create a custom translation card.

Tips for International Travel With Allergies

These tips can help ensure your safety when traveling internationally with food allergies:

• Before traveling, ask your healthcare provider and/or an allergy support group for recommendations for restaurants, hotels, activities, etc. in the countries you'll be traveling in.
• Ask your doctor to write extra prescriptions that you can carry with you. Learn their generic and brand names in the countries you’ll be visiting.
• Start planning early. Talk with someone at your hotel(s) who speaks English. With many Internet translation services available, email can also be an effective way to correspond leading up to your stay.
• Research whether any doctors in the area specialize in allergies. Find out if can write you a prescription for additional epinephrine auto-injectors or medications if you need them.
• Locate the hospital nearest to where you will be staying, just in case.
• Bring several copies of your food allergy translation card. Keep this document is with you at all times (along with your medications).
• Bring non-perishable food that is safe for you to eat. Dried pasta and allergen-free snack bars are good options. Don’t assume the same products manufactured in other countries will contain the same exact ingredients.
• The International Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance (IFAAA) has a  travel plan document  for international travelers. Use this resource as a complement to your food allergy translation card.

Allergy translation cards are key to avoiding allergic reactions (and potentially more serious symptoms that require medical attention) while traveling internationally. Allow plenty of time before traveling to obtain an allergy translation card, as well as other supplies and information to ensure your trip abroad is safe and enjoyable.

Food Allergy Research and Education. Tips for international travel .

• Food Allergy Research & Education. Traveling with Food Allergy fact sheet.

By Victoria Groce Victoria Groce is a medical writer living with celiac disease who specializes in writing about dietary management of food allergies.

International Football

Spanish federation set for FIFA talks over organisational changes after recent scandals

The acting head of the Spanish football federation, Pedro Rocha, will travel to FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, next week to reassure the world governing body of changes his organisation is making after a number of recent scandals.

Rocha and FIFA president Gianni Infantino already met recently in London to speak about the federation’s situation, but more discussions are set to be held. According to federation (RFEF) sources — who, like all those cited in this article, asked to remain anonymous as they did not have permission to comment — Rocha’s managing committee will formally call elections to choose the next permanent president of the federation next week.

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FIFA sent a letter to the federation asking for explanations over how it is dealing with the recent scandals. RFEF sources said this consisted of five questions that centred on this month’s raid of its headquarters as part of an investigation into alleged corruption among other potential crimes. The search took place hours before Rocha and his committee were due to meet to formally announce a date for the presidential vote.

Spain ’s Superior Sports Council (the CSD) has also held talks with FIFA to express concerns over the state of the federation. Sources from the council say it offered to help FIFA if it wanted to intervene in the RFEF ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which Spain is set to co-host with Portugal and Morocco .

Those with knowledge of the situation on both sides believe a FIFA intervention is highly unlikely.

Last week, RFEF headquarters and the home of its former president Luis Rubiales were searched as part of an investigation into alleged corruption during his five years in charge.

Spanish football's fresh crisis: Rubiales latest and the RFEF raids explained

Investigators have confirmed they are looking at potential crimes including corruption, money laundering and misuse of federation funds between 2018 and 2023, potentially including the deal that took the Supercopa de Espana (Spain’s equivalent of England ’s Community Shield) to Saudi Arabia and the construction work at Seville’s Estadio de la Cartuja. The stadium occasionally hosts the Spanish national team and has staged the Copa del Rey final since 2021.

Rubiales resigned in September after being initially suspended by FIFA following an allegedly non-consensual kiss on Spain player Jenni Hermoso after last year’s Women’s World Cup final.

The Athletic reported this week that Spanish prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for Rubiales , consisting of one year for the charge of alleged sexual assault and one and a half years for alleged coercion.

The second charge also applies to the former head coach of the women’s team, Jorge Vilda, the federation’s former marketing manager Ruben Rivera and their former national team director Albert Luque — the ex- Newcastle United striker. On Wednesday, the RFEF announced it had suspended Rivera and Luque from their positions until “the legal case is clarified”.

Rubiales has always maintained the kiss on Hermoso was consensual; Hermoso has testified the kiss was not consensual. Meanwhile, Spanish media have previously reported that Vilda, Rivera and Luque have denied the charge of coercion in court testimonies.

This week, the RFEF said that its managing committee would be conducting a “forensic audit” of the organisation. It said the federation “disassociates itself from the actions of its ex-president and all those who could have been involved” and added that it guaranteed the “stability of this institution” to “FIFA, UEFA , the CSD and all fans”.

Rubiales handpicked Rocha as his successor after the incidents the former was involved in at the World Cup final, but before he was suspended by FIFA.

Before the raids on the RFEF headquarters, the Spanish government was asked to suspend Rocha immediately from all duties after a legal challenge from Miguel Galan, the president of the National Football Coaches Union. He argued Rocha had not followed the federation’s statutes by failing to call elections for Rubiales’ successor and had carried out a number of actions beyond his responsibilities as acting president.

The investigation by the Guardia Civil — one of Spain’s two national police forces — into the awarding of the Supercopa to Saudi Arabia also stemmed from a legal complaint made by Galan in 2022.

 (Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images)

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Guillermo began his career covering Real Madrid and the sports industry for Diario AS. He later moved to London and became AS and Cadena Ser correspondent. He has since returned to Madrid and joins us at The Athletic where he will deliver Real Madrid news, interviews, stories, and more.

10 Reasons Why Aruba Is The Perfect Destination For First Time International Travelers

• Aruba offers direct flights from major US cities, making it an easy and stress-free destination for first-time international travelers.
• English is widely spoken in Aruba, making it easy for North American travelers to communicate and navigate the island.
• Aruba has a convenient online transit application process and visa-free entry, making it hassle-free for travelers.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Aruba welcomes over 2 million travelers every year, and 80% of that figure is made up of tourists from the United States. It's no wonder, with Aruba's stunning beaches and no shortage of things to discover in its capital of Oranjestad , the country is a slice of heaven in the form of a tropical paradise. Aruba also boasts many repeat visitors, according to locals, especially North American travelers.

So, what makes Aruba so appealing to Americans and other North American travelers? What is it about the island that makes people want to come back? And more importantly, why should travelers choose Aruba in the first place, especially for those who've never traveled internationally before? Read on to find out why Aruba is a first-time international traveler's ideal destination!

Related: These Are The 10 Cheapest Winter Destinations For Snowbirds in Aruba

Direct Flights From The US

From over a dozen american cities with trusted domestic carriers.

As evidenced by this popular query on TripAdvisor , dealing with connections, figuring out how checked bags factor in, and navigating unfamiliar airports may be extremely stressful, especially for first-time flyers and/or international travelers. Instead, travelers have plenty of choice to fly directly to Oranjestad from the central and eastern parts of the United States.

As frequent international travelers can attest, if flying a connection back to the US from abroad, the first city of arrival back in the U.S. requires travelers to recheck baggage after clearing immigration and customs as well as go through security a second time with TSA. Those unfamiliar with the process can find it very stressful and not-so-clear, not to mention tight connections run the risk of being missed. Don't ruin the memories of a perfectly good vacation with this process. Instead, Aruba allows for a truly international-feeling holiday, with direct, rather short, flights for easy travel.

• Carriers That Fly Direct: Jetblue, American, United, Southwest, Spirit, and Delta
• Major North American Cities Serviced: Toronto, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Orlando, New York, Baltimore, Houston, Charlotte, Miami, Newark, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale, Washington D.C., and Minneapolis

English--And Many Other Languages--Are Widely Spoken In Aruba

Other widely spoken languages: dutch, spanish, french, chinese, italian.

With over 80 ethnic identities and nationalities represented among the residents of the island, the Aruba Convention Bureau explains that this melting pot of cultures and diverse peoples living happily among one another earns the island the moniker "One Happy Island." English has become a dominant language on the island, so international travelers from the US and North America won't have any issues navigating around Aruba. Nothing is lost in translation for North American travelers-- most residents speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, German, and the local dialect of Papiamiento. Further, this is the perfect place for visitors to dip their toes into the larger Caribbean area's rich history of immigration and complex colonial legacy, given its language accessibility.

• Number of Residents: 106,537
• Official Language: Dutch and Papiamiento
• Languages Widely Spoken: English, Dutch, Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian

Easy Online Transit Applications And Visa-Free!

The travel authorization form is automated.

Though the USA and Canada's passports are some of the strongest in the world, many countries require Visas for travelers to transit there. NerdWallet recommends checking Visa requirements as the number 1 thing first-time travelers need to do ahead of their travels. However, Aruba's travel authorization form called the Embarkation and Disembarkation Card ("ED Card"), is easily accessible online for quick completion and approval.

All travelers to Aruba, including residents, need to fill this form out, and it's not considered a Visa in any way. Approval, in the form of a printable card or an email, does not take long--in fact, approvals can come in minutes, so it's simple for travelers to check things off their list and get it done. Simply present the ED Card with your passport at immigration upon landing in Aruba, and then you can start your holiday under the Caribbean sun!

• Information Needed: Vital Information (Name, DOB), Passport Information, Travel Plans, Minor Health Information
• Timeline: Application takes approximately 20 minutes to complete; apply up to 7 days before arrival
• Cost Of ED Card: Free!

Related: The Complete Guide To Traveling Solo For The First Time

Visitors Can Stay With Familiar And Trusted Hotel Brands

Like the aruba marriott.

When traveling abroad, having a community around oneself can help relieve any travel stress or anxiety about how to navigate the island, where to get a meal, or what activities to choose. Nervous first-time travelers will be relieved to receive high levels of service coupled with ease and comfort when staying with familiar and trusted hotel brands like the Aruba Marriott Stellaris Casino . We had the pleasure of staying with the Aruba Marriott and can positively say being with a familiar brand with a fantastic selection of food, a stunning beach, and multiple pools made our stay on Aruba all that much better.

• Sample Room Cost at the Aruba Marriott Stellaris Casino: High Season (January) Rate- $899 per night for a base King Room; Low Season (June) Rate- $500 per night for a base King Room
• Best Amenities at the Aruba Marriott : 8 onsite eateries (including familiar brands like Starbucks and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse), both adult-only and family pools, direct beach access with rentable palapas, and complimentary onsite parking

While booking all-inclusive can be extremely convenient, Aruba offers more half-board or traditional hotel accommodations than all-inclusive ones. Given the island's friendly atmosphere, English-language use, and relatively easy navigability, Aruba is a perfect destination to skip an all-inclusive resort and explore the local food, adventure, and tour scene individually, especially for those traveling outside the United States/North America for the first time. Sites like the Aruba Convention Bureau's Aruba.com provide lists of trusted tour operators for those hoping to explore. Though, if you'd prefer an all-inclusive, Aruba's best are listed here .

Small Details Like Electric Outlets And Voltage Are the Same In Aruba As The US

No need to mess around with adapters or converters to power electronic devices.

Have you ever heard of those horror stories of blow dryers accidentally sparking fires or phone chargers causing major blackouts (think of Leap Year 's Amy Adams trying to charge her Blackberry!)? That's because the U.S.'s electric plugs and outlets are commonly Type A or Type B outlets (two flat prongs, sometimes with a round center prong between them) and 120 volts of electricity.

Many other places in the world, however, including Europe and the United Kingdom, actually use Types C-F and Type G, respectively (mostly round pins), and measure at 220-240 volts. Given the incompatibilities in both style and voltage, sometimes American appliances like curling irons are unusable abroad. Sounds complicated, right? Well, in Aruba, first-time travelers have nothing to worry about since it's exactly the same as the U.S. to Aruba!

• Common Appliances Affected By Voltage Differences: Hair appliances (dryers, straighteners, curling irons), facial shavers, some steamers/irons, and some small plug-in fans

Customs Pre-Clearance At Aruba Airport

One of only six countries where clearing customs on flights going to the us is possible.

Major airports like Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada and Dublin International Airport in Ireland offer pre-clearance services for travelers headed to the United States, and Aruba does, too! While it may seem like a longer process and a bit of hassle on the departure end, given one has to go through Customs and Border Patrol at the departure airport, it actually saves travelers time upon arrival in the United States. No long lines at passport control or having to wait for customs to inquire about baggage at the US destination airport--just an easy arrival process as if flying on a domestic flight!

• Recommended Arrival Time for Departures from Aruba Airport: 2 hours before during non-peak season (summer), 2-3 hours before during peak season (winter); no more than 3 hours early since check-in won't be open until then
• Other Major Airports with Pre-Clearance: Toronto Pearson, Dublin, Shannon, Nassau (Bahamas), Vancouver, and Calgary. A full list can be found on the Customs and Border Patrol website here .

Amazing Local Cuisine Familiar To Americans

A melting pot of cultures, flavors, and cuisines.

With so many nationalities represented on the island and with high visitation from North American travelers, it's not uncommon to see local delicacies listed alongside international favorites on one menu. It's completely understandable for first-time travelers out of the country to be a little homesick for recognizable food during a vacation. Aruba is a great place for a bit of cuisine exploration while also having the readily available option of getting some comfort food on the plate when needed.

• Best Local Dishes: Pastechi (fried pastry pockets like a small calzone with different fillings), Keshi Yena (Aruban cheese casserole), and Siboyo Tempera (marinated onions and Madame Jeanette peppers)
• Best Globally Recognizable Dishes: Grilled Caribbean Rock Lobster, Steamed Shrimp, and Catch-of-the-Day Fish with Aruban spices and hot sauce
• Must-Try Local Restaurants: The West Deck Island Grill and Beach Bar and Atardi Restaurant at the Aruba Marriott

Related: Aruba Has More To Offer Than Just Beaches And All-Inclusive Resorts

No Joke, The Best Tap Water Around

Aruba obtains most of its fresh water from desalination plants.

Aruba boasts that it has some of the highest-quality tap water in the world, so much so that they are partnering with world-famous water sommeliers (yes, that's really a thing) to create travel experiences tasting all that Aruban water has to offer. Eager water travelers can even tour the major desalination plant on the island to learn more about the process that achieves this tasty and, most importantly, safe drinking water. While travelers going abroad for the first time may not be up for a plant tour, they can rest assured that the water that they're drinking and using in the restrooms and showers is clean and safe.

• Best Water Tourism Opportunity (For the Curious Traveler!): W.E.B Desalination Plant Tour to see where the water magic happens!
• Best (On-Water) Tour : De Pam Tours Snorkel Cruise to snorkel among shipwrecks and vivid sea life

Just a gentle reminder that the "ABC Islands" (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) are very close to the equator. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency , the sun's UV rays are stronger in that geographic region due to the sun's constant proximity and straight overhead position. Remember to drink water consistently, even more so than at home, to avoid heat spells and dehydration. Take advantage of the tasty tap water with refillable water bottles to carry with you, and of course, use sunscreen! Aruba has some of the best aloe-based, water-resistant sunscreens on the market, like this one here .

A Balance Of Cultural And Adventure Activities

Aruba has a rich history, but for those seeking more thrills, the island has the best of both.

Traveling abroad offers some great opportunities to learn about the destination and the world at large--history, culture, and customs are all interesting things to learn about while traveling. However, sometimes visitors are looking for an experience that's less cerebral and a bit more visceral. Aruba has a great selection of both kinds of activities, an equal balance of learning about the island and its history and experiencing all the activities that the island has to offer. Aruba is also particularly well suited for solo travelers looking for a similar blend of experience themes.

• Best Cultural Tour: Aruba Bus Sightseeing Tours with De Palm Tours
• Best Activity-Based Tours: UTV Riding with De Palm Tours , Bicycling with Aruba Active Vacations ; For a full list of the best tours of Aruba , read here!

Both American Dollars And Aruban Florins Are Readily Accepted

First-time international travelers don't have to worry about currency exchanges ahead of travel.

Named one of the top 10 things a traveler must take care of before traveling abroad by NerdWallet , arranging for currency conversions ahead of travel or having to make that extra stop at the airport is just an extra layer of worry for people traveling abroad. Avoid having to undertake the hassle by traveling to a USD-friendly destination like Aruba. Aruban businesses readily accept American dollars, and many bank ATMs also dispense in American dollars. No need to worry about conversion rates while shopping or dining out-- everything will be as if one were purchasing things at home!

• Best Shopping Spots To Spend Those American Dollars: " The Local Market " (across from the cruise ship terminal), Renaissance Marketplace , and Duty-Free Stores ; for a full list of local artisans, read here !