Grace Lower | Feb 13, 2023
Seriously, what did student travelers do before Google? A quick search will bring up dozens of resources, ranging from budget calculators to carefully curated packing hacks. While I found those online guides incredibly valuable when preparing for my own trip, I learned the most from conversations I had with friends of mine who had studied abroad themselves.
No resource — online or social — is perfect, but talking to study abroad alumni is a valuable way to learn from other people's’ mistakes and successes. That’s why I’m sharing my own experience with one of the biggest study abroad hurdles: packing. Below you’ll find some of the items I packed, why I packed them, and whether or not they worked for me. While your own packing list might look a little different, it never hurts to get a little extra input.
Like most study abroad students, I found that picking out my travel wardrobe was the toughest part of my packing to-do list. Since long days on the road put a lot of wear and tear on clothing, I wanted to prioritize comfortable, durable pieces.I packed a couple of pairs of dark-wash jeans; a week’s worth of neutral, well-made tops; a little black dress; a versatile skirt; warm cardigans, and sturdy, flat-soled shoes. Although Granada has a moderately dry climate, I was sure to pack my waterproof jacket, too.
Between travel and class, I knew that my beat-up backpack from high school just wouldn’t cut it, so I invested in a high-quality one in a fun floral pattern. I also brought a simple, cross-body purse for everyday use. To top it all off, I packed three sets of workout clothes and my running shoes.
What didn’t work:
With my practical items packed, I also wanted to save room for a few of my more stylish pieces--this was Europe, after all! For my internship and for special occasions, I added my favorite flats and a pair of ankle-height black boots to my shoe collection. I was also sure to bring a few trendy shirts that I could wear to class or on an evening out. To top it all off, I brought my favorite peacoat to wear on chillier nights.
As for accessories, I kept it simple. Just a few scarves, a couple of pairs of earrings, a watch, and 2-3 moderately priced necklaces. I knew that bringing too many valuables would put me at higher risk for theft,
I’m not a huge makeup wearer, but I’m so grateful that I packed a basic eyeshadow palette and my bb cream — both brands were tough to find once I arrived in Spain. As for other makeup, there was a Sephora just down the street from my apartment (admittedly, I visited it just once with guidance from my more makeup-savvy friends).
What didn’t work:
Snacks are one of my favorite travel accessories, and I always love to stock up before a long flight. I was sure to add healthy ones, like dried fruit, granola bars, and nuts to the mix, but I also didn’t scrimp on my favorites, like Dove chocolate and Chex Mix.
What didn’t work:
If there’s one thing my dad has instilled in me, it’s to always be prepared. Before my trip, I purchased several suitcase locks and a luggage scale to ensure that my belongings were safe and ready for flying. I also packed a flash-drive and a folder with copies of all my important documents — from my passport to my travel insurance information.
On top of my monthly prescriptions, I also brought few basic medicines with me. I get car-sick at the drop of a hat (sorry for the unpleasant mental image), so Dramamine and Tylenol were must-haves.
What didn’t work:
Since I’d be staying with a local family, I was on a quest to find the perfect host gift. Shortly before my trip, I found a gorgeous cutting board at a local art fair. I liked that it was both useful and well-designed, and I felt confident that my host parents would appreciate it. I also picked up a phrase-finder dictionary for my own use. I figured it would be a helpful resource, both in my host-home and when I was out exploring Granada. After all, I wanted to be sure I was saying all the right things!
What didn’t work:
To help make my new room feel a little more like home, I brought a few non-essential but personal items. My leather-bound journal was one of the first items I packed — I knew I’d want to document my time abroad and reflect on what I had learned. I also brought four of my favorite books to read in the airport and during any downtime that I found. Finally, I brought several photos — one of my family, one of my boyfriend, a group shot of my friends, and a signed photo of Nicolas Cage (seriously!). These pictures, from the sentimental to the goofy, never fail to bring a smile to my face, and I knew they’d help fend off homesickness.
What didn’t work:
No matter how carefully you plan for your trip, you’ll get a better sense of what you really need once you arrive at your destination. The good news is, you can always purchase those supplemental items while you’re abroad. Packing for a long-term trip can be daunting, but with a little research and a sense of humor, you’ll be all set for the journey ahead.
Grace Lower has a love for all things writing and travel. When she's not exploring new places, Grace enjoys teaching English as a Second Language, making terrible puns, and running incredibly long distances at incredibly slow speeds.
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