Now is the Time to Go to Spain

Pull out your calendar and pick a date. Now is the time to go to Spain. With consistently good dollar to euro rates and a recession in Spain, there is no better time than the present. Get ready to drink a lot of sangria.

A little perspective- Over the past couple of years, I have been to Spain twice. The first time, the trip was planned in less than three months. In March 2014, after talking about it for years, my husband and I started looking into how much it would actually cost to go to Spain. After a lot of research, we were shocked at how realistic it was and we were on our way to Madrid at the end of May. We visited Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Asturias (a northern region of Spain where my family is from). It was love at first sight- the culture, food and wine had us wanting more. Since the prices were still low, we returned again a year later in May 2015 to explore more of this beautiful country. Something to think about- we never paid over a $100 a night for a hotel, rented a car for a whole week for less than $400 and €1-2 tapas and wine are for real.

The Facts:

In 2014, the value of the euro against the dollar began to drop and for the past year it has been holding steady. The current exchange rate is 1 U.S. dollar equals .88 euro. Five years ago, 1 U.S. dollar equalled .69 euro.

Since 2008, Spain has been in a financial crisis. Which means things are cheaper and they need tourism right now more than ever.

Places to See:

Madrid– This capital city has something for everyone: an over-the-top royal palace, top-notch museums and gorgeous sights. Also, chocolaterias are everywhere. Churros con chocolate, enough said.

Barcelona– Whether you enjoy laying on the beach, visiting historical sites, looking at unique architecture or exploring an Olympic village, this vibrant city is a must see. Tip- If you love soccer, mid-August through mid-May is the time to go. See one of your favorite teams, like Real Madrid or Barcelona, LIVE.

Wine Country– Spain is a dream for any wine lover. Rent a car and explore the Rioja region for some of the best wine and food you will ever have. Tip- Stay a night in Logroño and eat along Calle Laurel.

Andalusia– Home of Seville and Granada, experience traditional flamenco dancing and bullfighting in Spain’s southern region. Tip- for the ultimate flamenco experience, look for a location in a cave. Yes, a cave.

How to Get Started:

The most important thing you can do, is start researching. Start looking at flights (I like to use Kayak.com) and hotels (my favorite is Booking.com). Keep an eye out for future articles highlighting tips for booking and more details about the above regions of Spain. Until then, pick a date and let your boss know you are going to España!