Family of 4 in Spain (2017)

“Next time we’re in Andalucia let’s keep going south.” (e.g., Morocco)

Motivation

Two kids, two parents. Let’s do it.

Usually on a 2 year turnaround we found flights for under $500. That’s ⅓ what we spent to go to Italy.

Additionally, we’ve come to think of Spain as a sibling to the powerhouse of Italy. Big time history, tons of art, great climate, food we’re willing to try, and a language we can at least pronounce.

Itinerary

Planning

• Moorish history, art, architecture
• Rick Steves Spain guidebook
• All transportation pre-purchased
  • Train tickets Madrid-Toledo, Madrid-Sevilla
  • Bus tickets Sevilla-Granada
• Woven wrap baby carrier and backpack
• Snacks, snack, snacks, and 1 new little toy for the 19-hour flight
• Airbnb in each city
• Smarthistory videos downloaded
• Spain prep for kids: stock photography + bedtime stories for months
• Multiple walking tours

Memorable Moments

• The entire city of Sevilla smells like orange blossoms.
• Having morning snack on row boat in center of Retiro park lake (Madrid).
• Kids recognizing “Princess Margarita!” a little too loudly
• Kids listening in to Spanish field trip lectures about Guernica.
• Buying art outside of Museo de Bellas Artes
• Moorish architecture (Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba)
• Bike ride through Maria Luisa park
• Cordoba playscape on other side of roman bridge

Lessons Learned

• “Green days” worth weight in gold (i.e., parks and nature only)
• Museum scavenger hunts (brochures with thumbs of major works for kids to find)
• Location, location, location for restaurants and groceries (dinner at 10pm!)

When we return…

• More time in Granada
• Italica (Roman ruins in Trajan and Hadrian’s home town)
• Cadiz and the coast
• Barcelona