I used to be an overpacker. Like… “just in case I need five versions of the same thing” energy.
Then I moved to Spain. And somewhere between walking everywhere, living lighter, and realizing I can’t pack up everything in my suitcase, I changed a lot. I’ve definitely become less of a consumer here. Less clutter, more intention. Very “less is more,” very European of me, I know, but let’s not get carried away. I still get excited when I go home or when someone visits me. And yes… I absolutely send a little list. Because there are just some things that are non-negotiable.
1. Deodorant (because I committed early and never looked back)
I’m not even going to pretend to be chill about this one. Before moving, I read everywhere: bring deodorant. So I did. Enough to last me forever, honestly.
Now here’s the funny part. I’m actually kind of a “crunchy”, holistic girl at heart. I could live without aluminum and all the harsh stuff. Spain definitely leans more in that direction anyway. But at this point? It’s loyalty. I know what works for me, I like what I like, and I’m sticking with it.
2. Seasonings & Water Flavorings (this is where I get serious)
This one… this is a big deal. Spain has amazing food. Fresh, simple, high quality. But when it comes to those very specific, bold, pre-mixed flavors we grew up on in the U.S.? It’s just not the same. Every time I go home, I’m stocking up on:
- taco seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Any random seasoning blend that makes life easier
And don’t even get me started on water flavorings. That is simply not a thing in Spain. If you’re someone who struggles to drink water without a little flavor, bring your stash, and protect your peace.
3. Socks (hear me out)
Yes, Spain has socks, obviously. But I don’t know, there’s just something about U.S. socks. The quality, the variety, the comfort. I like a specific kind of sock, okay? And since I walk everywhere here, I go through them fast. Holes show up like uninvited guests. So every trip home, I grab a fresh pack. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary.
4. Medications (future you will be grateful)
This is one of those things you don’t think about until you really need it. Spain absolutely has equivalents for things like:
- Benadryl
- NyQuil
- DayQuil
- Tylenol
But here’s the thing:
- they can feel different
- sometimes milder
- And you’ll probably be standing in a pharmacy trying to translate everything when you feel your worst
No, thank you. I like having what I know on hand, ready to go. It just makes life easier.
5. Makeup Staples (with a little room to explore)
This one is a mix of comfort and curiosity. There are certain brands I always bring, especially ones that are harder to find in Spain, like e.l.f. Cosmetics. For me, that looks like:
- a go-to mascara
- My favorite foundation
- a few staples I don’t want to gamble with
But everything else? Replaceable. Living here actually made me more open to trying new products. Spanish and European beauty brands are good. Sometimes better quality, honestly.
So I bring my essentials, and let the rest be an experiment.
Spain is not a deserted island. You can find what you need here. And in many cases, the quality is even better. But there are still those small, personal things that make you feel like yourself. The little comforts. The familiar routines. So no, I don’t overpack anymore, but I do pack intentionally. And if that includes a suitcase with seasoning packets, socks, and enough deodorant to last a lifetime…then honestly? I’m okay with that.
And here are a few tips if you’re coming from the U.S. to Spain, especially if you’re already stressing about what you might forget. First, take a breath. You’re not doomed if you leave your favorite snack or seasoning behind. If you’re really missing something specific, you can always check out a Taste of America store. They exist in Spain, just not everywhere. You’ll mostly find them in bigger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and sometimes Zaragoza.
You can also order online, which is honestly a lifesaver when the craving hits. Just be prepared, the prices are not cute. You’re basically paying import costs, so yes, that box of Cheez-Its might be sitting pretty at like 7 euros. But hey, sometimes you just need a little taste of home, no judgment.
Another tip, especially if you’re a little more on the holistic side or you actually care about ingredients (same): Spain has something called herbolarios.
Think of them as your go-to spots for:
- natural remedies
- supplements
- cleaner beauty products
- herbal everything
I personally haven’t gone into one yet, mostly because I tend to bring what I need or keep things minimal. And if I’m being honest, I’ve become way less of a “let me try everything” type of person since living here. I also lean on the Yuka app to check ingredients for food and beauty products when I’m out shopping. It’s been my little safety net.
That said, I do want to check out a herbolario eventually, just not for fun. Only if I actually need something. (Notice my growth?)
At the end of the day, Spain will have what you need. Maybe not the exact version you’re used to, but something that works. And if all else fails, there’s always a slightly overpriced box of comfort waiting for you somewhere.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
