From choosing the right coastal destination to managing travel expenses and airport transport, a little preparation can make a Spanish getaway considerably easier.
Spain’s Mediterranean coast has a great deal to offer travellers looking for sunshine, seaside towns, historic attractions and a more relaxed pace of life.
For British holidaymakers, the Costa Blanca is particularly appealing. Located in southeastern Spain, this stretch of coastline combines established beach resorts, traditional Spanish communities and destinations suited to everything from short holidays to extended winter stays.
Alicante is one of the region’s principal gateways, welcoming international visitors travelling to destinations such as Benidorm, Altea, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa.
Yet planning a successful trip involves more than finding an attractive hotel or booking flights.
Arrival arrangements, local transport, currency exchange, travel documentation and airport logistics can all influence the experience.
Whether visiting for the first time or returning to a favourite destination, these practical considerations deserve attention before departure.
Choose a destination that suits your travel style
One of the Costa Blanca’s advantages is the variety of destinations available within the same region.
Alicante offers an appealing combination of beaches, restaurants, shopping areas and historical attractions. Its city centre is suitable for travellers who enjoy exploring on foot and having amenities within easy reach.
Benidorm, meanwhile, is known for its extensive accommodation options, beaches and entertainment. It can suit families and visitors looking for a lively resort atmosphere.
Those seeking a quieter experience might prefer coastal communities such as Altea, where traditional architecture, scenic streets and Mediterranean views provide a different setting.
Further south, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa attract international visitors, including people returning regularly to spend time with friends or family.
The best destination depends on the purpose of the holiday.
Before booking accommodation, consider whether a location offers convenient access to beaches, restaurants, public transport and the attractions you want to visit.
A property with a lower nightly rate may not provide better overall value if it requires lengthy journeys every day.
Plan the complete journey, not just the flight
Travellers from the UK can usually reach Alicante Airport on a direct flight from London or a regional airport, although routes and schedules vary by season.
Flight price is important, but departure airports, baggage rules and arrival schedules deserve equal attention.
A lower-cost itinerary may involve a very early departure, an inconvenient arrival time or additional charges for hold luggage.
Before choosing flights, compare the total journey rather than looking only at the initial ticket price.
Travellers should also consider what happens after landing.
Depending on the final destination, transport options may include buses, taxis, private transfers or hire cars.
For visitors staying primarily in Alicante city, public transport may be sufficient for much of the trip. Those planning to explore several coastal towns or rural areas may find a hire car more practical.
Families travelling with children or several suitcases may place greater value on a prearranged transfer that takes them directly to their accommodation.
The right decision depends on personal circumstances, arrival time and the amount of travelling planned during the holiday.
Understand Spain’s entry requirements
International travel requirements are an essential part of preparing for a European holiday.
British passport holders can generally visit Spain without a visa for up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period across the Schengen Area, subject to applicable entry conditions.
However, visitors planning an extended stay should carefully calculate the number of days they are permitted to remain.
Time spent in other Schengen countries also counts towards the allowance.
Since April 2026, the EU’s Entry/Exit System has recorded fingerprints and a facial image of non-EU visitors, including British travellers, at Schengen borders, so travellers should allow extra time on arrival. The separate ETIAS travel authorisation had not started at the time of writing, and the EU has said it will announce a date several months before launch.
According to GOV.UK, a British passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date of arrival and must expire at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen Area. Travel advice can change, so the latest guidance should be checked before departure.
Travellers should also review their insurance arrangements, particularly if planning outdoor activities, hiring a vehicle or spending several months abroad. A UK Global Health Insurance Card can help with necessary state healthcare in Spain, but it does not replace travel insurance.
Making these checks early is considerably easier than resolving documentation problems close to departure.
Build a realistic holiday budget
The cost of a Spanish holiday extends well beyond flights and accommodation.
Daily spending can include restaurant meals, groceries, local transport, sightseeing, parking, insurance and unexpected purchases.
British travellers must also account for the exchange rate between the pound and the euro.
Payment methods deserve attention too. Foreign transaction fees, cash withdrawal charges and currency conversion practices can increase the final cost of purchases.
Before travelling, check the terms offered by your bank and payment cards. It is also sensible to establish a realistic allowance for unexpected expenses.
Flight disruptions, additional transport arrangements and changes to accommodation plans can create costs that were not included in the original budget.
A flexible budget allows travellers to respond to these circumstances without placing unnecessary pressure on their finances.
Think about transport throughout your stay
Choosing accommodation and choosing transport are closely connected decisions.
Someone staying in Alicante city may find that walking, buses and occasional taxis meet their needs.
Visitors planning frequent excursions to several Costa Blanca destinations might prefer the independence of a hire car.
But driving brings additional considerations.
Check whether your accommodation includes parking, whether nearby streets have restrictions and whether popular attractions have suitable parking facilities.
Travellers hiring a car should review insurance coverage, fuel policies, deposits and any additional driver charges before collecting the vehicle.
For families and groups, comparing the total cost of hire cars with public transport and private transfers can help identify the most practical option.
Convenience matters, but it should be considered alongside the full financial commitment.
Don’t overlook airport parking if you’re a seasonal resident
Airport parking is not usually the first concern for a British tourist arriving in Spain.
However, it becomes relevant for British homeowners and long-stay visitors who maintain a property on the Costa Blanca, keep a vehicle in the region or regularly travel between Spain and the UK.
For these travellers, departures from Alicante Airport can involve an additional decision: whether to drive to the terminal and leave their vehicle in professional parking facilities.
Those researching parking options at Alicante Airport should compare the location, duration, storage conditions and vehicle handover procedures offered by different providers.
Some services involve parking at an off-site facility and taking a shuttle to the terminal.
Others use a valet arrangement, allowing travellers to hand over their vehicle at an agreed airport meeting point.
The choice depends on the traveller’s priorities, the length of the journey and the overall cost.
For someone leaving Spain for several weeks, confirming where the vehicle will be stored and how it will be returned is particularly important.
Make airport departures and returns easier
For seasonal residents and frequent travellers, a well-organised airport parking arrangement can reduce the number of tasks involved in departure day.
A traveller leaving early in the morning or returning after a long day of travel may prefer not to arrange additional transport between an off-site parking location and the terminal.
A valet Meet & Greet service at Alicante Airport provides an alternative by arranging vehicle collection and return at designated airport meeting points.
Some local operators offer this type of service alongside different parking and vehicle storage arrangements.
Before booking any valet provider, customers should review the instructions for handing over their keys, confirm the vehicle storage arrangements and understand the procedures for collecting their car after landing.
Insurance provisions, cancellation conditions and possible charges following flight delays should also be checked.
These details are particularly important for international travellers whose flight schedules may change.
Leave time to explore beyond the beaches
The Costa Blanca offers far more than a traditional seaside holiday.
Alicante’s historic centre, local markets and cultural attractions provide opportunities to experience the region beyond the beachfront.
Coastal towns offer contrasting architecture, restaurants and scenery, while inland communities reveal another side of southeastern Spain.
Rather than filling every day with activities, consider combining planned excursions with time to explore independently.
A morning spent visiting a local market, a relaxed lunch or an evening walk along the waterfront can be as memorable as a major sightseeing attraction.
Travellers visiting outside the busiest summer months may also appreciate the opportunity to experience a different atmosphere in established resort destinations.
Seasonal opening hours and transport schedules can vary, so checking practical arrangements beforehand remains worthwhile.
Prepare for the unexpected
Even carefully organised holidays can be affected by delays or changes.
Keep accessible copies of important documents, including passports, travel insurance information, accommodation confirmations and transport bookings.
Check airline baggage allowances before packing, and allow sufficient time for airport procedures.
If travelling with children or older family members, build additional flexibility into the itinerary.
Visitors planning several weeks on the Costa Blanca should also consider how they would manage an unexpected change to their return date.
For those who regularly depart from Alicante in their own vehicle, reviewing the arrangements of local operators such as Park-King can form part of that preparation.
Clear communication, understood booking conditions and realistic travel schedules can make unexpected disruptions easier to manage.
Enjoy the Costa Blanca with confidence
A memorable Spanish holiday begins with the right balance of planning and flexibility.
For British travellers, choosing a suitable destination, understanding entry requirements and making informed transport decisions can help avoid common problems.
For seasonal residents and frequent visitors, organising airport parking and vehicle arrangements is another practical part of preparing for a journey.
No single travel arrangement is ideal for everyone.
The most effective approach is to understand the available options, compare the complete costs and make decisions based on individual needs.
With the essential arrangements in place, travellers can concentrate on what brought them to Spain in the first place: enjoying its coastline, discovering new places and making the most of their time away.
