Plan a Trip to a Spanish-Speaking Country

Here are five easy steps for planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country:

1. Choose a Destination

Choosing a destination is the first step in planning a trip. Here are some things to consider when choosing a destination:

Your Travel Style/Interests

¿Prefieres pasar las vacaciones en la playa o en las montañas? (Do you prefer to spend your vacation on the beach or in the mountains?) When choosing a destination, consider what type of trip you want and go from there. Check out this article to find Spanish-speaking destinations that match your travel personality.

Budget and Trip Duration

Are you going away for una semana(a week)? Un mes(a month)? Un año(a year)? Before you can figure out how much money you’ll need for your dream vacation, decide on the length of your trip, and research the prices of food and lodging at your destination.

The number one rule for traveling on a budget is slow travel is generally cheaper than fast travel. The more you move around, the more you spend. Let’s take a look at some Spanish-speaking destinations categorized by budget:

It’s important to note that this table is just an estimate. Of course, you can spend as little—or as much!—as you want, no matter your destination.

Weather

Before deciding on a destination, make sure to research what the weather will be like. The weather can make or break your experience.

Mexico and Spanish-speaking countries in Central America and in the Caribbean have two principal seasons: rainy and dry. The peak travel season coincides with the dry season, but don't count out the rainy season! Traveling during the rainy season will not only save you money, but it is also a great way to avoid crowds and experience the breathtaking tropical scenery. Just avoid hurricane season if you're traveling to the Caribbean!

South America is huge, so the seasons vary greatly depending on the country and its regions. In Peru, for example, the changes in altitude are so extreme that you could be sweltering on the coast today and shivering in the mountains tomorrow.

Spain enjoys four seasons, and the weather varies throughout the country. The best time to visit Spain is in the late spring, before it gets too hot and before the local tourist season begins.

2. Research Things to Do

Grab your laptop and find yourself a comfortable chair because now it’s time to research things to do! We recommend using a mix of online guides, blogs, and social media platforms to find the perfect activities for your trip. Make a list of all the cities, sights, and activities at your destination that interest you. If this list gets too long, accept the fact that you can’t see it all, and narrow it down. Consider how much time you’ll need to travel between activities and sights. For example, it would not be feasible to explore Santiago, hike Torres del Paine, and watch an Atacama sunrise from a hot air balloon in a one-week trip!

Before finalizing your itinerary, make sure the pace is right for you. Leave room for unforeseen events and unplanned activities.

3. Make Flight and Hotel Reservations

At this point, you will probably have already looked at flight prices for your destination. However, you shouldn’t book your flights until you know exactly where you are going. If you book a flight before finalizing your itinerary, you will probably end up spending more on transportation in the long run.

Do you want to stay in a bungalow on a beach in Manuel Antonio National Park? How about a hostel in downtown Medellín? Spanish-speaking countries offer a wide range of accommodations, from budget to luxury. Personal recommendations are always the best, so join a Facebook travel group or read a few blogs to find the perfect place to stay. Don’t forget to research how you are going to get around before you book.

4. Get Your Ducks in a Row

This part is not so fun, but it is super important! Here is a checklist of things you need to do leading up to your trip.

1. Do you need a visa to enter the country that you are visiting? Make sure to double check the requirements for your destination.
2. Visit the CDC website to find recommended vaccinations, medications, and a list of health risks for your destination.
3. Don’t travel without proper travel insurance! It is affordable and easy to get, so there is no reason not to!
4. Tell your bank that you are traveling so they don’t freeze your card. Also, travel with a backup debit card in case an ATM machine eats your card!
5. Several Spanish-speaking countries require an IDP (International Drivers’ Permit) to rent a car. This is also easy to get, but make sure to apply well in advance.

5. Practice your Spanish!

Last but not least, practice your Spanish! You are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, so there's no better time to practice.

Focus on practicing Spanish for everyday situations, such as going to the market or dining at a restaurant. Here is a list of useful links to help you!

At the Market

At the Restaurant

At the Hotel

At the Airport