• Spain 4

Spain

• What are the most common crimes in Spain?

  Pick pocketing

  A common crime in Spain, tourists can be easy targets so be discreet about the fact you are a visitor. They will also target people who are drunk or distracted so always be aware. Keep your valuables secure; if you’re male then the front pocket of your trousers will be far less accessible than the back pocket or your jacket pocket; if you’re female always wear your handbag facing front and kept against your chest, try not to keep your bag slung behind you.

  Three card monty

  One of the oldest con in the book, whether it’s played with 3 cards or with 3 cups and a pea. Nobody ever wins. When you see someone winning you are looking at one of the conman’s friends. He’ll have several, and every now and again one will win a lot of money, this convinces the mark that the game is one that can be won. Even stopping to watch the game makes you a mark, because you’ll find yourself in a small compressed bunch of people, and it’s easy to pick-pocket anyone when others are pressed against them.

• What are the top safety tips for Spain?

  Pick pocketing

  A common scam in tourist areas is people dropping things close to you, if you help by picking them up be aware as they might try to take your valuables. Also avoid talking to strangers or anyone looking suspicious who approaches you, it could be a distraction whilst someone else grabs your wallet, phone or camera.

  Car theft

  Theft from motor vehicles is also common, for car radios, and anything of value. Be aware if you hire a car or self drive not to leave valuables in the car or anything on display.

  Your baggage

  Baggage may be stolen if you leave it unattended in hotels, stations, airports, so always be aware of your belongings. Make sure they are clearly marked so you know they are yours at a glance.

• What is the best time to travel to Spain?

  Summer is the main tourist season for holiday makers, although the weather can be very mild during the winters.

  Spring: 18

  Summer: 32

  Autumn: 20

  Winter: 10

• What are the customs and traditions in Spain?

  Kissing

  Female friends kiss one another, and men on both cheeks (starting with the left), whereas men shake hands and close friends embrace.

  Language

  “Con permiso?” should be used to say “excuse me” when you need to pass someone. “mucho gusto” – nice to meet you. If you do not understand something – always use “Mande?”, instead of “Que?”

  Three Wise Men

  Spain celebrates the feast of the Three Wise Men as a part of the Christmas holiday. There are parades in the streets and parties where the three wise men feature and give gifts to the local children.

  New Year’s Day

  The grapes of luck. This is part of the New Year’s celebrations in Spain, just before the stroke of midnight all friends gather together in front of the television with twelve grapes, one to eaten at each stroke so they will be lucky for the coming year. When they finish, they open a bottle of champagne and toast the New Year giving two kisses to everybody.