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Arrecife Travel Checklist

Arrecife Travel Checklist

Arrecife Canary Islands, Spain Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Follow this timeline to prepare for your Arrecife trip.

Chronological Planning Timeline

A structured approach to your trip planning.

1

+ Months Before

Passport & Visa:

Check passport validity. Ensure it is valid for at least three months beyond your Schengen departure. Renew it if needed. Research and begin visa application if applicable.

Flights & Accommodation:

Book international flights and your main accommodation, especially for peak season, for better prices and availability.

Travel Insurance & Health:

Check travel insurance options and purchase a comprehensive policy covering medical situations and journey disruptions (World Nomads). Consult doctor for vaccinations/prescriptions.

2

Month Before

Inter-Island Travel:

Book inter-island flights or ferries if planning a multi-island trip.

Itinerary & Reservations:

Plan detailed itinerary and day trips. Book for individual tours or fine dining.

Financial & Driving:

Inform bank/inform your credit card companies of your trip. Arrange International Driving Permit (IDP) if needed.

3

Week / 1-2 Days Before

Confirmations & Packing:

Confirm all bookings (flights, accommodation, car rental, tours). Pack appropriate clothing and essentials.

Digital Prep:

Charge devices. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) and translation apps to your phone. Print/save digital copies of essential documents.

Home & Money:

Arrange mail, pet care. Secure home. Check flight status. Withdraw Euros or top up your Travel money card. Leave copy of itinerary with family/friends.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these items well in advance.

Bookings

  • Flights (international and inter-island).
  • Accommodation.
  • Rental car.
  • Popular tours (e.g., Timanfaya).

Home Preparation

Steps for securing your home before departure.

Before Departure

  • Arrange mail collection/redirection, pet care, plant watering.
  • Secure your home: lock doors/windows, notify neighbors.
  • Pay essential bills due during your trip.

Tip:

Start planning early, specifically for high season. Booking flights and accommodation ahead saves money and secures your preferred options.

Arrival Checklist

Upon arrival at Lanzarote Airport (ACE), these steps commence your trip smoothly.

First Steps at Lanzarote Airport

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs

    Clear immigration and customs. Have passport, visa/ETIAS ready.

  • 2
    Luggage

    Collect luggage.

  • 3
    Transport

    Locate car rental desk or taxi stand/bus stop.

Orientation & Initial Needs

  • Orientation

    Use a map (digital/physical) to orient to Arrecife.

  • Check-in

    Head directly to accommodation to check in.

  • Supplies

    Locate nearest supermarket for water and initial supplies.

Practicalities

Currency & SIM

Withdraw Euro currency from AN atm (better rates). Purchase a local SIM card (or use eSIM) for phone/data access.

Immediate Purchases

Buy water in bottles and immediate needs like light bites or sunscreen.

To Accommodation

Follow your pre-arranged plan: taxi, shuttle, bus, or rental car. Confirm directions.

Tip:

Have your accommodation address ready in Spanish. It helps taxi drivers or bus conductors assist effectively.

Departure Preparation

Departure preparation from Arrecife with these steps: a stress-free trip end.

Souvenirs & VAT Refund

  • Purchase souvenirs a few days before departure avoiding a last-minute rush. Time to choose items carefully.
  • Look into shipping larger items from a Correos (post office) if luggage limits pose a concern.
  • Non-EU residents can claim tax refunds on purchases over a certain amount (IGIC). Ask shops for 'Duty-free' forms. Process at airport customs before check-in. Keep receipts.

Pre-departure Timing

  • Look at from accommodation at agreed time.
  • Return rental car with full tank, allow time for return process and transfer to terminal.
  • Arrive at Lanzarote Airport (ACE) 2-3 hours before international flights, 1-1.5 hours for inter-island flights.

Return Trip Checklist

Final checks for a smooth journey home.

Items

  • Travel Documents:Ensure all necessary travel documents (passport, boarding pass) are accessible.
  • Luggage Weight:Weigh luggage to avoid excess baggage fees. A Portable luggage scale assists.
  • Transfers:Confirm any pre-arranged transfer to the airport.
  • Prohibited Items:Discard items prohibited for your return journey (foods, liquids).

General Tips

  • Reconfirm flight departure time ALL day and night before your flight.
  • Ample time for rental car return and airport security.
  • Have directions to the car rental drop-off and terminal ready.
  • Ensure you have enough local currency for last-minute expenses.

Final Check:

Reconfirm your flight departure time 24 hours before. Ample time for rental car return and airport security.