‘So Worth It’

Q&A with Spanish travel expert Meg Ermer

By Amanda Blake

Desperate for a personal refresh after her first year of college, American Meg Ermer began studying in Sagunto, Spain in the fall of 2021. She started as a novice student nomad, but by the time spring rolled around, her classmates considered her an expert in Spanish travel. Thrifty and daring, Ermer had ventured to the five largest cities in Spain and several smaller villages. Now, she’s back in the states and loves telling her story, especially to those eager to learn how to navigate Spain as young, broke, inexperienced adults.

Q: What aspect of Spanish culture surprised you the most?

A: I was very surprised by siesta. It was frustrating because once classes got out for siesta at about one o’clock, then that’s when you’d want to go grocery shopping or do something fun in town. But places were always closed, no exceptions.

Q: What is the most affordable city in Spain?

A: Affordability is one of the great things about Spain. I’ve heard it described as Italy but on a budget.

Price-wise, I was very happy in Valencia and Seville.

Q: And the least affordable?

I think Madrid.

Q: If you were to move to Spain right now, where would you settle down?

While I’m young, in my 20s, and just wanting to live life? Definitely Barcelona. Seville’s my backup.

Q: What are some thrifty traveling methods you would recommend to students in Spain?

The methods I used in Spain are the same ones I used everywhere in Europe. Look on Skyscanner for cheap flights. Also, be flexible with your dates. Explore different options, and don’t be afraid to be a day late or early to classes. Look at trains, especially in Spain and Italy.

Q: What is the best Spanish dish?

I like paella. I not only love the taste of it but also the whole process of creating it. For family day at my school, they brought in this huge dish the size of a small pool, and they had people with huge rakes making paella in it. It was an all-day event, and it was just really fun.

Q: What are some unexpected Spanish phrases someone traveling to Spain should learn?

I don’t know if it would save your life or anything, but “ no pasa nada .” It’s a good way to summarize the Spanish lifestyle: it’s whatever, no big deal. If you want to sound like you really know what you’re doing, say “ porfa ” instead of “ por favor .”

Q: Anything people shouldn’t say?

When you’re in a restaurant, “puedo tener” (can I have) is not a thing. Don’t say it.

Q: What’s your favorite memory made in Spain?

About six of my friends and I went to Barcelona for the weekend. It was a cheap bus, backpack, hostel situation. One of my friends Googled random things to do at night, and she saw this war bunker on top of a mountain. When we got to the top, there were just a bunch of teenagers and 20-somethings hanging out, playing music, just vibing. We joined in, and I remember just sitting and looking out at the city. We listened to Ed Sheeran’s “Barcelona.” It was just a really fun night—very carefree, very happy.

Q: What’s your advice for someone considering studying in Spain?

Don’t worry about your classes. Don’t worry about graduating in time or falling behind. Do it. It’s so worth it.