Spain's Economy
 

I'm planning a trip to Spain and have been reading comments from this forum and also Travel Explosion. I now have a little better idea of what Spain is like. However, most people don't talk much about the economy. Has the down economy made traveling to Spain better or worse?

When I was there (2 times ) last year there was no overt display of poor economy except for a few closed small retail shops. Prices remained reasonable.Wine was gloriously cheap. Beggers were few and not blatant. There were some protests but not unruly and police are out and about.You will notice the problems mostly in Barcelona IMO and in the cessation of building projects. Smaller towns are quite relaxed, I can't say is it better or worse because I don't know your yardstick but for me I really loved my 2 months (in total) and never felt threatened, alarmed, or worried.I was sometimes solo and sometimes with DD, who was studying in Salamanca. Now there's a lovely city!!! Was fortunate to be in Salamanca, Madrid, Sergovia, Burgos, Avila, Barcelona, Sitgres,Monsarrat, Cardona, San Sebastan, Santiago de Campestola and all small towns in between that I/we could crowd into our jaunts. Pick you area..research it a bit and enjoy!!!

We've been all over Spain and Portugal, as well as western France, during the continuing crisis (mostly self-imposed in their push for austerity), and yes, there are problems with unemployment and shops have closed due to the crisis, but overall, as a tourist, unless you are very familiar with the changes that have taken place, you will only be moderately impacted. The north, the Basque country, Navarra and Barcelona have been affected, but to a lesser degree than has the south. Andalucía has the largest unemployment in the country, but again, for a tourist, it's not that noticeable, especially if it is your first visit.

Prices are down in certain locations, but restaurant prices remain pretty much the same except that most restaurants, if not all, offer a modest fixed price menu for lunch and some offer one for dinner. Some hotels have lowered their prices on selected dates, but I don't find that hotel prices in general have been depressed anywhere we've been the last 4 years, mostly because of tourist.

You may encounter some protest in Madrid, Barcelona and the Basque country, but they typically do not end up as violent protest. They usually just end up blocking the streets and inconveniencing everyone, which helps make the point. And that’s the way it’s been ever since I first set foot in Europe.

Overall you should enjoy the experience.

I was in Spain last year. On normal days, I did not notice changes before the crisis one way or another. However, when there is a general strike, even if you are not at the site of demonstration, you get affected because of major cut back in key infrastructure support. 2012 was the first year ever in Spain when there were two general strikes in the same year. I got caught in the March 29 on my departure day when most the of flights got cut back, including mine, because of the strike. When the date was announced, the airlines didn't do anything until the day before the strike. They notified me less than a day that my flight got canceled, and that was it. The internet access on my smart phone using a Spanish data SIM was a godsend in figuring out if I got seat on a trickle of planes leaving on the strike day. If I was to visit Spain now, I would make an itinerary with a fall back plan thought out in case a general strike is announced after I purchase the flights. I would have though out what I would do on the segment requiring Renfe train - go day early, go on a few running train, or a day later. Same for the flight - set the itinerary so that one day late coming home would not impact key commitments. If nothing happens, enjoy the trip as usual. If something happens, a well thought out alternate itinerary would minimize the impact of disruptions.

Hi JM,

As a tourist it is highly unlikely that you will be affected by the economy unless it is because of strikes.

Spain is attached to the Euro. Prices are not going to change appreciably. I checked on the hotels I visited last year, the rates have gone up a few Euro.

((I))