Figuring out what to pack for a summer in Spain was daunting. Historically, I’m a huge over-packer. On this trip, I wanted to pack stylishly but not bring too many clothes.
One trick that was completely new to me until recently is to use packing cubes. These will change your life and make packing so much faster and more organized! You can purchase them on Amazon, but I got mine from Marshalls for $22. Worth every penny!
Here is the complete girl’s guide for what to pack for Spain. I spent three months there (May – August) so this list is best for Spain travel in the summer.
Luggage:
- 1 large suitcase to check
- 1 carry-on suitcase
- 1 set of packing cubes
Clothes:
- 1 pair skinny, stretchy jeans
- 1 pair of flared jeans
- 1 pair of colored jeans
- 1 pair of white jeans
- 1 pair of blue jean shorts (not too short)
- 1 pair of running shorts (double as pajamas)
- 2 pairs of workout pants (double as leggings)
- 14 days worth of socks, underwear, bras (my host mom doesn’t do laundry frequently)
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 black puffer coat (wear on plane)
- 1 sweatshirt
- 2 t-shirts for working out and sleeping
- 2 short sleeved shirts (multi-use)
- 1 white tank top
- 5 tops (easily layered)
- 5 dresses (of different lengths, weights, and colors)
- 1 leather jacket
- 2 sets of pajamas
- 2 sweaters
Accessories:
- 1 bathing suit and cover-up
- 1 brown leather backpack
- 1 black cross body for going out
- 1 scarf (wear on the plane)
- 1 structured zip purse for airports/trains (I’ve been pick pocketed three times, choose bags that close properly)
- 1 pair of sunglasses
Shoes:
- 1 pair of chic black ballet flats (these ones are amazing!)
- 1 pair of flat, brown sandals
- 1 pair of cute, brown wedges
- 2 pairs of sneakers (running and Converse)
- 1 pair of black combat boots (wear on plane)
- 1 pair of brown booties
Electronics:
- iPhone + headphones
- Laptop
- Kindle (SO nice to have when you’re living abroad!)
- DSLR camera
- A universal travel adapter for my electronics
- Power strip to charge multiple electronics at once
Important
- Passport
- Driver’s license or national ID
- Medicine: sleeping pills, ibuprofen, cold medicine, melatonin (for jetlag)
Other important things you will want to bring:
Makeup: whatever you normally use, but remember that you can always buy things there. However, if you are pale like me you might want to bring enough foundation to last you whole trip because I had a hard time finding shades light enough for me.
Toiletries: try to stick with only travel size items, even if it means buying the little plastic bottles to fill with your favorite higher-end products. You can buy the rest when you get there.
At minimum, I would pack tampons, face wash, a razor with extra blades, a hairbrush, a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair ties, and sunscreen.
Bathrobe and slippers: I’m kind of high maintenance, so these are optional! However, make sure to have some kind of house shoes or socks to wear inside as it is considered gross and rude to go barefoot. Easily purchased once you are there. Here’s a great travel bathrobe that dries super fast.
What not do do – don’t overpack!
In the past, I was the girl that forked over the extra fines for overweight baggage, but this trip I was absolutely determined to keep it under the fifty-pound limit, especially because my shopping habits will surely require a bit of extra room on the flight home.
. . . . . . . . . . .
This is obviously for warmer weather in southern Europe. Substitute light jackets for 1 heavy coat and wear that plus boots and a scarf on the place if you are going to a colder climate. Tights and leggings are great because they keep you warm and are easy to wash and dry, so throw in some of those with some warm sweater dresses. Just remember that girls in Europe tend to look a bit more presentable in their everyday clothes even if its freezing out, so try to resist the workout clothes unless you are actually going to the gym!
About the author: MaryAnn Robinson is a Carolina girl who has just moved back to the States after a year of living in Spain. She likes churros con chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is forever trying to find excuses to return to Europe. When she’s not taking a siesta, you can find her on a rooftop terrace sipping tinto de verano or wandering through Zara, contemplating if she has enough room in her suitcase for another pair of shoes.
Enjoyed this post? Subscribe here!
Subscribe here to receive new Ashley Abroad posts straight to your inbox.
LOL I totally get the overpacking part – it’s so me when I’m travelling. And yes, the magic of packing cubes!!! Life was so messy without them, I remember my clothes strewn all over my Roomorama apartment in Spain, and the packing up was terrible!! hahah.
Sorry to hear that you got pick-pocketed three times though…. my friend who was travelling with me was a victim, so we were really careful for the remaining of our trip. I heard about theft-proof bags, they seem to help!
Fantastic list! I am going to visit Madrid next Monday. I started packing when I realized that I had no idea what I should pack. Thankfully , I found your article! Best regards!
Awesome, glad you found it helpful!
This is really great to reference. I am packing for my 3-6 month trip to Europe and trying to pack for all 4 seasons! Did you take a suitcase or a backpack? Ps. Denver travel girl here too!
This was so helpful!! I’m actually going to Spain for 2 months from June to August, so this list was so spot on when I found it. Thanks so much!!!
So glad it was helpful, Moira! Have an amazing time.
Great list! Thank you =]
Glad you enjoyed it :)