Need help ASAP:

Planes, trains and automobiles...

Lodging, food and fun....

Madrid, Barcelona and the coastal islands, and probably the south of Spain

Lots of people would probably be happy to help you, but you'll need to figure out what it is that you want to know and ask some specific questions.

Buses.

Youth hostels, grocery stores, free concerts.

Eat and stay in smaller towns.

What's the daily or total budget? What time of year are you traveling? (Off season prices for hotel and air fare are better.) How do you want to spend your time? How long will you be gone?

Help us help you... How many people traveling? How old are you? How long is the trip? What kind of daily budget do you mean by "tight" (some people swear they can still do Europe on $25/day others would think $100 was rock bottom)?

Are grocery stores easy to find in downtown locations? I'll be on a bus tour for part of my trip and plan to buy my lunches in grocery stores and panaderias. Therefore I'll have to find these stores on foot wherever the bus drops us off for lunch (in downtown Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Seville, etc.) Any suggestions for type of food to buy? I've had many lunches of bread and cream-cheese during my travels, so I'm not high-maintenance.

My best advice to you, as a cost-sensitive traveller myself, is to research as much as possible. There are several sites on the Internet that have extensive information on Spain for tourists, including backpackers. The "Rough Guide" site (sorry, you'll have to look for it in Google) is a great resource.

And, of course, if you specify when you're travelling and how many people, it'll make it easier for people to help you.

Daniele

lindilindi - El Corte Ingles, the giant Spanish department store, has a grocery store in many of their branches. You can stock up on fresh fruit, olives, sandwhich meat and bread. You can also purchase small (or large) bottles of wine or cava. El Corte Ingles stores will also have a deli in their supermarket area.

Specific tips : Barcelona - El Corte Ingles on Placa Catalunya has a cafeteria on their top floor with ready-made sandwhiches and a hot food line. The supermarket at this store is in the basement. Don't forget La Boqueria, the giant market in Barcelona along La Ramblas - you'll find plenty to make a picnic lunch here. In the El Born area, you will find little shops that sell tea/coffee and quick bites. Many of these are located along Plaza del Pi. (If I remember correctly.)

For Sevilla, stop in Horno de San Bonaventura it's across from the Cathedral - you can order ready made sandwiches and a bag of chips to go. This place also has great desserts.

As for what to buy in the grocery stores: don't miss out... try varios olives and Iberico ham. Spanish ham is a treat! You'll find a good assortment of fresh and tasty produce.

Hope that helps - Sharon