Welcome back, I’ve been a bit MIA, since getting into the groove of a full time job – social work isn’t easy – but somebody’s got to do it.
So, a while ago, I decided to go to Barcelona after seeing a fantastic deal on one of my flight newsletters I follow – Hi, Going! – and on a whim (well after multiple emails in a couple months mentioning this offer) – I booked it. I’d figure the rest out later. Low and behold a few weeks after I told my aunt in Seattle, she asked is she could join – I said why not? Since then, it has been deep dive mode with figuring out accommodations, luggage, budget, foreign exchange cards, cell phone plans for abroad and clothing!
For tours and attractions, we plan to check out a few museums, Montjiuc park, the Gaudi architecture and maybe a Michelin restaurant or two, plus plenty of foodie adventures in between.
Whew! That was a lot.
Alright, let’s get into it. So far my total costs have come to about:
- 10 night hotel $1340 – $500 cashback credits = $840
- Airfare $ 482 RT with only 1 layover. Flying Delta and KLM.
- $130 in luggage – Level 8 20″ carry on suitcase in Luminous Green
- Floless weekender duffle bag $22
- Packing cubes $ 18
- Merino socks $72 from Darn Tough
- 2 Merino tops from Ridge Merino $115
- Comrad compression socks $28
- Levsok compression socks 2 pack – $20
- Kitsch Shampoo bar and Conditioner bar $20
- Silicone soap holder $14
- Narwey Hanging Toiletries bag $10
- Sandcloud Quick Dry Beach Towel/Blanket/Scarf $48
- Dude Wipes Travel pack (not just for dudes) $6
- Dew Well Deo Wipes $14
- Honest Co. Alcohol Wipes Unscented – $8
- Travel toothbrushes $9
- Gemice TSA travel bottles silicone $ 10
- Universal Adapter $18
- Soundcore Noise Canceling Headphones $44
- Wise – travel foreign exchange debit card that holds multiple currencies and some even offer an APY of 4% to hold certain currencies. Cost me $11 to get mine shipped (check them out they are totally legit and it’s an awesome service with super cheap fees, saving a ton of time instead of looking for a foreign exchange place).
I think that should be it for now – but after all it is Europe and I wanted to be prepared. Plus, I can re-use a ton of these items in the future.
Also a side note on Merino wool – holy crap, I get the hype now!
Those new socks I got from Darn Tough lasted me 3 days (and I easily could have gone longer but I wanted to wash them) walking around my house and out running errands. I can only imagine when I’m walking all week. I’m glad I got them. Plus they are super cute.
Second side note – Level 8 luggage has a cult following and now I get it – those are the smoothest wheels I have ever tried on a luggage and the quietest I have heard, I haven’t packed my luggage yet, but I’m excited to soon.
Well that’s it for now – stay tuned for more!