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Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Packing for Spain: Want vs. Need

When we travel, we like to travel light, but since we're staying primarily at our home in Galicia, we have the luxury of carrying a bit more weight, since it will stay at the house. My husband leaves clothes there every year, so his packing becomes easier and easier with each trip.


Home, sweet home.

I, on the other hand, don't have that many clothes, so what I bring is what I wear...here and there. 

Last year, I wrote a piece about how I was planning to pack. And each year that I go, it gets a bit easier. Weighing my bag at home helps alleviate most of the concern. But still, undoubtedly, I will be holding my breath at Iberia's check-in with fingers crossed that I am not overweight.

Iberia allows 50 pounds for a piece of checked luggage. Even with that allowed weight, I still have to think about what I want to bring, versus what I need to bring, which brings up an even bigger conversation about my own first world problems and the idea of creature comforts. 

Regardless, here's what is making the trans-Atlantic journey. I usually bring one checked bag and one carry-on (for books, electronics, and my daypack).



Food
  • CoffeeMate Sugar Free French Vanilla Powdered Creamer--This is for my morning coffee at home only (We have instant coffee...dreadful.) Otherwise, it's cafĂ© con leche all the way, baby.
  • Quest Bars--These protein bars are my go-to snacks. They are not coated, so I don't have to worry about them melting and they're chewy, so I don't have to worry about crushing them. And you can't beat the nutrition. It's a win-win. Quest Bars are still my go-to protein bar (and a nutritional security blanket), but this year, I am leaving them behind and eating like a local. My husband will be thrilled. 
  • PB2. I bring a bottle because I like it with my bananas. 
  • Splenda. I can get Truvia in Spain. 

Clothes
Luckily, we have a washing machine (but no dryer, as what seems to be the norm in Spain), so this greatly reduces the amount of clothes I need to pack to be comfortable. 
  • One maxi dress
  • One black cardigan
  • One colored cardigan
  • One pair of jeans with belt
  • One white button down shirt. 
  • Oversized hoodie sweatshirt
  • Hooded rain jacket jacket.
  • Light Columbia Omni-Heat jacket
  • Fleece zip-up jacket
  • Two long-sleeve t-shirts
  • Three pairs of capris 
  • One pair of black yoga pants
  • Three white tank tops
  • Two scarves
  • One pair of flip flops
  • One pair of dressy sandals
  • One pair of walking shoes or sneakers
  • Bathing suit
  • Two pairs of pajamas
  • Seven pairs of underwear
  • Two pair of Ex-Officio performance underwear...trying these out. 
  • Five pair of no-show socks
  • Fleece throw

Toiletries, blow-dryer, and vitamins, Euros and my Spanish bank ATM card.

Luxuries/Technology
  • iPhone, using wifi access only...the camera is great!
  • My phone-friendly gorilla pod, remote and extra lenses. 


  • iPad, with downloaded books, bluetooth keyboard, and wifi access only 
  • My MacBook Pro...tentative...depending on wifi access for publishing.
  • Nikon Coolpix L120 camera with 2 8gb SD cards
  • Chargers and USB cords for all of the tech with adapters
  • 2 paperback books 
  • A notebook
  • My international driver's license

If we forget anything, we'll get it there. 

The countdown is on!





Galicia is spectacular. Consider adding this corner of the world to your must-see list.


The view from the upstairs bedrooms at sunset.


How do you decide what makes the cut when you pack? Any non-negotiables?




28 comments:

  1. When I pack I always opt to bring more tops than bottoms. I always try to pack one change of clothes in my carry-on. A few years back I was in Venice without clean clothes for three days, and I won't make that mistake again! Safe travels!

    Sarah
    aroseinthecity0.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Sarah. We learn from experience, for sure. A change of clothes is a great idea. Thank you, again. :-)

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  2. I always always pack too many clothes when I go on a trip! But, knowing ahead of time you will be able to do laundry is good to help yourself pack less! Good luck with fitting everything into 50 pounds!

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    1. Thank you, Rachel. I'm actually downsizing my luggage, so this should be interesting. Good luck, indeed. :-)

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  3. I always pack more wants than needs! And I also always pack way too much food that I don't eat anyway....I'm terrible at packing :D thanks for your list, I hope it helps me in the future!!

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    1. Thank you, Van. Is it difficult packing for a cold climate? Heavy clothes weigh so much more. Can't wait to follow your new journey. :-)

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  4. I'm surprised that your hairdryer works there! That's definitely something that I don't bother to bring (I've lost too many good curling irons!) I'd also like to get out of the habit of traveling with a laptop - maybe an ipad is in my future...

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    1. I have a travel hair dryer with both currencies. I am still debating my laptop, so I know what you mean. We'll see. The iPad is fabulous, regardless. :-)

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  5. Thanks for your list! I have my own packing list that I use - I try to travel with just a carry-on and purse. I trying to see how this goes for a two week trip to Ireland. Inclement weather always makes me pack heavier because I am always uncertain as to what I will actually need. I try to leave the wants at home. Not always easy.

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    1. Hi Stacey,
      Have a wonderful trip to Ireland. It's on my short list, for sure. I agree...it's so much harder to pack for inclement or even cold weather. I like to layer and that's more space and weight. Good luck...and enjoy!

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  6. Having a house to head to is really the best thing for someone who overpacks haha it allows to leave stuff there!

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    1. Hi Camila,
      It truly is a blessing. I try not to overpack, but sometimes it gets out of hand. I'm getting better though.

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  7. You seem so organised. I 'commute' between Finland and the U.K., and I never take any toiletries or underwear, or a computer (obviously, when you have two homes you have this stuff in both places...). Yet my long-standing packing method is to just toss my current favourite clothes into the suitcase...

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    1. I am organized, Tiina, but it is still a challenge. You have quite a commute. :-) Having things in two places is a luxury, but I just don't have the wardrobe. So I pack. It's a good problem to have. Cheers!

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  8. Will you be posting from Spain? I'd love to travel along with you without leaving my state.

    I'd have a hard time paring down being gone that long. Great job!

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    1. Hi Steph,
      Posting will depend on the wifi situation. We don't have it at the house, so it's dependent on open wifi frequencies when we're out. And I definitely attract attention when I pull out my tech in a bar or restaurant, so I try to be discreet. I will try, but I will more than likely be "off the grid" for the most part....a blessing in its own way. :-)

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  9. You must be so excited!! Being able to wash clothes will really help with packing. A month and only one checked bag would be hard for me.

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    1. I am very excited. I'm downsizing my luggage, so this will be exceptionally fun. ;-) We'll see. I have to rely on need versus want in a very real way. It's a good "problem" to have.

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  10. I always seem to over pack undies! I just go crazy and pack like 5 pairs for a 2 day trip! haha

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    1. I do too, Sammy. I am bringing a few pairs of the travel tech undies this year, but still...way too many. Better be safe than sorry, I say. :-)

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  11. I travel often so I'm used to take the barest essentials - stuff I would have real trouble replacing where I go. Clothes for 5 days (if I have access to a washing machine), 2 pairs of shoes (depending on the season), overcoat, fleece, etc, basic toiletries, and basic electronics (laptop, phone, chargers).
    Welcome to Galicia! Hope you'll find good weather, the last two weeks haven't been the best but today the sun's come out and it looks like it's going to stay at least 10 days!

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    1. Thank you! I love spending time in Galicia. There is so much to see and do. And we have dear family there as well. If there's something we forget, we can always get it at Gadis or Carrefour. :-) We'll be there soon. :-) Thank you, again, for the warm welcome.

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  12. Wow, I should look up how to get an international driver's license for the next time I go to Korea. I'd love to visit Spain some day. I've been to England, France and Italy so far for European travel. I hope you have a wonderful trip. Wow, must be nice to have a house abroad. A new goal on my bucket list. =) Blessings to you~

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    1. I hope you can visit Spain sometime, Meredith. There is so much to see and do. The people are so warm and friendly. The food is fabulous! It's definitely a bucket list destination.
      Thank you so much for your visit.

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  13. - I usually plan my outfits and pack those.

    - How nice to have a house abroad, have a wonderful trip!

    :)

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    1. Thank you, Diana. We always have a great time when we're there. I'm really looking forward to it.

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  14. Have you heard of Travel Fashion Girl? It's a great website with a bunch of destination-specific and general packing lists. I think the most important thing about packing is including remixable pieces so you can get the most amount of outfits for what you bring.

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    1. Hi Danielle.
      I will check out the site you mentioned. Thank you for the heads up. :-)

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