Frequently Asked Questions

Wedding

  • Our symbolic wedding ceremony & reception will take place at Muka in beautiful San Sebastián, Spain. Please refer to the invitation or our Wedding page for the exact date, time, and location. Muka is just a few short blocks away from Old Town, so we recommend walking or taking a taxi.

  • For the best prices and availability, it’s recommended to book international flights about 3 to 6 months in advance. This window offers a good balance between price and choice of flight times. Setting up fare alerts can also help you track prices and snag deals as they appear! We recommend using sites like Skyscanner to compare prices or signing up for a platform like Going to be alerted about flight deals.

  • Cocktail & festive attire are encouraged. What does that mean? Polished but not overly formal, feel free to get creative with color, patterns, and fabrics that showcase your style. San Sebastián’s coastal climate can be a bit variable, so we recommend layers or a light jacket, especially for evening events.

  • Yes! We have a few optional group activities planned, including a pintxos tour in Old Town, a Rioja wine tour, and free time to explore the area at your own pace. Check out our Wedding page for all the details.

  • Most hotels offer laundry or steaming services. There are also laundry mats in the town centre for laundry services.

  • Our reception will feature an open bar with all the usual offerings, plus local wines, ciders, and txakoli, as well as a 5-course dinner with a variety of traditional Basque dishes and pintxos. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or preferences when you RSVP.

San Sebastián

  • You’ll need a valid passport to enter Europe. Make sure it has at least six months remaining before its expiration date to avoid any travel issues. Starting in 2025, U.S. travelers and some other non-European visitors will also need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization to enter the Schengen Zone, which includes Spain. Visit our Travel Info page for more details.

  • We recommend staying in Old Town (Parte Vieja) for its charming atmosphere or along La Concha Bay for scenic coastal views. In both areas, you’ll find various hotels, Airbnb’s, and other rental options close to the ceremony and local attractions. See our page on San Sebastián for our local recommendations.

  • San Sebastián is easily accessible by plane, train, and bus from most European cities. Check our Travel Info page for detailed options from Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and major European cities like London, Paris, and Rome.

  • We recommend packing layers, as San Sebastián’s autumn coastal weather can change throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for exploring the city’s cobblestone streets. Don’t forget a light jacket for cooler evenings, and to check the local forcast a few days before departure. You can learn more about October weather averages here.

  • ASAP! San Sebastián is famous for its world-class dining, with many Michelin-starred restaurants offering unforgettable culinary experiences. Renowned spots like Arzak, Akelarre, and Mugaritz are among the best, often ranking among the top restaurants in the world. Due to their popularity, reservations are essential and should be made as early as possible—ideally a year to several months in advance. Check each restaurant's website for specific booking windows and reservation policies to secure your table.

  • Feel free to contact us directly with any additional questions or concerns. We’re here to help make your trip as enjoyable and seamless as possible!

Europe

  • Most European countries, including Spain, use the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases. Let your bank know about your travel plans to avoid issues with card transactions abroad, and check whether your card has foreign transaction fees.

  • Yes, Europe uses a different voltage (230V) and plug type (Type C or F) than the U.S. (120V). Bring a travel adapter and, if needed, a voltage converter for any devices that aren’t dual voltage.

  • Tipping customs vary across Europe. In Spain, tipping is generally appreciated but not required. A small tip (5-10%) is common at restaurants if service is good, but rounding up to the nearest Euro is sufficient for cafes, taxis, and bars. When in doubt? Leave 1€ for excellent service. Did you have to wait or flag down a service person for your bill? That’s normal because they want you to be there and hang out. Adapt to a different pace of life and go with the flow, if you are in a hurry let the wait staff know ahead of time, otherwise - enjoy.

  • Public transportation is widely available and efficient in most European cities. Trains, buses, and trams make getting around easy and affordable. Taxis and rideshares like Uber are also available in larger cities, though public transport is often the best value.

  • Check with your phone provider to see if they offer an affordable international plan. Alternatively, you can buy a European SIM card or an eSIM for data and local calling. Many major cities and public spaces in Europe also offer free Wi-Fi.

International
Travel

  • You’ll need a valid passport to enter Europe. Make sure it has at least six months remaining before its expiration date to avoid any travel issues. Starting in 2025, U.S. travelers and some other non-European visitors will also need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization to enter the Schengen Zone, which includes Spain. Visit our Travel Info page for more details.

  • If you plan to drive in Europe, some countries and rental car companies may require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), which is a translation of your U.S. driver’s license. You can obtain an IDP from AAA or the AATA before your trip. Visit our Travel Info page for more details.

  • Travel insurance is often recommended for international trips. It can cover unexpected issues like flight delays, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Many policies also offer protection if your travel plans change unexpectedly, which can provide extra peace of mind.

  • Each airline has its own luggage policies, so check baggage allowances, weight limits, and fees before packing. Budget airlines in Europe may have strict limits on carry-on and checked luggage, so read their guidelines carefully to avoid unexpected fees.

  • Spain and most of Western Europe are 6-9 hours ahead of U.S. time zones. To ease jet lag, consider adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before your trip and stay hydrated during your flight. It’s also helpful to spend time outdoors once you arrive to help your body adjust.

  • Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can happen in any crowded tourist area no matter what city or country you are in. Keep valuables secure, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and consider using a money belt, belt bag, or anti-theft bag. Staying aware of your surroundings and keeping bags zipped can go a long way in preventing theft. Make sure you have photocopies of all of your important documents, and consider emailing them to yourself as well so you can access them digitally if needed.

  • If you need help while traveling, contact your hotel or Airbnb host, who can often provide local information and assistance. For more serious issues, the U.S. embassy or consulate is available to help American citizens abroad. Also, feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions.