what we actually use
travel resources
We live in Spain and have tested all of these ourselves. These are the tools and services we keep coming back to for flights, accommodation, getting around, and everything in between.
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Flights
Google Flights →
Always our first stop. The calendar view makes it easy to spot the cheapest days to fly.
Skyscanner →
The 'cheapest month' feature is brilliant if your dates are flexible. We've found flights for under €30 using this.
Kayak →
Good all-rounder for comparing flights, hotels, and car hire in one search.
Kiwi.com →
Best for multi-city routes. Flying into Barcelona and out of Málaga? Kiwi handles that better than anyone.
Aviasales →
Sometimes finds deals the bigger sites miss. Worth a quick check alongside Google Flights.
Iberia →
Spain's national airline. Best option if you're flying from the Americas with direct routes to Madrid.
Vueling →
Our go-to for short hops within Spain and Europe. Budget-friendly but a step above Ryanair.
Ryanair →
Flies to practically every airport in Spain for next to nothing. Just watch the baggage fees.
Accommodation
Booking.com →
What we use for 90% of our stays. Free cancellation has saved us more than once.
Airbnb →
Best for longer stays in cities where you want a full apartment with a kitchen.
Agoda →
Often has cheaper rates than Booking.com for the same hotels, especially if you pay upfront.
Hotels.com →
Stay 10 nights, get 1 free. Those nights add up fast on a multi-city trip.
Expedia →
Useful for bundling flights and hotel together. Package deals can undercut booking separately.
Hostelworld →
Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada all have great social hostels for solo travellers and budget trips.
Vrbo →
Good for villas and larger properties if you're travelling as a group or family.
Paradores →
Spain's state-run hotels in converted castles, monasteries, and palaces. Genuinely unforgettable.
Ruralidays →
Cortijos, fincas, and country houses you won't find anywhere else. Perfect for rural Spain.
Tripadvisor →
Best for comparing prices across all platforms in one search before you commit.
Getting Around
Renfe →
Spain's high-speed AVE trains. Madrid to Málaga in 2.5 hours. Book early for fares from €20.
ALSA →
Spain's biggest bus network. The only way to reach a lot of smaller towns. Reliable and cheap.
Discover Cars →
Where we compare rental car prices. A car is almost essential for the white villages and countryside.
Omio →
Compares trains, buses, and flights in one search. Handy for deciding the best way between cities.
Tours & Experiences
GetYourGuide →
Skip-the-line tickets at busy spots like the Alhambra and the Alcázar. Great guided tours too.
Go City →
City passes for Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. Saves money if you're hitting 3 or more attractions.
Alhambra Tickets →
Official booking site. Tickets sell out 2-3 months in advance. Book this before anything else.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads →
The most popular option among travellers we know. Buy it after you've left home and extend on the go.
SafetyWing →
Monthly subscription insurance. Perfect if you're spending a few months in Spain or working remotely.
Heymondo →
European-based, so they understand the Spanish healthcare system. Competitive prices and easy claims.
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