Spain is the second largest country in Europe and is known for its bullfighting, arts, music and delicious food. Millions of people each year choose Spain for their holiday destination, as the country is rich with history and will offer an exciting cultural experience. However, travelling to Spain can get expensive; therefore, in order to enjoy the country, below are six ways that you can save when travelling to Spain. Before looking at these tips, make sure your car is properly covered with auto insurance. If not, you could be in trouble when traveling around Spain. Now, take a look at the following six ways to save money while traveling in Spain:

1. Book in the Off-Season

Summer is the peak season in Spain; therefore, you can save a significant amount of money, especially on airfare, when you book in the winter. Spain has a nice climate, so the weather is still pleasant in the winter months. The off-season is normally from October to May, with the cheapest travel months being October to November and January to April.

Prices are also more inexpensive for lodging during the off-season. You should research your options online to see what accommodations meet your needs. However, even if you visit during the off-peak months, it is still wise to make reservations in advance.

When booking your trip to Spain, make sure you are covered by the proper amount of travel car insurance. A trip can be completely ruined if you are not under the right travel car insurance!

2. Visit Free Attractions

There are many museums and other attractions in Spain that are free to visit. Here are some of the most popular free attractions in Spain:

• Mosque of Cordoba- free from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
• Mass at one of the beautiful cathedrals
• Museo de Reina Sofia in Madrid- This famous art gallery offers free admission on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7-9 p.m, Saturday afternoons after 2:30, and Sundays until 2:30
• Museo del Prado in Madrid- This popular art gallery is free from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m and until 8 pm on Sundays
• The Liria Palace- This is residence of the Duchess of Alba, and it is also home to a fascinating collection of Spanish Art.
• Spain’s amazing beaches- Spain beaches are some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, so you can spend an afternoon on the beach without spending any money

You can look in the newspapers or call in advance to see what attractions offer free admission.

3. Save Money on Food

You can easily find a grocery store, and buy some food for a picnic. The weather and atmosphere in Spain is very inviting, so you can find a local park or recreation area to relax while eating lunch.

Lunch in Spain is much more inexpensive than dinner, so you need to splurge at lunch and eat a light dinner. There is a law in Spain that says restaurants are required to provide a menu of the day at a discounted price; therefore, you should take advantage of that.

One of the most popular foods in Spain is Tapas, which could be great for a cheap, midday snack. Make sure you do not tip too much as most restaurants already include a little extra for a tip.

4. Save on Lodging

You can find a cheap hostel in Spain that offers excellent accommodations. You need to make sure you book in advance and look at the age requirements and time that you can stay. Some of the best hostels in Spain include:

• Indigo Hostel
• Barcelona Mar Hostel
• Cat’s Hostel

These hostels are arranged much like a dorm room, and are the most inexpensive form of lodging that you can find.

Another way that you can save on lodging is to couchsurf with the locals. There are some very friendly people in Spain, so you can find a nice family that will allow you to stay in there home. Many people put notices in the newspaper or online, so look around and see what you can find.

5. Take the Bus

The bus is the cheapest form of transportation in Spain. The train is faster, but it is more expensive. Therefore, you need to allow plenty of time to get to your destination, and use the bus. The bus is also very comfortable; however; leg room might be limited on the bus. Research online and find a phone number that you can call to find out information about the busses in Spain.

6. Purchase City Passes

If you are a tourist who loves to go sightseeing, a city pass can help you save money. With city passes, you can receive discounts on many of the major attractions. Transportation is also included with a city pass. Some of the most popular cities in Spain in which you can purchase a city pass include:

• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Seville

Travelling to Spain does not have to cost you a fortune. You can have a great time in any Spanish city without having to worry about your finances. You just need to budget wisely and plan in advance. You can then concentrate on having the time of your life in one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

TravelReflex’s Writer: this article was written by carsense

Thanks to -Merce- for the photo from Flickr!