Pre-Trip Checklist: Logrono

Essential Preparations

Chronological Planning: 3+ Months Before

Passport & Visa Check:
Check passport validity. It needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and issued within the last 10 years. Renew if needed. Research visa requirements for your nationality to Spain. If a visa is needed, begin the application process immediately.
Book International Flights:
Book international flights, especially for peak season, for better prices and preferred dates.
Research Accommodation:
Start researching accommodations in Logroño and the surrounding region. Make tentative bookings, specifically for popular properties.
International Driving Permit (IDP):
Obtain an IDP if you plan to drive in Spain and your home country's license necessitates it.
Begin Spanish Practice:
Begin practicing basic Spanish phrases. Even a few words will enrich your experience.

Chronological Planning: 1 Month & 1 Week Before

1 Month Before:
Finalize all accommodation bookings. Confirm dates and locations. Book intercity train or bus tickets if not renting a car. Arrange airport transfers. Book specific bodega tours. Purchase comprehensive Travel insurance. Consult doctor for health advice. Inform bank/credit card companies. Make copies of important documents.
1 Week Before:
Pack your bags, considering climate and planned activities. Charge all electronics and Portable power banks. Download offline maps and translation apps. Confirm all reservations. Exchange some currency or check ATM card international functionality. Arrange mail/pet care. Set out-of-office replies.

Required Advance Bookings

Flights & Accommodation

International Flights. Accommodation (especially during high season or festivals).

Transport & Tours

Intercity Train/Bus tickets (specifically for high-speed services). Popular Bodega Tours (reservations are standard for most wineries).

Car Rental & Dining

Car Rental (for better choice and rates). Specialty Dining (e.g., Michelin-starred restaurants often need reservations).

Home Preparation Before Departure

Home Security & Maintenance

Secure your home: lock all windows and doors, set alarms.
Stop mail or newspaper deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to collect them.
Pay any bills that will be due while you are away.
Empty trash, clear out perishables from the fridge, and water plants.

Inform Contacts & Itinerary Sharing

Inform a trusted person of your itinerary and emergency contact information.
Arrange for pet care or house-sitting if applicable.
Set up out-of-office replies for work emails if needed.
Consider setting smart home devices to vacation mode.

Arrival Checklist

Immediate First Steps

Immigration and Customs: Proceed through immigration and customs.
Luggage: Collect your checked luggage.
Euros: Locate an ATM to withdraw Euros if cash is needed.
Transportation: Find your transfer or public transport to accommodation.

Orientation & Initial Purchases

Locate Accommodation: Confirm its exact location on a map.
Immediate Surroundings: Walk around to identify ATM, supermarket, pharmacy.
Tourist Office: Visit for updated maps and event information.
Initial Purchases: Buy Bottled water, snacks, or other immediate necessities.

Connectivity & Convenience

Local SIM: Buy one upon arrival for immediate connectivity if planned.
Travel Bags: Consider Eagle Creek travel bags for secure packing.
Transportation from Entry: Have clear instructions for getting to your accommodation.
Offline Maps: Utilize downloaded offline maps for navigation without internet.

Departure Preparation

Final Steps for a Smooth Exit

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs before your departure day to avoid rushing.
If shipping wine, understand the bodega's process and import regulations.
Pack any wine for personal luggage securely, perhaps using a Wine travel bag.
Consider local artisan crafts as memorable gifts.

VAT Refund Procedures

Keep all tax-free shopping receipts from participating stores.
Arrive early at the airport for sufficient time for VAT refund processing.
Get your forms stamped at the customs office before checking luggage.
Then, proceed to the refund office.

Pre-Departure Timing

International Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
Trains/Buses: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure.
Travel Time: Factor in time from accommodation to airport/station.
Account for potential traffic or public transport delays.

Return Trip Details

Confirming Travel

Confirm your return flight, train, or bus details, including departure times.
Verify terminal/platform information for your departure.
Pack any purchased items securely, especially fragile souvenirs like wine bottles or ceramics.

Documents & Onward Journey

You need all necessary travel documents for your onward journey or return trip.
This includes your passport, boarding passes, and any transit visas if applicable.
Double-check all items on your personal checklist.

Important Reminders

Passport Validity

Passport validity for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area is important.
Ensure your passport was issued within the last 10 years.
Renew your passport if it does not meet these criteria.
Check any specific country entry requirements that may apply to your nationality.
Always carry a copy of your passport and visa separately from the originals.

Currency & Banking

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to prevent any card blocking.
Understand your bank's foreign transaction fees.
Exchange some currency into Euros before departure or plan to withdraw from ATMs upon arrival.
Avoid airport currency exchange kiosks; they typically offer poor rates.
Carry a small amount of local currency for immediate needs.

Last Minute Checks

Electronics

Charge all your electronics and portable power banks.

Offline Content

Download offline maps for Logroño and any translation apps with offline language packs.

Communications

Set up out-of-office replies for work emails if needed.

Final Check

Double-check all travel documents and reservations before heading to the airport or station.

Pre-Trip Checklist