My teenage summer holidays were largely spent visiting Spain, the number one go-to destination for Brits. It’s such an incredibly popular option due to the warm weather, decent prices, great atmosphere and relaxed culture. I’ve therefore decided to do a write-up on anything and everything you should be packing in your suitcase before heading off on holiday. I’ve tried to cover every potential area, but some of these you won’t need, so don’t be scared by the hefty list! While you’re here, make sure to have a read of my list of things to do in Spain.
Clothes
- T-shirts – keep them light and try to pick colours that won’t ‘highlight’ the sweat patches
- Shorts/skirts
- Jeans – the evening might stay warm, but you might want to be presentable for some restaurants
- Jacket
- Swimming costumes
- Pants & socks
- Shoes / trainers
- Flip flops / sandals
- Smart shoes (or whatever you’d like to wear out)
- One main ‘going out’ outfit – or more if you plan on dressing up more often
- Pyjamas
- Gym clothing – in case you plan on utilising the hotel gym or trying any activities while out there
- Belt
- Shirt / dress
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Hat / cap – to keep the sun out of the eyes and protect your face from getting burnt
- Wallet
- Keys
- Passport
- Hotel booking confirmation details
- Travel money
- Revolut card – or whichever card you plan on using
- Power adapters – I often bring 3, as often you need multiple charging at once
- Laptop / tablet
- Mobile charger + chargers for every other electrical device you’re bringing
- GoPro or camera equipment
- Packing cubes – not everyone likes these, but they do help to separate items out so you can easily find whatever you need
- Carrier bags – useful when heading out and wanting to stay light or to store your dirty washing
- Suitcase and backpack
- Smaller backpack or handbag
- Headphones
- MP3 (if not using your phone)
- Mobile phone
- Books or magazines
- Glasses and glasses case
- Pen and paper
- Empty water bottle – you can fill it with water once you get through the security checks
- Padlock
- Portable chargers – we now bring about 3, they’re so incredibly useful! But make sure to pack them in your carry-on luggage and take them out during security checks
- Travel pillow – I’m not a huge fan, but Raquel loves them
- First aid kit
- Spanish phrase book
- Tissues
- Eye mask – to help you sleep on the plane
- Ear buds – like above, or also if you have a snoring partner
- Protein bars – this could be swapped for any form of snack, but I love to bring these on holiday for extended periods without a proper meal
- Hairbrush or comb
- Beach bag
- Jewellery
- watch
Things For The Beach
- I’ve already mentioned swimming costume, but I’m doing it again so you don’t forget!
- Sun tan lotion (keep it in the big luggage or if you’re just bringing hand luggage, get a bottle under 100ml)
- Snorkel – if you own one
- Towel – most hotels will provide a towel, but I still like to bring one for the beach
- sarong
Bathroom
Make sure to keep everything under 100ml. If you’d rather get a mini travel version item, make sure to get it in advance, as they are twice the price in the airport.
- Perfume / eau de toilette
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo bar – these were a game changer! No more shampoo bottles opening up in the bag.
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitiser
- Baby wipes
- Plasters
- Lip balm (which has SPF included)
- Toiletry bag
- Sheet masks – always nice to have a bit of a relaxing sheet mask after a day on the beach when relaxing back in the hotel room, time for a bit of a detox…Before the drinking starts
- Shaving equipment if necessary – I prefer to shave once just before heading on holiday and waiting until I return to shave again
- Hair straightener / curlers and a portable hair dryer if needed
- Hair gel
- Moisturiser
- Other beauty items you might want to bring, such as cleanser, toner, emulsion, essence, serum, eye cream and exfoliator…Yep, I know my beauty products!
- Make-up – I’m not so clued up on make-up so I’ll just nod my head at this point
- Make-up remover
- Mosquito repellent – you don’t overly need it in Spain, but you do get a few in the rooms, especially if your room is near a swimming pool
- Hand cream
- Mouth wash
- Floss
- After sun – you will need this, so don’t forget to pack it
If You Have Children
- Baby changing equipment and nappies
- Medication
- Clothing
- Toys
- Books
- Sun hat
- Snacks and plenty of them!
- Toiletries, such as highlighted earlier
Other Things To Sort Out
- A print of your passport
- Travel insurance documents
- Tickets printed – if not using the app on your phone
- Address of your hotel – to show the driver when you arrive
- Make sure you have plenty of prescription medication beforehand so you don’t run out while abroad
Make sure to keep an eye out for all the majestic animals in Spain you might see on your trip.