As I anticipated my semester in Barcelona, I had quite a bit to think about. Brushing up on my Spanish, applying for my Student Visa, booking flights, and registering for classes all sent my head for a whirl… but the thing that really had me stressing was the idea of packing; 50-pound limits, the need to be able to carry all of my bags, and the desire to take everything in my closet made this quite the challenge! Two suitcases and a backpack later, I’m proud to say I mastered the art of packing lightly, and the best gift I can give to any college girl hoping to study abroad is a lesson on how to pack like a pro.
Before you pack every article of clothing that you own, here are a few questions you should ask yourself:
· How many bags can I really handle on my own?
· Will I be able to buy bedding and such once I get there?
· What are people wearing in my destination?
Lucky for you, I’ve already asked myself these questions – and the answers will make your packing experience a breeze.
I packed everything I needed into one large checked bag, one rolling carry-on bag, and one backpack. Impressive, eh? By only checking one bag, I lessened the chances of losing a bag along the way and was sure I’d be able to handle all of my bags once I landed in Barcelona. Remember, you’re on your own when you get to Europe! Wondering how I fit a semester’s worth of clothes into one bag? My trick is to pack my shoes into the rolling carry-on. Voila, you can fit an additional 5-10 pounds worth of clothes in your checked bag!
You won’t find a Target or Bed, Bath & Beyond in Europe, so if you have the space I definitely recommend packing a set of sheets and a bath towel into your carry on. I could only find these staples in specialty linen stores in Barcelona, and I’m glad the Euros I would have spent are still in my wallet!
When packing your clothing, remember that certain items that are popular in the States may not be so trendy in Europe. In Barcelona, I’ve noticed they love neutrals, scarves, and brown leather. Zara (which has several locations in the U.S.!) has been a great point of reference for me – their color palette, great fabrics, and gorgeous accessories are a perfect reference for Barcelonan flare.
No matter what you pack though, you’re ABSOLUTELY going to want to shop while you’re in Europe, so remember to leave a little space for your new wardrobe!
Besos from Barca,
Ashley