Welcome to Spain!
Spain is a must-go destination in Europe with incredible sights, delicious cuisine and rich history.
Explore Spain differently and get fully immersed in the Andalusian culture. You’ll visit the beautiful city of Sevilla, internationally known for its flamenco, and Granada where the beautiful palace of the Alhambra was built back in the 13th century.
Your trip will take you to Cadiz for some Spanish beach time. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the streets of Madrid and the incredible vibe of Barcelona.
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Start: Barcelona El Prat International Airport (BCN) -- Barcelona, Spain
To ensure included transportation: plan to arrive before 10:00 am on Day 1.
Finish: Madrid City Center -- Madrid, Spain
Plan to depart at anytime on Day 8. Travelers are responsible for their own transportation to Madrid Barajas International Airport.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration – please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions
Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Spain
Cabs & public transportation, entrance fees to museums, or any optional activities are not included.
If you’d like to visit the Sagrada Familia or Alhambra, you must purchase your ticket in advance.
If you're interested in immersing yourself in some of Spain's most magnificent cities while soaking up the Spanish culture like a local, this trip is for you!
There will be a lot of walking as we immerse ourselves in multiple Spanish cities. You'll also eat like a Spaniard which means you should expect early breakfasts and late dinners at approximately 9:00 pm.
Get a glimpse of everyday Spanish life as you learn about the rich, and diverse history of Spain. You will even get the opportunity to hang out on a beautiful Spanish beach (weather permitting).
Customize your experience with incredible optional activities that will further immerse you in Spanish culture.
-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 12-14
-Physical rating: Moderate. There will be some long walking days while we exploring multiple Spanish cities throughout the trip.
Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.
Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom Facebook Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open,supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our large online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Breakfasts will be served at your hotel. Dinners are enjoyed in local Spanish restaurants a short walk away.
Please note that the Spanish diet is mostly meat and fish based. Vegetarian choices can be limited.
Sample Breakfast Menu:
Sample Dinner Menu:
We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Some meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.
You will be traveling by private, locally-owned, ground transportation, public high-speed passenger train, and an included domestic flight throughout your trip. There will be early departures on some days in order to optimize time.
Travelers are responsible for their own transportation to the airport on Day 8.
Cabs and other public transportation are not included unless specified on the itinerary.
You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms for the duration of your trip.
Please be aware that rooms in Europe can be smaller and don’t always provide a minibar, air-conditioning or a safe.
Laundry is available at some hotels for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.
Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability (for an extra charge).
Travel insurance is mandatory in order to participate in any of our trips.
When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all travelers must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of $200,000 USD for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.
We recommend using either Wanderwell or World Nomads to purchase your policy. The Wanderwell “Preferred Plan” or the World Nomads “Explorer Plan” will cover all included activities on U30X trips. Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, thoughtfully selected by Under30Experiences.
If you have travel insurance with your credit card we require proof of purchase of the trip in the form of a receipt or credit card statement on a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage, and emergency contact telephone number.
With the increased concern surrounding the spread of the coronavirus we've implemented a temporary cancellation policy that you can reference on our FAQs.
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Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see,recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation,so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with! All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for 60 days after your trip. Under30Experiences recommends that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with anymore questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
The tap water in Spain is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Spain beautiful.
Our suggested travel insurance vendor is World Nomads and has a minimum of $200,000 USD coverage.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling in regards to physical activity and vaccinations.
No inoculations are required to enter Spain from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests routine vaccines for all travelers. Required vaccines should go through CDC, recommended vaccines should be through your doctor.
More specific Health information for Travelers to Spain can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
The official currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR).
We suggest bringing EUR €300 (~USD $335) in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.
This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
ATMs are available in the cities and towns we visit. Although you can withdraw Euros from any ATM in Spain, it's a good idea to come with some local currency just in case.
Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the app XE.
Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than $100USD.
Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.
Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room.
Don’t leave valuables unattended.
US Citizens please consider registering with US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.
Although Spain is generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering around any town at night. We recommend staying in small groups when traveling at night.
Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.
The average temperature in Andalusia throughout the year is 61°F and sunny days are almost always guaranteed throughout the year. Expect some rain in March.
Everything starts later in Spain. Breakfast is around 10:00-11:00 am, lunch between 2:00 to 5:00 pm, "merienda" or an afternoon snack at around 7:00 pm. Finally, dinner starts around 9:00 to 11:00 pm.
People normally meet up for drinks around 10:00 pm or later and only start going to nightlife venues at around 1:00 am because that's when they open.
Restaurants operate on their own schedules as well and typically wont open until very late compared to North American norms.
A lot of shops and restaurants are closed on Sunday.
While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service. Be sure to tip in the local currency (Euro) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging. Here are some common guidelines to follow:
The activities below will be paid in Euros. All amounts are approximate prices in US dollars.
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited tofellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearingappropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, havingweapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to,do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption.If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Trip Leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.
Hotel & Hostel Recommendations in Madrid
Hotel & Hostel Recommendations in Barcelona
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There are not enough ways for me to describe how amazing this company is. After my first trip I always told people, it wasn't about the location, but the experience that u30x gave me. I have some of the best experiences of my life with u30x, and now a passion for travel. Also, their alumni community and groups are awesome too!
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