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Original poster

Solo trip away - what do I need to take?

33 replies

MasFina · 31/03/2022 10:15

Getting ridiculously excited about a long postponed trip I’ve booked to Spain in a couple of weeks. It’s just me, only for 3 nights and I’ll be staying at a type of retreat, all very low key and not at all chi-chi but does things like yoga, meditation, healthy eating, hikes etc.

First trip abroad for 2 years, and first solo trip since I can’t remember!

What do I need to take?!

OP posts:
PsychoSyd · 31/03/2022 10:19

A change of pants.

PsychoSyd · 31/03/2022 10:20

Oo, sorry, forgot to say socks too 😀

Pyewhacket · 31/03/2022 10:20

More batteries Grin

SilverHairedCat · 31/03/2022 10:21

My mantra is:

Passport, swimsuit and credit card - all in my hand luggage so if it all goes wrong / they lose my hold luggage, I'm still sorted on arrival. Everything else is a bonus.

Travel insurance.

twilightcafe · 31/03/2022 10:23

Power packs for phones when you're out and about.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 31/03/2022 10:24

Phone charger and adapter
Do you still need a Covid pass in Spain?
A credit/bank account you can use abroad
Your passport
A change of clothes

MuggleMadness · 31/03/2022 10:27

When I was younger it was ticket, passport, credit card, pills (contraception not Panadol!)

These days it's a much longer list & don't need the pills anymore.

For you I'd say phone (E ticket?), charger, credit card, knickers, leggings, T-shirt. (Any medication) any covid pass you might need.

All in hand luggage, hold luggage, just casual yoga type clothes, one nice outfit not much else.

MuggleMadness · 31/03/2022 10:29

Oh & I was assuming you had Euros, if not money of some kind. My credit card is for any emergency, not to put daily spending on.

Original poster
MasFina · 31/03/2022 10:40

Brilliant thanks everyone. I’d forgotten about travel insurance Blush

Power pack is a good idea - can you just buy these, and does the charge last? I’ve only ever had those freebie merchandise ones which aren’t very good

OP posts:
Buzzinwithbez · 31/03/2022 10:41

It sounds like there going there to be with yourself and the others there? So I would take minimal distractions. Probably a nice notebook and pen and something to take photos with.

BarbaraofSeville · 31/03/2022 10:49

It won't be much of a retreat if you're using your phone so much you run the battery down during a day hike. I'd not bother buying one of those.

My tip would be paper copies of all your documents. Much easier than a phone in the airport etc and a back up if your phone gets lost or broken. You also won't need to worry so much about your battery Smile

To double check I haven't forgotten anything I mentally run through the journey from home to the accommodation and make sure I have all the documents etc that I need.

Then also think about what I'm doing while I'm there, but I also have lists honed over many trips, with a core list for any trip, then sub lists for different activities, hot or cold weather etc.

Then travel insurance, payment card, any currency from previous trips and a guidebook or map of the area.

I like the sound of the retreat. Would you be able to post a link?

BarbaraofSeville · 31/03/2022 10:51

@MuggleMadness

Oh & I was assuming you had Euros, if not money of some kind. My credit card is for any emergency, not to put daily spending on.
If you have the right credit card, it's perfect for daily spending, although my preference is a Starling card as some places charge extra for credit cards, or don't accept them, while a Starling debit card is almost always fine for payments or cash withdrawals, all with the best available exchange rate and no extra charges.
AlisonDonut · 31/03/2022 10:53

All the stuff you used to take plus paper copies of covid pass?

Sunnysal · 31/03/2022 10:54

A warm cardy and an umbrella. I live in Spain...its freezing and chucking it down! Sorry!

crumpet · 31/03/2022 10:55

Kindle/books

WellNotReally · 31/03/2022 11:06

Walking shoes/sandals, walking socks (not if you're wearing sandals Grin ) compeed - don't know about you but if it's warm I'm much more prone to blisters.

EHIC or GHIC card.

I've never needed a power pack for my phone, and it sounds like you won't be using your phone much anyway.

AffIt · 31/03/2022 12:07

Spare contact lenses, if you wear them.

Learn from my mistake of losing one on my first day away, and then either having to wear my glasses or gaily toss aside the concept of depth perception for the next four days.

AffIt · 31/03/2022 12:09

Oh, and nail clippers.

Odds on are you will have had a perfectly serviceable set of fingernails for the past however many months, but as soon as you're outwith convenient walking distance of a chemist, you'll get a hangnail.

maddy68 · 31/03/2022 12:50

A coat for night time. It's still cool in the evenings

playmelikeasymphony · 31/03/2022 13:10

As a solo traveller I find a book or a kindle really useful when I’m having a meal. Randoms in the bar/restaurant are much less likely to hassle me to chat because I look lonely when I’ve got a book out even if I’ve not picked it up.

twilightcafe · 31/03/2022 13:52

If your flight is delayed at the airport and your phone is on 10% you'll be mighty glad you've got a power pack.

twilightcafe · 31/03/2022 13:53

Have a WONDERFUL time!

Original poster
MasFina · 31/03/2022 15:12

Thanks everyone.

Very useful to have your advice which I’ve now transformed into a list. First of many, I expect…

The place I’m going to is here:

lacrisalidaretreats.com/

OP posts:
uncomfortablydumb53 · 31/03/2022 15:56

Being optimistic here but 100ml suncream

AlisonDonut · 31/03/2022 16:10

@uncomfortablydumb53

Being optimistic here but 100ml suncream
Never ever take suncream! That will surely guarantee rain.
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