A Travec trip to Spain offers a unique blend of city exploration and everyday cultural immersion. Families will spend the first few days experiencing the energy and history of Madrid, followed by a week in Moncada, a welcoming town just outside Valencia where daily life unfolds at a slower pace. What makes this trip especially unique is the morning language and cultural camp designed specifically for children in Spanish immersion programs. During the week in Moncada, kids will spend their mornings at a local Spanish school alongside teachers and Spanish-speaking peers. Through games, activities, and real conversation, they’ll have the chance to use their Spanish in a natural, immersive environment—often gaining confidence and fluency in ways that surprise both them and their parents. This experience is especially well-suited for families who enjoy exploring new places through culture, food, language, and connection—not just sightseeing. While Madrid offers the excitement of a vibrant European capital, Moncada provides the opportunity to slow down and experience authentic Spanish life in a local community. This trip tends to resonate most with families who: • Have children enrolled in a Spanish immersion or language program and want to see their language skills come to life in a real-world setting • Are comfortable navigating a large city like Madrid using metros, walking, and neighborhood streets (with plenty of support from the Travec team along the way) • Enjoy exploring historic neighborhoods, plazas, markets, museums, and café culture • Are curious about Spanish language, traditions, and everyday life • Appreciate a slower rhythm of travel—late dinners, evening walks, and time spent in public plazas • See travel as an opportunity for growth, flexibility, and shared learning as a family During the week in Moncada, families will experience daily Spanish life—walking through town, enjoying neighborhood cafés, interacting with locals, and making easy excursions into Valencia. Meanwhile, kids will spend their mornings learning and connecting at the local school, often returning each day with new words, confidence, and stories to share. In Summary: This trip is ideal for families seeking cultural immersion, educational travel, and a deeper connection to Spanish language and life in Spain. It may not be the best fit for families looking for resort-style travel, early evenings, or a fast-paced sightseeing schedule.

Learning on this trip happens naturally through experience, observation, and participation in daily life. During the first few days in Madrid, families will explore Spain’s vibrant capital—gaining insight into Spanish history, art, and culture through historic neighborhoods, plazas, markets, and museums. During the week in Moncada, learning becomes even more immersive. Children will spend their mornings at a local Spanish school participating in a language and cultural camp designed specifically for students in Spanish immersion programs. Through games, activities, and interaction with teachers and Spanish-speaking peers, kids will have the chance to use their Spanish in real-world settings and often experience a noticeable boost in confidence and fluency. Throughout the trip, families will gain insight into: • Spanish history and identity, through time spent exploring Madrid’s historic neighborhoods and meaningful cultural sites • Language and communication, by hearing and using Spanish in everyday settings such as cafés, markets, shops, and public transportation • Food culture, including shared meals, traditional dishes, local markets, and the social role of dining in Spanish life • Everyday Spanish life, especially during the week in Moncada, where families experience the rhythms of a local community • A different pace of life, where evenings stretch later, time together is prioritized, and daily routines unfold more slowly • Relationship-centered culture, where conversation, connection, and community play an important role in everyday interactions Families often return home with more than memories—they return with greater cultural awareness, new confidence in using Spanish, and a deeper appreciation for how people live, connect, and learn around the world.

This experience is designed with families and elementary and middle-school aged children in mind, especially those participating in a Spanish immersion program. The program is best suited for kids who are curious, adaptable, and excited to use Spanish in real-life situations. During the week in Moncada, children will participate in a morning language and cultural camp at a local Spanish school, created specifically for students ages 5–12. Through games, activities, and interaction with teachers and Spanish-speaking peers, kids will have the opportunity to practice Spanish naturally and often see their confidence and comprehension grow throughout the week. Outside of camp hours, the trip is designed to be engaging for the whole family. Time in Madrid includes exploring plazas, markets, parks, and historic neighborhoods, while the week in Moncada offers a slower pace with opportunities to experience everyday Spanish life and take easy excursions into nearby Valencia. While the camp is designed for ages 5–12, families with older or younger siblings are still welcome. We’re happy to talk through options and help determine whether the experience will be a good fit for your family. In general, this trip works best for families who are comfortable with walking, public transportation in Madrid, and a relaxed rhythm of travel that prioritizes cultural immersion over packed sightseeing schedules.

Travec offers comprehensive support before, during, and after your trip—so families can travel with confidence while still experiencing the freedom and flexibility that make immersive travel meaningful. Before you travel, our team guides you through the planning process with: • A dedicated planning timeline and clear communication • A pre-departure meeting covering packing tips, cultural expectations, daily life abroad, and how to prepare children for the experience • Suggested activities and ideas for free time and independent exploration • Flight booking and tracking support through our on-staff travel agent, ensuring coordinated arrivals and added peace of mind While on the trip, families are supported by: • A Travec Trip Leader who manages group logistics and provides day-to-day guidance • A City Host who offers local insight, cultural context, and on-the-ground support • City Friends, when available, who help foster meaningful community connections and authentic experiences Behind the scenes, the Travec team at home remains available throughout the trip, offering additional support and coordination as needed. This layered approach allows families to feel supported without feeling over-scheduled—creating space for genuine connection, learning, and discovery.

You absolutely can plan travel on your own—and many of our travelers have. Families choose Travec not because they can’t plan, but because they want a deeper, more meaningful experience with expert support and intentional design. Travec goes beyond logistics to create travel that is: • Culturally immersive, with local connections you wouldn’t typically access on your own • Educational by design, weaving language, history, and daily life into the experience • Community-centered, through Trip Leaders, City Hosts, and City Friends who bring destinations to life • Thoughtfully paced, balancing structure with freedom and rest • Fully supported, from planning and pre-departure preparation to on-the-ground and behind-the-scenes support We also handle the pieces that often add stress—coordinating flights through our on-staff travel agent, preparing families for cultural differences, sharing ideas for meaningful free time, and being available if questions or needs arise while you’re abroad. Families who travel with Travec often say they could have planned the trip themselves—but they wouldn’t have experienced the same depth of connection, learning, or ease without us.

No—Spanish is not required to participate in a Travec trip to Madrid. Many of our travelers arrive with little or no Spanish and still have a meaningful, successful experience. That said, being surrounded by the Spanish language is part of what makes the experience so rich. Families naturally pick up words and phrases through daily life—ordering food, greeting neighbors, navigating the city, and interacting with local hosts. For those who already have some Spanish, the trip offers valuable real-world practice and confidence-building opportunities. Our Trip Leaders, City Hosts, and City Friends help bridge any language gaps, and we provide guidance before departure to help families feel prepared and comfortable. Whether your family is fluent, learning, or brand new to Spanish, language becomes a tool for connection—not a barrier. Want to brush up or learn the basics before your trip? Contact our Co-Founder, Amanda Cisneros, owner of EdConnect Language Academy! (edconnect.us)

It’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about traveling with a group of people you may not know yet. Many families arrive with that same question—and almost all leave saying the group dynamic became one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. From the start, every family already shares something important: the willingness to take a leap into immersive, intentional travel. That common mindset—curiosity, openness, and a desire for meaningful experiences—creates a natural foundation for connection. Travec trips are intentionally designed with a balanced itinerary, meaning you are not together as a group all the time. There is structured group time for shared experiences, as well as built-in space for independent exploration, rest, or family time. This balance allows relationships to develop organically, without pressure. Families often find that group travel leads to: • New friendships that extend well beyond the trip • Built-in playmates and companions for kids (a game-changer for parents) • Shared problem-solving and encouragement in a new environment • A sense of community and belonging while traveling abroad As with most meaningful travel experiences, much of the group dynamic is shaped by the mindset you bring with you. Families who arrive open, flexible, and willing to engage tend to get the most out of both the destination and the people around them.

Every family’s budget will look a little different, and Travec trips are designed to offer flexibility around daily spending. In addition to the trip cost, families should plan for: • Flights (with booking and tracking support from our on-staff travel agent if desired) • Meals not included, especially during free time • Optional activities or day trips • Personal spending such as souvenirs or treats For a Travec trip to Madrid, families often budget approximately $50–$125 per person, per day for food, local transportation, and personal spending. Many families choose a mix of dining out and easy meals at their accommodations, with quick access to neighborhood grocery stores, bakeries, and markets—making it simple and affordable to prepare breakfasts, lunches, or lighter dinners when desired. Before departure, we share practical guidance on grocery shopping, meal options, and typical costs to help families plan in a way that fits their travel style and comfort level.

Because Travec trips are intentionally small and immersive, we evaluate whether a trip will run approximately 5–6 months before the departure date (or sooner if the trip fills earlier). If Travec needs to cancel a trip due to enrollment, families will have two options: • Transfer all payments to a different Travec trip or a future departure • Receive a full refund of any payments made We communicate clearly and as early as possible so families have time to adjust plans with confidence. Our goal is to provide transparency and flexibility while ensuring every trip delivers the high-quality experience we promise.

Families may choose to book their own flights or work with Travec for flight support—it’s completely up to you. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility of booking flights independently, which allows you to: • Choose your preferred airline or flight schedule • Fly out of different airports • Extend your trip before or after the group experience For families who prefer guidance or would like everything coordinated, Travec offers flight booking and tracking support through our on-staff travel agent. This option provides added peace of mind, helps align arrival and departure times, and ensures support if changes arise. No matter which option you choose, we share recommended arrival windows and coordination details so your travel experience is smooth and well-supported from start to finish.

Trip deposits are non-refundable, as they secure your spot and allow us to begin planning, reserving accommodations, and coordinating on-the-ground logistics. That said, we understand that unexpected situations can arise. In special circumstances, we are happy to review your situation on a case-by-case basis. When possible, we may offer the option to transfer your deposit to a future Travec trip, rather than losing it entirely. We believe in transparency and fairness, and our goal is always to work with families thoughtfully while balancing the commitments required to run immersive, small-group travel experiences.