The new normality in Spain. Visiting the country this summer what to expect. 

Now that Spain is well and truly open, we are seeing a huge number of people book a hire car for the added peace of mind that it brings.  And of course, we are all aware that Coronavirus still exists and we all need to do out bit to stay safe and keep others safe.  So, by hiring a car you avoid busy public transport and have your own safe way to get around.  You can find out more about what we are doing at Drivalia to keep you safe by clicking here.

We are noticing a lot of people are getting in touch with us to ask questions about what to expect when they come to Spain and what if anything has changed.  So, in this blog, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about holidays to Spain in the new normality.  Naturally, we are always here to answer any queries you may have – just drop us a line!

Is it safe to travel to Spain this summer?

Spain was one of the hardest-hit countries in the early days of the pandemic but took fast and strict measures to get the virus under control.  This has resulted in the number of fatalities now being much lower than in many countries.  Of course, Coronavirus is not over anywhere in the world and that´s why we all have to adapt to the “the new normality in Spain” but the measures we have taken and those we continue to take mean that as long as you follow the rules, Spain remains a safe country to visit.

How safe is hiring a car?

We can only comment on the measures we are taking to keep you safe but the short answer is that if you hire a car from Drivalia you have nothing to worry about.  We are taking many steps including regular sanitising of the mini busses and our premises.  Our cars are being prepared with very careful measures and you can read more about those measures here.  Hiring a car is arguably the best form of transport at the moment because you are in your own environment and safe which has to be better than using busy public transport.

Is everything open?

Pretty much everything is up and running again and permitted to open as long as they are following the important safety rules.  This means that almost everything is open.  Naturally, in some areas there may be an occasional business which have chosen to delay their opening for whatever reasons but in general Spain is open!

Do I have to wear a face mask?

The use of face masks is very important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.  In most locations in Spain, a face mask must be worn inside public places and outside when a distance of 2m cannot be maintained between you and other people.  There are some areas which require one to be worn at all times when you are out and about but clearly you can take it off to eat and drink!

Is hand gel obligatory?

Hand hygiene is clearly one of the most important ways to help to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.  For this reason, it is obligatory to use it when entering any business whether that is a shop, a restaurant/bar or any other type of establishment.  It is provided on entry and clients must use it.

Are the beaches open?

Yes, they are!  Most beaches in Spain are fully open although social distancing must remain in place.  For this reason, you may see that as Spain gets busier, some beaches are implementing systems to control social distancing such as designated marked out areas for you and your family, a pre-booking system to limit the number of people at any one time and so on.  Each area is making the rules and procedures very clear and easy to understand.

Do I need to pre-book restaurants?

In general, most restaurants are operating in the same way that they always have in terms of whether you need to reserve or not so it depends on the restaurant.  Keep in mind that in order to follow the rules to keep you safe, there has to be a minimum distance between tables.  This means that many establishments are running at a reduced capacity in terms of how many customers they can serve at any one time.  Therefore, it never hurts to call ahead and ask if you can make a booking to keep waiting times to a minimum.

Can I buy face masks and gel in Spain easily?

There are ample supplies and you can purchase both in any pharmacy as well as in most supermarkets.  Naturally, it makes sense to bring some with you just in case but in general, nobody has any problems in buying masks or hand gel in Spain.

How many people can be in my hire car?

You are free to travel in the same car as your travelling companions.

Keep in mind that the information in this email was correct at the time of writing but could be subject to change depending on the relevant authorities.

Our customer care team are here if you have your own questions about the new normality in Spain.  Likewise, if you have any queries about hiring a car just get in touch with us.