FAQ

No. Unbridled Travel must book your flights. After you have completed your registration, you will be contacted by an Unbridled Travel agent to discuss flight options and complete your travel booking.

If you need to modify your flights after they have been ticketed, please contact the Acadia Registration Team at [email protected] or at (720) 722-7373. You will be responsible for any associated fees.

Yes. You can expense reasonable airline baggage fees.

Yes! (Pending availability.) If you wish to extend your stay, include your preferred dates in the housing section when you register for the trip. If rooms are available, Unbridled will make a reservation on your behalf. You will need to provide a personal credit card at registration to cover any extensions.

We can offer you the ACE group rates at the W Barcelona, subject to availability. The group rate depends on room type and can range from $458 to $1553 per night, plus taxes. All hotel, food, entertainment, and transportation charges incurred outside the core trip dates will be at your own expense.

All attendees will receive two ground transfers – these may be between the airport and the hotel, or – if you are extending – another location of your choosing (if the mileage is comparable). We will provide more information about ground transfers closer to your departure.

Per Acadia’s policy, guests must be 21 years old or older. No one other than your registered guest may accompany you on the trip.

The required activities are Monday’s Group Activity at Can Ràfols dels Caus and Wednesday’s “Club ACE” Farewell Party at Noxe.

Each attendee can sign up for up to two hosted individual activities. See the “Individual Activities” tab to learn about the available options. Choose your activities carefully, as it may not be possible to make changes later, based on availability. Please read activity descriptions and requirements thoroughly so you are prepared with appropriate clothing/gear, etc. Some activities have limited capacity and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All individual activities are optional.

Yes. Based on availability, you may join additional individual activities at your own cost. Please contact [email protected] to make arrangements prior to your departure.

If you are unable to attend some or all of the trip, please contact Wendy Kewley, Director, Events and Congresses at [email protected] or (408) 656-4705.

Starting March 30, Barcelona observes Central European Summer Time. The time differences from the US in April/May are:
Eastern Daylight Time: +7 hours
Central Daylight Time: +8 hours
Mountain Daylight Time: +9 hours
Pacific Daylight Time: +10 hours

Ahead of the trip, ACE winners will receive a direct payroll deposit of $1,600. This amount is intended to cover all meals on your own as well as other incidentals, such as ground transportation, checked luggage, international calling, etc. You will not be required to submit any receipts or expense reports. Incidental fees above $1,600 will not be reimbursed.

In Spain, tipping is not mandatory and is considered optional, meaning you can leave a small tip for excellent service, but it’s not expected. If you do tip, rounding up the bill to the nearest euro or leaving a few coins is generally sufficient, with a 10% tip being considered generous for exceptional service.

Acadia will cover gratuity for bellmen, housekeepers, waitstaff, drivers, tour guides, etc. for all group activities and for your stay at the W Barcelona between April 27 and May 1.

As in the US, many European vendors accept credit cards. Your US-issued credit cards should work across Europe, but make sure you notify the issuing companies of your international travel dates to avoid interruptions in service.

You may want to carry some local currency (euros / €) while in Barcelona. For the lowest fees, withdraw euros from bank-run ATMs located just outside of bank branches. Keep in mind that your daily ATM limits will apply, as will any ATM-specific limits. You can also exchange US dollars for euros at currency exchange stands, but note that the fees and exchange rates offered can vary widely and are generally unfavorable to travelers.

Exchange rates vary based on the timing and source. According to the European Central Bank, the average exchange rate between the Euro and the US Dollar in 2024 was 1.0824. The average exchange rate in January of 2025 was 1.0359:

€1 = $1.04
€10 = $10.36
€100 = $103.59
€1,000 = $1,035.90

You can find daily exchange rates at the website of the European Central Bank.

Spain utilizes “Type C” plugs, which are not compatible with US electrical devices. You will need a plug adapter to use your devices in Spain.

Additionally, while US electrical devices run on 110 volts, European devices run on 220 volts. Some devices are “dual voltage” (they will be labeled as “110V-220V”) and can be used with just a plug adapter. If your device is not dual voltage (as is often the case with hair dryers, irons, and CPAP machines), you will need a voltage converter.

Gifting spoiler alert: attendees will receive a plug adapter/voltage converter at the Welcome Experience upon arrival in Barcelona. You will not need to pack one.

Barcelona is a very safe city, but as with other major global tourist destinations, it does attract eager pickpockets. There are some simple things you can do to maximize your security:

• Carry only what you need for the day. Leave any valuables in your guest room – each will have a safe.
• If you aren’t comfortable leaving your valuables behind, consider wearing a money belt under your clothing. Remember, it’s only secure if you leave it tucked safely under your clothing at all times – don’t use it as a wallet throughout the day.
• Don’t carry anything of value in your back pockets – your wallet, phone, cash, etc. should be carried in a zippered pocket in your clothing or a bag on the front of your body.
• Be cautious of anyone who tries to get your attention unsolicited (offering you a flower, soliciting a donation, dramatically tripping and falling, wiping something off of your shoulder) – this may be a distraction technique to pick your pocket.
• Don’t place your valuables (phone, camera, etc.) on tabletops – take the time to return them to a secure pocket or bag when not in use.
• Be aware of your surroundings – especially in dense crowds. Public transit and crowded street markets are appealing destinations for pickpockets.

Please contact the Acadia Registration Team at [email protected] or at (720) 722-7373.