Madrid is the capital city in Spain and is known for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and vibrant culture. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful part of the world, using Next Vacay can help you save on flights. Learn more about preparing for your next Madrid trip and what Next Vacay can offer in the process.
Booking Flights
Your first move in booking a vacation to Madrid is most likely going to be buying plane tickets. So check out Next Vacay for flights — you can use this subscription service to find the best possible deals on flights. When you sign up for your free 30-day trial, you’ll input your location and the name of the nearest airport. The robust system then begins scanning thousands of databases instantly to locate cheap flights to a wide range of destinations. All deals located within the system are verified by the Next Vacay team.
You’ll receive up to three emails a week with the flight options leaving from your home airport and the nearby airports. These emails will include direct links to book your flight with the airline. Next Vacay isn’t involved in the booking process, eliminating the middleman. Your reservation is made with the airline you select, so you can stay informed about any flight changes or updates.
International travel is readily available for a great price, including flights to Madrid. However, finding the best deals takes a lot of time and effort on your part. Instead of spending hours signing up for frequent flyer programs or flight alerts, allow the advanced system at Next Vacay to do all the work for you. All you have to do is scan the emails you receive to compare prices. Then, book your flight and get ready for a memorable and enjoyable vacation to Madrid.
How to Get Around
After you arrive in Madrid, you have several transportation options. Taxis outside any airport terminal offer a flat-rate fee of 30 Euros for transport anywhere in central Madrid. You can also take the metro to get around the city. Madrid has an excellent public transit system with modern trains and stops all over the city. You can purchase a 10-ride pass or a weekly or monthly option, depending on how long you plan to stay.
Some visitors choose to rent cars for use during their Madrid vacations. Be aware that parking in the city is often challenging. A rental car isn’t usually the most cost-effective solution, but it can be convenient if you plan to explore other areas of the country during your trip.
Madrid for Foodies
Dining is a major aspect of the Madrid scene, with unique and delicious fare available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’re dining out for lunch, look for places that offer “menu del dia,” which is a set lunch menu that includes drinks and dessert. You can often choose your first course, with options that may include rice, vegetables, or soup, as well as an entree of meat or fish with potatoes or salad. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, you can usually substitute coffee for your dessert. “Casera” indicates that the dessert is made in house.
Lunch is traditionally the largest, heartiest meal of the day for those living in Spain. If you dine out for dinner, you may see shared menu options, known as “raciones.” It’s similar to tapas in other areas of the country, allowing you to try one type of food and share it with others in your group. For a smaller portion, a half racion may be available (also known as a media racion).
If you want to sample the beverages Madrid has to offer, it’s helpful to know how to order. Beer is generally ordered by the “cana,” which is a small cup poured from a tap. Wine is ordered by the region, with both white and red options available. If you enjoy sampling local vino, try the Rueda, a light and fruity wine that comes from the Ribera del Duero region, located north of the city.
Score Free Museum Admission
Two of Madrid’s most popular museums, Prado and Reina Sofia, offer free admission on certain days of the week. By planning your visit to each around the free-admission schedule, you can save. The Reina Sofia Museum is free between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. every evening Monday through Saturday, except for Tuesday when the museum remains closed all day. You can also get in for free on Sundays between 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Prado Museum offers free admission Monday to Saturday between 6 to 8 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays from 3 to 5 p.m. Be aware that the lines to enter the museum may be longer during free admission times.
Tips for a Madrid Trip
Before you head to Spain, it’s helpful to know what to expect from the surroundings and culture. For example, if you’ve never been to the country, you may not realize that Spanish people operate on a traditional time schedule that involves a daily siesta. Businesses close for several hours, often between 2 to 5 p.m., to allow their staff to rest. If you’re in a tourist-centric area, the shops and restaurants may stay open. However, if you want to immerse yourself in the culture, take advantage of the time and enjoy a rest before heading out for more sightseeing.
While many people in Spain do speak English, particularly in hotels and tourist-heavy locations, it’s always helpful to learn as much Spanish as possible before you arrive. Finding English-speakers in smaller cities and shops is often a challenge.
With Next Vacay and these helpful tips, you can plan the perfect trip to Madrid that includes all the attractions you want to see. Best of all, the vacation can fit into the budget you’ve set, thanks to the amazing flight deals available through Next Vacay. Before you plan a vacation, make sure to sign up for our budget-friendly subscription service and take advantage of the amazing deals, with flights leaving from your home airport.
The post How Next Vacay Can Help You Prepare for Your Next Trip to Madrid appeared first on Overland Travel Adventures from Go, See, Write.
