TRAVEL TIPS SPAIN

SAFETY FIRST

All emergencies dial : 112                

Police: 091

Fire Service: 080

Ambulance: 061                       

International dialing code: +34

British Consulate

Torre Espacio

Paseo de la Castellana, 259D

28046 Madrid

Tel (+34) 917 146 400

Look at my safety tips when travelling abroad page, for in-depth advice.

Spain is a stable and highly developed country with a modern economy. Crime rates in Spain are generally low, apart from Madrid and Barcelona where there have been high incidents of muggings and violent attacks against tourists especially around museums and monuments.   

SPANISH CLIMATE

There is a considerable difference between north and south Spain. Mediterranean Spain has high levels of sunshine, from 12 hours per day in the summer to 6 hours per day in the winter. Winters are very mild here.

Central Spain's summers are generally hot and rainfall is mainly low, however winter snow can be heavy on the Sierras.  North and Northwest Spain are the wettest and cloudiest parts of Spain especially in autumn and winter.  Sunshine levels are 8 hours per day in summer to 3 hours per day in the winter. 

TIPPING

Tips are usually included in the service charge, but if you have had excellent service 5 percent is more than reasonable.  Spanish people rarely tip if with friends.  Business lunches  €1 - 5 tip if service is good. Never tip for beverages.

COST OF LIVING IN SPAIN

The cost of living in Spain is varies greatly.  Comparisons can be made with larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona as they are expensive, especially the housing market, however, rural areas are much cheaper.  Grocery prices in Spain are very reasonable, here's an example.

1 ltr of fresh milk - €0.80

Medium chicken - €4.50

1 kg Pork chops - €5.50

1 kg Potatoes - €0.70

1 kg Tomatoes - €0.80

12 Eggs - €1.50

Butter - €1.10

1 ltr mineral water - €0.45

Good bottle of wine - €3

Deodorant - €2

200 ml Shampoo - €3

English Newspaper - €1

SAFETY TIPS WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD

Millions of people travel abroad every year without any problems whatsoever, if we are well prepared for every eventuality our travelling experiences become wonderful memories.  Before you go, here are a few very wise tips to make note of.

• Don't reveal your travel plans on social networking sites, most of us have added friends we don't know.
• Scan all your important documents eg. Passport, Birth Certificate, Flight Details, Itinerary and Emergency credit card phone numbers and e-mail to yourself and a trusted family member.
• Find out the emergency telephone numbers of the country you are visiting.  We are compling a list on this blog.
• Do you have overseas medical insurance? Check your policy.
• Travelling in the EU? Get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced emergency care.
• All first time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to prove their identity, it can take up to 6 weeks to process.
• Remember you are subject to the laws and customs of the country you are visiting, so do some research.
• Some countries require a visa when entering as well as a passport, for example India. When in doubt, check it out.
• You may need a course of anti-malaria tablets or vaccination against certain illnesses in specific countries, these may need to be taken well in advance of leaving, so make this a high priority.
• Be aware of restrictions on items that may be taken overseas.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may need a doctor's letter as proof, including the generic names of the precribed medication.

Now that you have taken all of these tips into consideration, the next list of tips are how to stay safe whilst you are at your chosen destination. 

• Do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewellery.
• Tourists are common targets for pick-pockets, so don't flash your cash or credit cards.
• Do not leave unattended baggage in public places.
• Only carry small amounts of cash with you, most countries have ATM machines. 
• Only use ATM machines in the daytime where there is a large volume of pedestrian traffic.
• Do not accept packages from strangers.
• Try not to be out alone at night (this can happen, especially after an argument), stay in well lit areas and walk close to groups of people (use your common sense) until you get back to your accommodation.
• Avoid binge drinking, this applies to both men and women.
• Drink only bottled water and only eat in cafes and restaurants that are busy, they are busy for good reason. Always use your eyes and nose, if the food doesn't look or smell good it is not worth the risk.
• Avoid high risk activities. If you do decide to participate please ensure you have adequate insurance to cover this and experienced support.
• Drug use abroad can result in severe consequences.
• Drink spiking is on the increase, there are lots of gadgets out there that you can use to protect your drinks.  Don't accept drinks of any kind from strangers.

Travel Tips Ireland

SAFETY FIRST

Telephone 999 or 112 for Police (Gardai), Ambulance Service, Fire Service or Coast Guard.

Travelling in Ireland is relatively safe, millions of tourists visit each year without coming to any harm at all.  It is a case of using common sense and quick wit.

Opportunist thieves pose the greatest threat by using crowded places to pick pockets or snatch bags.  It is important not to carry large amounts of money in your bag, along with credit cards and important documentation.  Don't leave valuables on display in your car.  If you are confronted with a robbery, the best thing to do is simply comply with their demands as fighting back may well result in violent crime.

Travel Tips France

SAFETY FIRST

Dial 15 for ambulance, 17 for Police and 18 for Fire Service

International Dialing Code is +33

British Embassy

35 rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré

75008 Paris

Telephone 01 4266 9142

Consulate

9 ave Hoche

75008 Paris

Telephone 01 4266 3810

• The following areas are off limits for lone travellers travelling late at night around metro Chatelet, Gare du Nord, Les Halles and Stalingrad.  
• Cars are targets, do not leave valuables on display in your car.
• The legal age to drive in France is 18.  You must have a full driver's license and fully comprehensive insurance certificate with you.  Also, you must carry a high visibility jacket with you and hazard triangle at ALL times otherwise you WILL be fined.

Travel Tips UK

SAFETY FIRST

In the event of an emergency, dial 999 for Police, Ambulance, Fire Service and Coast Guard.    

Although the UK has a low crime rate, it is best to take the following advice when visiting Britain.

• Stay in well lit areas when out at night.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash around. Credit Cards are widely accepted.
• Only use cash machines when there are other people around or traffic and cover the type pad when entering your pin.  Do not attempt to draw out money if there is a group standing nearby acting suspiciously. 
• Make sure your travel insurance covers loss and theft.
• Don't exhibit expensive jewellery or items (mobile phone, laptop, camera).
• Avoid being alone at bus stops or train platforms in the evening.  
• If hiring a car, don't leave valuables on display.