Pack smart and live well – tips from our experienced Longstay travellers
What do you really need to 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 of some of our most loyal Longstay travellers. The result? A treasure trove of clever, charming and personal tips for a …
What should you really pack 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 Longstay guests. The result? A whole treasure trove of clever, 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 quality kitchen knives for the cooking enthusiast – they exist but often don't have the same quality we're used to
• Potato peeler, scissors (sometimes hard to find), cheese slicer and schnapps glasses
• Dish brush and drain cleaner. Sponges are available, and kitchen roll for those who want it
• Favourite spices, sauce sachets, caviar and crispbread (Wasa is now available in several places though)
• Falukorv (yes, you can freeze it and check it in!)
• Fitted sheets aren't standard, but they're available. If it matters to you, bring some!
• Extension cables, power strips and Apple TV/Chromecast
• HDMI cable and any adapters you might need to stream to your TV
• Dishwasher tablets, wet wipes and washing powder for the first few days
• A small toolbox for minor repairs
And if you're travelling by car? Even better – you can bring glassware, crockery and maybe an extra box that can stay until next season.
Practical tips before you travel
• Address and contact details: Tell your loved ones where you're staying. Print out your accommodation address and keep it in your hand luggage.
• EHIC card and pensioner's certificate: Order from your relevant authorities. Gives you access to necessary healthcare 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 healthcare whilst there. It also contains dosage and content information, which helps if you need assistance or need to top up during your stay.
• Private insurance: Print out important documents and read through the terms for baggage and healthcare.
• Contact list: Keep important numbers written down: family, insurance company, SOS International (check your provider – numbers vary between If and Gouda for example), bank.
Money and cards
• It's sensible to bring both a debit and credit card on your trip. Debit cards usually work fine for everyday purchases, but credit cards give you 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 your credit card company. With two cards you also reduce the risk of being without payment options if one card stops working.
• Check charges for withdrawals and currency exchange with your bank. Although the EU has regulations on reasonable charges for card use within the union, both withdrawal and exchange charges 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're planning to withdraw cash locally. Avoid withdrawing cash on your 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 base 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 firmer 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 locally.
