Spain with kids
Jun 19th, 2013, 06:55 PM
#1
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Spain with kids
My daughter and son in law would like to take their 3 kids, ages 12,10, 6 to Spain next March. He will be in Madrid on business and they would like to meet there, stay in Madrid for a few days then go to Sevilla or Granada. Are there any travel agencies that could help them plan the trip so it would be easier with kids? Does anyone on this forum have advice about where to start planning? We need a lot of help!!
Jun 19th, 2013, 08:09 PM
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You should search out a Spain specialist. You can start by contacting the Tourist Office of Spain. They maintain a list of recommended agents/trip planners familiar with Spain.
March is an excellent time to visit Sevilla and Granada, especially since Semana Santa begins 11 April next year, so prices should be reasonable. The only thing you need to worry about is spring break and the influx of tourist.
I'm sure there are some on this forum with all of the answers, but talk is cheap, travel planning comes with a fee.
March is an excellent time to visit Sevilla and Granada, especially since Semana Santa begins 11 April next year, so prices should be reasonable. The only thing you need to worry about is spring break and the influx of tourist.
I'm sure there are some on this forum with all of the answers, but talk is cheap, travel planning comes with a fee.
Jun 19th, 2013, 08:29 PM
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Robert, that is very cynical and uncalled remark. Just because you are in the travel business that does not mean the people who post here do not know what they are talking about.
It is insult to the many Spaniards who are generous with their time and experience.
I would trust them before someone with a profit motive.
I trust people who use the word hotel, not property, and those who aren't an apologist for the not so nice aspects of Spain.
In fact there was a poor women on these boards who was getting married and went to a "travel agent" who did not know his El Born from his Alicante.
Yes there is a lot bad information on the Internet. And yes there are people who make a two week trip to Spain and other places and try to make a career of it.
It is insult to the many Spaniards who are generous with their time and experience.
I would trust them before someone with a profit motive.
I trust people who use the word hotel, not property, and those who aren't an apologist for the not so nice aspects of Spain.
In fact there was a poor women on these boards who was getting married and went to a "travel agent" who did not know his El Born from his Alicante.
Yes there is a lot bad information on the Internet. And yes there are people who make a two week trip to Spain and other places and try to make a career of it.
Jun 19th, 2013, 08:34 PM
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Sorry, hit the submit button too soon.
But I have not seen disclaimers from you for hotels, airlines, etc for which you get a commission. But your profile indicates that you are associated with some sort Spanish travel agency.
But I have not seen disclaimers from you for hotels, airlines, etc for which you get a commission. But your profile indicates that you are associated with some sort Spanish travel agency.
Jun 20th, 2013, 07:06 AM
#6
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We need help planning how to get around with kids. Is it possible to hire a driver? How does one go about it? Budget would be maybe 3 or 4 star, don't need luxury but I want comfortable and clean, in old town, easy to walk to places of interest. Sevilla and Granada are both interesting, charming and historic. Lean toward Sevilla because it is easier to get to. Probably want 4 days in each city but that's not set yet. Really any info would be helpful as we're just beginning the process.
Jun 20th, 2013, 07:41 AM
#7
Public transport in Europe is very clean, pleasant, generally cheap and gets you right into the centre of old cities which were not designed for cars.
I would not look at TAs but I would look at the spanish rail system.
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/
When I used to work with Americans they were always amazed at the train system in Europe and once introduced to it and coaxed out of their limos they used it all the time.
I would not look at TAs but I would look at the spanish rail system.
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/
When I used to work with Americans they were always amazed at the train system in Europe and once introduced to it and coaxed out of their limos they used it all the time.
Jun 20th, 2013, 07:46 AM
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Seville is a great walking city and the main sight in Granada is the Alhmabra for which you cannot use a driver.
I do not mean to be mean but take a deep breath. My hotel information is obsolete but others will offer suggestions.
Please be aware that the Spanish eat very differently and at different times than Americans and while adults can adapt children may not. It will not be a problem in Madrid where there are places to eat at all hours.
Here is a summary of some Spanish customs:
http://www.enforex.com/culture/spani...g-customs.html
Spanish inter-city buses and trains are excellent and the high speed AVE is an excellent way to get to the south from Madrid and will be fun for the kids.
I would buy two guides to Spain and let the family discuss Spain so they are prepared and have them choose what may be of interest to them.
I do not mean to be mean but take a deep breath. My hotel information is obsolete but others will offer suggestions.
Please be aware that the Spanish eat very differently and at different times than Americans and while adults can adapt children may not. It will not be a problem in Madrid where there are places to eat at all hours.
Here is a summary of some Spanish customs:
http://www.enforex.com/culture/spani...g-customs.html
Spanish inter-city buses and trains are excellent and the high speed AVE is an excellent way to get to the south from Madrid and will be fun for the kids.
I would buy two guides to Spain and let the family discuss Spain so they are prepared and have them choose what may be of interest to them.
Jun 20th, 2013, 09:08 AM
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As noted, it's easy to travel from Madrid to Sevilla and then to Granada all by rail. They can even return to Madrid from Granada by rail if they wanted to (about 4-1/2 hours), or fly.
Maribel's Guides has downloadable guides to Madrid, Sevilla and Granada that you should find useful. There is also Explore Seville (http://exploreseville.com), which is one of the best online guides to Sevilla. You can get up to date information on what's happening in Madrid from esMADRID.com. And Granada has a little more to offer than just the Alhambra (granadainfo.com/granadabasic.htm), but the Alhambra and Generalife are the main attractions for most people.
I would look at 4 to 6 nights in Sevilla, which would allow them to take a day trip to Jerez de la Frontera to see the world famous dancing horses of Jerez (www.realescuela.org), or possibly even spend the night and enjoy the city. The International Flamenco Festival de Jerez should be running through the 8th of March.
Granada would be nice for a couple of days, but 3 would be better to explore the city, the Albayzín and Sacromonte.
If your daughter and son-in-law are comfortable with the language, there shouldn't be any problems.
Maribel's Guides has downloadable guides to Madrid, Sevilla and Granada that you should find useful. There is also Explore Seville (http://exploreseville.com), which is one of the best online guides to Sevilla. You can get up to date information on what's happening in Madrid from esMADRID.com. And Granada has a little more to offer than just the Alhambra (granadainfo.com/granadabasic.htm), but the Alhambra and Generalife are the main attractions for most people.
I would look at 4 to 6 nights in Sevilla, which would allow them to take a day trip to Jerez de la Frontera to see the world famous dancing horses of Jerez (www.realescuela.org), or possibly even spend the night and enjoy the city. The International Flamenco Festival de Jerez should be running through the 8th of March.
Granada would be nice for a couple of days, but 3 would be better to explore the city, the Albayzín and Sacromonte.
If your daughter and son-in-law are comfortable with the language, there shouldn't be any problems.
Jun 20th, 2013, 10:01 AM
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Hiring a car and driver is
1) VERY expensive
2) not sensible
With 5 passengers plus the driver an luggage it would mean renting van and paying for the driver's hotels and meals as well as van rental, gas, etc.
They should either take the train or rent a car for themselves if they really want to drive. To hit just major cities the train makes sense.
As for hotels - travel agents will provide the more expensive hotels - since those are the ones that give the agents commissions. If your family book it themselves they have the option of less expensive places agents won;t offer them.
All of the places they are looking at are major tourists centers with massive infrastructure and getting along/around with just english is perfectly simple.
And the 2 older kids are old enough to do some research and figure out some sights they want to see - and learn a little about the country besides. (I recall in 5th grade we had a social studies project that required each student to become an expert about a specific country and make a presentation to the class - these kids can do jut the fun part of that - and not worry about major industries, etc).
1) VERY expensive
2) not sensible
With 5 passengers plus the driver an luggage it would mean renting van and paying for the driver's hotels and meals as well as van rental, gas, etc.
They should either take the train or rent a car for themselves if they really want to drive. To hit just major cities the train makes sense.
As for hotels - travel agents will provide the more expensive hotels - since those are the ones that give the agents commissions. If your family book it themselves they have the option of less expensive places agents won;t offer them.
All of the places they are looking at are major tourists centers with massive infrastructure and getting along/around with just english is perfectly simple.
And the 2 older kids are old enough to do some research and figure out some sights they want to see - and learn a little about the country besides. (I recall in 5th grade we had a social studies project that required each student to become an expert about a specific country and make a presentation to the class - these kids can do jut the fun part of that - and not worry about major industries, etc).
Jun 20th, 2013, 10:35 AM
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The kids would really love trips out of Madrid,especially Segovia,Toledo, Cuenca.These are easy enough to do by bus or train.I always prefer the bus because it leaves you in town unlike the train!
There are also loads of places for them to visit in Madrid itself.If you are there on first Wednesday of the month they would be thrilled to see the changing of the guard-new ambassadors are presented. There's a parade of 100 horses that crosse the Plaza Mayor and go down to the Royal Palace
I don't know how much they would appreciate either Granada and Sevilla at their age but that's my opinion.The weather would be better there for sure.This past March I had 2 straight weeks of rain in Madrid!
There are also loads of places for them to visit in Madrid itself.If you are there on first Wednesday of the month they would be thrilled to see the changing of the guard-new ambassadors are presented. There's a parade of 100 horses that crosse the Plaza Mayor and go down to the Royal Palace
I don't know how much they would appreciate either Granada and Sevilla at their age but that's my opinion.The weather would be better there for sure.This past March I had 2 straight weeks of rain in Madrid!
Jun 20th, 2013, 10:37 AM
#12
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Tripadvisor has great reviews for the best hotels to stay in. Maribels guides helps you find great restaurants, stores, historical sites and general things to do. No need to rent a car. High speed train to Seville for about 5 nights stay in Santa Cruz, visit Jerez and/or Cordoba as a daytrip. Granada for two nights stay near the Albaicin or the Alhambra. I lke going to Malaga for a night because you can take the high speed train back to Madrid easily. Otherwise the slow train or bus takes you from Granada to Madrid.
Jun 20th, 2013, 12:18 PM
#13
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Thanks for all the help. We will buy the guide books and be back to the forum with more questions when we get a better idea of what they're doing. I especially like nytraveler's idea about letting the kids figure out some things themselves.
Jun 20th, 2013, 02:40 PM
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Some things kids would especially like
castles ( virtually in all directions around Madrid)
cool go kart places such as this owned by Carlos Sainz famous rally driver
http://www.kartcsainz.com/en/karting.html
teleferic in Madrid
zip line Madrid
http://www.familiesgotravel.com/2012...and-ziplining/
castles ( virtually in all directions around Madrid)
cool go kart places such as this owned by Carlos Sainz famous rally driver
http://www.kartcsainz.com/en/karting.html
teleferic in Madrid
zip line Madrid
http://www.familiesgotravel.com/2012...and-ziplining/
Jun 21st, 2013, 06:40 AM
#17
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No, I'm not going, but I enjoy planning trips and I love to travel so I'm trying to help them along. We loved Spain when we were there several years ago so want them to see it also. Our 12 yr old granddaughter is taking Spanish in school and loves it so it would be a great opportunity for her.
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