I'm going to Spain, any travel tips?

[firemeboy]

For those that know me, I'm terrified to fly. So I don't travel much, unless it's to Idaho.

But I'm going to Spain in 2 weeks, so I had a few questions.

Do I need to exchange money, or do most places (train station, hotel, etc.) take credit cards? I assume I'll need some for things like taxis, but can I get by with just my card?

I'm flying into Madrid, but then need to get to Santander (north of Madrid). Would you recommend the bus, the train, hitchhike?

I'm going to have a day of sight seeing in Madrid, what should I go visit? What about Santander?
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The difference between myself and a madman is that I am not mad.

[Aga*]

IMHO Santander is quite a boring, humdrum, run-of-the-mill place. If you are in that area of Spain I would rather recommend Bilbao than Santander as a more interesting place to visit.
To sightsee Madrid I would say you would need much more than just 1 day to fully grasp the splendour of that magnificent city.

Most places accept Visa, Mastercard and Amex as standard (Amex being the lesser used in general), but don't forget to check with your bank at home for any currency conversion rate charges if paying by credit card, especially as is here in Blighty, some charge a higher percent for converting foreign currencies even via their own exchange rate.

Oh, and don't wear a Real Madrid football (soccer) shirt while visiting Santander, you may get more bad attention than you bargin for.

I'm sure referee can help you with the other stuff.

[ShadowSword]

Make sure your wallet and personally information is in a secure place when touring. It is pretty easy to get pick-pocketed. I would suggest putting it inside an interior jacket pocket.
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"Heads you're good, tails you fail" says my fortune cookie

[Samadhi]

Front pants pocket is better.
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And he lived happily ever after. Except for the dieing at the end and the heartbreak in between.

[Neo]

I have yet to find a pickpocket who will pull it out of the front of your boxers.
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_{Ad Astra}

[wordcross]

A lot of people use money belts or Passport necklaces worn beneath your other clothes. You can find either at most travel stores/airports. (maybe even wal-mart or some such). It's hard to go unnnoticed when you have to go through a layer of two of clothing and *then* pick the zippered pockets.
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Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?

[jesus_saves]

[One Skunk Todd]

Maybe fmb could wear a bra and stuff everything in the cups.