I'm set to depart for Madrid in two weeks. I arrive the 29th - the day of the election. After a day there, I'm flying down to South of Spain and taking the train between a few cities. Hearing about the strikes, the train closures, and disruptions has been stressful and I'm concerned I wouldn't be able to experience the country to it’s fullest. On top of that it sounds like there's been a lot of torrential rain. This is my first solo trip. I'm debating canceling what I can and rebooking my flight elsewhere - preferably still in Europe. Am I overthinking or is there somewhere else I'd be better suited to visit instead?
Posted by
TX
4327 posts
A lot can happen and change in two weeks.
Madrid and the rest of Spain might be quieter by the time you arrive and the weather might be nice.
I suggest that you keep your trip for now but also buy travel insurance.
Spain is very nice.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
1205 posts
I think you are overthinking it - the strike was one day.
I would research your train travel carefully, as some routes in Andalucia are still affected by the recent crash, but there are buses and planes.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
28023 posts
travelling.climber
This is all old news. It’s over now and wont repeat before the end of the year: 24-Hour General Strike (November 11) / Violent Clashes in Tourist Hubs (November 11) / Housing Crisis Campouts (September–November) / Train Driver Walkouts (November) / Municipal Transit Strikes (on going) / Indefinite Air Traffic Control Strike (on going) / Madrid-Barajas Baggage Maintenance Strike (on going) / Spring Ground Staff Walkouts (April) / Storm Adam Flooding (October) / Barcelona Street Clashes (October). But lets not pick on Spain because France and Germany aren’t perfect either. But again, its all over for the year.
But a holiday is about relaxation and enjoyment and if this sort of thing freaks you out, nothing wrong with that. If that is the case, there are lots of places with less of a track record for disruption. Traditionally Eastern (central) Europe is peaceful on those subjects. Czech Republic (Prague), Austria (Vienna) Hungary (Budapest), Romania (Transylvania) all good in December. Not as “warm” but great Christmas Markets and cultural events going on in November and December.
But changes this late tend to be expensive, so if you can find a peaceful center inside, probalby best to continue on with the current plans.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8935 posts
The train line closure shouldn’t impact where you’re headed since it’s between Madrid and Sevilla. The torrential rains were a couple weeks ago and unless you’re headed to the Valencia area, you wouldn’t be affected. The strike was for a day. Depending on where you’re headed there could be some localized protests about whatever, but those are easy to avoid.
In Madrid, protests generally take place by a few locations, Gran Vía by the government buildings, the Puerta del Sol, and Paseo de Recoletos/Paseo del Prado. Each is easy to avoid.
Go and have a good time. Don’t overthink it.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
1094 posts
The Nov 11 one day strike was announced over a month in advance, and as Mr E notes, is now over. The heavy flooding in some areas was predicted as likely for when in happened and not predicted for when you would be there. For the trains, you should be able to check whether the specific routes you plan to take are affected and whether there are reasonable bus alternatives you could take instead or make minor shifts in which cities you visit. If you share your itinerary, you might get suggestions from this forum. To me, starting from scratch to plan, book hotels, etc., for your first solo trip just 2 weeks before departing sounds much more stressful and challenging than adjusting a few train trips for travel you already planned. If you are not bound to the same timeframe, then possibilities are wide open.