Professor William Christison wrote on his www.madridteacher.com blog, “I don’t recommend you drive anywhere within Madrid city limits. As Rodney Dangerfield would put it, ‘it’s a jungle out there.’” He recommends, if you do decide to purchase a car rental that you choose a larger car that can withstand some impact. And anyone who would consider a motorcycle is out of their mind or simply naive, he adds. It is possible to get by without car rentals in Madrid. In fact, the local metro system is heralded as one of the best in all of Europe, although renting a car gives you added freedom to drive through the countryside if you so choose.

To obtain a car rental, you must have a valid passport and driver’s license issued by your home state. You must also have insurance, which is usually negotiated by the travel professionals at the rent-a-car office. On the autopista toll roads, the maximum speed is 75 mph. On the autovia, they can range from 50 to 75, depending on where you are. Carretera local highways are as signed, but do not exceed 60 mph. The main roads are between 40 and 60 mph, generally speaking. The laws benefit motorists more than pedestrians, so exercise extreme caution when crossing an intersection by foot, even if you are at a designated crosswalk. On the highways, passing on the right is illegal unless you are exiting. If there is a solid line in the road, do not pull into the intersection to make a left; instead, look for special lanes that aid your turn. Everyone in your car should wear a seat belt and do not drink and drive. The blood alcohol limits are about half those in other parts of Europe. If you get busted for a traffic offense, you will not be allowed to leave the country until you pay your fine or appear in court. In fact, many fines need to be paid right on the spot!

You will find there are ample parking lots for your car rental around the downtown city centre. As a general rule, you may not park where the curbs are painted yellow or where “no parking” signs are posted. There are blue parking spaces and meters located in many places around town, although there is usually a two-hour maximum here. You may find it extremely aggravating when someone blocks you into your spot, but this happens commonly. The proper protocol is to sit in your car and honk your horn until the owner comes out and moves. While this may seem terribly rude, it’s just part of every day life in this busy city. Be especially careful when parking in Madrid because the “grua” — local tow truck drivers — will charge you an arm and a leg to get your car back. If you can’t speak any Spanish, then you may have an exceptionally hard time negotiating with them. When in doubt, look for underground parking with security.

Visitors with a car rental can take many lovely road trips outside the Madrid city centre. Sixty minutes away, the town of Toledo is one of the best places to stop, with its impressive display of medieval art and architecture. Aranjuez, just south of Madrid, is a royal site with beautiful palaces and gardens. Valle de los Caidos, fifty miles from Madrid, holds a pine forest, a 500-foot cross, the tombs of Spanish civil war heroes and French influences. Eight miles from there, you’ll be able to visit El Escorial, which holds epic statues and historic monuments. The drive to Monasterio de El Paular and Lozoya Valley is a scenic and serene one full of unique sites. There are mountain passes, churches, pine trees, water features and romantic picnic areas here. If hiking is your thing, then another great stop is Parque de la Pedriza. Spanish wonderment awaits you in the Spanish countryside, so be sure to check out www.madrid-world-guides.com to find car rentals!

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In the past, checking the major carriers’ websites was the only option to find airline flights to Madrid. However, these days, there are a number of competitive websites offering reduced rate flights to Madrid. Discount travel information can be found at www.wholesale-flights.com, for example, where flights to Madrid can be found for as low as 5 round-trip! All the other prices noted in this article refer to prices found on the carriers’ websites, however, to give you an overall idea of how these tickets are regularly priced. Estimates are assuming the trip goes from April 1 – April 7, although better deals may be found at other times throughout the year.

US Airways is one airline that flies from the United States to Madrid, Spain. This company sends out over 3,200 flights each day and serves over 200 communities in Europe, North America, the Caribbean and Latin America. Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag weighing up to 40 pounds and one personal item like a laptop bag, purse or briefcase. A checked bag will cost $15 extra and any additional bags are $25. Round-trip airline tickets to and from New York City to Madrid in April will cost around $544, plus taxes and baggage fees and will take about 15 hours one way, stopping in Philadelphia and Washington-Dulles airport. To fly from Los Angeles, you’ll pay $714 for a 14-17 hour flight, stopping only in Philadelphia.

The Delta airline can fly to Madrid from New York City with one stop for 4.20 or non-stop for more. The shortest April flights take between 8 and 10 hours. Flights from Los Angeles range from about 4 – 4 and take around 14 hours. Baggage check is for the first extra bag and for the second bag. Many fliers find that Delta has a wide range of amenities, including movies and refreshments. Delta services 170 million passengers each year and takes passengers to 368 destinations in 66 countries.

“We are delighted to inaugurate this new service between DFW and Madrid,” said Dan Garton, American Airline’s Executive VP of Marketing. “This flight is about opening up new business destinations, new leisure destinations, connecting cultures, and bringing forth new economic opportunities that previously did not exist.” Just recently AA added Dulles/Fort Worth, Texas to the departure points for Madrid travel. According to officials, Flight 36 will depart from Texas at 5:30 pm and arrive in Madrid at 9:55 am the next day on a 9 hour and 25 minute flight. To return, Flight 37 will leave Madrid at 1:10 pm and arrive back in Texas at 4:45 pm, which will take 10 hours and 35 minutes. Standard baggage charges are for the first checked bag and for the second.

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Perhaps one of the most relaxing and romantic vacations you’ll ever take with your (new) spouse, planning the perfect honeymoon starts with choosing the ideal destination.  Whether you’re thinking a tropical Caribbean getaway or luxurious ski vacation in Aspen, here are five tips that can help you and your sweetheart (amicably) pick just the right locale.

What Activities Do You Both Like?

Your hobbies as a couple will likely influence where you choose to vacation.  For example, if you and your fiancé are outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, plan a trip in a beautiful location that offers plenty of outdoor activities such as national forests or hiking in the Alps.

Do You Want Urban or Secluded?

While some couples want to spend their honeymoon in a secluded place (think a bed and breakfast in the mountains), others want a fast-paced trip filled with a jam-packed sightseeing schedule and vibrant nightlife.  If that sounds exciting to you, a few cities to consider include New York City, Miami, London and of course “the city of love,” Paris (click here for more France travel ideas).

How Much Time Do you Have to Honeymoon?

Sadly, all honeymoons must come to an end and often budgets and work schedules dictate when that happens.  Some honeymoon spots may not be the most practical choice simply because you do not have the time needed to make the trip worth it (especially when you consider the travel time to get to certain far-off locations).

Looking For Some More Action On Your Honeymoon?

If you’re looking for an action-packed honeymoon, consider a locale that offers plenty to do, from hiking to surfing and much more.  You can zip-line through the rainforests of Costa Rica or go on a safari in Tanzania.  Make sure you do your homework to ensure there’s plenty to do!  Some tropical resorts don’t offer much more than rest and relaxation.

How Much Are You Willing to Spend?

As briefly mentioned previously, your budget is another factor that will largely influence the destination you pick.  A domestic honeymoon may cost less than traveling overseas simply when you consider airfare.  Or you may have to pick and choose which activities you do and sights you see.  If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in a five-star hotel but your budget prevents you from doing so, consider staying somewhere plush for one or two nights then switching to a more affordable hotel.