Christmas Travel To Spain: Are You Insane?
It's certainly safe to travel to Spain. And Spain offers a wide variety of things to see and do for any vacationer's tastes. But traveling anywhere around Christmas is not a good idea. Do this only when you have no other choice left to you. Christmas travel to Spain is just as bad as Christmas travel to anywhere else in the world - miserable. This is because Christmastime is busiest time of the year for most hotels and airports.
January 5th
One slight advantage of Christmas travel to Spain is that Spain traditionally celebrates Christmas on January 5th instead of December 25 to the New Year's, as in many other parts of the world. If you are willing to delay wither your holiday celebrations or celebrate before traveling, than you may get a small break on lines at your home airport. Any Spanish airport will be very crowded.
January 5th is called Three Kings Night. The celebration starts at night with an elaborate parade that reenacts the story of the three wise men following the Star of Bethlehem to find the baby Jesus. There is a lot of candy, feasting and floats added to the story. The next day is a public holiday. Some English and Americans who did dare Christmas travel to Spain report that Christmas is refreshingly less commercial than in England or America.
Weather
Another advantage of daring Christmas travel to Spain is that the weather is a lot warmer than in Canada, England or the northern American states. Depending on where you travel, you could encounter deserts, sultry beaches or warm and wet conditions reminiscent of Florida in December. But, just like anywhere else in the world, you can't entirely rely on what the weather will do. Pack accordingly.
Security
Weather, regulations and political situations can change, so you should always check with the Spanish consulate of your country before actually going on your Christmas travel to Spain, no matter how early you booked it. Spain's government is quite stable (knock on wood). Spain's current currency is the Euro. It is usually recommended that you exchange your money in your home country.
Other than that, prepare for the crowds, delays in airports and the inevitable waiting in long lines. At times you will feel that you are standing at the Department of Motor Vehicles rather than an airport to take you to Spain. Be patient and use the time to meditate.
