maps
 

Going to Spain next week on kind of a last minute trip and even though we have done a lot of planning i am starting to worry that there's more to do. re city/driving maps: should we get them here or can we pick them up when we get to seville (our first destination)?

Every petrol station has relevant maps for the area or country - rental agency probably has some as well.

I happen to like Michelin maps. Depending on the type of driving you do, you may want to look at the different maps that are available and choose the one that fits your needs. I used the Rough Guide Map of Portugal which contained all the secondary and tertiary roads that I needed, but the color scheme made the map difficult to read. I regretted not ordering a Michelin map ahead of time.

Can I pick up Michelin maps at Borders or B&N?

Yes and i also highly recommend Michelin Maps - they have a multi-lingual legend for symbols on the map so it's language proof. Probably as cheap now at Borders or B&N as in Spain!

A Michelin map is normally a little cheaper in Spain than the U.S., but for an extra dollar or two I'd rather have one in hand then have to search for one once I'm there. The spiral-bound Michelin map is great if you'll be doing a lot of driving. If there's only one or two places you're going, though, you can use their web site (ViaMichelin) and print out your routes.

Try hard to get the map you need well before you get to the relevant region--we've found that once we get near our destination all the maps for the area have sold out.

word of warning about Spanish maps. Drawing them is a skill they have not yet mastered.

I would try to get hold of the appropriate michelin maps before you go. One tip is to spot the cities/towns in the direction in which you are driving, even if you are not going there. So as you are heading out of Malalga, for example, when you get to a road junction, you know that you need to head for "Ronda" even though your ultimate destination is, say, Granada. Familiarity with the map will make this far less stressful!

ONtheGo:

Do yourself a favor...puuchase the American Map Company's red-covered "EuroAtlas" for Spain...$16.95 at any Borders, Barnes and Noble or map store. I have the one for Italy, for Spain and for France and I've been using them instead of the individual Michelin's. So much easier to use in the car...just flip to the page covering the area you'll be driving in...wonderful index of every place on the map. Also has excellent one page city maps for most of the country's major cities. Beats folding and unfolding. Highly recommend.

Stu T.

word, tower. You can find city and region maps at any gas station here, but if you come with one and are used to using it, you will do better. Tower is right on the head with his rec.