Spain Specialist certified
Why Choose Experience España
Expert Guidance
I have 30 years experience, both living & traveling throughout Spain. I want to share my passion for this remarkable country and everything I have learned over the years, to give you the most up-to-date insider knowledge.
I am a high school Spanish teacher in Bloomington, Indiana. I have organized and led many student groups through Spain over the years. Most recently, creating Spanish language immersion experiences for my high school students, in Madrid, and in Barcelona.
I have lived for extended periods in both Madrid and Barcelona. I am fluent in Spanish and have recently passed Spain's official Tourism Course - Spain Specialist Program
Unforgettable Experiences
I believe that travel should be about creating unforgettable experiences and memories. That's why I offer a range of travel consulting services that cater to different interests and travel preferences. Whether you're looking for a luxury vacation, travel on a budget, Spanish language immersion, or an adventure expedition, I've got you covered.
With Experience España, your individual needs and interests will be at the forefront of my planning. I will work closely with you to create a personalized travel experience that exceeds your expectations.
Peace of Mind
Travel can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. At Experience España, I will handle some, or all of the details, so you can relax and enjoy your travels. Travel support and language assistance is available, dependent on the level of consulting you have chosen.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I do not offer travel insurance through my services, but I always recommend that you consider it for your travels.
Travel Guard (AIG)
https://www.travelguard.com/travel-resources/destinations/europe/spain
Allianz Travel
https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
STEP (U.S. Department of State)
Consult with me! *
Options for all your Spain travel needs
Free Discovery Call
Want to learn more about the services I provide? Let's meet and find out if working together is right for you!
I will ask for the following details:
- Travel dates/duration of trip
- # of travelers
- # of locations to visit
- Budget range
- Accommodations types
- Transportation needs
- Specific focus/theme
- Preferences/specific needs
Call duration 30 minutes *
*For consults that will require more in depth planning, and/or planning that will require multiple emails/meetings/Zooms, please refer to other consult options.
The Resources Consult
If you are interested in detailed resources I have created for your destination(s) that include the following:
- Accommodations for your destination(s)
- Must See Visit Recommendations for your destination(s)
- Restaurant & Food Recommendations for your destination(s)
PLUS:
- Language & Culture Tips
NOTE:
- Itinerary planning and reservations will be done by you.
The Recommendations Consult
Based on our Discovery Call, I will provide the following:
- Personalized hotel recommendations based on your specific needs.
- Transportation options based on your needs
- Must see visit suggestions/guided tour options for your destination(s)
- Food & restaurant recommendations for you
PLUS:
- Language & Culture Tips
NOTE:
- Itinerary planning and reservations will be done by you.
The Itinerary Consult
Based on our Discovery Call, and through continued collaboration, I will work to build a personalized itinerary, which includes:
- A suggested daily layout of activities for each destination
- Personalized hotel recommendations based on your needs
- Transportation options based on your needs
- Must see visit suggestions/guided tour options
- Food & restaurant recommendations for you
PLUS:
- Language & Culture Tips
NOTE:
- Reservations will be done by you.
The Reservations Consult
Based on our Discovery Call, and through continued collaboration, I will manage any reservations or bookings required for the trip:
- Hotels will be booked directly, to facilitate communications
- Guided tours/city tours/site entrances will be purchased directly through the local business entity
Note:
- Flights are to be secured by you
- Itinerary will be done by you
The EVERYTHING Consult
This option is a combination of the Itinerary Consult and the Reservations Consult
Note:
- Flights are to be secured by you
Consultation Fee Schedule:
After our Discovery Call, you will receive a personalized quote based on the Consultation that best suits your needs
*Important to note: I am not a travel agent. All research and recommendations are individualized and not based on commissions from any hotels or vendors. If you have questions about the consulting fee schedule, please ask!
Experience España Client Testimonials
"My wife and I were thrilled to have Abby's help in planning a trip to Spain!"
"Not only is Abby DELIGHTFUL to talk with, she is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience"
"Not only is Abby DELIGHTFUL to talk with, she is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience"
My wife and I were thrilled to have Abby’s help in planning a trip to Spain! We were visiting cites in both southern and northern Spain and she helped us pick out hotels, restaurants (she even advised us to avoid certain restaurants that weren’t authentic/owned by locals), activities, neighborhoods to visit, and much more. We had an incredible trip and know that all of Abby’s guidance made the trip way better than if we had tried to plan it on our own with generic internet-based advice.
Joel & Kim M. February 2025
"Not only is Abby DELIGHTFUL to talk with, she is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience"
"Not only is Abby DELIGHTFUL to talk with, she is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience"
"Not only is Abby DELIGHTFUL to talk with, she is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience"
My husband and I were trying to plan our first trip to Spain. We weren't sure where we wanted to go, where we should stay or how long we should be in each city. Abby has extensive knowledge of the cities, the culture and the local vibes, not just through visiting Spain, but by spending extensive time there. I contacted Abby and she was a dream come true!! When we met for the first time, she asked me many questions as to our travel style, budget, length of time and the vibe we were looking for. Not only is Abby DELIGHTFUL to talk with, she is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience. Later that day, she had sent me a suggested itinerary, hotel recommendations and activities and entertainment ideas. Abby continued to be an incredible resource as I finalized our plan. Abby was also available while we were traveling with quick questions and suggestions. I CANNOT recommend Abby enough!
Lainie & Mark H. October 2024
"You won’t regret having Abby help plan your trip!"
"Not only is Abby DELIGHTFUL to talk with, she is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience"
"On our next trip to Spain, we will visit northern Spain, and we will definitely consult with Abby!"
Abby did such a great job helping me plan my trip to Barcelona. We discussed my style of travel and interests so she could help me curate the experience. I initially thought I wanted to stay in one area of town, but with her help, I chose a different location which ended up being perfect for us. Her recommendations for tours and restaurants were spot on. It was helpful having someone who knows the city so well giving me advice on what to see and where to go. You won’t regret having Abby help plan your trip.
Lindsay S. August 2024
"On our next trip to Spain, we will visit northern Spain, and we will definitely consult with Abby!"
"On our next trip to Spain, we will visit northern Spain, and we will definitely consult with Abby!"
"On our next trip to Spain, we will visit northern Spain, and we will definitely consult with Abby!"
Abby was a tremendous resource for our trip to Spain in May 2024. We traveled to
Madrid and then south to Andalusia with visits to Granada, Malaga, Ronda, and Seville.
Abby shared her thoughts about the overall itinerary, suggesting the optimal length of
stay for each city. She happily provided very helpful details, including the logistics of
travel by train and bus, the most interesting neighborhoods in Madrid, the optimal time
of day to visit the Alhambra in Granada, and the best Flamenco options in Seville. For
each location, she shared information on lodging, restaurants, sites “not to be missed,”
and even vocabulary for food and drink. On our next trip to Spain, we will visit northern
Spain, and we will definitely consult with Abby!
Mark & Mary Clare B. May 2024
"Your availability during our trip was amazing"
"On our next trip to Spain, we will visit northern Spain, and we will definitely consult with Abby!"
"She is always there if I have questions and her knowledge of the country is amazing and valuable to
Our trip to Barcelona was perfect. Your hotel recommendation, restaurant choices and generous lists of important sites helped fill each day with breathtaking visits to the right places to see and delicious food. You designed for us a daily schedule that allowed for a great balance of activity and rest so we didn’t feel exhausted. Mostly, we found your bubbling love of Spain and Barcelona infectious so we were like race horses at the starting gate when we arrived from the north by train. Your availability during our trip was amazing; you responded immediately to a harried text asking for guidance when, due to an impromptu taxi strike, we couldn't get to our hotel with all of our suitcases! I felt like i had someone in the wings at all times.You even went above and beyond in finding a superb hotel in southern France on our way to Barcelona. This trip was wonderful due to your thoughtful approach ahead of our trip, your availability as we traveled and your deep love for and understanding of spanish culture. Thank you so much!
Julie & Michael S. May 2024
"She is always there if I have questions and her knowledge of the country is amazing and valuable to
"On our next trip to Spain, we will visit northern Spain, and we will definitely consult with Abby!"
"She is always there if I have questions and her knowledge of the country is amazing and valuable to
My travel agent referred me to Abby for a family destination wedding trip this summer in 
Spain. When I reached out to Abby she responded with enthusiasm. We made an appointment to chat and she asked for some details and brought great information with print outs to share with family. She had restaurant recommendations and tours and sights to see.She had areas of interest and some useful phrases to use as well. She is always there if I have questions and her knowledge of the country is amazing and valuable to all travelers. THANK YOU Abby
Cindy D. February 2024
"I will be using Abby's services to ensure my next trip is as incredible as the last"
"I will be using Abby's services to ensure my next trip is as incredible as the last"
"I will be using Abby's services to ensure my next trip is as incredible as the last"
"Abby Gray's invaluable insights about lodging and activities in Madrid truly rescued my recent trip to Spain. Her recommendation of Hotel Regina was perfect, and I'm immensely grateful for her guidance. After experiencing multiple flight delays and other traveling setbacks en route to Madrid, arriving at Hotel Regina was an absolute relief. I have never had a better hotel experience. The staff were more than accommodating, the facilities were immaculate, and the breakfast spread was divine.
Whether they were personally escorting us to our room after check out or helping us connect our Netflix account to the tv, the staff went above and beyond to be courteous and make us feel comfortable and welcome. Abby's recommendation to stay at Hotel Regina not only delivered on service and quality but also couldn't have been in a better location. The Museo Nacional del Prado, which we visited at Abby’s suggestion, was a breathtaking museum just a short walk away. Staying within walking distance of beautiful parks, amazing restaurants and tapas bars, and cute boutiques and shops made it easy to explore Madrid, and I felt safe and comfortable at all times of day and night.
When I initially told Abby I was going to Spain, I expressed my desire to stay somewhere with easy access to restaurants and attractions, given my limited time in Madrid. She surpassed all expectations with her recommendation of Hotel Regina. In addition to her excellent hotel suggestion, Abby provided invaluable tips for navigating Madrid and offered recommendations for attractions, helping me make the most of my stay. Even though my trip was brief, I had an unforgettable experience during my time in Madrid.
Without Abby's expertise, I doubt I would have been able to optimize my trip to Madrid and fully immerse myself in everything the city has to offer. If I ever have the chance to return to Spain—and after my amazing experience in Madrid, I sincerely hope I do—I will be using Abby's services to ensure my next trip is as incredible as the last."
Lauren M. February 2024
"I cannot say enough about her expertise and passion for the city (Madrid)"
"I will be using Abby's services to ensure my next trip is as incredible as the last"
"I will be using Abby's services to ensure my next trip is as incredible as the last"
Abby was gracious in helping me plan a quick getaway to Madrid. She assisted with hotel arrangements, restaurant choices, and suggested multiple sightseeing opportunities. Abby walked me through the layout of the city and areas that I would be able to walk safely throughout my stay, she even answered my call when I landed in Madrid with a question, I cannot say enough about her expertise and passion for the city
Jill K. October 2023
"There’s no copy and paste when it comes to Abby’s recommendations"
"I will be using Abby's services to ensure my next trip is as incredible as the last"
"There’s no copy and paste when it comes to Abby’s recommendations"
Abby was my first text when I started planning a trip to Barcelona last summer. From helping me sort out which neighborhood made sense to stay in (and vetting my AirBnb options) to giving me all her insider tips on what to prioritize during a fairly short stay, Abby was an invaluable resource. Not only does she have an amazing amount of knowledge about Spain, but she’s also fantastic at figuring out what will work for you personally. “Oh, you need ideas for what to do during the day before you go to a Harry Styles concert at the Estadi Olímpic? Here are a bunch of options.” There’s no copy and paste when it comes to Abby’s recommendations and I will be sending anyone and everyone I know to her if they’re planning to travel to Spain.
Abby G. July 2023