Life is an exciting journey and as you plan to enhance that journey with an experience away from home, please think about the following practical preparations. The memories that you’ll build will be with you forever.
1. Prepare yourself mentally. Start reading about the places we will visit and just start thinking about the history and events you find out about. Check out books in the library or websites and learn about the culture of the country we’ll visit.
2. Prepare yourself physically. Our tours are physically active. Get some good walking shoes and start taking progressively longer walks. You should be able to walk a minimum of TWO MILES comfortably on uneven and hilly terrain. Walk up and down stairs and hills. Your body will thank you that you prepared for your journey. You also need to carry your own luggage to/from the coach. Make sure to check with your doctor about any medication you should be taking with you.
4. Don't develop unrealistic expectations. It isn't possible to visit everything on a short visit. Enjoy what you can see and look forward to returning and exploring what you don't see this time. Please remember that people may become anxious especially under the stress of traveling. Keep smiling!
5. Be flexible. While we're on the journey, accept any inconveniences and deviations that might happen as part of the adventure. The rest of the world does not operate by American standards and efficiency and weather is way beyond our control.
6. Suggestions on What to Bring. Go casual, simple and very light! Only bring along a carry on bag and a backpack. There is no portage so you must be able to easily maneuver your own things. You might want to bring along a few toiletries to get you started, e.g. travel size toothpaste, bath gel and body lotion (remember you have to get through airport security). Spain is a first world country and some of the places we are visiting will have a small store available. You will find a number of places open in Alcalá de Henares close to our hotel.
Shirts: Up to five short and/or long sleeved shirts. Microfiber dries fast. Cotton-polyester blends work also for our two night stays.
Pants/shorts: Two pairs, one lightweight and one superlight weight (some are convertible that you can convert into shorts). If you see that it will be very warm in Spain as it was this last year, you might want to bring along two pairs of shorts.
Underwear: Five pairs of microfiber underpants and five pairs of socks that can easily be washed and dried.
Shoes: Two pairs of shoes are good as you can wear one pair for the trip over. Mephisto, Ecco, and Rieker look dressier and more European than sneakers, but are still comfortable. Low-profile running shoes with a good tread are fine, too. You might want a pair of sturdy hiking sandals if the weather is warm. Whatever you bring, along make sure they are comfortable and broken in!
Jacket/Sweater/Fleece: Windproof, waterproof lightweight jacket with a hood and a sweater/fleece for layering. The mornings might be chilly but as the day warms up you will want to take off some of those layers.
Additional Items: Small umbrella (September can be variable), camera, extra memory card for your camera, flashlight (good for going down into the underground bodega and walking around at night), and medications you take.
7. Money and Money Exchange: Spain is part of the European Union their currency is the Euro. The easiest way to obtain Euros is via an ATM machine (you might need to let your bank know you are traveling out of country so that your card is not blocked). There are ATMs in many of the villages we visit, e.g. Alcalá de Henares, Covarrubias, and Burgos. The worst exchange rate is at the airport. All of the expenses of your trip are included. Any souvenirs and any additional food or drinks are not included in the price.
8. Leave Your Good Jewlry at Home: While I do wear my wedding ring, I would suggest that you leave any good jewlry at home. We are going to be in very safe places but it is always a good idea to avoid tempting any would be villains!
Be assured that everything has been planned with great care and in great detail for you to have an incredible experience that will remain with you throughout your life. So, you can hike, eat, drink, take pictures and enjoy!
Questions? Please contact Patricia Ross at pross.spain@gmail.com