GUIDES
Going to a dance camp in Europe from abroad
Choosing a camp, travelling to Spain, language, money and insurance: a practical guide if you're coming to a dance camp in Europe from abroad.
· by UTOPIC · 3 min
Every summer, people from all over the world cross borders to spend a week dancing. If it's your first time at a dance camp in Europe, there are things worth checking before you book your flight.
This guide is written with Spain in mind, but most of it works for any European camp.
In 30 seconds
- Before booking: what your pass includes, how to get there and what language classes are in.
- From the EU or Schengen, ID card or passport. From outside, check early whether you need a visa.
- Spain uses the euro: cards almost everywhere, plus some cash.
- August and September on the coast: hot. Sunscreen, water and light clothes.
What to look at when choosing a dance camp
Every camp is different, and what matters is that it fits you. Before booking, find answers to these questions:
Before you book
Travelling to Spain
The two big airports in this area are Barcelona–El Prat and Girona–Costa Brava:
The two airports
| Airport | Flights | To the Costa Brava |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona–El Prat | More international flights | Further away |
| Girona–Costa Brava | Mostly low-cost | Closer |
Documents
To enter Spain
| If you're from… | What you need |
|---|---|
| The EU or the Schengen area | Your ID card or passport |
| Outside the EU and Schengen | Check well in advance whether you need a visa for Spain |
EES and ETIAS
The EU has launched an Entry/Exit System at its borders (EES) and is preparing a travel authorisation (ETIAS) for visitors who don't need a visa. Check the EU's official website to see whether it's required when you travel.
Language
The language in Spain is Spanish, and in Catalonia, Catalan too. In cities and tourist areas people will understand you in English, though not always outside them. At a dance camp, what matters is the language of the classes, so ask beforehand.
At UTOPIC Summer Camp
- 2class languages: Spanish or English, depending on the teacher, with simple vocabulary
- 14countries dancers have come from
The 14 countries add up all three UTOPIC editions, 2024 to 2026.
Money, phone and insurance
Euros.
Cards work almost everywhere, but bring some cash.
Phone.
If your plan is from an EU country, roaming works as it does at home. If not, look at data plans or a local SIM.
Health card.
If you're from the EU, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); UK residents can use a GHIC.
Travel insurance.
Wherever you're from, cover for medical care and cancellation can save you a lot of trouble.
At UTOPIC Summer Camp
If you book with 50 %, the rest is paid in cash at check-in.
Weather, time and plugs
- UTC+2Spain's time in summer
- 2–3 pmlunch: people eat late
- 9 pmdinner, or later
- 230 Vtype C and F plugs
Tip
August and September on the Mediterranean coast are hot: sunscreen, water and light clothes. And if your devices use a different plug, bring an adapter.
For the trip
- View on Amazon
Universal travel adapter.
With USB, to charge your phone and the rest from one socket.
- View on Amazon
Power bank.
For the journey and the long class days.
As an Amazon Associate, UTOPIC earns from qualifying purchases.
Arriving without knowing anyone
Going to a camp in another country without knowing anyone is more common than you'd think, and many camps plan something to break the ice. This is how the last UTOPIC began:
Day one at UTOPIC III
13:00 · Check-in
Arrival at camp, from 13:00 to 16:00.
16:00 · Welcome
The welcome session.
17:00 · First classes
Two classes in the afternoon.
22:30 · Networking
A night to meet people.
UTOPIC III timetable, Monday 31 August 2026.
If you come without a group
At UTOPIC we assign your accommodation taking gender, age and where you're from into account.
UTOPIC, a summer dance camp in Spain
August–September 2027.
UTOPIC IV, on the Costa Brava (Girona).
UTOPIC bus.
From Barcelona: the airport and Sants station.
The nearest airport.
Girona–Costa Brava.
Exact dates, venue and prices are announced on 20 December.
