Make sure you inform the villa owner of the approximate time you expect to arrive, it is advisable to allow an hour from 'touch down' to getting through passport control and picking up the luggage and a car... and then estimate the time of travelling to the property. This exercise is to ensure that your holiday home is clean and ready for your arrival. There's nothing worse that turning up all excited and to be told that the place won't be ready for a few hours or more!
Before you book, check that all of your party's required passports will be valid for the booking dates. Renewing passports in a hurry in the summer can be a stressful event!
Many of the roads in Spain can be either so new that they are not yet named or known by locals or possibly not even visible on local maps. Make sure the owner sends you detailed directions to the property before you start your travels.
Most larger supermarkets in Spain's popular coastal resorts now stock many international brands. Strangely, brands of popular teas can sometimes be difficult to find, you may wish to tuck a few favourite bags in your case.
Speaking the lingo. The Spanish people are very happy to listen to 'Spanglish' (English with a scattering of badly pronounced Spanish). Have a look at our Spanish Mini Dictionary
The EHIC has replaced the old E111. From Jan 1st 2006 E111s are no longer valid. The quickest and easiest way to get an EHIC is by applying on line at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers (External Link).You can also apply by telephone or by picking up a form from your local Post Office.
The EHIC covers medical treatment that becomes necessary during a trip to Spain because of either an illness or an accident. The card gives you access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in Spain. Remember, this might not include all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK, and may mean that you have to make a financial contribution to the cost of your care. This is called a co-payment.
