Planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country is always exciting. Spanish is spoken in more places than most people realize; beyond Spain and Latin America, there’s Equatorial Guinea, the Galapagos Islands, and even parts of the Philippines where Spanish influence still sticks around.
Before packing your bags and practicing your “hola,” there’s a whole world of Spanish cultures, foods, and dialects waiting for you. Here’s a practical guide from my experiences as a Spanish coach, with tips to help you make the most out of your next trip if you love the Spanish language.
Picking Your Perfect Spanish Speaking Destination
Choosing where to go gets easier when you know your travel style. Spanish is not just found in the classic destinations; there are options from Barcelona to Buenos Aires to Havana, along with Guatemala or coastal spots in Ecuador.
Budget is important, so you need to think about how much you want to spend each day. Here’s a quick breakdown using some real-life examples for travelers:
- Budget travel: Around $30–$40 per day can let you enjoy a local experience in places like Guatemala or Colombia.
- Midrange: For $40–$60 each day, places like Nicaragua, Bolivia, or Ecuador give you more comfort but still keep costs low.
- Higher-end: Spain, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, and the beachy parts of Mexico often run $60–$100+ daily for a bit more luxury.
Weather is one of those details that can really change your trip, so keep it in mind. Central America’s dry season, usually from November to April, is perfect for those who want to skip the rainy afternoons.
South American seasons can be confusing since everything flips below the equator. December means summertime in Argentina, but it’s the rainy season on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
In Spain, summer gets busy, but late spring offers comfortable temperatures without peak crowds. Always check for hurricane seasons if you’re planning on the Caribbean.
Planning What To Do and See
It’s super useful to start researching early by reading blogs, checking travel forums, and scrolling through Instagram for local recommendations. Look up must-see cities, nature spots, and local food markets. List out activities you want to try, such as taking a salsa class in Colombia or learning how to cook paella in Valencia.
Try not to cram your schedule. Scheduling every minute might sound productive, but some of the best travel memories come from wandering, getting a bit lost, and chatting with locals. Leave gaps for unexpected discoveries; you’ll have great stories and probably pick up natural Spanish too.
Don’t forget to look into local festivals, concerts, or annual events. These offer a unique chance to see Spanish language and culture up close—think La Tomatina in Spain, Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, and Carnival in Colombia or Ecuador.
Many towns have their own local feasts or gatherings that aren’t even in the guidebooks, so keep an eye on community announcement boards and talk with residents whenever you can. Meet up could be a good place to look for.
Booking Flights and Finding Your Home Base
Hostels, guesthouses, Airbnbs, and homestays are more than just places to crash; they’re excellent for practicing conversational Spanish and soaking up local customs. There are fun travel groups online where people swap recommendations and warnings—check out Nomad List, Reddit, or local Facebook groups for honest reviews and insider advice.
If you’re covering multiple regions, consider how you’ll get from one to another. Buses, trains, and budget flights are all possible, but for small towns, look into local colectivos or consider renting a car if you want to track down off-the-beaten-path language schools or pueblos.
Travel Logistics Before You Board
- Visa requirements: Make sure to double-check if you need a visa or just a passport stamp.
- Vaccines and health: It’s very important to check health needs, especially vaccines or region-specific issues.
- Travel insurance: Definitely worth it for peace of mind, since medical care can get expensive fast.
- Money: Most big cities take cards, in this sense a multicurrency card is very handy, like Wise, for example. However, cash is still the way to go in smaller towns.
- Driving tips: If you plan to rent a car, most countries in Latin America and Spain recognize international driver’s permits. Double-check requirements before you go.
It’s also smart to snap photos of your important documents and store them on your phone or in the cloud. You never know when this could save you a headache. Even print out reservation emails or keep a physical list of addresses and emergency numbers; Wi-Fi is not always dependable in rural areas.
Getting Your Spanish Ready for the Road
Speaking Spanish out in the world is different from a classroom, but that’s what makes it interesting. Even if you only know the basics, locals appreciate when you try. Here are a few helpful habits for travelers wanting to keep up and actually enjoy the conversation:
- Common travel talk: Get comfortable with phrases for ordering food, asking directions, or checking in. Flashcards, phone apps, or even voice notes to yourself work well. If you prefer apps, Mondly may be a good option for you.
- Colloquial speech: Spanish morphs quite a bit from place to place. The slang in Madrid isn’t the same as Mexico City’s or Buenos Aires’. Listening early helps. YouTube or podcasts can really give a boost to your ear for local lingo.
If you plan on taking language classes during your trip, plenty of places offer amazing, affordable lessons. My advice:
- Look for language schools in smaller towns or by the coast (like Oaxaca, Mexico, Bariloche, Argentina or Malaga, Spain) where life is affordable and there are fewer tourists. If you prefer to learn online, on a flexible schedule. Italki can be a good deal for you.
- Book 1–2 hours a day for structured practice. The rest of your learning will happen in markets, on buses, or just hanging out with hosts and fellow travelers.
Many travelers think local Spanish will be too fast or hard, but you often understand more than you expect. If you get most of the conversation, even with mistakes, you’re making real progress. Don’t let perfectionism slow you down; confidence is key.
Media, Immersion, and Local Life
Switch up your Netflix, podcasts, or playlists to Spanish. Watching series or movies from your destination sharpens your listening skills and gets you used to the accents. For Argentina, “División Palermo” or “Envidiosa” (on Netflix) are both fun and packed with authentic slang. Watch with Spanish subtitles to boost your listening instead of defaulting to English subs.
Jump into local life: museums, pop-up markets, indie bookstores and bars can get you past the tourist zone and deep into the Spanish-speaking world. Ask about walking tours or guided visits; in many cities, locals offer cheap or free group tours for the chance to show off their home and tell their stories.
Beyond the usual tourist spots, try joining a cooking class, exploring a botanical garden, or participating in a local volunteer project. These experiences not only help you practice your Spanish but also let you connect with locals and see daily life from the inside. Even small interactions—like buying fruit from a street cart or asking about public transport—add up fast and help your confidence grow.
If you want to learn more about what you can do to prepare your Spanish for your trip, I invite you to read this article where I tell you the Top 10 Tips For Beginners Starting Spanish.
Things to Watch Out For While Traveling
Traveling to a Spanish-speaking country doesn’t bring huge hurdles, but there are a few things that can make trips smoother:
- Safety: Use the same common sense you’d use anywhere. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially on buses or in crowded markets. Ask locals which areas to avoid at night.
- Communication: If you’re having a tough time with the accent or slang, politely say “¿Puedes hablar más despacio?” (Can you speak more slowly?) Most people are happy to help and explain.
- Cultural expectations: In Spain, for example, the siesta is a serious thing—shops and restaurants can close in the afternoon, surprising many travelers.
- Transport: Buses and trains are sometimes late, especially in rural areas. Build in extra time when moving between destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling and Learning Spanish
My clients often ask me about the easiest ways to jump into Spanish and see the world at the same time. Here are some quick answers based on my experience:
What’s the best first step for learning Spanish before a trip?
Start with the basics and speak them aloud. Focus on phrases for restaurants, transportation, and hotels. Apps like Duolingo or Mondly help, but chatting with native speakers online (like Tandem or HelloTalk) makes a big difference.
What’s the cheapest Spanish-speaking country for travelers?
Countries like Guatemala, Bolivia, and Nicaragua generally have lower daily costs. They’re also known for friendly locals and affordable Spanish classes.
Will people understand my Spanish if I learned Castilian (from Spain) but travel to Latin America?
Yes! Accent, vocabulary, and grammar can differ, but you’ll communicate just fine. Locals appreciate your effort and are used to visitors from Spain as much as visitors from Latin America in Spain.
How can I avoid locals switching to English when I’m trying to practice Spanish?
Be direct and let folks know you’re working on your Spanish. Most will be happy to stick with Spanish and help you learn.
Getting the Most Out of Your Spanish Adventure
Traveling to a Spanish-speaking country can mix culture, language, and adventure in one unforgettable trip. With a bit of planning—from choosing your destination and figuring out travel details to getting involved in conversations and local life—you’ll take your experiences up a notch.
Every place offers a different accent, taste, and way of life. Trust that jumping in, making mistakes, and keeping a curious mind will open new worlds, both in Spanish and in your own development as a traveler.
Whether you’re heading to Spain, Latin America, or beyond, your Spanish skills (and your sense of adventure) will grow with every step you take.
Guess what? When you click and buy through our links, you’re not just boosting your Spanish skills—you’re supporting us at no extra cost. It helps us keep delivering top-notch tips and resources to you. It’s a win-win for both of us!
