Travel expert shares advice for Britons heading to Spain in 2023
Spain is one of the most sought-after destinations for Britons to flock to in the summer, with a wide range of city and coastal spots to explore. While it is well-versed in welcoming European tourists, one traveller has shared a few things visitors should know before visiting to get the most out of their holiday.
In a recent video on her TikTok profile, @raimeetravels revealed that despite visiting the country five times, there were still many things she “didn’t know” about travelling in Spain.
So to stop others from making the same mistakes, she shared her wisdom for British and US holidaymakers heading out there this year.
Raimee explained: “I used to work in the travel industry and have been all over the world, but I’m always learning new things.”
The travel blogger’s first tip was to make one check before going shopping in order to save money on value-added tax (VAT).
She said: “If you plan to shop in Spain, which you definitely should, make sure you ask for the VAT tax form whenever you purchase something. You’ll be able to get money back when you get home.”
This applies to a variety of goods, including fashion, cosmetic jewellery, technology, food and drink – provided they are taken home, unused in the original packaging.
According to an expert at Global Blue, many of the best high-street retailers and global luxury brands offer no VAT Shopping services to those in the European Union and Britons.
They said: “UK residents are now eligible to shop tax-free in Spain and can save up to 21 percent by claiming back the VAT on their purchases.”
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The Global Blue expert, who specialises in shopping tax-free across Europe, The Americas and Asia, noted that UK residents in England, Wales and Scotland (excluding Northern Ireland) are eligible.
Shoppers should take their passports to show the shop assistant proof of their nationality to qualify for the refund.
Raimee’s second tip was to research restaurants to visit during the trip and check their availability.
She urged fellow TikTok users to “make all of the restaurant reservations in advance” to stop others from missing out on experiences.
The travel expert said: “I know that seems obvious but I thought I could wing it and still find amazing places to eat but everywhere that looked awesome was booked up.”
For those unsure about how to contact local restaurants, the TikTok star recommended using a website known as TheFork, or to find the official website for the venue.
Of course, planning every meal is not feasible without a strict itinerary, though Raimee noted that it is worth doing for stand-out venues that are well-known or particularly popular.
While planning out where to dine is one thing to consider, another tip shared by Raimee was to consider the timings of heading out for dinner.
She specifically noted that eating out past 8:30pm or 9pm is ideal for “the best atmosphere”.
And when it comes to choosing landscapes to visit across Spain, the avid traveller urged holidaymakers to consider Majorca and Seville.
Raimee noted that on her five trips to the country, they were her “favourite places”. Both have something different to offer, with Seville known as the bustling capital city of Andalusia, and Majorca famed for its beaches.
Visitors should plan carefully if they want to experience both destinations in one trip though, as there is a considerable distance between the Balearic Island and the Andalusian city.
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