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Q: What is included in the program price?
A: Program prices include the classes, tastings, meals, wines, and excursions detailed in each program description. Please check the description of the program you’re interested in for details as ground transportation and accommodation vary depending upon the program you choose.
Airfare is not included in any of our programs or tours; you must book and pay for your air travel.
Q: With all the great food we’ll be eating, won’t I gain weight on the trip?
A: Fortunately, the Spanish diet is essentially a Mediterranean one, featuring lots of fish, olive oil, and fresh fruits and vegetables; meats tend to be served in moderate portions or to season a dish. It’s hard to resist the country’s great cheeses and cured meats, but if it’s any comfort, Spain’s prized Ibérico ham has been found to contain high levels of Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Desserts here are rarely heavy. By the way, some travelers are surprised to learn that Spanish food is rarely spicy – it’s quite different from Mexican and Latin American cuisine. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that while your taste buds will be indulged, the overall diet on our trips is reasonably healthy.
Q: Will I enjoy the trip even if I’m not an aspiring chef?
A: We definitely think so. The cooking classes are designed to be as active as each individual would like them to be, fun for cooks at all levels. But we can customize a tour for you, substituting a great meal for a cooking class, for example, if that’s what you’d prefer.
Not every program includes cooking classes, though good eating is a cornerstone of every Spanish Journeys experience. We think there’s a lot to be learned from tastings, visits to markets or with artisans, and other things that go on outside the kitchen.
Q: Are there any additional costs I should plan on?
A: You need to book and pay for your own air travel as well as transportation from/to the airport to/from the trip starting point. Itineraries vary, so check your trip description for specifics, but all programs assume that you will want to enjoy a few meals on your own. You will also need to cover your own personal extras such as cocktails, mini-bar purchases, phone and Internet use, shopping sprees, or any activities not included in the trip that you choose to do on your own.
Q: What is a typical day like?
A: Since programs and tours vary, check the descriptions for details, but as a rule, we strive to help you balance learning experiences (including cooking, market-going, and tasting adventures) with opportunities for you to explore a bit on your own.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Locals are relatively style-conscious in Barcelona and other cities, but still, the spirit is very casual. You may want to bring one dressy item (a jacket, a snazzy shirt or top, a scarf… but nothing too formal is needed) for festive occasions. Comfortable shoes are important – in cities, you’ll be walking quite a bit on cobblestone streets; in the country you might be hiking; and if you take a cooking class you’ll be standing. In keeping with local styles, we leave our bulky athletic shoes and Tevas at home and go for low, flexible loafers or sandals, and sleeker sneakers instead. We’ll send an updated weather forecast and more packing tips shortly before your trip.
Q: How much luggage can I bring?
A: We try to limit our own luggage to one medium-to-large sized rolling suitcase (to check through) and one carry-on bag each. We’d suggest you do the same – you’ll be glad to not have too much to keep track of and handle. Make sure there’s a little extra room, or bring a collapsible extra bag for the return trip… space for new shoes, maybe a handbag, or chocolates, or a wine discovery you can’t help wanting to bring home. But be aware the airlines have imposed a 50 lb per passenger luggage limit (they also charge for bags exceeding total dimensions adding up to more than 62 inches).
Q: We’re a couple – will we have the chance to be on our own at all?
A: Yes. We work hard to create itineraries that balance meaningful activities with a bit of leisure time to unwind, shop, people-watch and give you the chance to make your own discoveries.
Q: Can solo travelers sign up?
A: Yes. Our custom tours are designed for two or more travelers. If you’re a solo traveler, please ask us about special pricing. For group trips or private tours designed for three or more, when accommodations are included in the program, solo travelers need to pay a single room supplement (listed with each trip price). If you’re a solo traveler joining one of our group tours, we can try to connect you with another single traveler who wants to share a room, if you’d like.
Q: I don’t speak Spanish, let alone Catalan – will that be OK?
A: Of course! Teresa and the local guides we work with all speak English. Their skills come in handy when we meet artisans and chefs who aren’t confident speaking English. When you’re exploring on your own, you’ll find that most city residents, especially shop owners and restaurant staff, also speak some English. We do think it adds to the fun to try out at least a few greetings in Spanish or Catalan. We provide travelers to Catalonia with some interesting history on the Catalan language and a portable English-Spanish-Catalan glossary of traveling words.
Q: Do I need a passport and visa to travel in Spain?
A: If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa, but you must have a valid U.S. passport to vacation in Spain. If you are not a U.S. citizen, let us know and we’ll help you research any special requirements.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
If you find you have to cancel your trip, you must let us know in writing. If we receive your cancellation more than 60 days before your trip is to begin, we will refund all deposits and payments less a $500 cancellation fee. For cancellations received between 60 and 31 days prior to the start of your trip, we will refund all payments less your $1000 deposit. There will be no refunds for cancellations received 30 days or less before the start of your trip. We recommend that all participants obtain trip cancellation and travel insurance.
We cannot refund any unused portion of any program.
We reserve the right to cancel the trip prior to the start date for any reason. In the unlikely event we cancel the trip, participants will receive a full refund of their payments made to us.
Q: Do you recommend travel insurance and travel health insurance?
A: We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance in case you have to cancel or curtail your trip due to an emergency. Access America’s travel insurance covers unforeseen events from lost luggage to cancelled flights to medical emergencies. Choose a plan and buy your insurance directly from Access America.
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