Spain budget travel ideas begin with booking air travel to Spain and attractions to visit. Plan the trip ahead of time. Use time and resources wisely so you can enjoy the most from the trip. Save money using these tips for budget travel to Spain.

Cheap Flights to Spain

Start Spain budget travel planning by booking the trip using three methods. Find tickets from Europe to Spain. Lay over in Europe on your journey from America for cheaper airfare to Spain. Find connecting flights stopping in other countries instead of a direct flight.

Book travel to Spain during the off season for cheaper airfare. Try finding deals in winter instead of summer. Spain has moderate weather throughout the year so visiting in winter is just as pleasant as summer. Fares are cheaper during this time and you can experience winter festivals during this time too.

Early flights are cheaper than flights later in the day. Book the travel a few months in advance to find the best deals. Plan to leave in the earlier hours of the morning for better rates. Consider a lay over and stops during the trip to save money for Spain budget travel.

Budget Living

Book your living arrangements with a hostel for the most economic rooms in Spain. Hostels in Spain feature stylish rooms with decent bunk beds and are close to nightlife. Meet other travelers in the social setting of a hostel. Rooms are shared with other visitors and kitchens are communal. Most beds cost around 15 EUR while double rooms are available at the Oasis Backpacker Hostel for 36 EUR. Hotels in Spain have reasonable prices but the cheapest option is the hostel.

Budget Eating

Tapas are the popular way to save money on snacks in Spain. Enjoy a light lunch and a beer for around 3 EUR. Tapas are really light dishes with one or more items at a time. If you need more to eat, try looking for other options. View the menu at restaurants before deciding to eat there. Fixed price menus for lunch time start at 10 EUR and go up. Check out a few different restaurants around business districts that cater to the budget friendly crowd.

Budget Museums

Attractions in Spain vary in price. Visit municipal museums since these are free. Granada’s archaeological museum features exhibits from Spain’s history. View the collection at no charge. If you are journeying to Barcelona, see the mimes at the Ramblas for free entertainment.

Budget Monuments

Monuments in Spain are attractions that are available throughout the week. Plan to go when they offer free days. See the Mosque on Cordoba free every morning from 8:30 until 10. If you want to see the local cathedrals, attend the mass in the morning. Mass is free but not every area of the cathedral may be open for viewing.

Though Spain is not generally thought of as a budget travel destination, there are several ways to make your trip to Spain more cost effective. Stretch your dollar and enjoy a longer and cheaper trip to Spain by following these easy suggestions.

Budget Lodging in Spain

One way to save big in Spain is by choosing economy lodging throughout your stay. Look for a "Pension" or "Fonda" as opposed to a hotel. These smaller lodgings are generally family-run and have fewer rooms, but are in most cases a clean and decent way to save big on accommodations. Most pensions do not have food on premise and may have outdated furnishings, but are great for those traveling on a tight budget.

Staying in dorm bed-style hostels in another way to save on lodging. Many hostels require a reservation in advance during the busy season so if you will be traveling during the summer, be sure to plan in advance.

Budget Eating and Drinking in Spain

Just like with lodging, there is more than one way to eat inexpensively in Spain. Eating tapas or pinchos, as they are called in Northern Spain, is a cost-effective way to have a small snack or light meal, although if you eat several tapas, you may want to, instead, try a set meal for a more cost effective solution.

Set meals typically include bread, dessert and wine as part of the meal and can be quite a bargain. Look for business districts for the best deals. Making your own picnic is also a great cost effective option. Supermarkets carry cans of a host of seafood that go nicely with bread or cheese. Pack up a lunch and eat for less than half the price as in a restaurant.

Budget Transport in Spain

Transportation in Spain remains cost-effective even though it has increased significantly in recent years. The train is generally the quickest, though not always the best option. Bus fares are always the best option for budget travelers and oftentimes rival the train in travel time.

Budget Sightseeing in Spain

Keep your eyes peeled for the free days and times at the country's numerous historical and cultural monuments and museums. If you are interested in viewing any of the great cathedrals in the country, but don't want to pay admission, consider attending mass in the morning. You may not be able to see the entirety of the cathedral, but if it seems interesting, you can always decide to come back later.

Look for free shows and entertainment throughout the country where ever you go. There are numerous notable municipal museums that do not charge admission as well as countless street performers that will introduce you to the regional art and cultural.

Spain can be seen inexpensively if you are open to exploring the possibilities. Try some of these suggestions and enjoy a longer and more reasonably priced vacation to Spain.