ORGANISING YOUR TRAVEL

Flights

There are daily scheduled flights to Spain by recognised major national carriers and the Spanish carrier Iberia. Standard fares are charged.

However, the cheapest and most frequently used method of air travel is a last-minute booking on a charter flight or low-cost carrier currently at around €55 one-way. Tickets are best obtained from a flight-only shop, direct from a low-cost carrier, or through the many Internet sites devoted to low cost travel.

Alicante, Málga, Majorca and Tenerife are the most frequently used Spanish airports. Within Spain a daily shuttle service operates between Madrid and its regional capitals.

Data from the Association of European Airlines shows that 24% of European flights were delayed by more than 15 minutes. Madrid is the worst with 36% of departures delayed for on average 43 minutes and Gatwick is one of the best with only 19% of flights delayed.

Ferry

The following international ferries operate:

• Plymouth or Portsmouth to Santander – twice weekly;
• Portsmouth to Bilbao – twice weekly;
• Algeciras to Tangier or Ceuta – several sailings per day;
• Gibraltar to Tangier – daily;
• Málaga or Almeria to Melilla – daily.

Within Spain the following domestic services operate:

• Cádiz to the Canaries – daily;
• Barcelona, Valencia or Denia to the Balearics – daily;
• Inter-Island ferries operating within the Canaries and the Balearics.

Car hire

It makes sense to pre-book car hire at the same time as booking air or ferry tickets. It avoids waiting on arrival, as the car should be ready. All the international car hire companies operate in Spain together with many Spanish national and regional operators. It is a fiercely competitive market. Coche de alquilar (car hire) can also be booked at airports or in large towns.

E-commerce

Travel is the fastest growing area of e-commerce. The web and travel go very well together. It is a service. There is nothing to deliver other than the confirmation of a booking. Information can be updated very quickly online, making it perfect for accessing the latest deals. Booking flights, ferries or arranging car rental are achieved by a few mouse clicks.

PREPARING FOR CULTURE SHOCK

Preparing to go to Spain is not just about a physical change. A few weeks after landing in a new country the shock of a different culture, changes in attitude and frequent frustration can have an adverse effect on one’s well-being. Isolation, feeling powerless and finding fault with everyone are classic symptoms. The blow can be cushioned if an understanding has been reached beforehand about Spanish ways and understanding the symptoms can also help to assimilate the change.

The first stage is a honeymoon period, which everyone experiences. It can be followed by a period of feeling inadequate, lonely, withdrawn and wanting to go back home. But by being positive and becoming more assertive, you soon find you can deal with situations and start to feel more relaxed. The final stage is feeling at home, embracing the new culture.

SUMMARY

• The documents required to enter Spain can range from a simple passport or ID card for EU citizens on holiday, or complex visa requirements for non-EU residents on a long-term stay.
• Future residents of Spain require an NIE and a residencia.
• Spain has a problem with illegal immigrants from North Africa.
• Clothing depends on the season, the length of stay and how quickly you acclimatise.
• By all means take your pet but remember Spain is not renowned for its love of animals.
• It is better to learn the basics of the Spanish language. It makes day-to-day communication easier.
• Letting out your property back home is best achieved through a professionally recognised agent.
• Many furniture removal companies have depots in Spain.
• Travel is best achieved through buying tickets from flight-only shops, low-cost airlines or through the ever increasing numbers of Internet booking services.
• Prepare for the culture shock.