10-11 Day Trip Through Spain HELP!

[joetacoma805]

I have $2000 and am thinking about a last minute trip to Spain in the beginning of August. My schedule is to fly out on 7/31 and arrive in Madrid 8/1 stay for 3 nights and then train to Seville for 3 nights (arrive 8/4, depart 8/7). Take train from Seville to Barcelona and stay 4 nights (arrive 8/7 and depart 8/11). Train back to Madrid to sleep for the night and fly out on 8/12.

I am flying out of Los Angeles and cheapest round trip tickets are from $1170 to $1300. I plan to book my hostels online, or would it be better to wait until I arrive so I can check out the hostel first? My only concern with this is that they would all be sold out by the time I get there. I plan to buy a Spain Eurail pass for 3 days travel ($304), as I will train from Madrid to Seville to Barcelona and back to Madrid (3 train rides).

I am estimating will spend $20 a day on food, but want to take extra so I can go out buy drinks and party. So I am thinking I need to save another $400-$500 to be safe so I can pay baggage fee, spend money on sight seeing tours, and other costs that will arise when I am there.

Here is my estimated cost and right now I have $2000:
Flight $1200.00
Hostels: $390.00
Food: $260
Total=$1850.00

Like I said i would like to save up atleast $400 more because I am not sure if $260 will be enough for food and I want to have money for tours. This would be my first time going to Europe. Does anyone think this can be done on my budget? Please I will take any tips and advice.

[joetacoma805]

OOPS I forgot to include my Spain Eurail pass (3 day pass) for $304.00. This brings my total estimated cost to $2154.00

[Eagle]

joetacoma805,

A few comments on your travel plans.....

Your budget is somewhat "minimal" so my first suggestion would be to increase it somewhat if possible. I really doubt that you'll be able to dine for $20 a day (that's only about €13.65). Breakfast will likely be provided at the Hostel, however there may be a small charge for that. It would be a good idea to minimize drinking and clubbing, as that will use money VERY quickly.

As this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip. There's a good section there on budget planning.

As you'll be travelling in PEAK season, I'd highly recommend pre-booking all your accommodations. I'd suggest taking out a Membership in HI Hostels, as their properties are all somewhat predictable. Having a membership will provide preferred booking and slightly cheaper rates.

I did a brief check on one of the HI Hostels in Madrid, and the rate is €14.40 per night, with breakfast included. That's about US$21 (the price for other HI properties may differ).

Happy travels!

[joetacoma805]

Thanks alot! Yeah my budget is really low so I am trying to increase it by $500. I have that book you mentioned so I will read up on the budget section. Ill look into the HI Hostels too. How much do you suggest I set aside for dining each day? Like $40 per day?