Consider the weather. While Spain never gets frigidly cold, the winter weather still differs drastically in different areas of the country. The further southeast you travel, the warmer the weather. So if you want to visit warm beaches then head to cities like Alicante, Malaga, San Miguel de Salinas and Costa Blanca South. Whereas, cities such as Barcelona, Ibiza, Madrid and Valencia will be a little chillier at this time of year. These are popular destinations for travelers, although you should bring a coat.
Book your airline tickets. Airfare will most likely be much less expensive than during the summer months. You can further economize your airfare bill by using a price comparison service like Kayak.com to compare fares, or a discount web service like Priceline to find the best deal on your tickets.
Reserve your hotel room in advance. Whether staying at a four star hotel in downtown Madrid or roughing it at a Malacca hostel, making advanced reservations for your accommodations will usually get you the most for your money, as well as allow you to relax while traveling to your destination knowing that you have somewhere to stay when you arrive.
Create an itinerary, even if you do not exactly follow it. Having a rough schedule for your trip will make things go more smoothly. Things get busy fast on vacation and you might forget to visit some great place you wanted to see unless you write them down before you go. Note special events, landmarks and museums you want to visit, as well as restaurants where you want to eat.
Buy a guide book for Spain. This will prove an invaluable resource. Most guide books provide descriptions, phone numbers and addresses of accommodations, as well as reviews of restaurants to meet every taste, their prices and locations. But they don't stop there. You will find attractions to visit, side trips to take, events happening in the city and much more in most travel guide books. It's also fun to flip through the guide book during the long flight to Spain.
Pack your suitcase. If possible, make a list the week before your trip and add to it whenever you think of something you will need while your away. Using this as a checklist when you pack your bags will help ensure you don't forget anything important.
Include clothing for both hot and cold weather, as well as a lightweight jacket, scarf and hat for all the weather in between. Be sure to pack some clothes for going out on the town too. Rolling your clothes in a cylinder-like shape will prevent wrinkling and take up less room in your suitcase. Pack an umbrella, comfortable shoes and a purse, backpack or bag to take on excursions.
Don't forget toiletries like shampoo, soap and toothpaste. Make sure to include items you need and use every day like eyeglasses, contact lenses or medication. Also remember to take makeup and an over-the-counter pain reliever in case you get a headache from all that traveling. Electrical appliances like a hairdryer are also necessities, but make sure if you pack one of these you also bring along a voltage converter and adapter because the plugs in Europe are different than the ones in the U.S. Also, don't forget your electronic gizmos like your cell phone or its charger and your music player; although not necessities, they will make your trip more enjoyable.
