crckwc1

Just a note to add to Viajero2's warning about Barcelona - there are also the fake police who demand to see your money because there have been some phony bills in circulation. (Or some such story). And, of course, they manage to palm some bills as they "check" your cash. If approached, keep walking and go into a nearby store, hotel, etc. Don't even speak to them. And don't stop to "help" someone who has a map and asks directions. He's the front for the fake police. Been there, seen that!

CathyM

2 days is extremely short for Sevilla. I strongly encourage you to add a couple of days. Either cut out Tossa de Mar or cut a day each from Barcelona and Madrid. Also if you plan to visit Sevilla during Semana Santa most places will have 4 night minimums.

Personally I would have paid the additional amount to fly open jaw - when you factor in the cost of travel for the extra leg and more importantly the time and logistics in backtracking especially with an already short trip it's worth it.

SimplyRachel

This is my first time travelling abroad, let alone planning anything, so I truly had no idea about all that. Now that I know I will definitely try open jaw the next time.

As for my agenda, I have left it open. I don't have set dates, just a barebones idea. This way if we want to stay somewhere longer, we aren't stuck to a schedule. We may spend less time in madrid and decide to do more in sevilla, or the same with barcelona. I will be sure to be careful with the 4 night minimum places.

For the majority of the time we will be staying in hostels and not hostals. Do hostels also enforce the 4 night minimum?

amer_can

Semana Sancta will be tough most anywhere. Can you make resv.? It might be a good idea to check it out!!

SimplyRachel

I found a several places with openings so far. I'm scared to make a reservation so far in advance though. What if we don't get there in time or what not?

My problem is I'm so nervous about transportation and such I am worried to commit to a reservation =\

lincasanova

Aren't there any cancelable reservations to secure now that you can change later closer to the date ?

SimplyRachel

You're right, I didn't think about cancelable reservations. Thank you! I'll discuss with my boyfriend later tonight and pick one out.

I completely spaced on that part. Darn these nerves!

iris1745

Wherever you are going, this site has reservations than can be cancelled and you don't pay until you get to the hotel.

Have used this site before and 5 of our 7 stops in August/September have been made using this site. Free cancellation and many times with breakfast.

If you consider using this site, just make sure it says 'free cancellation'.

www.booking.com/spain

A very popular booking site.

lincasanova

make double sure it says "free cancellation": Best to also look at hotel's OWN website when you find something and if the price is nearly the same do it there.

Travel insurance on your whole trip is inexpensive and you might want to look into it.

chapla

Nobody has mentioned this tip! As a student-I assume your student ID will still be valid- make sure to use it to get student discounts!

chapla

I forgot to add, Spain has the best tourist offices! As soon as you can, get to the tourist office and there you'll find maps plus all the info you will need.In Madrid they have great walking tours available at the Plaza Mayor office for you to sign up-really cheap (about 5 euros) and there are computers for you to use to look up info and check your email!
Spend some time on the guides kimhe suggested, especially esMadrid.
I prefer to take the bus on trips from Madrid to Segovia, Toledo and Escorial.

SimplyRachel

Hotel for Seville is officially booked! Thank you for the help with that.

I will be sure to carry my student ID with me and use it for discounts, thank you for the suggestion! I am looking forward to bus trips to Toledo and maybe other places too

WAYNE4WINE

As a footnote to booking.com, I've been using it for about 8 yrs, traveled to 53 countries,booked over 82 hotels, B&B's,zimmers etc. Have never had a problem. As everyone has said, part of the fun is planning it yourself. I did two "tours" years ago and said I can do this myself & better and see what I want to see. I also saved a lot of money. Don't stress, enjoy the planning part.
Note: If you haven't bought a plane ticket yet, Look for prices on Tuesdays at different sites & fly on Tues./Wed. I'm in the process of planning my June/July trip to Spain now.

WAYNE4WINE

Sorry I just finished reading all your post and saw you booked air travel. Seems like you got a pretty good price.
Enjoy Spain, you'll have a great time.

joannyc

Train from Madrid to Toledo is much faster than the bus... only 30 minutes by train. You could get stuck in traffic by bus.

amer_can

Layers will be required as has been mentioned before and if the weather is like last April it was cold. Needed scarf (and gloves would have been nice). Snow in Aliva, cold rain in MAD. But who cares it was Spain and I was there!!!..Just layers and you will be just fine. BTW 700$ plus you did score big time.

joannyc

Good fare on the air ticket! Congrats!

SimplyRachel

Thanks! The more I start planning, the more excited I'm getting =)

SimplyRachel

Another update!
I officially love booking.com. I have my accommodations for 10 of 14 nights thus far, 7 of which are in hotels and I have only spent about $450 USD. Found a very lovely hostel for 3 nights and I can't describe how excited I am!

Using booking.com I found hotels that were cheaper than the hostels I was looking at, and still had great locations to them. The reviews on the site are so helpful as well.

Thank you again for recommending this website!

CathyM

How many more overnight bases are you considering?
7 places in 10 nights seems like alot of moving around even for someone with lots of energy.