VISAS: As part of the European Union’s Schengen Area, Canadians and Americans do not need a visa for stays less than 90 days, but ensure your passport is valid for six months. There may be exceptions. Click here for more info.
CULTURE SHOCK: Spain is a highly-developed Western nation. Crime rates are low and the nation is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets and petty theft anywhere that’s popular with tourists. It’s best to leave valuables at home or in your hotel room.
LOCAL LGBT SCENE: Madrid has an amazing gay scene centred around the neighbourhood of Chueca. And while Santiago may be famous for being the end of a Catholic pilgrimage, there’s even a small gay scene there. It’s Spain – the whole country is gay-friendly!
WEATHER: Madrid will most likely be hot but not sweltering when we visit, being the tail end of summer. Up north, where we’ll hike, things cool down. Galicia has an oceanic climate with mild temperatures and regular rainfall.
REQUIRED VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type F sockets. Visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/spain/ for more info.
CONNECTIVITY: Madrid and Santiago de Compostela will both be well connected. Cell service may be spotty along the Camino de Santiago but you’ll find plenty of free Wi-Fi hostspots en route.
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.
Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage. We highly recommend that you insure your full purchase, including trip cancellation and medical.
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $5-10 per person, per day…they’ll certainly appreciate it!
Out adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.
Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.
The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners with wine are included on this trip.
Hotel Regina
C/ Alcalá 19
28014 Madrid
España
T +34 91 521 47 25
Standard check-in time is after 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check-ins, but you may store your luggage if you want to explore the area while you wait. If you want to guarantee an early check-in, you’ll need to reserve an extra night of accommodation.
Hotel Regina
C/ Alcalá 19
28014 Madrid
España
Spain’s local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but keep cash handy, especially in rural parts. We also recommend you bring about $400 USD in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.
If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $150-$200 USD.
Please keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb to avoid costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller to carry a water bottle, your camera and souvenirs on day trips. This packing list is a guideline, not gospel, but we are happy to answer any specific questions about how much (or little) to bring.
Travel Documents
General Personal Items
Shoes
Bottoms:
Tops
Jackets
Other
Health-related Items
We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:
If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.
All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.
Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.
1 – Relaxing
2 – Light
3 – Average
4 – Demanding
5 – Challenging