10 Essential Items To Pack For Spain

When I was in Spain for a month, I learned that there are things that every visitor should bring with them or obtain once they are there. This list will help relieve the stress of the unknown and help you plan your trip with more understanding of why you should bring these things.

1. PLUG ADAPTER

A Plug adapter is going to be very useful because plugs in Europe are different from the ones in America. So if you are bringing any electronics that need plugging in or charging, you will definitely need a plug adapter.

2. VOLTAGE ADAPTER

A voltage adapter will be needed if you are bringing large electronic equipment especially hair styling tools such as curling irons and straighteners. The voltage adapters ensure that nothing goes wrong when you plug in your curling iron. The last thing you would want to do is blow the electric circuit as a tourist.

3. SMALL PURSE

A small crossbody purse and coin purse will be very useful if you are traveling around Spain because you will be walking a lot and on public transportation so you want to make sure your valuable items are near you and in your sight. Just like any large tourist area, there are pickpockets that go for bags that won’t be as easily noticed. So if you have a large open purse or a backpack, these are automatic targets for pick pocketing. I also recommend bringing a coin purse as you will accumulate quite a bit of coins. There are coins for 2 Euro as well as small change, so you might have a little collection over the course of your stay. A coin purse will help you keep all these coins together and easy to grab when you are in a rush.

4. GOOD WALKING SHOES

You will certainly need comfortable walking shoes if you are going to be visiting Spain. In larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona, it is easy to walk to where you want to go so that means you will be walking for a while. There is also no guarantee once you get out of the city that you will have public transportation. Even on the metro you might have to stand if it gets crowded so having a comfortable pair of shoes will make all the difference. This is also true for the night time. Ladies- do not put on your tall heels or wedges when going out at night or you will soon regret it. Unless you have lifeless feet and legs, you are going to be in a lot of pain.

5. HAND SANITIZER

If you are wanting to stay fresh, clean, and healthy while visiting Spain, then you should bring a small portable hand sanitizer. There are a lot of people in the big cities and when you are using the metro and touching everything, there are lots of germs being spread. When I was in Spain I noticed that many people do not cover their nose when they sneeze or cough so those germs are spread out and a small thing of hand sanitizer could give you a piece of mind while you are there.

6. NICE CLOTHES

You should pack business casual clothes if you are not wanting to immediately stick out as a tourist. Most Spaniards have good taste in fashion and are often dressed in classic business attire no matter where you go. Even college students dress up and are in short skirts, platform shoes, and trendy clothes. If you want to feel confident while walking the streets of Madrid or Seville then I suggest bringing nicer looking clothes and leaving the leggings and joggers at home.

7. REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

As a tourist you will get thirsty while walking, touring, and being out and about. Unless you want to spend 3-5 Euros a day on water bottles, I suggest bringing a collapsible reusable water bottle to take around with you. Unlike the restaurants in the US, most restaurants in Spain charge for the water. Some give you a glass with a larger bottle, and others just give you the bottle. I recommend bringing a water bottle so that you can fill it up as you go around and you will save money.

8. SUNSCREEN/MOISTURIZER

During the summer the weather is wonderful in most of Spain. Though it can get a little humid on the coastal cities, Madrid and other landlocked cities are extremely dry. I noticed my skin was abnormally dry and so I was glad I brought sunscreen and moisturizer. I get sunburnt easily and so when you are outside in the direct sunlight all day touring castles and cathedrals, the last thing you want to do is worry about a sunburn. Of course you can buy these things once you are in Spain, but if you already have them might as well pack them to save some money.

9. EUROS

Definitely bring Euros in cash form. Some larger stores will accept credit/debit cards but there are a lot of circumstances you will be in that you will need cash. There are street markets, bakeries, fruit stands, and other places that will want cash Euros.

10. OPEN MIND & CURIOSITY

A major thing I learned to have while in Spain is that you will need to understand it is not going to be like your home. Don’t try to change the way they do things, instead compare and contrast the two cultures and see the beauty of Spain. Don’t take things too personal because in Spain the customer service is not as over the top as the US. You will not get the same treatment if you are being an obnoxious American tourist as if you are being a respectful and eager to learn traveler.

I hope you found this list helpful and that you enjoy the beauty of the Spanish culture. Please look at my other blog posts to learn more about my experience in Spain and what I have taken away from it.