Spain Travel

Old Dec 4th, 2013, 06:51 PM
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Spain Travel

So Im finding myself to be nervous of traveling to Spain alone, I am a social person but nervous just because it would be nice to travel there with somebody. I also kind of like the idea of having a schedule that revolves around only me not trying to please anybody else's schedule. I am a college student and can barely afford the trip should i just save my money? or be adventurous? I need some persuading. I do have friends that live over there I can visit. Other questions I have like what should I pack to bring with me? Can I find clothing stores that will be cheap over there. This is a two to three week trip I plan on taking. I am from Detroit Michigan.
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Old Dec 4th, 2013, 07:10 PM
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I am one of many who are are FIRMLY committed to solo travel -- I find it an absolute indulgence to be able to do what I want, when I want, and in the way I want. I've been to central and southern Spain alone and loved it. For some other solo travel reports, you can check:
http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...collection.cfm

Whether to wait until you can more easily afford your trip ... well, that's something only you can decide. A good guidebook should give you an idea of what you can expect to spend. I think some of the most helpful guidebooks for those who are young and traveling on a budget are those by the Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide. Given what the trip will cost, the price of a guidebook or two is nugatory, but note that you can also look at guidebooks in your local library. ANY decent guidebook should give you information about what to pack, what things to consider buying in your chosen destination, etc.

Enjoy!
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Old Dec 4th, 2013, 07:55 PM
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When are you going? That would affect somewhat my feelings about going alone. It would be more fun when the weather is warm and the days are long so you can stay out really late and have light.

Traveling solo in Spain would be just fine. You are young and will probably meet other young solo travelers.
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Old Dec 4th, 2013, 09:07 PM
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I would categorically comment on your inquiries.

Go or no go: I would give you a framework for you to work out on your own. What one usually regrets later on their life is what one COULD have done but didn't. One wished they had taken more risks in their youth. There is a collective wisdom on this subject. Here is a sample. Look at the first advice on regret: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/250...ad-advice.html. If, however, doing so would wreck your career, it would be easier to let it go and you would not regret about it later on. A book on this subject is No Opportunity Wasted http://www.amazon.com/No-Opportunity...s=phil+koegahn. (find one free at your library) Is this trip a part of your life goal where you would regret later in your life if you didn't go?

Can you go later? This is an elusive question. Some people automatically assume so and advise others as such. However, looking at people around me, such opportunities can be fleeting.

I know a lady who went to Europe as a highschool trip. But because of life responsibilities, she was only able to go back 43 years later for a second visit. Can you wait that long?

I know another lady who talked about visiting Europe with her husband someday. That day never came. He passed away suddenly. Now she is taking all opportunities to visit Europe with her grownup children.

I know another lady who was planning to visit Venice with her husband. He also passed away before the trip. A few years later when she finally visited Venice, she came back depressed because it was dream to visit Venice with her husband, and seeing other romantic couples enjoying the city was just too much for her.

What to take: as little as possible without having to buy essentials you could have taken from home. Single travel complicates luggage management. There is no one readily available to look after your things while you go to a restroom, etc. Take less than a week worth of clothes and wash often. It is best to take items that dry in less than overnight (camping clothes are usually like this).

If your friend can provide you with an accommodation, it would help you with the cost.

And finally, don't get into situations where you cannot extricate yourself within your means. Not all such situations are obvious. If you were planning to take the last bus/train of the day, what is an acceptable plan B if you missed or the bus/train got canceled? If you don't have a plan B, you probably should have taken an earlier transport instead. You might not have knowingly gotten into it, but the probability got you nevertheless.
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Old Dec 5th, 2013, 09:38 AM
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You're lucky to have friends to touch base with. You're only going for 2-3 wks so take enough clothes with you. They are expensive in Spain tho' you might want to pick up an item as a souvenir. Have fun !
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Old Dec 5th, 2013, 10:15 AM
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Go. I had the chance when I was in college (UofM) and didn't. Now wish I had. You can go alone and then meet up with your friends. I've traveled alone, with my spouse and with a group, and solo travel has some real advantages, especially if you speak and want to practice Spanish. Also, you can stay in some places that are much less expensive than if you had another person with you so you can save money that way. (I stayed in a hotel in Peru for 21 soles (around US$7.00)/nite including breakfast, and it was fine for me.)

Do buy and read a good guidebook--Lonely Planet is one I like a lot.

Take is as little as possible. I generally take five days worth of underwear and socks (so that I don't have to stop and wash them all the time), maybe four or five tee shirts, a pair of jeans and a pair of khakis for dress up in case you meet someone you want to dress up for, a couple of shirts, at least two pairs of comfortable shoes/boots--I usually bring three. Spain, especially Andalusia in the summer, so pack like you were headed to Florida. Oh, and sunglasses and a jacket.

There are lots of stores, but I wouldn't plan to shop unless you forgot something or lost or broke it.

greg's advice on not getting into bad situations is good. One way to stay out of them is to beware of friendly strangers. Don't ever accept a beverage or something to eat from a person you only recently met, as they can be vehicle for drugging you. This is particularly true if you're female.

All hotels provide safes, either at the desk or in the room, so use them. Keep your passport along with your ATM card (the best way to get cash) int he safe and carry as little as possible on the street. Carry only a small amount of cash and a credit card, along with a copy of your passport, in a money belt.--the kind you put under your clothes, not a fanny pack which attracts pickpockets. If you look like you have nothing worth stealing, then no one is going to try to rob you. Keep a hand on your bag at all times.

This last is not to make you not want to go, but to prevent you're having a bad experience. For me, nothing beats the thrill of travel. so go now that you're young.
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