Doing Spain on a BUDGET!

Spain was truly amazing. What a trip!!! I was there for almost two weeks at the end of April, beginning of May and the weather was perfect (70-75 F days and 55-60 F nights). I was there primarily to photograph the 2009 Grand Prix of Spain in Jerez in the south of Spain for a Spanish magazine. But who could go to Spain for only a weekend, so I decided to stretch it out into a vacation. 

It was a well planned trip focused around photography. I also decided to open my life up to all my friends on Facebook and on this Blog so they could follow me through Spain. With the invention of social networking and the ability to upload images and video on the fly from your phone or camera, it was fun to include everyone. Using cool devices such as the iPhone and the Flip Video often provided real-time posting on Facebook. 

Now what most of you don't know is how inexpensive my trip was. I say this only because I did get a lot of compliments about the trip, claims of jealousy (but with love I hope), and people who wish they could take such a trip. 

The first thing you need to do is make the trip happen. Embrace the opportunity. Be adventurous. Pick a time of year like I did when the weather is still amazing and the rates are low. There are less people around and you will feel less like a tourist. Next, map it out on google maps and plan away. Get everything in place before you push any buttons for reservations. Check your budget, and then go!

Here are the details and costs of my trip. 

(Please note that I do realize that everyone has their own idea of what's expensive or not, and I respect that)

AIRFARE:

Iberia / American Airlines

Departure: NYC to Madrid   Return: Jerez to Madrid - Madrid to NYC

Coach ticket round trip

$520 USD

CAR RENTAL:

Hertz Europe, Opel 5 Door

12 days - Pick-up in Madrid, drop-off in Jerez

$740 USD

HOTELS:

Madrid

5 Star - Westin Palace Hotel

3 Nights - Used Starwood Points (transferred from American Express)

$0 USD

Alicante

4-Star - La Datcha

1 Night - My friend Danny's resort

$0 USD

Granada

5-Star AC Palacio De Santa Paula

1 Night

$220 USD

Marbella

5-Star Hotel Villa Padierna

1 Night

$300 USD

Seville

5-Star Westin Hotel Alfonso XIII

2 Nights - Used Starwood Points (transferred from American Express)

$0 USD

Jerez

4-Star Guadalete Hotel

2 Nights - Premium paid because of the Grand Prix of Spain

$630 USD

Jerez

5-Star Barcelo Montecastillo Resort

1 Night

$110 USD

JEREZ CIRCUIT:

2009 Grand Prix of Spain - No costs  with Photo Press Credentials

$0 USD

FUEL:

2000 Km driven

$180 USD

PARKING:

Various Hotels

$130 USD

INTERNET:

Most hotels were free

$70 USD

CELL PHONES:

iPhone USA and a Spanish Cell phone - Data and voice

$230 USD

FOOD:

I never include food costs because you must eat whether you are home or away. Also, the food in Spain in much less expensive than NY and Long Island.

$0 USD

MISC:

Various items

$100 USD

TOTAL:  $3,230 USD

So you see... it can be done for much less than most people think. If you would like to know more details about the trip, feel free to email me at Michael@ScuderiaO2.com