Month-long trip in Spain. What to do? How much money to bring?
Apr 24th, 2016, 02:47 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Month-long trip in Spain. What to do? How much money to bring?
So, this trip to Spain of mine will be during the month of July. I would like to mention first that I will be staying with a host family for a month while in Spain.
This host family will obviously pay for my food and stuff, and will take me to different places to visit and see the art/architecture in Madrid and Barcelona.
I would just like to know what people's trips to Spain have been like, and what they did there that they would recommend doing? Also, how much money should I probably bring? I'll be buying many souvenirs and other stuff while on my trip. (money in US dollars)
Thanks!
This host family will obviously pay for my food and stuff, and will take me to different places to visit and see the art/architecture in Madrid and Barcelona.
I would just like to know what people's trips to Spain have been like, and what they did there that they would recommend doing? Also, how much money should I probably bring? I'll be buying many souvenirs and other stuff while on my trip. (money in US dollars)
Thanks!
Apr 24th, 2016, 02:58 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where are you going to be staying? I would think that might limit your travels somewhat. When I am in Spain, it is on holiday so I have a targeted itinerary. Once I did Andalucia (Malaga and Sevilla) and Madrid, another time Madrid and Barcelona, for example. Of course, when in the major cities where I've stayed, I've done day trips by train to nearby areas.
Have you ever traveled abroad before? Most people prefer to only take a little cash for emergencies and use an ATM/debit card to get local cash during their stay. That's always what I do. I don't know where you are from, but I probably take about US$160 on me in cash, for emergencies before/after in the US as well as if I had to, I could convert that to euro when in Europe in an emergency for a bit (such as if I lost my ATM card). I've never needed it, actually, but would never travel without any cash at all.
Have you ever traveled abroad before? Most people prefer to only take a little cash for emergencies and use an ATM/debit card to get local cash during their stay. That's always what I do. I don't know where you are from, but I probably take about US$160 on me in cash, for emergencies before/after in the US as well as if I had to, I could convert that to euro when in Europe in an emergency for a bit (such as if I lost my ATM card). I've never needed it, actually, but would never travel without any cash at all.
Apr 24th, 2016, 03:01 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just saw Janis post, completely disagree. I can't imagine traveling without any cash at all on you from home. First, as I said, I don't even do that at home when around town, it isn't prudent to have no money on you. Second, it isn't obvious, but you can convert cash to euro in every country I've ever been in at some kind of exchange place. It is traveler's checks that are getting about impossible to convert, not actual cash.
Apr 24th, 2016, 03:12 PM
#6
I take a couple of hundred dollar bills in case of emergency. Otherwise, ATMs, at least for Europe.
I don't understand the remark about the host family paying for "stuff". What stuff?
You know that Fodors publishes guide books, right? Have you read the one for Spain?
I don't understand the remark about the host family paying for "stuff". What stuff?
You know that Fodors publishes guide books, right? Have you read the one for Spain?
Apr 24th, 2016, 03:39 PM
#8
Regarding all the meals and sightseeing that you'll receive from your host family, rather than assume they'll pick up the tab for everything, I suggest you think about what you can contribute while you're their guest. Certainly pay your own entrance fees, buy treats and maybe take them out for lunch or dinner. They need not be extravagant gestures but I think it's the ultimate in thoughtlessness to not contribute in some way while you're staying with them.
From time to time I stay in the homes of members of organizations to which I belong and never expect a completely free ride. It's simply good manners, commensurate with what you can afford.
From time to time I stay in the homes of members of organizations to which I belong and never expect a completely free ride. It's simply good manners, commensurate with what you can afford.
Apr 24th, 2016, 04:14 PM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with MmePerdu. You should contribute in some way to your expenses and not expect your hosts to pay for everything.Good manners etc.
Janisj is correct in not bringing US dollars. Use atm's for cash. I only bring about 40 dollars cash when traveling overseas and that's just to have cash at hand on at US departures and arrivals. I usually end up spending less than $10.
Janisj is correct in not bringing US dollars. Use atm's for cash. I only bring about 40 dollars cash when traveling overseas and that's just to have cash at hand on at US departures and arrivals. I usually end up spending less than $10.
Apr 24th, 2016, 04:30 PM
#10
I would never travel without cash. USD are fine to have in case of emergency.
Either use a bank ATM if you have a debit card after arrival or order some euro from your home bank before the trip to have spending money.
I agree you should plan (or at least offer) to pitch in $$ towards food and household expenses with your host family.
Have a great trip!
Either use a bank ATM if you have a debit card after arrival or order some euro from your home bank before the trip to have spending money.
I agree you should plan (or at least offer) to pitch in $$ towards food and household expenses with your host family.
Have a great trip!
Apr 24th, 2016, 04:45 PM
#11
Hosts may turn down offers of money, but enjoy thoughtful gestures that don't involve receiving cash from a guest. Help with housework. Buy a dessert and bring it home. Or coffee while you're out sightseeing. Small gestures express gratitude, even if you cannot afford to pay for a group meal out. And it'll make you feel more like part of the family.
Apr 24th, 2016, 04:46 PM
#12
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not sure about this host family thing - but in every one I have heard of the kid (assume you are in high school?) bring substantial spending money. In addition to treating the hosts to several dinners out they are expected to pay their own way for entrances, amusements, activities and transit.
Clearly the host family provides room and board (at home, which is a substantial outlay) but is not expected to completely support their guest.
Not sure where you will be living or what places you will be visiting but surely you don;t expect your hosts to pay your hotel bill in another city? Ot to give you spending money is you and other kids head out to a cafe for the evening?
I would very carefully clarify these expectations (in writing) with whatever organization has set this up (unless you are paying a large up front sum for this program).
Oh, and obviously you must bring some sort of host/hostess gifts for the family you will be staying with.
Clearly the host family provides room and board (at home, which is a substantial outlay) but is not expected to completely support their guest.
Not sure where you will be living or what places you will be visiting but surely you don;t expect your hosts to pay your hotel bill in another city? Ot to give you spending money is you and other kids head out to a cafe for the evening?
I would very carefully clarify these expectations (in writing) with whatever organization has set this up (unless you are paying a large up front sum for this program).
Oh, and obviously you must bring some sort of host/hostess gifts for the family you will be staying with.
Apr 24th, 2016, 05:51 PM
#13
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would bring X amount of Euros with you and give it to the family and let them keep a record.
Compare various ways to get Euros while in Spain. US banks with an association with a Spanish bank. Credit card withdrawls that can be paid before you must pay interest. Etc.
Compare various ways to get Euros while in Spain. US banks with an association with a Spanish bank. Credit card withdrawls that can be paid before you must pay interest. Etc.
Apr 24th, 2016, 05:52 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am not "new" to any sort of staying with host-families. I am completely aware of what I am supposed to do, how to act around them, how to please them, etc. I've stayed with host families plenty of times before.
I am able to use an ATM Debit card, but it would be better for me, personally, to bring cash. I have many places to hide the cash, and I have never had an experience of danger with my money.
And I would still like some places, excursions, tours, museums, monuments, etc to visit in Spain. This may be in Catalonia (big tourist destination), Barcelona, Madrid, or any places in Spain that is around those three big regions. No arguing here!
Just a simple person asking a simple question 
I am able to use an ATM Debit card, but it would be better for me, personally, to bring cash. I have many places to hide the cash, and I have never had an experience of danger with my money.
And I would still like some places, excursions, tours, museums, monuments, etc to visit in Spain. This may be in Catalonia (big tourist destination), Barcelona, Madrid, or any places in Spain that is around those three big regions. No arguing here!
Just a simple person asking a simple question
Apr 24th, 2016, 06:17 PM
#16
>>but it would be better for me, personally, to bring cash.<<
That is hardy EVER the best option.
>> I have many places to hide the cash, and I have never had an experience of danger with my money.<<
OK fine - but bringing cash and exchanging it is by far the most expensive way to do things. But I assume wasting money isn't an issue for you either.
That is hardy EVER the best option.
>> I have many places to hide the cash, and I have never had an experience of danger with my money.<<
OK fine - but bringing cash and exchanging it is by far the most expensive way to do things. But I assume wasting money isn't an issue for you either.
Apr 24th, 2016, 07:29 PM
#17
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And I would still like some places, excursions, tours, museums, monuments, etc to visit in Spain. This may be in Catalonia (big tourist destination), Barcelona, Madrid, or any places in Spain that is around those three big regions. No arguing here! Just a simple person asking a simple question
_________
This is a large question as evidenced by the number of travel guides dedicated to the subject. I suggest that you take one from the library and narrow down your choices.
Where are you staying?
What are your interests?
What has the exchange parents recommended?
Just a simple person asking a simple question _________
This is a large question as evidenced by the number of travel guides dedicated to the subject. I suggest that you take one from the library and narrow down your choices.
Where are you staying?
What are your interests?
What has the exchange parents recommended?
Apr 25th, 2016, 09:20 AM
#19
Adam - we need you to help us to help you. For all we know you could be 17 or 37, hence the reaction you got above.
the more information you give us, the more specific we can be in answering your questions.
It is of course your choice to bring cash, but many people new to European travel don't know about ATMs and your previous experience wasn't evident from the OP. Of course, armed with that experience, you will presumably have some idea of how much you usually spend on souvenirs, which can be a few € to 1000s depending on taste. But to give you some examples, a T-shirt can cost anything from €10-20, a nice bag might be €20-50, a leather belt €15-20, etc. etc. and a meal out for you and your hosts could be anything from €20 - 50 per head depending on where you went.
As for sightseeing, your hosts will know a great deal more about their country than most of us, but in Barcelona the Gaudi sights are probably the best known, and in Madrid, there is the Royal Palace, the Prado and 2 other top-class galleries, the Retiro Park and also a number of interesting side trips to Toledo & Segovia for example. A good guide book or two will tell you more and help you decide what you might want to see and do so you get the most out of your trip.
Because as you will surely know with all your experience, the more you put into your trip, the more you will get out of it.
the more information you give us, the more specific we can be in answering your questions.
It is of course your choice to bring cash, but many people new to European travel don't know about ATMs and your previous experience wasn't evident from the OP. Of course, armed with that experience, you will presumably have some idea of how much you usually spend on souvenirs, which can be a few € to 1000s depending on taste. But to give you some examples, a T-shirt can cost anything from €10-20, a nice bag might be €20-50, a leather belt €15-20, etc. etc. and a meal out for you and your hosts could be anything from €20 - 50 per head depending on where you went.
As for sightseeing, your hosts will know a great deal more about their country than most of us, but in Barcelona the Gaudi sights are probably the best known, and in Madrid, there is the Royal Palace, the Prado and 2 other top-class galleries, the Retiro Park and also a number of interesting side trips to Toledo & Segovia for example. A good guide book or two will tell you more and help you decide what you might want to see and do so you get the most out of your trip.
Because as you will surely know with all your experience, the more you put into your trip, the more you will get out of it.
Apr 25th, 2016, 09:24 AM
#20
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry - but your later posts sounds completely different than you did at first.
Not sure how people can have stayed with host families "plenty of times" before unless this is some sort of commercial arrangement you are part of - paying a substantial sum up front rather than the usual student/school program that host families usually are.
If you had explained that at first you would have gotten much different answers.
But if you have done this so many times before how can you not have an idea of what funds you will need when you get there.
As for using all cash - my only experience with people using all cash is that they are doing it for legal reasons: either they have a cash-heavy business, like a restaurant or a bar (or working in one) and have a lot of undeclared income - or they have an illegal business - perhaps dealing drugs or similar.
Of course, it's your decision and if you prefer the risk of loss/theft and the very poor exchange rate you get with cash - that is entirely up to you.
But if you make your situation more clear to begin with you would probably get more useful answers.
Not sure how people can have stayed with host families "plenty of times" before unless this is some sort of commercial arrangement you are part of - paying a substantial sum up front rather than the usual student/school program that host families usually are.
If you had explained that at first you would have gotten much different answers.
But if you have done this so many times before how can you not have an idea of what funds you will need when you get there.
As for using all cash - my only experience with people using all cash is that they are doing it for legal reasons: either they have a cash-heavy business, like a restaurant or a bar (or working in one) and have a lot of undeclared income - or they have an illegal business - perhaps dealing drugs or similar.
Of course, it's your decision and if you prefer the risk of loss/theft and the very poor exchange rate you get with cash - that is entirely up to you.
But if you make your situation more clear to begin with you would probably get more useful answers.
