We may not know when international travel will resume, but we know that it will. And when it does, we’ll be ready. Many of us are cooped up in our homes, wondering when life will go back to “normal”. Even if we’re not packing for a flight this week, planning future trips can help keep spirits high and give us something to look forward to in the future. If you’re dreaming of the days where you can wander through the Museo del Prado in Madrid, stroll through Park Güell in Barcelona, or simply lounge on the beach in Andalusia, you’re not alone. Knowing what to pack for a trip to Spain will help you get back out in the world stress-free when the time finally comes. 

Comfortable shoes

Every time I go to Europe, I always walk way more than I expect to. While many European cities offer great public transportation, there’s something so wonderful about wandering through the streets to reach your destination. Walking allows you to find hidden gems that you wouldn’t find if you were stuck underground on a subway, and oftentimes my favorite places are spots I didn’t even know existed. Be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes, whether they’re your favorite pair of sneakers, hiking sandals, or a comfortable pair of boots. 

Lightweight clothing

Summer is the most popular time of the year to visit Spain. If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, you’re going to want to wear clothing that can keep you cool and reduce your chance of sunburn. Linen is lightweight, breathable, and stylish. Pair your favorite top with long linen pants, and keep a long-sleeved linen shirt on hand to put on top of anything you’re wearing! Long, flowy dresses are another great article of clothing to have on hand. Our adventure dress is long, comfortable, photogenic, and takes up no space in your suitcase! And if you’re planning on spending any time at the beach, don’t forget your swimsuit. 

Hat and sunglasses

Spain is known for its beautiful weather, but this also means lots of sun. Keep the sun out of your eyes and avoid getting sunburnt with a fashionable hat! Whether you’re a straw hat, wool hat, or baseball cap kind of person, make sure you have it on anytime you head outdoors! Keeping a pair of sunglasses in your bag will help on days that are extra bright.

Fashionable scarf

Scarves are the perfect accessory to pack in your bag because they are so versatile. You can use them as a shawl to cover bare arms when you’re trying to decrease sun exposure or are somewhere that requires a more modest dress code. You can lay them out on the ground to use as a makeshift picnic blanket. You can even use them as a hair towel since they dry so quickly! Pashmina scarves are my personal favorite—they come in a wide range of different colors and patterns and are large enough to use for many different purposes. 

A way to document your travels

Whether you’re someone who whips out their camera at any given opportunity or someone who writes in their journal at the end of the day, be sure to pack something that will allow you to capture your memories. This could be a DLSR, a compact point-and-shoot camera, your smart phone, or simply a well-loved journal you don’t let out of your sight. It can be difficult to remember to capture every moment as you’re living it, but you’ll be so happy to have those moments afterwards. 

Important documents and extras

This may be obvious, but don’t forget your passport! It’s also good practice to keep a copy of your passport identification page hidden somewhere separate from your passport. You should also have a debit or credit card; be sure to notify your bank before you leave so your card doesn’t get declined. 

Remember to bring charging cords for all your electronics, including phone, camera, and laptop, if you’re bringing them. Since Spain uses different outlets than the U.S., you’ll want to make sure you have a power adapter that works there! Consider purchasing a universal power adapter so that you don’t need to buy a new one for each country you visit. 

Don’t overpack!

One of the biggest mistakes people make when packing is packing too much. Do you really need 10 different shirts? Are you sure you’re going to wear all those pairs of pants? While it’s important to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions and activities, you don’t need to pack your whole closet. When choosing clothing, pack neutral colors that compliment each other. A small amount of outfits can instantly double if you can mix and match. Plus, you’ll want to save some room in your suitcase for souvenirs! 

Now that you know what to pack for Spain, start planning your adventure! If you’re already feeling the wanderlust, we’re here to help. Take the adventure of a lifetime through Acanela Expeditions with 7 days in beautiful Andalusia. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, head across the Strait of Gibraltar with an extension to Morocco! 

This post was written by Kiri Rowan
Check out more of her adventures on Instagram at @kirirowan