Packing

General Tips

Packing for Barcelona in May – Celebrate in Style (without the tie)

Get ready to pack your bags for a fun and memorable trip to Barcelona! As we prepare to celebrate in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, there’s no need to pack super formal clothing—this is a work celebration with a relaxed, comfortable vibe. It is also worth noting that in Spain, particularly in Barcelona, locals tend to be quite fashion-conscious and dress accordingly, so it may be a good idea to bring some nicer clothing items with you if you plan on going out in the evening or visiting upscale restaurants and bars. Additionally, when visiting religious sites, it's important to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and legs. Overall, it's best to err on the side of dressing slightly more formally than you might in the US to blend in with the local culture.

What’s the weather like?
Barcelona in early May typically enjoys mild, spring-like weather—perfect for exploring. You can expect average highs around 70–73°F and lows around 55–58°F. It’s usually sunny with occasional light rain, so layers are your best friend

Things to Pay Attention To:

• Cobblestone streets: Barcelona is very walkable, but uneven surfaces are common, so sturdy shoes are key.

• Cultural norms: Casual attire is fine, but locals tend to dress neatly even when relaxed—think polished casual rather than athleisure.

• Weather swings: Mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack layers you can shed or add as needed.

Above all, pack with comfort, celebration, and cultural curiosity in mind—we’re going to have a fantastic time!

Sample Packing List

Essentials:

• Cell phone and charger, power bank if you have one
• Laptop and charger
• Power adapter for EU plugs (Type C or F)
• Passport (and photocopies)
• CISI printed card
• Emergency contact numbers
• Debit cards/credit cards/cash
• Medications & Vitamins
• Reusable water bottle
• Ear plugs
• Toiletries 
• Travel-size hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes
• Snacks (bars, trail mix—helpful for travel days or busy schedules)

Clothes:

• Underwear, socks, bras, pajamas
• A medium-weight jacket for evenings or breezy days
• Light layers (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters)
• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
• Jeans or other pants
• One dressier outfit for a special dinner or evening out (maybe a few if you're attending a site visit!)
• Shorts
• Sandals, flip flops for shower
• Sunglasses and a hat for daytime outings
• Travel umbrella or light rain jacket (just in case)
• Small daypack or tote for city exploring
• And most importantly, don't overpack. Trust us- you won't need as much as you think you do.

Pack Sustainably

Less luggage means lighter planes, which consume less fuel. Pack only the essentials and consider using multi-purpose items to minimize your load.

1. 1. Bring your Waterbottle & Coffee Cup: You can bring an empty water bottle through airport security, and refill it once you are through. Pack your CIS coffee mug! 
   2. Cloth napkin: Bring back the hankie! Well kind of - bring a cloth napkin so you don’t have to grab paper when you go out to eat, then add it to your laundry day 
   3. Choose Non-toxic Sunscreen and Bug Repellent: When engaging in outdoor activities, opt for environmentally friendly sunscreen and bug repellent to minimize harm to aquatic ecosystems.
   4. Choose Biodegradable and Non-Toxic Toiletries: Opt for shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other personal care products that are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals. Look for products with natural ingredients and minimal packaging to reduce waste.
   5. Use Refillable Containers: Instead of buying travel-sized toiletries in single-use plastic containers, invest in refillable containers that you can fill with your preferred eco-friendly products from home. This reduces plastic waste and allows you to use products you trust.
   6. Research Eco-Friendly Brands: Before your trip, research and purchase toiletry products from brands that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Look for certifications such as cruelty-free, organic, or fair trade.
   7. Choose Solid Toiletries: Solid toiletries such as shampoo bars, soap bars, and solid toothpaste can eliminate the need for plastic packaging altogether. They're also convenient for travel and often last longer than liquid products.
   8. Pack Eco-Friendly Dental Care Products: Choose toothpaste and dental floss that are made from natural ingredients and come in recyclable or compostable packaging. Consider using bamboo toothbrushes, which are biodegradable and sustainable.
   9. Minimize Use of Disposable Items: Avoid using disposable toiletry items such as single-use razors, cotton pads, and makeup wipes. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives such as safety razors, washable cotton rounds, and cloth makeup remover pads.

Electrical Appliances

Spain uses Type C and Type F outlets, both of which have two round holes. The difference between them is that Type F also has two grounding clips. You’ll find both outlet types throughout Spain, from Barcelona to the countryside. Both can take any plug type with two round prongs, as long as there’s not a third grounding prong. However, sockets in Spain usually sit inside a round indentation in the wall; plugs with a head that isn’t round will need an adapter to fit the outlet, even if they’re otherwise compatible.

Like the rest of Europe, Spain’s electrical grid uses a frequency of 50 Hz and a voltage of 230V. Appliances rated between 220V and 240V are safe to plug into Spanish sockets.

Spain Power Adapter

Since electrical sockets in Spain require two round pins, you’ll definitely need an adapter if you’re American and have American devices. A US-to-Spain power adapter will allow you to plug in devices with the North American-style flat prongs (Type A and B plugs). Fortunately, the difference between American and Spanish sockets is obvious, so you most likely won’t make the mistake of trying to plug in your device with no adapter.

If you are looking for hair dryers/hair tools, it may be easier to purchase on-site. 

Medication

We recommend researching the laws and regulations regarding medications in the country you'll be visiting, as some medications may be illegal or require a special prescription. Additionally, if you have any medical conditions or allergies, make sure to inform your Program Enrollment Coordinator, host family, or any other relevant individuals of your condition and any necessary precautions. It's also a good idea to bring a translation of your prescriptions or a note from your doctor in case of emergency.

PLEASE NOTE that while cannabinoids are legal in many US states, if you currently use medical marijuana or recreationally use cannabis, please note that it is illegal to import into Spain or travel with internationally. Please DO NOT attempt to bring any cannabinoids into Spain. Additionally, CIS Abroad adheres to US federal law around cannabis, and therefore considers any use of cannabis onsite as a Code of Conduct violation. Please feel free to discuss any concerns you have about this with your Program Enrollment Coordinator or International Operations Director.