France/Spain - What to pack?

Re: France/Spain - What to pack?

• MDGirl member

  

  March 2012

  I was in Amsterdam and Paris last spring, and we left on May 1. I wore skinny jeans, t-shirts, and either a thin long sleeve shirt under the t-shirt or a light cardigan over the t-shirt, a light (mostly decorative) scarf, and ballet flats, and a lot of people spoke to me in French first. Some days I didn't need the sweater so I'd throw it in my bag, but if it clouded over or we were inside and it was cooler I was glad to have the extra layer. My feet hurt at the end of the day in the flats, but my husband was wearing his expensive and super comfy Echo shoes and his feet hurt too. I brought a couple of basic dresses for dinner and I needed a sweater with them. I assume Spain will be a little warmer.

  
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• laptopprancer

  March 2012

  I was in Madrid in late May last year and it was already hot, like 85 during the day and sunny.  Sunscreen, a hat, etc. would be recommended.

  Layers are definitely in order for evenings and nights or even chilly mornings.

  I guess Europeans really don't wear shorts out in public much, I brought shorts, but they were longer, Bermuda-type, tailored ones.  I did wear them.

  Where are you going in Spain? I love Spain.

  As for shoes, it will be warm enough for sandals, so comfortable sandals are in order.  As for walking shoes I am a fan of Merrells.  Sleek "trainers", i.e. sneakers are very much the order of the day.

  Not like this:

  

  But like this:

  

  Sorry these are so big!

  If you find espadrilles comfortable they'd be a good choice as well.

   

  
  Yeah that's right my name's Yauch!

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• VABeach08

  March 2012

  If you're going to the beach, shorts are fine.  But typically they're not super popular in the city/going out.  Besides, I doubt you'd really want shorts in Paris or north Spain that early in May (not to say that it'll be "cold", but I'd be surprised if it was so hot that it was uncomfortable to be in pants).

  Flats are a good idea-- lots of cobblestone, so something with cushion is nice (Cole Hair Air) or Clarks.  I'd avoid flip-flops anywhere other than the actual beach-- a) you're feet will get tired/hurt, b) you're feet will be filthy (lots of dust/dirt b/w some cobblestones), c) to the extent you care, they do say, tourist (which, imo, isn't a major, but I throw it out there).

  I also agree w/ pp wrt pumas or some sort of sneaker not intended for the gym.  I personally like Clarks' Wave--- super comfortable all.day.long. 

  

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• AKuzReve member

  March 2012

  Thank you! I appreciate the comments.

  I hate flip flops and I don't ever wear them unless I'm at a pool/beach so I'm good on that. I am very comfortable in sandals. I like those pumas that was posted. I was looking at the Cole Haan flats and Toms flats, as well.  

  I'm going to Barcelona, Madrid, and Ibiza. I would love to visit more of Spain because that's my dream but I only have a 2 week break from the end of Spring semester to the beginning of my Summer semester.  

   

  
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• laptopprancer

  March 2012

  That sounds like a great trip.

  Madrid is seriously a fun & beautiful city, I loved it so much.

  I've also been to Bilbao, Rioja (Haro), Benidorm, Avila, and Burgos.

  I'm dying to go to Barcelona.

   

  
  Yeah that's right my name's Yauch!

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