Essential Preparations: Benidorm

Chronological Planning Timeline

A structured timeline assists in methodical trip organization.

Preparation Milestones

steps to take at different stages before your departure.

Months Before

Passport Validity

Confirm six months' validity beyond return date and sufficient blank pages for stamps.

Flight & Accommodation

Reserve flights and main accommodation well ahead for optimal selection and prices.

Travel Insurance

Acquire comprehensive travel insurance, including medical emergencies and trip cancellations. World Nomads Travel Insurance is a provider.

Month Before

Tours & Shows

Secure tickets for specific shows (e.g., Benidorm Palace) or major theme parks in advance.

Airport Transfers

Organize your airport transfers from Alicante Airport to Benidorm.

Bank Notification

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates to avoid transaction flagging.

Week Before

Confirm Bookings

Reconfirm all flight, accommodation, transfer, and tour reservations.

Documents Ready

Print physical copies of all essential documents; save digital copies to your phone and cloud.

Travel Essentials

Acquire a Universal travel adapter and Travel-sized toiletries.

Required Advance Bookings

These reservations are non-negotiable for a smooth trip.

Reservations

Flights are non-negotiable for international travel.
Secure your hotel, apartment, or resort reservation.
Booking popular theme parks online beforehand saves time and often money.
Benidorm Palace (or similar major shows) often sell out, especially during peak season.

Home Preparations

Safeguard your home before you leave for your trip.

Pre-Departure Safeguards

Secure your home: Lock all windows and doors, set alarms.
Arrange for pet-sitting or plant watering.
Arrange for mail to be held or collected by a trusted person.
Unplug non-essential electronics to save energy and avert power surges.

Pre-Trip Research Suggestions

A small amount of pre-trip knowledge significantly improves your travel experience.

Language Basics

Acquire a few basic Spanish phrases.
Greetings, thanks, and common requests enhance interactions.
These simple phrases contribute to a positive experience.

Neighborhood Familiarity

Familiarize yourself with Benidorm's distinct neighborhoods.
Understand your accommodation's location relative to activities.
Understand the local bus system and tram lines for easy navigation.

Safety Awareness

Review general safety advice.
Be aware of common local concerns.

Travel Insight:

ETIAS becomes a requirement from mid-2025.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in Benidorm shape your initial impression. Follow these steps for a smooth arrival.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Clear Immigration:
Proceed through passport control at Alicante Airport; have your passport and any required documents ready.
2
Collect Luggage:
Head to the baggage claim carousel to pick up your checked luggage.
3
Proceed to Transfer:
Follow signs for pre-arranged transfers, buses, taxis, or car rental desks.

Orientation & Essentials

Locate Hotel:
Use your phone's GPS or a map to find your hotel and its immediate surroundings.
Nearest ATM/Supermarket:
Find the closest ATM for Euros and a supermarket for immediate needs (water, snacks).
Local SIM Card:
Consider acquiring a local pre-paid SIM card for local data and calls if no eSIM.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir Planning

Acquire souvenirs a day or two before departure to avoid rushing.

Inquire about shipping options for large or fragile items, considering cost and customs duties.

VAT Refund

Non-EU residents may qualify for VAT refunds on purchases over a certain amount from participating stores.

Request "Tax Free" forms at the point of sale; get them stamped at the airport customs desk before luggage check-in.

Departure Timing

Allow ample time for your transfer to Alicante Airport; traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

Plan to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours prior to your international flight; reconfirm flight status.

Check-out tip:

Before leaving your accommodation, do a final sweep of the room. Check drawers, closets, and under the bed for forgotten items like chargers or documents.

Departure Checklist

Ensure a smooth departure from Benidorm.

Return Trip Essentials

Have your passport and boarding pass ready and easily accessible.
Dispose of all trash and recycling responsibly before leaving your accommodation.
Follow your hotel's or apartment rental's check-out procedures; return keys.
Confirm your return transfer details if pre-booked.

Packing & Liquids

Consider weight limits for flights when packing your luggage.
Ensure all liquids in your carry-on comply with airport security rules.
Packing organizers from Eagle Creek assist with luggage space management.
Keep VAT refund forms and purchase receipts readily accessible for airport processing.

Currency & Payments

Manage your finances effectively during departure.

Financial Reminders

Spend remaining local currency or prepare for exchange.
Ensure no foreign transaction fees apply for last-minute card purchases.
Collect any final receipts for expense tracking or tax purposes.

Final Communications

Inform trusted contacts of your safe departure.
Turn off international roaming if not needed post-departure.
Consider leaving reviews for accommodation and experiences.
Share highlights of your trip on social media, if desired.

Photo Reminder:

Organize your luggage and essential documents well in advance of your Benidorm trip and departure.

This facilitates a stress-free travel experience.

Essential Preparations