Backpacking Through Spain

Spain is a wonderful, passionate country and one of the best ways to see all its vibrant scenery and culture is to backpack. Backpacking basically means setting up your own, independent travel plans around the country, booking hotels, hostels and transport as you go along, which gives you an unique insight into the real daily life of the places you are visiting. Backpacking gives you complete control over every aspect of your holiday, and you can set your own agenda and travel when and where you want to.

Here are a few tips for you to consider when you are planning a backpacking tour in Spain:

* Language – you will need to be able to organise transport, hotels and meals as you travel through the country, so you must be able to speak some basic Spanish, so that you can communicate with others quickly and efficiently. Don’t just assume that you will be able to find someone who speaks English to deal with, especially if you are travelling in more remote regions. Go online to find lots of websites to help you learn basic Spanish, such as at www.studyspanish.com, and also buy a proper language guide to take with you so you will have a resource to fall back on when you are out and about. * Culture -Spain has a rich cultural landscape, and it will enhance your experience if you find out more about it before you leave, as this will give you more idea of what to expect as you travel through the country and help you to avoid making any obvious cultural blunders. Researching Spain will also give you ideas for your holiday plan, such as places to visit and things to do and researching local customs will help you interact with people more successfully as you travel.

* Transport – backpackers use a lot of public transport as they travel through the countries they are visiting, mainly because it is usually cheap and efficient. Travelling by train is relatively easy in Spain, but it can be expensive depending on the journey you are making. The high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Seville will take you quickly from on side of the country to the other, but local train services can often be slower than the buses. The Spanish bus system is extensive and is the only way to get to the more remote areas if you do not have a car. Buses are usually very reasonable and much cheaper than trains, and services are reliable and well used. You may also want to rent a car for part of your trip and this is easy to do in Spain with plenty of main European hire car companies operating in most large towns and cities. * Luggage – as you travel you will be carrying your own luggage, so it is important to pack only essential items. Shoes are heavy and bulky so limit yourself to just two pairs, one for walking and the other for going out in the evenings, and take plenty of socks so that you always have a clean dry pair to wear. Hostels can sometimes be low on good bedding so take a warm blanket or large shawl, and this will also be handy for when you are travelling overnight on trains and buses. A small first aid kit is essential, as well as a sunhat, sunglasses, waterproof coat and a torch, and it is also a good idea to have a bit of plastic sheeting packed in case it rains and you need to protect your luggage whilst you are walking or waiting for transport. Always remember to safeguard your belongings at all times and do not leave them unattended.