U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa for business or pleasure visits of 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for three months past date of departure from Spain. The U.S. State Department offers a voluntary registration for travel abroad. Consider registering your trip. The State Department will contact you in the event of crisis and assist you in returning home. Spain strictly enforces the length of visits, do not overstay 90 days without permission or you will face a jail stay, then deportation.
Travel Registration with U. S. State Department
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_4789.html
Spain is a member of the European Union (EU). Spanish pesetas are out of date currency. You will be dealing in euros. Notes come in five, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 denominations. Coins are one, two, five, 10 and 50 cents, one and two euros. Make a conversion chart on an index card indicating common amounts you expect to need. Start with one dollar and use increments such as three, five, seven, 10, 15 and 25 dollars. The palm-sized card is discreet and easy to use, making it favored over an electronic currency converter. Notify credit card companies of your plans to make charges in Spain. Research which cards give you the best rates for international use. Consider purchasing travel insurance. In the event you become ill or need to return home for a family emergency, they will pay your expenses.
If you studied Spanish in high school, brush up on helpful phrases and terms before your trip. You will delight Spaniards if you attempt to communicate with them in their native tongue. Spanish is easy to pronounce. Make a list of helpful phrases. Have a Spanish speaking friend assist you with pronunciation and wording. Record your phrases on an index card for reference.
Spain is about twice the size of Oregon, making it possible to travel to various parts of the country during your visit. Traveling by rail is popular. Plan to travel like the locals. While hopping from one city to another, you will be able to see the countryside. Americans can get disoriented in train stations because they seldom use them at home, visit the station a day ahead (or arrive early) to locate the ticket line or information booth. Before queuing, look for "Su Turno" machines. You may need to obtain a number to be served. Large stations have English speaking personnel at the information booth. Determine if a rail pass will be more cost effective than individual ticket purchases.
