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How to Book a Trip to Spain

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Spain

Visit Spain in the shoulder season when the weather is mild and the crowds are thin by spreading out the cost of your flight.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $640 before anything else
Across the 0% window $35.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $640 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Spain is at its best when the sun is out but you aren't sweating through your shirt. Late spring or early fall are the sweet spots. The tapas are cheap, the streets stay lively late into the night, and the pace of life is slow.

A typical flight from the U.S. costs about $640. Instead of waiting until you have the full amount saved, we can look at it differently. You can book the flight now and use a 0% intro period to pay it off in small chunks while you plan your route through Madrid or Seville.

This isn't a free ride. If you don't pay off the full balance by the time the 18 months are up, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your window

    Aim for May, June, or September. You get the warm Mediterranean breeze without the August humidity or the massive tourist swarms that drive up prices.

  2. 02

    Manage the cost

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you secure a $640 fare today and pay $35.56 a month to clear it before the interest starts.

  3. 03

    Track major hubs

    Watch fares into Madrid or Barcelona. These are the biggest airports where prices stay lowest. Spain has a great high-speed train system to get you everywhere else once you land.

  4. 04

    Find a pensión

    Look for family-run guesthouses called pensiones. They are usually cleaner and more central than budget hotels, and they cost much less than the big international chains.

  5. 05

    Eat the set lunch

    Lunch is the main event. Look for the 'menú del día' at local spots to get three courses and a drink for one flat, low price.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I need a visa for Spain?

U.S. citizens can visit for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. Just check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your trip date.

Is Spain expensive to visit?

It is generally more affordable than London or Paris. If you avoid the tourist traps right on the main squares, you can find great meals and drinks for very reasonable prices.

How should I get around the country?

The Renfe train system is fast and reliable. Booking your tickets a few weeks early on their website usually saves you a lot of money compared to buying them at the station.

Is 0% interest really 0%?

Yes, but only for the promotional window. After those 18 months, it becomes a regular credit card with a standard interest rate on any remaining balance.