Auriga Crown Blog

Bikinis, Benidorm and Barcelona

By AurigaCrown | 2nd April 2014

It’s an accepted rule that visitors should dress respectfully and appropriately when visiting any of the many churches or monuments across Spain, but visitors to the Catalan city of Barcelona should be aware that beachwear is confined to the actual beach and promenade areas, and tourists should cover up or face a significant fine.

The clampdown comes as more and more visitors head to Barcelona for hen and stag parties, once the domain of the southern coastal resorts, which city authorities are trying to discourage. Under the new rules, those found walking the city streets in bikinis or trunks are liable for fines of up to (more…)

Learning to Speak Spanish

By AurigaCrown | 18th March 2014

Recent research from UK holiday comparison site Travel Supermarket suggests that more than half of holiday makers attempt to learn a little of the local language when travelling abroad, with Spanish being the most popular language attempted. (more…)

Parking at Malaga Airport

By AurigaCrown | 11th February 2014

Arranging parking at any airport can be an absolute nightmare, but this this is particularly true of Malaga Airport, the fourth largest airport in Spain.

On-site parking can be very expensive with questionable security, and unless you know the airport well, you might have a fair trek with your luggage before you reach departures. That said, leaving your vehicle with one of the myriad of off-site parking firms is not without its pitfalls. Many parking firms have local offices where you might leave your vehicle, only to have them move it some distance away in your absence. You have no idea where it’s been, who’s been in it or what they were up to in there! (more…)

Buying a used rental car from AurigaCrown

By AurigaCrown | 29th January 2014

These days, very few of us can afford to buy a brand new car straight off the forecourt, but whether you go to a private seller or a reputable dealer, buying a used car can be a minefield. Buying a used rental car from AurigaCrown could offer you an affordable and reliable alternative.

There’s a long-standing myth that says hire cars have a short shelf life – used and abused by countless holidaymakers, they have high mileage, ragged engines and untold damage to the bodywork. While it’s true that some hire cars do get into some scrapes, in actual fact the vast majority come back to the fleet in near perfect condition. Insurance excesses are often so high that many holiday makers simply won’t take the risk of having their credit cards charged for any repairs. (more…)

Car seats in Spain

By AurigaCrown | 9th January 2014

If you’re visiting Spain and plan on hiring a car, then you need to remember that like the UK, Spain has strict laws concerning the use of seat belts and car seats. EVERYONE in the vehicle must wear a seat belt at all times, and children have to be in the correct safety seat for their age and height.

Unlike the UK, where children need to be over 135 cm or over 12 years old, in Spain children need to be over 135 cm tall and over 12 years before they can travel without a car seat. EDIT (9th June 2014): Now children only need to be over 135 cm to travel without a car sear in Spain too, due to the last changes in the traffic law.
Furthermore, anyone who does not meet these criteria is forbidden to travel in the front seat of the vehicle.

There is a certain amount of overlap with the seat groups, but to help you choose the best car seat for your younger passengers, here’s a summary of the car seats rules for each age. (more…)