Escapade Vacations Travel Guide to SPAIN & PORTUGAL

PASSPORTS & VISAS
Each passenger must be in possession of a passport, valid for more than six months AFTER the return date of travel. No visa is required for U.S. passport holders for a stay of up to three months. Non-U.S. citizens must contact the Spanish or Portuguese Consulate for entry requirements.

CUSTOMS
Visitors may bring into Spain or Portugal one bottle of liquor, one bottle of wine, 50 ml of perfume and 200 cigarettes.

BAGGAGE
Transatlantic flights allow 2 checked bags per person (neither to exceed 62 inches) or 50 pounds, with the total dimension of both bags not to exceed 106 inches, plus 1 carry-on bag not to exceed 22 inches & 17 pounds.  However, please be aware that on flights between European countries baggage is weighed and limited to 44 pounds per person in Economy and 66 pounds per person in First Class.

Note:  Due to space limitations in the motor coach, private cars and minibuses we ask that you kindly limit your luggage to 1 piece per person plus a carry-on.

CLIMATE
Spain's weather varies considerably from region to region and from season to season. In general, you can rely on pleasant or hot temperatures just about everywhere from April to early November. In July and August, temperatures can become extremely hot anywhere inland. Rain in most areas is heaviest between October and April. In the mountains, snow-falls start as early as October.

Portugal: Portugal has a mild climate without extremes of temperature. Winters are never too cold and summers are always moderately hot.

WHAT TO PACK
The following are suggestions for both men and women:

• Valid passport
  
• Traveler's Checks
  
• Copy of the first page of your passport
  
• Copy of your airline ticket
  
• Departure documents (voucher, airline tickets)
  
• Medicine
  
• Camera, batteries and ample supply of film
  
• Travel alarm clock
  
• Pocket-size Kleenex
  
• Moist towelettes
  
• Sewing kit, safety pins
  
• Sun screen, tanning lotion
  
• First Aid kit
  
• Extra luggage locks
  
• Money belt
  
• Extra set of luggage keys
  
• Extra set of eyeglasses
  
• Soft, foldable slippers for plane
  
• Prescriptions for medicine and eyeglasses
  
• Folding umbrella

CURRENCY
Spain's currency is the Euro (€). There are notes in denominations of €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5. There are also Euro coins in denominations of €2, €1, 50 cent, 20 cent, 10 cent, 5 cent, 2 cent and 1 cent. There are 100 cents to €1. These notes and coins can be used anywhere within the Euro area, regardless of country of issue. Currencies of the world can be changed without problems in any bank or exchange office except if you are coming from Morocco. Banks tend to offer the best exchange rates but it is always best to check commission rates as every bank seems to have a different commission structure. Traveler's checks usually bring a slightly better rate than cash and, in many places, the more money you change, the better the exchange rate you will get. A nominal fee may apply when exchanging currency at the airport or hotels.

Portugal: The unit of currency in Portugal is the Euro (€).Traveler's checks are readily accepted, as are major credit cards. Credit cards can be used for many transactions (including meals and hotels) but it is wise to check with your card's issuer on how widely usable your card will be in Spain (especially if you plan to use ATM machines as, in some cases, the number pads are alphabetic and not numeric). Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club are among the most widely acceptable cards.

TIME
Mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (in summer, 2 hours ahead of GMT), or 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time USA. The Canary Islands are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time year round, or 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time USA.

Portugal is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time except for Madeira and the Azores, which are one and two hours, respectively, behind Portugal.

BANKING HOURS
Spain: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Portugal: Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Closed on public holidays.

HEALTH
No specific vaccinations / inoculations are required for entry to Spain or Portugal. We recommend, however, that you please check with your personal physician to determine your special needs, if any.

DRINKING WATER
Hotel and restaurant tap water is safe to drink virtually everywhere in Spain and Portugal. Water from public spouts and fountains is not considered reliable. Safe bottled water is available everywhere and is recommended for persons with a sensitive system. In hot weather, we strongly recommend drinking plenty of water, necessary for rehydration. Don't rely on feeling thirsty to indicate when you should drink.

VOLTAGE
Electric current in Spain and Portugal is 220 volts but there are a few places that are still on 125 volts (however, sockets are usually labeled where this is the case). Wall plugs are the round two-prong European type.

Most American appliances will need transformers and plugs (converters) which you should consider packing, as hotels may have limited availability (if at all). Do not attempt to use appliances without converters.

TIPPING
The world of tourism relies heavily on personal services; tipping is a universal practice. The very term is an acronym which stands for the words to improve performance. It is customary to show your appreciation to hotel personnel and to the guide and driver of the car/coach.

We suggest the following tipping scale (per person, per day):

Hotel Personnel $1.50
Driver* $2.00-$3.00
Tour Guide* $4.00-$5.00
*Given at the end of the tour

While service charges are normally included in hotel and restaurant bills (in Spain, it is actually required by law in restaurants) tipping is a matter of personal choice. Most people leave some small change if they're satisfied. (5%-10% of the bill, for example, is usually plenty). It's also common to leave small change at bars and cafe tables.

SHOPPING
Spain and Portugal are renowned for their colorful pottery and handicrafts (Lladro and tiles), leather goods, rugs, blankets, lacework and embroidery, fashionable clothing, basketwork, and exquisite jewelry, especially filigree jewelry. Should you make large purchases, keep all your receipts and inquire at the store about the VAT (Value Added Tax) refund for tourists to see if your purchase qualifies. These forms need to be filled out and taken care of on the spot. We also remind you that there is a limit on the US tax exemptions on goods acquired abroad.

STORE HOURS
Department stores are open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM. Most shops keep traditional hours - 9 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM.

Portugal: Shopping Centers are open from 10 AM to 11 PM or Midnight 7 days a week. Shops are open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM. On Saturdays, most shops close at 1 PM.

TELEPHONES
Note that most hotels impose a fee for placing a telephone call from your room - even if it is a collect or credit card call; the rates for these are usually higher. We suggest that you pre-arrange for your family to call you at an appointed hour (i.e., late night) for a savings, or use your calling cards. Call your long-distance phone service before you depart to obtain applicable access codes. .

FOOD & DRINK
Spanish cooking is a melting pot of culinary influences -Mediterranean, in its liberal use of olive oil, garlic, onions and tomatoes - Arabic, in its use of saffron and cumin, fruits and almonds - French and Italian, in their sauces and pastas as well as Spain's own regional palate of foods including the famous "paella." Do keep in mind that the evening meal is generally eaten very late by American standards - usually not before 10 PM or 11 PM. Spanish wine, strong because of the sunny climate, accompanies almost every meal. Don't forget to sample Sangria, the delicious wine and fruit punch that is synonymous with Spanish cuisine, as well as the local sherry.

Portuguese cuisine - particularly the delicious fish soups and stews - is highlighted by the abundant local fish and seafood indigenous to this region. And, before you leave Portugal, you must have a taste of the hearty Madeira or Port wine, a local product of this beautiful country.

HOLIDAYS
As in the United States, many days are observed for national feasts, or local festivities, during which some monuments, museums, etc., may be closed. Check with the National Tourist Office of each country for information and guidance.

SECURITY
It is important to be cautious when traveling, as you are carrying important items such as passports, credit cards, cash, airline tickets, traveler's checks, vouchers, etc., the loss of which might interrupt your vacation. Do not leave any of these items unattended or in your hotel room. Always keep a record or copy of these items and carry it separately from the actual items. Ladies should exercise common sense and caution while carrying purses, and men should carry their wallets in an inside pocket (or, perhaps, invest in a money belt - an increasingly popular item purchased by travelers before leaving the U.S.). Never leave valuables unattended in a car.

ENTERTAINMENT
Spain and Portugal offer a wide variety of entertainment possibilities. The national folklore shows (Flamenco in Spain and Fado in Portugal) are not to be missed. Discos, taverns, casinos, nightclubs and hundreds of restaurants abound for your enjoyment. Check with the hotel concierge or our local ground operator for a list of events and/or recommendations.

ASSISTANCE
Our local ground operator representative is available to assist you during your stay. Please refer to the information provided with your travel documents for their address and telephone numbers. They are your first point of contact (unless you need urgent care) in the event you have a problem or simply wish additional information, reconfirmations, or to purchase local tours/excursions.