Choose your Transportation 
Travelling by car is easy and fun. Considering the distances in the widespread Barcelona and the general traffic conditions, biking is rather out of the question. It might be possible however, to combine biking and train riding, and cycle only in the more secluded and less congested country roads. Nevertheless, renting a car remains the best option. Most likely, you will be able to rent a vehicle right from your hotel, although that might come a little bit pricier. But if you simply want to relax and save yourself the trouble of driving, getting around by bus or a train will be the best solution. Taking trains is the most flexible option, with reliable time-tables and te possibility to take your bike along with you.

A Valid Picture ID 
Personal identification is always an issue. If you're not an EU resident, make sure you have your passport with you. Visitors from EU member countries can take any regular identification card, including a driving licence. A further piece of advice: make sure your car insurance has not expired, and that you have all the necessary papers for your car, if driving your own vehicle. In case you're taking a pet along, you should be aware that regulations concerning pet passport, vaccination record, etc. are very strict. Visitors who travel by train are advised to keep their identification documents in an inner pocket along with their money, plane tickets and other valuables.

Sanitation Issues and Medical Assistance 
Cleanliness in the Catalan province might not always comply with the highest standards, so make sure you always carry wet wipes and regular paper tissues along. Wash your hands frequently, especially if handling animals and avoid any food of dubious origin, especially from food stalls along the roads. If you suffer from any particular disease, take your prescription medication with you and best some proof of legal purchase and illness record. If possible, find out the Spanish word for your disease plus the name of your proper medication, jot them down on a piece of paper and keep them in your wallet.

Plan Your Way Around 
Riding through the Catalan country is fun, with pleasant sceneries and generally well-managed traffic. The signs are large and readable, even if Catalan-Spanish is not your language. Using a GPS device is a good idea, but a regular map might be just as helpful. If you wish to visit a particular attraction or a museum outside the city, check the opening hours beforehand.