My brother-in-law just emailed me with his plans to visit Spain and France this May. Here’s what I wrote back:

May is PERFECT for Spain and France. Not too hot, not too rainy. If you're willing to shell out for the Eurail Pass, the train will be easier and faster than a rental car. Then, rent scooters when you get to the cities. In the villages and smaller towns, you can walk or take buses like the natives do. Scooters are cheap and fast and much less tiring than bicycles. Remember to give French speaking the old college try if you want the French people to be nice to you. It’s no laughing matter – they like tourists who are at least willing to try and speak French, “non?”

My favorite city in all of Europe is Barcelona. It's so unique: the most awesome subway system I've ever seen, with tiled murals lining the walls and air conditioning throughout the entire system. You have to visit the Temple of the Sacred Family - it has an amazing story. Mark and I loved Segovia as well, with the Alcazar castle on the bluff, the historic cathedral, the bullfighting arena, the outdoor cafes, the bakery, mmm. I want to go back. The train trip from Madrid to Segovia cost us a mere $10 roundtrip (for BOTH of us!), and it's up in the foothills where the air is cleaner and cooler than in the city. I’ll write more about Segovia in separate article later.

When you get back, I want to hear all about it – even the bad stuff. (Yeah, I didn’t mention that we got pick-pocketed in Barcelona.) Pues, cuidado!

By guest writer Kathleen A.