Spain 101
Flying Into Spain
What to expect when you book your flights.
First things first: Make sure you have all of your travel documents! All you need is a valid passport, no visas necessary. It's recommended that your passport is valid for 6 months after your trip, but in a pinch Spain only requires your passport to be valid for 3 months after your trip. Getting a new passport and renewing your passport can take up to 6 weeks, so make sure to check the expiration date and leave yourself plenty of time to get your documents in order so you don't have to expedite! Moving on to your actual flight, the average direct flight from NYC to Madrid is 7 hours. We highly recommend taking a red eye so you land in the morning and have plenty of time to travel over to Toledo. Connecting flights can take anywhere from 10 to 15 hours depending on where you connect and how long your layover is. Keep in mind that you will need to go through customs at your first international destination. If you connect through another EU country, you won't have to go through customs in Madrid.
Why Toledo
What makes Toledo interesting
You all know us, we're always drawn to places and experiences that center around trying new things, good food, and opportunities to "get cultured." Simply put, Toledo hits all those marks. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of it's historical significance as a former capital of several Spanish/Gothic kingdoms and a place with heavy influence from Christian, Jewish, and Moorish cultures. I won't bore you with the full history, but definitely check out our Things To Do page to see our picks for Toledo activities.
Climate & Weather
Tips to help you pack
Toledo is pretty mild in terms of temperature and is fairly dry. In November, you can expect it to be in the mid-high 60's during the day and nights can drop down to the 40's. You'll definitely want to bring layers and a light jacket. Remember, the cold there is still mild, so lower temps there will feel a little higher, especially in the sun. And even though there's always the chance, November is not part of Toledo's rainy season, so fingers crossed we have a few days of clear skies.
Foodie Paradise
What you'll find on your plate and in your glass.
Toledo is known for Castilian food which is slow-cooked, rich, hearty, and homey. Popular dishes Toledo is known for include Manchego cheese, marzipan, carcamusas (slow-braised pork stew), and river trout from the nearby Tagus River. For our vegetarian friends out there, you should have no problem finding food options around the city, but be warned that ham is commonly used to flavor dishes, so you might want to confirm before you order.
Money, Money, Money
Exchange, or not to exchange. That is the question.
For obvious reasons, the USD is not an accepted form of currency in Toledo. As part of the EU, Spain uses the Euro. To pay your way through Spain, you have a few options: Money Exchange in the US: You can exchange USD for Euros before you leave at various locations. You'll want to do some research on where you can exchange your money at the best exchange rate and minimal additional fees. Some places to look into are your bank, credit unions, and AAA charges no additional fees for members. Definitely avoid exchanging money in the airport, they'll hit you with so many additional fees! Money Exchange in the EU: You'll want to find an ATM to withdraw Euros from. This is the easiest, and the cheapest way to get Euros pulled directly from your Debit card. Credit Cards: We're in the 21st Century, so most credit cards have built in exchange rates and are able to be used abroad. Tap to pay is also available. Make sure to check your card's international policy to confirm that they don't charge foreign exchange fees. You want to make sure anything you charge will just adjust to the USD to Euro exchange rate. Credit Cards we know of with these features include Chase Sapphire,