8 Day Madrid & Barcelona by Rail

• Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
• Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
• If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
• Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
• Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellant (for both active and warm destinations).
• You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.

Your travel documents will include “Print at Home” electronic rail tickets (e-ticket). Tickets will be sent to you directly after your final documents. Please call Virgin Vacations if you don't receive your rail tickets at least a week prior to your trip.

When you receive the rail ticket confirmation email please be aware that the email alone is not a valid travel document. In order to redeem your tickets, you must click on the “Print Your Ticket” link which will appear below the list of passenger names and segments booked. If you are traveling on multiple train journeys, you must click the “Print Your Ticket” link for each different rail segment you have booked. Print out the tickets from the email confirmation and bring them with you on your trip. Do not cut or alter any of the printed areas. You will not need any other documents for the train.

Your RENFE tickets will be written in Spanish. Please take note of the following important information (with English translations) on your ticket:

Names of arrival or departure station may be abbreviated. Departure station on example above is Madrid Puerta Atocha station. Departure and arrival dates are listed as day/month/year and times are based on the 24 hour clock.

Always double check train times locally in case of any changes to the schedules. We are not responsible for the cancellation of trains, diversions or maintenance work which might create delays. However, we provide emergency contact numbers and will always endeavor to assist if there are any delays or associated problems.

Ticket Changes are not permitted once tickets are issued. If you lose or damage your e-ticket prior to travel you can reprint the e-ticket using the same link from the initial confirmation email you received.

• Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd
• Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
• Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe
• Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash
• Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard-to-replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag
• Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing
• Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body.

• Remain alert and cautious. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public places, including train stations, markets, subways and tourist sites;
• Be especially careful when traveling independently, or leaving your tour group to explore on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Avoid narrow alleys and poorly lit streets;
• Use only official taxis and check the change you receive from all taxi drivers and vendors;
• Beware of pickpockets often working with an accomplice who will distract you by spilling something on you, dropping a wallet or other seemingly valuable object, or tripping and falling down in front of you;
• Beware of aggressive street vendors who may approach you offering a demonstration which may end with you being pressured to purchase an item or act as a distraction for another pickpocket;
• Don’t tip beggars;
• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest;
• Carry modest amounts of cash (US dollars) in small denominations so that you can avoid flashing large bills when paying for small items;
• ATM machines can be a convenient way to carry less currency. However those machines too can be used for robbery. Be wary of anyone who can look over your shoulder when inputting PINs. Another scam involves rigging the machine with a plastic insert which makes your card retrieval difficult; the thief then removes your card after you walk away;
• If you are confronted, do not fight back - give up your valuables. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police and keep a copy of the official report for insurance claims.

• General Emergency: 112