Spanish Road Trip 2024 Index and Tips - Please note this page is under construction
When you live in Benidorm a question you often get asked is where do you go on holiday? Well, we enjoy discovering Spain and this year will be our 6th road trip. In the past we have always taken these trips during the summer months, but as we are getting older we have found the heat too much for sight seeing. This year our road trip started on 2nd October and we decided to discover the South of France and even spent one night in Italy and drove through Andorra.
The idea of these road trips is to discover the real country areas, therefore, we always set the Sat Nav to avoid ALL Motorways and Toll Roads, by doing this you never quite know what you are going to come across and we have found so many wonderful surprises on our previous journeys.
Road Trip 2019, Spain, France and Andorra.
Road Trip 2020, Spain and Portugal
Road Trip 2022 - Murcia, Riopar, Jaen, Antequera, Guadix, El Ejido, Puerto Lumbreras, Villafranca de los Caballeros, Cuenca, Nogueruelas.
Road Trip 2023 - San Pedro del Pinatar, Mojacar, Cala Mijas, Tarifa, Ronda and Granada
Spanish Road Trip 2024 - Index
Let the road trip begin.....
Check this out.October 3rd, Day 3. Follow us on our journey from Pals, Catalonia, on the Costa Brava, Spain to Perpignan, situated in the Occitanie region, Southern France. 173km travelled.
Check this out.Before heading towards Montpellier for our next overnight stop we decided to explore Perpignan. Perpignan’s location near the Spanish border means the cultural connection between the two regions is very strong, with many locals speaking and considering themselves both French and Catalan.
Check this out.One of the problems of a road trip this time of year in France is the weather, and we woke up to a wet and miserable morning and headed straight to Marseille.
Check this out.Day 6 - Marseille to Saint Tropez 162km. A visit to the medieval village of El Castellet and a wet, depressing and incredibly expensive Saint-Tropez.
Check this out.Our first stop of the day was Cannes - Located on the French Riviera, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Famous for its annual Film Festival, but it is also home to beautiful historical districts, luxury yachts, and vibrant cultural attractions, glamour and Mediterranean luxury....
Check this out.*Note any maps posted are just a guide, as we do a lot of extra sight seeing along the way*
This year we travelled a total of 3,218km and stayed in 14 different places, and visited many other towns and tourist attractions along the way.
Total cost of 14 nights' accommodation - 775.49€ (including tourist tax in some areas). Average coast per night = 55.39€
Additional car parking expenses - 17€, most places we stayed offered on street, or private FREE parking.
Total Diesel cost - in the region of 200€
Tips for a stress-free Road Trip
1. Make sure your car is fully serviced before you travel.
2. Make sure you and your car are correctly insured.
3. Update your sat nav or any other interactive maps you will be using.
4. Make sure you know the rules of the road, especially if driving in a different country.
5. Keep an eye on the fuel gage at all times and fill up, when necessary, you never know how far the next petrol station may be, even some that are pinpointed on the sat nav can be closed.
6. Make sure you have enough cash on you for your journey, not everywhere accepts credit cards, especially in the small towns and villages. But don’t keep all of it in one place and make sure it’s safe and hidden.
7. Be flexible. Have a rough route planned but be prepared to change direction if you cannot get last minute accommodation exactly where you want, or need to change direction due to the weather.
8. Drive during the daytime, obviously the whole idea of a road trip is to see as much of the countryside as possible.
9. Take regular breaks from driving.
10. To get the best out of your road trip, avoid motorways and toll roads. Most Sat navs can be programmed for this.
11. Avoid unpaved roads unless you have a 4 x 4 or are a very competent driver.
12. Keep a close watch for any localised weather reports, especially if going into remote places or up mountains.
13. Make sure your mobile phone is always fully charged, you never know when you may need it.
14. Take photos of informative signs when you enter a city/town. Keep these in handy in case you get lost and need to retrace your path.
Road Trip 2024
15. Have a first aid kit handy in the car and always have a few bottles of water.
16. Learn some basic Spanish, we are far from fluent but always manage to get by but once we leave Benidorm hear very little English spoken for the rest of the journey.
17. Understand Spanish mealtimes. This caught us out for the first couple of years, when you live in Benidorm you take it for granted that you can eat any time of the day or night, this is just not the case in other towns, villages or even the main cities.
18. If you have neck or back problems, take your own pillow with you to make sure you get a comfortable nights sleep.
19. When booking always check if the property has parking facilities, either on site or at least nearby, and check the fees as these can soon add up.
20. Pack one large suitcase with everything you need, bring a few smaller bags and transfer what you need for each new day into these, that way you are not dragging a large suitcase into each new nightly accommodation, but if you forget anything its always close at hand in your car anyway, also keep a bag for laundry, so you are not constantly picking through dirty clothes.
Most of all enjoy your Spanish Road Trip.
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Spanish Travellers Reports - Spanish hoteliers are warning tourists, including the British of the “chaos” that could be caused here in Spain with a new obligatory registration of travellers, whereby anyone in Spain who rents out accommodation or hires cars to tourists will have to fill in a traveller's report. (Spanish Included)
Updates 2nd October 2024 - The Interior Ministry now insist that this regulation will come into force on December 2nd,
These reports will require details not available on normal forms of identification ie a passport, and the new information will include things such as payment methods, bank details, email addresses, telephone numbers etc, and the transmission of this data through a platform designed by the Ministry of the Interior.
Spanish tour operators, state it will be “impossible” to comply with due to the requirements demanded, it could also cause loss of sensitive information for travellers.
The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) state that this new requirement is going to cause chaos as hoteliers just will not be able to cope with this additional workload at reception, CEHAT also points out that more than 70% of accommodation companies are small businesses and don't have adequate cybersecurity protection to protect their guests data and many of the smaller establishments do not even have a reception, yet there is also the threat of large fines and sanctions to all those who do not act under new parameters.
Spanish Travellers Reports
This was first announced on October 27th, 2021, when a Royal Decree was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) which established documentary registration and information obligations for natural or legal persons carrying out accommodation and motor vehicle rental rentals, this has been postponed twice, they were initially delayed until November 2nd, 2023 and then to October 1st, 2024, due to protests from companies, allowing the submission to be made through the traditional electronic system."
The website set up to input data was inefficient and it was impossible to comply with the requirements. "Tour operators pointed out that this platform had proven to be very inefficient"
CEHAT state "For hoteliers, it is impossible to collect and certify the authenticity of some of these data, which would cause organisational chaos at receptions to the detriment of users and flagrantly contravening the data minimisation rules of European directives and their protection."
CEHAT have requested a new meeting with the Secretary of State or the Minister of the Interior and assures that it is currently working at a legal level to prevent its application of this Royal Decree on October 1st, so far they have received no response. For this reason, they assure that they have set their legal services in motion to prevent its application.
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What are your thoughts on filling out more forms upon arrival, let us know in the comments section below.
Smile in the Sun 2024 - At NOVA Cocktail bar, we are thrilled to unveil our newest annual fundraiser, "Smile In The Sun." Where Every transaction made through our Pay it Forward initiative contributes €0.50 to this year's summer fundraiser, #SmileInTheSun2024.
Whether you're commemorating a birthday, engagement, hen or stag do, or simply thriving in being in Benidorm, there's a way for everyone to participate. Simply scan the code on your table with table number and share around to get the ball rolling, all transactions come with a custom note option from the sender for some extra and sometimes embarrassing fun.
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SMILE IN THE SUN 2024
Our 2024 fundraiser is dedicated to bringing joy to mentally affected youngsters across the UK by organising a getaway to Benidorm. Through donations, we cover transportation, accommodation, and expenses, providing these individuals with the opportunity to enjoy a revitalising break in the sun.
These trips are more than just vacations; they offer a chance for these youngsters to rediscover happiness, creating cherished memories and offering a much-needed escape from their everyday challenges, Join us in spreading smiles and making a positive impact through #SmileInTheSun2024.
Edward Elsden-Smith 20th April 1996 - 17th October 2022
Here you will find our special offers and discount codes available to Subscribers only.
Leading the way for Stag and Hen Parties in Benidorm are F***IT. Frank and his partner Jade are slowly turning Benidorm into Europe's Stag and Hen capital with increasing numbers year after year coming to Benidorm to enjoy everything this party town has to offer. Together they adopt a very hands on approach and unlike many other companies of this size, when you book with Fk it, you can be almost sure of meeting at least one of them, if not both, as they believe in the personal approach to make sure your stag and hen party is a massive success. Warning, you might end up inviting them to the wedding. So lets meet them,
If you are an active follower of Tik Tok, then you already know Frank. What you see is what you get. One of Tik Toks most followed channels for UK viewers, Frank will keep you up to date with what you need to know about the party scene. Or check out Franks TV Channel, Stag Man TV and his ongoing documentary "The Greatest Story Never Told".
Not only one of the main party organisers, but Jade likes to be part of the party. Currently Benidorm's number one Adult performer Jade will make sure that the Stag party rule, "what happens in Benidorm, stays in Benidorm" remains very firmly in place. Jade also hosts a very successful TIk Tok channel but it doesn't stop there, as she is also one of Europe's most successful performers on OnlyFans
F***it leads the way over the competition primarily with two bars in town. Millers Bar is located in the heart of Benidorm nightlife, while Millers Beach Bar, is the local sun trap on the edge of the beach. Day or Night, Millers will be your Benidorm local. Even in Winter, when it can get a little bit chilly on the beach, we still like to sit near the sea. Just ask for the Bar with the Dome.
In the Sunlight hours, the place to be seen is at Millers Beach Bar. In Benidorm, the sun still shines even on cold days and the Millers bar dome heats to summer temperatures so you can still enjoy a drink by the beach.
F***IT or go home
Located on Calle La Panto, between Sinatra's Bar and Bollywood India Takeaway, Miller's is always buzzing with Stags and Hens having a great night out. with adult themed shows and numerous planned activities. This is the perfect place for the party animal to start their night.
You might even find it is the only nightlife you see as there is no reason to move on, when you are already having a good time.
F***IT take the stress out of organising your event, from arranging your accommodation through their own travel agency to Dwarf Hire, Strippers, Sex shows, Silent Discos, you name it, F*** IT do it.
For more information and booking links etc, visit their website here