Spain Singles Tour 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many nights is the trip?

A: The tour begins in Madrid at 6:00 p.m. on April 3, 2010 and ends the morning of April 11, 2010. Therefore the tour is 8 nights/9 days. Note: Flights from North America must depart on April 2 in order to arrive in Madrid on April 3. Your return flight from Madrid arrives in the U.S. on the same day, so the actual length of the trip is 9 nights/10 days (first night on airplane).

 Q: How do I meet up with the group?

A: Make sure you are at the Hotel Husa Moncloa, Princesa 40, 28008 Madrid, located in the heart of Madrid’s cultural area, by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2010. Note that hotel is subject to change before departure and any changes will be reflected in your final documents.

Q: Is airfare included?

A: In order to accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours and cruises are priced as land/cruise only. Therefore, airfare is additional.

Q: How should I schedule my flights?

A: In order to be ready to begin the tour in MADRID at 6:00 p.m. on April 3, you may be required to depart your home city on the day before. The trip concludes in BARCELONA on the morning of April 11, so you may schedule your return at any time that day.

Q: What are my options for transportation in Madrid and Barcelona?

A: If you make your air transportation arrangements as part of your tour package, transportation in Madrid may be included.

Your flight must arrive into Madred (MAD)on April 3 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and you may depart Barcelona (BCN)any time on April 11.

Check out http://madrid.airport-shuttle.com/ for booking and pricing details of Madrid Airport Shuttle. In Barcelona, check the following url for options: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/airport/barcelona-airport-transport.html

Q: Are there any other expenses which are not included?

A: Our tour does not include airfare, 4 dinners, transfers, optional excursions and extra hotel nights before and after the tour. You are responsible for alcoholic beverages (except when included in STS events), incidentals such as laundry and phone calls, plus gratuities to Hosting staff ($10-$15 per day) and local guides. There is a $60 International document delivery fee to Canada. This fee is subject to increase.

Q: Will you match me with a roommate?

A: Absolutely. Our site is so popular that we guarantee to find a roommate for you or the single room is on us! In order to take advantage of our offer, you must be paid in full by January 4, 2010.

Q: Do I need a passport and/or visa to travel to Spain?

A: All guests are required to travel with a valid Passport that does not expire prior to October 11, 2010. No visas are required for US or Canadian citizens.

Q: What is the lodging like on our tour?

A: We use First Class (F) and Superior First Class (SF) accommodations in a centrally located area whenever possible. Madrid Husa Moncloa (F), Barcelona Rivoli Ramblas (F), Valencia Astoria Palace (SF), Granada Saray (SF), Seville Sevilla Center (SF). Note that hotels are subject to change until day of arrival.

Q: I've never taken a singles tour, will I be alone?

A: Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every trip sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group. It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day. From the moment you join our tour, our hosts are waiting to meet you. Our first day begins with an orientation and the camaraderie builds as we go along. The nature of the trip is trying something new, challenging yourself and motivating those around you. The bonds that develop on our tours are by far the strongest and longest lasting.

Q: What are the ages of the other guests? What is the ratio of men to women?

A: Our "All Ages" vacations cater to 35+ and our average age range is 38 to 62. We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee the ratio or ages.

Q: What will the weather be like in April?

A: The springtime is beautiful in Spain with all the open markets, outdoor monuments and of course, plazas (squares). You can expect daytime high temperatures to be in the high 50s to mid 60s. Evening temperatures are low to mid 50s.

Q: What is the baggage allowance?

A: Currently, most airlines will allow you to check two bags, weighing 50 pounds each, for a fee. In addition you may carry-on one bag plus a personal item such as a purse or briefcase. Please check with your air carrier for up-to-the minute regulations and fees for checked baggage. IMPORTANT: On tour, only ONE bag weighing 50 pounds (22kg) measuring 30x21x11 is allowed.

Q: What kind of clothing will I need?

A: Bring along winter and spring clothing (it may be a little chilly) and we recommend that you mix and match using 1-3 colors, such as khaki, brown and white. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Q: Do you have any suggestions on what else to bring?

A: Packing Tips: Take only what you need; don't over pack. Save room for souvenirs and purchases. Pack flat and full to avoid wrinkling. Bring wardrobe basics; mix and match around one or two colors. Don't pack anything valuable, fragile or perishable. Label your luggage with an outside tag, and place an identification card inside each suitcase.

Essential Items: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.

A good, comfortable pair of broken-in walking shoes.

Water Resistant Jacket with light lining and/or collapsible umbrella for daytime

A pair of shoes for restaurants (loafers, dress shoes, etc).

Ladies will want to bring a nicer warm wrap and gentlemen a nicer jacket, for evening wear.

Toiletries: all your daily essentials.

Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip plus legible written prescription in case of loss. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag!

Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. You may want to bring along a written prescription for your eyewear in case of loss.

Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, money or other anti-bacterial medication.

Travel alarm clock with illuminated face, especially for guests in an inside cabin.

Small, Swiss Army type utility knife. Remember to pack this in your checked luggage!

Travel journal/notepad and reading material.

Home address book for sending postcards. A useful tip to avoid bringing your entire address book is to pre-write names and addresses of people to whom you want to send postcards on sheets of self-adhesive labels. It saves time and space in your luggage.

Small, basic sewing kit with a few extra buttons. Remember to pack scissors in your checked bag!

Photography Equipment: Bring a sufficient supply of film and extra batteries.

Q: What is the currency and exchange situation in Madrid?

A: The currency used in Spain is the Euro.

Exchange Rates: The exchange rate for the Euro fluctuates often. You may find the current exchange rates in the financial sections of newspapers and on the Internet. You may also find a number of websites by typing "foreign exchange rates" in your search engine. Two specific websites are: xe.com and money.cnn.com/markets/currencies.

Currency Exchange: Many locations will accept major credit cards, but for incidentals and small vendors you will need some local currency. ATM machines will dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards. They are usually conveniently located in large cities, but are limited in smaller towns and rural areas.

You may exchange cash and traveler's checks for local currencies at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus. Banks offer the best rates, but beware, hours are limited in Spain. They are generally open from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Credit Cards: Your credit card will be accepted to settle your incidentals bill at all hotels and in major shops and restaurants.

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Q: What about Traveler's Insurance?

A: Our package includes Travelex 360 Comprehensive.                            

Q: How will my family reach me?

A: Your Final Documents will include phone contact numbers for each hotel listed in your daily itinerary. We suggest you leave a copy of this with your family.

For easy communication in Spain, rent an international cell

Q: What are the customs policies?

A: All countries you will visit have laws against the purchase and export of certain items, including antiquities, national cultural property and certain animal products, especially endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, feathers, etc.). Additionally, the United States has laws prohibiting the import of certain items, which include many of the same things. You face having your purchase confiscated and/or heavy fines for exporting or importing prohibited items.

On return to the U.S., your baggage is subject to search by U.S. Customs. Currently, you are permitted to bring back $800 of goods duty free. Persons aged 21 or over may also bring in one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes. If you plan to purchase a lot of souvenirs or expensive items, it is important to retain all purchase receipts. However, please note that U.S. Customs may not accept a receipt as true cost if it seems unusually low for the estimated value of the item. You may access the regulations and restrictions governing this at www.customs.treas.gov/xp/cgov/travel. Read the Know Before You Go booklet to confirm the most recent U.S. Customs regulations.