What should you actually bring when you're away for a month or more? And what is it that makes you want to come back, year after year? We asked two simple questions to some of our most loyal long-stay travellers. The result? A treasure trove of smart, charming and personal tips for an easier and richer life on the ground.
What should you actually bring when you're away for a month or more? And what is it that makes you want to come back, year after year? We asked two simple questions to some of our most loyal long-stay travellers. The result? A treasure trove of smart, charming and personal tips for an easier and richer life on the ground.
Things to Pack That Make Life Easier (and Happier)
When you're staying for a long time, you want it to feel like home. And it's often the small, everyday things from Sweden that make the biggest difference:
- Knife sharpener and proper kitchen knives for the cooking enthusiast – they exist, but usually don't have the same quality as we're used to
- Potato peeler, scissors (sometimes hard to find), cheese slicer and schnapps glasses
- Washing-up brush and drain cleaner. Sponges are available, and kitchen roll for those who want it
- Favourite spices, sauce packets, caviar and crispbread (Wasa is now available in several places)
- Falukorv sausage (yes, you can freeze it and check it in!)
- Fitted sheets aren't standard, but they do exist. If it's important to you, bring your own!
- Extension leads, power strips and Apple TV/Chromecast
- HDMI cable and any adapters you might need to stream to the TV
- Dishwasher tablets, wet wipes and washing detergent for the first few days
- A small toolbox for minor repairs
And if you're travelling by car? Even better – then you can bring glasses, crockery and perhaps an extra box to leave until next season.
Practical Matters Before You Travel
- Address and contact details: Tell family and friends where you're staying. Have the accommodation address printed in your hand luggage.
- EHIC card and pensioner certificate: Order from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and the Swedish Pensions Agency. Entitles you to necessary care and sometimes discounts.
- Medical certificate in English: May be needed to get permission to use a golf buggy even where there are restrictions.
- Medicines: Bring enough for your entire stay, in original packaging, and always in your hand luggage. The original packaging clearly shows it's a prescribed medicine, which can be important at customs, security checks and if you need medical care on site. It also contains dosage and content information, which helps if you need assistance or need to refill during your stay.
- Private insurance: Print out important documents and read through the terms for baggage and medical care.
- Contact list: Write down important numbers: family, insurance company, SOS International (if you have If or Gouda, different numbers apply – check!), bank.
Money and Cards
It's wise to bring both a debit card and a credit card on your trip. Debit cards usually work excellently for everyday purchases, but credit cards offer extra protection for larger transactions or unexpected events. If a purchase is disputed, your card is skimmed, or goods aren't delivered, you often have stronger consumer protection through the credit card company. Having two cards also reduces the risk of being left without payment options if one card stops working.
Check fees for withdrawals and currency exchange with your bank. Although the EU has rules about reasonable fees for card use within the union, both withdrawal and exchange fees can vary between different banks and cards. Some banks charge a fixed fee per withdrawal, others a percentage. Double-check what applies to your specific card – especially if you plan to withdraw cash on site. Avoid withdrawing cash with a credit card; it's usually the most expensive option.
Comfort on the Ground
- In Sweden, we're used to having a mattress topper on top of the spring mattress, both for comfort and hygiene. In southern Europe, however, it's more common to have just one mattress directly on the bed base or slats – and the beds are often considerably harder than many Swedes are used to. For those who prefer it softer, you can buy a mattress topper locally, for example at Conforama, Leroy Merlin or Worten, but standard sizes vary and it may require some searching.
- Simple household items that are missing can usually be bought cheaply on site.
Why Long-Stay is So Lovely, According to Our Guests
"Community" is the word that comes up most often. Many describe how the social life is at least as lively – if not more so – than at home. It's easy to find each other when you share interests like golf, sunshine, food, relaxation and excursions.
Several also appreciate the sense of freedom: being able to live in a real apartment, living your normal life but in better weather, playing golf in short sleeves in January and avoiding winter darkness, slush and stress. As one guest put it: "It becomes like home – just with a bit more jambalaya."
A big thank you to all of you who shared your tips. We know your advice will delight and help many!
Originally published by PT Golf Sweden.