Travel Mistakes in Spain: My Funny (Mis)Adventures and What I Learned

Before my first trip to Spain, my travels were limited to quick local trips.

In the UK, I explored cities like Bristol, Cambridge, London and Dover during my days off.

In the USA, though, not so much. During my first few years in Houston, I was in a rough mental space and had little motivation to go anywhere.

But when the world opened up in 2022 and restrictions eased (somewhat), guess where your girl’s off to? That’s right, Spain!

And as a first-time traveler still figuring things out, I made a lot of mistakes– some funny, some inconvenient, all unforgettable.

So here are my top (mis)adventures in Spain (for both times I visited), and what I learned from each one.

(Mis) adventure #1: Traveling During Local Holidays

My first mistake was not checking Spain’s public holidays.

I accidentally landed right in the middle of a Labor Day protest– and somehow ended up marching with them!

The rally happened right in front of my hostel and continued to Plaza Mayor. While I didn’t join intentionally, I ended up marching with them in solidarity, as it was a march for improved wages and working conditions for hospital workers. Since I work in healthcare, I felt an instant connection. As a nurse myself, I couldn’t help but walk alongside them in solidarity.

Still, the protest meant heavy traffic, closed restaurants, and delayed sightseeing.

(If you’re curious how I ended up marching with local protesters in Madrid, I literally just went up to them, and in my broken Spanish told them that I believe in what they’re fighting for. The lady gave me a hug, took a photo with me holding their banner, and next thing I knew, I marched with them up to Plaza Mayor. Unfortunately, I can’t find that photo anymore.)

Christmas season in Plaza Mayor, Madrid.

Lesson learned: Always check local holidays before your trip. Track the local news too. They might affect transportation, dining, or museum schedules.

(Mis) adventure #2: Doing Zero Research (And Paying the Price– Literally)

I usually plan everything down to the hour, but not that time. I just listed down “must-see” attractions in a notebook and winged it.

Big mistake.

_{Templo de Debod one year apart. Both times, the museum was closed. Just my luck!}

I wasted so much time getting lost in the metro, showing up at closed museums, and even missed my train to Avila because I overslept and forgot to top up my data plan. I had to call my provider mid-trip just to fix it. (Never again. I’ve since switched to T-Mobile.)

Unflattering photo of me to commemorate my blunder in Avila

Above is an unflattering photo of me ruminating my (mis) adventure in a train to Avila.

I eventually got there, but not without the frustration.

Made it to St. Teresa de Avila’s birthplace

I’ve redeemed myself since, and my second time in Spain went smoother, although, still with a few minor bumps.

Lesson learned: Research everything—distance, train times, ticket availability, and even SIM card top-ups. It saves both time and sanity.

(Mis) adventure #3: Traveling Sick Without Proper Medication

When I first visited Spain, the weather was glorious, sunny and bright.

My second trip to Spain happened in winter. The weather was crisp, festive, and… the perfect setup for catching the flu.

I thought my “emergency kit” was enough—spoiler alert: it wasn’t. I forgot vitamins and cold meds and ended up sniffling through Valencia and Málaga.

Luckily, I speak Spanish — a skill I picked up from years of learning Spanish — and was able to buy medicine easily.

Perks of being multilingual

I caught the sniffles when I was in Barcelona, but symptoms didn’t show up until I was in Valencia and Malaga. I remember I had chills, fever and cough, and I had to rest for one full day in the hostel. That was one full day of sightseeing lost.

All masked up in Madrid. The locals were looking at me weirdly and I have to explain that “tengo la gripe, es por eso yo pongo la mascarilla”

But losing a full day of sightseeing to a fever? Brutal.

I recovered pretty easily, which was a good thing, but I still had the sniffles. So for the duration of my trip, I wore a mask as a courtesy to others. This was post-pandemic, so I sure got weird looks from other people. I often had to explain that “tengo congestion y por eso yo pongo una mascarilla”.

Lesson learned: Pack a small “sick kit” — vitamins, meds, and cough drops. Don’t skimp on luggage space when it comes to medications. You’ll thank yourself when your immune system waves the white flag.

(Mis) adventure #4: Overpacking Clothes You’ll Never Wear

If you’ve ever packed that “cute dress” thinking you’ll finally wear it on vacation—let’s be real: you won’t.

I did the same.

I bought so many outfits that didn’t fit or weren’t practical. Guess what I actually wore? Jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers–every day.

At one point, I even had to buy new clothes because my packed ones were too uncomfortable.

Taking a break in one of the alleys in Granada. My “uniform” ended up being: shirt, jeans and sneakers.

Comfort over style while walking around the Alhambra in Granada. This dress had many appearances in photos of my trip.

Also, don’t overthink “dressing like a local.”

You’ll stand out anyway—just be comfortable and respectful, and you’ll blend in enough.

Lesson learned: Pack what you actually wear at home.
Comfort > aesthetics. Leave room for souvenirs, not unworn skirts.

(Mis) adventure #5: Being Too Shy To Ask For Photos

Ah yes, the solo traveler’s eternal struggle: photos that aren’t selfies.

I get it, you don’t want your phone or camera whisked away by some stranger, but if you’re traveling solo like me, I know you’re tired of selfies. I used to be too shy (and paranoid) to ask strangers to take my photo.

I worried they’d run off with my phone–or worse, take a terrible shot.

Standing at the iconic km 0 marker in Finisterre, Spain, a symbol of the start of the Spanish Way Pilgrimage of Camino de Santiago

Because of that, most of my Spain photos were awkward selfies. Eventually, I got braver and started asking people politely. Turns out, most are happy to help—and even take great shots!

Lesson learned: Don’t be afraid to ask.
A genuine smile and a polite “¿Puedes tomar una foto, por favor?” go a long way.

What I Took Away From My (Mis)Adventures

Looking back, these travel mishaps made my trip unforgettable. Sure, I made plenty of mistakes, but each one taught me something valuable– about travel, patience and embracing the chaos.

I’ve since returned to Spain, a little wiser (and much more prepared).

But even now, I know that some mistakes are worth making.

Because honestly, what’s travel without a few (mis)adventures?

Key Takeaways for First-Time Travelers to Spain:
Research holidays and local customs.
Double-check train schedules and data plans.
Pack medicine and practical clothes.
Don’t be afraid to talk to people—locals often make the best memories.

Until next time, wonderers! Hasta Luego!