Why This Cultural European Country Is Surging In Popularity With American Travelers

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There are many tempting locations with regards to contemplating a European journey, not least of all in sunny Spain.

Cities like Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid are tempting sufficient earlier than you even start to contemplate seaside locations such because the Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands, and even the Canary Islands – Spain actually does have all of it.

Tourist woman in Calella de Palafrugell, Catalonia, Spain near of Barcelona. Scenic fisherman village with nice sand beach and clear blue water in nice bay.

And the actual fact of the matter is that American vacationers have merely been loving Spain over the past year.

The newest information from the Spanish Ministry of Tourism reveals that greater than 3.5 million Americans have visited Spain in 2023, which is over 17% increased than within the final pre-pandemic yr 2019.

And the forecast for 2024 reveals that this determine may proceed to develop – so simply why is one in every of Europe’s cultural gems so in style with American vacationers proper now?

Universal Appeal

As talked about above, Spain has a bit of little bit of one thing for everybody.

Iconic points of interest such because the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or Plaza Mayor in Madrid will all the time draw within the crowds who like to expertise the archetypal European metropolis break.

Then there’s the area of Andalusia in the south of Spain with intriguing cities that present the nation’s Moorish historical past reminiscent of Seville, Cordoba, and Malaga.

the mesquita mosque in cordoba andalusia spain

From Malaga, head east alongside the coast to seek out a few of Spain’s finest resorts, that are excellent for households and {couples}.

There are even many idyllic island locations to select from, such because the Balearic Islands, which not too long ago smashed their tourism report, and the volcanic Canary Islands, which lie off the coast of northwest Africa.

woman solo traveler looking out at la graciosa island in lanzarote canary islands spain

For those that choose to wander from the crushed path, Spain has some lesser-known destinations such as Galicia that are perfect for discovering totally different, extra rustic sides of the nation.

Flights Are Plentiful And Affordable

The selection of flights from the U.S. to Spain has elevated alongside the recognition of the nation.

Americans can fly nonstop to a variety of locations in Spain including the likes of Mallorca.

According to journey reserving web site Kayak, roundtrip flights from New York to Spain can value as little as $400, and from Los Angeles, they’ll value round $500.

aerial shot of madrid including real madrid soccer stadium

However, the costs of flights range massively relying on the time of yr – be versatile together with your dates and also you’re sure to discover a whole lot.

Digital Nomads Are Welcome

The Spanish digital nomad visa has been very fashionable since it first launched back in May 2023 as a part of the nation’s StartUp Act.

To be eligible, you need to show you earn double the Spanish minimal wage (about $2,700 monthly), should be from outdoors the European Economic Area, and should not have been a resident in Spain within the final 5 years.

woman digital nomad on laptop in barcelona with cute dog

You can keep for as much as a yr on the visa and might then apply for an extension after that – you too can deliver a partner or associate, however the quantity you need to earn goes up by round 25% should you do.

The visa even lets you work for Spanish firms, offered the cash from that makes up not more than 20% of your whole revenue.

aerial view of the old city walls and towers in valencia spain

Cities reminiscent of Seville and Valencia have confirmed to be very fashionable hangouts for digital nomads because of their nice climate, attention-grabbing tradition, and nice transport hyperlinks.

Spanish Life Is Great

Immersing your self within the tradition of Spain for a couple of weeks is sweet for the soul.

Life here’s a slower tempo than in America, with time taken out to get pleasure from espresso with pals a vital a part of life (as are afternoon siestas).

Evening plans are inclined to occur a lot later in Spain than in America too – should you’re heading out for dinner, realistically don’t even give it some thought till no less than 8pm (and even that could be a little early for Spain).

People in Spain additionally know easy methods to throw a celebration, with a wealthy calendar of fiestas all year long which are usually an effective way to see a number of the traditions in motion reminiscent of Flamenco dancing and nice music.