What NOT to Pack: The Hilarious Guide to Calming Your Pre-Vacation Packing Panic
We’ve all been there: the day before your trip, frantically throwing things into your suitcase because what if you need it? Don’t worry, we’ve seen it all. From panicked emails about ironing boards to the awkward fear of no toilet paper, we’re here to soothe your last-minute packing anxieties.
So, let’s break it down by room. Here’s what NOT to pack for your stay with us.
The Bedroom
Your Own Pillow
The Fear: “What if the pillow is too fluffy or not fluffy enough and my neck never recovers?”
The Solution: We offer ergonomic pillows and additional pillows in each apartment, so you can choose your new favorite. Rest easy – we’ve got you covered.
Bed Sheets
The Fear: “What if I arrive, and the beds aren’t made, or worse, the sheets look like they’re from the 70s?”
The Solution: We have freshly cleaned, modern sheets on every bed, dressed just for you either the day of or the day before your arrival. And don’t worry, they’re stylish and new!
The Bathroom
Bath Towels
The Fear: “What if there aren’t enough towels and I’m left drying off with a washcloth?”
The Solution: We provide a huge bath towel, a medium-sized hand towel, and a small washcloth for each guest. Plus, we have fresh backups if you need a new one!
Backup Toothbrushes
The Fear: “What if I lose my toothbrush and end up with bad breath the entire trip?”
The Solution: You can find toothbrushes at every supermarket. No need to bring backups – it’s just a short walk to pick one up if needed.
Toilet Paper
The Fear: “What if there’s no toilet paper, and I’m left in a very awkward situation?”
The Solution: We always supply more than enough toilet paper in our apartments – none of that “one roll and you’re on your own” nonsense. You won’t need to shop for toilet paper during your stay!
Suitcase Full of Toiletries
The Fear: “What if they don’t have the shampoo I like and my hair becomes unmanageable?”
The Solution: We provide hand soap, shower gel, and hand cream in all apartments. If you have specific self-care routines, feel free to bring your fancy stuff, but we’ve got the basics covered for easygoing travelers.
The Kitchen
Suitcase Full of Snacks
The Fear: “What if I don’t like the food, and I’m left to survive on my emergency stash of granola bars?”
The Solution: Spain has incredible food, and we’ve got an entire recommendations section on our website dedicated to local restaurants and bars we’ve tested and can personally recommend.
Your Own Coffee Mug
The Fear: “What if they don’t have the perfect-sized coffee mug and my morning caffeine ritual is ruined?”
The Solution: We’ve got mugs – and they’re perfect for every coffee lover. No need to bring your personalized mug from home.
A Case of Bottled Water
The Fear: “What if I’m stuck drinking local water and it ruins my vacation?”
The Solution: Spain has safe tap water, but if you prefer, you can easily buy bottled water at all the supermarkets. Here’s a quick Spanish lesson: agua sin gas is water without bubbles, and agua con gas is sparkling water.
Your Own Coffee Maker
The Fear: “What if the coffee isn’t as good as my morning ritual at home?”
The Solution: No need to lug your coffee machine across the border – we have at least two different types of coffee makers in each apartment. Plus, enjoying a cup of coffee at a local café is a Spanish cultural experience! Start your day with us and have your second coffee in the ambiance of an authentic Spanish bar.
Pots and Pans
The Fear: “But what if I want to make a full-on feast and don’t have my trusty pots and pans?”
The Solution: Don’t worry, we’ve got all the cookware you’ll need to cook up a storm. Whether it’s a quick meal or something more elaborate, our kitchen is fully equipped for whatever you want to whip up.
Dish Soap
The Fear: “What if I can’t wash my dishes and I’m stuck with a kitchen full of dirty plates?”
The Solution: We’ve got you covered with dish soap, sponges, and a kitchen sink for quick cleaning. And for the bigger jobs, every apartment has a dishwasher to make cleanup even easier.
Toaster
The Fear: “What if I can’t have my morning toast and my breakfast routine is ruined?”
The Solution: We’ve got you covered. Every apartment has a toaster – all you need to do is buy your own bread.
Portable Hot Plate
The Fear: “What if I want to cook a gourmet meal, and the stove doesn’t have the right vibe?”
The Solution: We have a fully equipped kitchen in our apartments with everything you need. You won’t be hosting a student cooking show on how to cook with the bare minimum – you’ll have what you need to create great meals.
The Utility Area
Laundry Detergent
The Fear: “What if there’s a washing machine but no laundry detergent and I need to do a load of laundry while I’m there?”
The Solution: Don’t worry, we provide laundry detergent in all apartments. But if you have detergent allergies, feel free to bring a small bottle of your own to stay comfortable.
Beach Towels
The Fear: “What if I have to bring my own beach towels and there’s no more room in my suitcase?”
The Solution: We’ve got plenty of fresh beach towels ready for you, so no need to overstuff your suitcase with them.
Beach Chairs
The Fear: “What if I end up lying on the hot sand and look like a human pancake?”
The Solution: No need to pack a beach chair - I mean, is that even possible? We’ve got beach chairs ready and waiting for you in all our apartments.
Beach Games
The Fear: “What if I show up and everyone’s having fun with frisbees and beach paddles, and all I have is… nothing?”
The Solution: We’ve got all the beach games you’ll need, from frisbees to paddleball. You’re basically walking into a beach party without lifting a finger!
Iron and Ironing Board
The Fear: “But what if all my linen outfits get wrinkled, and I look like a crumpled paper bag at that fancy dinner?”
The Solution: Don’t waste time ironing before you leave, just to have your suitcase destroy all your hard work. We’ve got an iron and ironing board waiting for you, so your linen outfits can stay fresh for every chic dinner outing.
Beach Umbrella
The Fear: “What if I can’t find shade and end up sunburned and miserable?”
The Solution: We’ve got beach umbrellas ready for you, so you can stay cool and sunburn-free while enjoying the hot Spanish sun.
Miscellaneous
Multiple Pairs of Jeans
The Fear: “What if I wear out my only pair of jeans, and I’m left pantless?”
The Solution: Stick to one pair of jeans. But honestly, you won’t want to wear long pants during the summer here. Check the weather app before you pack, and you might be able to leave your jeans at home altogether!
An Entire Bookstore’s Worth of Reading Material
The Fear: “What if I run out of things to read and end up bored?”
The Solution: Bring one book or one journal, and you’ll be good to go. Our suggestion: relax and enjoy the local surroundings rather than carrying a library on your back!
Multiple Coats
The Fear: “What if one coat isn’t enough for the cold?”
The Solution: This is Spain—you’ll only need a light coat in October, November, March, and April, and a relatively warm coat from December to February. Focus on layering rather than bringing one big bulky coat that takes up too much space when traveling.
Fancy Jewelry
The Fear: “What if I want to look fabulous, but I’m afraid of losing my expensive jewelry?”
The Solution: Leave the valuables at home and instead, purchase unique jewelry while you’re here. Not only will you have something beautiful to wear, but it’ll also serve as a souvenir to remind you of your trip.
Money Belts
The Fear: “What if I get mugged while exploring, and my valuables are stolen?”
The Solution: A small, secure cross-body bag is a much better option than a bulky money belt that screams “tourist.” Plus, it’s way more comfortable!
Sewing Kit
The Fear: “What if I need to fix a button or a tear and I’m stuck in a wardrobe malfunction?”
The Solution: We don’t supply sewing kits, but Spain has plenty of stores where you can easily pick up what you need for small fixes during your stay.
Golf Clubs
The Fear: “What if I want to go golfing and don’t have my gear?”
The Solution: If you’re planning to hit the links, no need to bring your own clubs. Oliva Nova Golf, a renowned golf resort, is just nearby, and they offer rentals. You’ll have everything you need for a perfect round without the hassle of lugging around your gear.
And there you have it.
Everything you definitely don’t need to pack for your trip to Spain. Whether it’s your favorite jewelry, multiple pairs of jeans, or even an umbrella, we’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to.
Our rentals are fully equipped to ensure your stay is stress-free, comfortable, and enjoyable. From the basics like bath towels and kitchen appliances to the essentials for a perfect beach day, you’ll find it all here—so relax, leave those “just in case” items at home, and travel light.
Now that your packing anxieties have been calmed, it’s time to close that suitcase, take a deep breath, and look forward to a beautifully equipped and hassle-free stay in Oliva. See you soon!
Or if you haven’t booked with us yet and want to learn more about Oliva, click the button below to discover our curated recommendations and stylish apartments.
