While Spain enjoys service from all major European and many North American and Asian airlines, travel volumes are lower than to other European gateways, hence nonstop trans-oceanic airfares to Spain tend to be higher. But the good news is that many airlines offer low fares to Spain via a high volume gateway, such as London, Paris or Frankfurt with a connection to Madrid or Barcelona. Connections can take a bit longer, but can save money.
Trains are easy, but with a little more effort, the bus gets you there about as fast and for less money. Simply locate the bus station on a Madrid or Barcelona map, and add it as a "must-see" while sightseeing. Bus companies will have an information center where you can determine schedules and fares enabling you to quickly plan a visit to Granada or Toledo. Within cities, forget the taxi, and grab a metro map for easy and cheap transportation. City bus routes can be frightening, but cost a fraction of a taxi fare. Just ask a driver or stop by a tourist office to plan your route.
Spain has several low-cost accommodation options. Unique to Spain, "hostals" are similar to hotels but offer breakfast and basic services. Pensiones are family-run businesses that also offer meals, and while some are in the luxury category, many have rooms at reasonable prices. Traditional hostels also exist in major centers which offer cheap dorm accommodation; some have single or double rooms as well. Baths are shared. For all of these alternatives, booking early is important as availability can be a problem particularly during peak periods. If you arrive with no reservations, look early in the day. Often, hostels will have some rooms available at the last-minute.
Spaniards eat dinner late in the evening, and it can be expensive. But if you "do as the locals do" and eat your main meal at lunch, you can get a bargain. Spanish restaurants offer lunch specials, often two or three courses for a fixed price. Bars feature tapas, a small serving of meat, cheese or almost anything edible, which along with a drink makes a good meal. Another cheap option is to buy a bottle of Spanish wine along with sandwiches and enjoy an outdoor picnic.
All major cities and many smaller centers staff tourist offices. They can help plan your trip to get the most value. Many museums offer free days or hours. Madrid's famous Prado Museum, for instance, is free Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. Most cities offer a special card that entitles the holder to discounted tours, free museum admissions and discounts at restaurants. Cards can be purchased at various outlets or online.
