Hello all!

I'm new to Fodor's so I hope I'm doing this correctly

I am a student and will be studying abroad in Spain this fall semester. Specifically in Toledo, with excursions around Spain (always open for suggestions!) and 5 days in London.

I am posting here because of 2 main questions.

First off - I'll be flying into Barajas Airport, and am looking to meet people in Arrival Room 1 (Sala 1) by the American Express Office. I was wondering if it would be possible to pick up my luggage (checked bag) and prior to heading to the meetup point. Anyone familiar with Terminal 1 who could answer this question?

Secondly - Am I bringing too much stuff? The tried and true travel question for sure. I am concerned about both the weight and size of my luggage. Not so much for the small trips as I've got soft sided lesportsac bags to use for that tucked into my regular bags, but just in terms of navigating to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the trip.

My packing list is -

Clothes-
Jeans (2 pair - I'll be wearing one pair on the flight)
Sweaters (3, 2 cardigans in black and light teal and a V-neck purple sweater)
Shirts (12 total, 6 casual T-shirts, 6 shirts that will work for evening and/or internship)
Camisoles (5 2 white, one with lace, one black, one blue, one pink)
Bras - (5 including sports bra, these pack flat)
Basketball shorts (I use these for sleeping and jogging)
Two oversize shirts (same as bball shorts)
Socks (8 pair total - I have a strange ability to lose socks)
Swim gear (swim suit, cap, goggles, noseclip)
Dress Slacks (2 Black, Blue)
Bottom half of body misc (leggings, pantyhose)
Dresses (One summer-y dress Black and white, LBD, and one Black white and blue dress)
Skirts (4 One long black, one knee length black, 2 skorts one denim one black)
Shoes (6 running shoes, Black sketchers [remember those cute little ones they had that looked sort of dressy and strappy?], black boots [above ankle 2 inches], MaryJane style black heels, Black Roman sandals, flip-flops [shower shoes])
Jacket/Cold Weather (1 long tan raincoat with zip in liner, red pashmina, leather gloves)

All of my toiletries except 1 large bottle of shampoo, 1 of conditioner and 1 of bodywash, fit into ziplock quart sized bags (1 dry and 1 for liquids)

Stuff
Grammar reference book (irritatingly large, but decidedly necessary as all of my coursework is in Spanish)
Small English/Spanish Dictionary
mp3 player with earbuds
netbook with both american and european chargecord
adapters/converters
disc drive/cable (to play dvds/cds on my netbook)
Camera/charger
Journal
Plastic Folders (I love these because they never seem to tear!)
Travel Alarm Clock (possibly the smallest thing ever, folds smaller than my digital camera)
Extra Glasses (2 pair, maybe over precautious, but I am as blind as a bat)
Small Sewing Kit
Glasses Kit
Waterbottle
lesportsac bag (collapsed)
Pens/pencils/highlighters

Well, all of this is currently in one large rolling suitcase, one backback (personal item) and one tote (change of clothes/flight pillow/toiletries). Any suggestions on downsizing? Or... downweighting?

Many thanks!

I would skip bringing shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, etc. You can easily find the brands you use in pharmacies and it's also fun to try brands you can't find in the states. If anything, bring a small sample size of each to tide you over until you get a bit settled. Why do you need an American charger for your netbook? Do you actually need a converter? Most electronic devices will work with just an adapter. My American camera charger and laptop do fine with an adapter. Do you need 6 running shoes? That seems like a lot to me.

lizzie, my listing was confusing, the first number in the ( ) is the total number, then a list of what each of them are, so not six running shoes but six shoes total.

As far as the American charger for the netbook, I can probably ditch that, I suppose that is just second nature. And I'll look into the converter/adapter thing.

I am still on the fence about the shampoo and conditioner, it sort of feels like a weird tie to home, plus my original rationale was that it opened up space in the suitcase on the way back, for any souvenirs.

Thanks for your reply I appreciate it!

I agree with lizziea about the large bottles of shampoo, etc.; if they're large enough to last you all semester, they will add lots of weight to your luggage. And if you don't take them, you'll still have the space in your suitcase for souvenirs!

I have no idea about the weather in Toledo, but I wonder if you'll actually get much use out of your summery dress past the first few weeks you're there. Check www.wunderground.com for average temperatures for Toledo for the fall months.

Have a wonderful semester; what a great opportunity!

Okay, two for leaving behind the shampoo and conditioner you win! I don't want to take that up the stairs!

About the dress grandmere, it packs down to nothing in my case and drip dries really quickly and layers surprisingly well. I can make the dress last much longer with my pantyhose and cardigans than anyone would expect, so I'm still taking that (plus it's one of those items that just makes you feel pretty which I always appreciate).

Since my suitcase has extra room I've been toying with the idea of switching from one large rolling bag to 2 carry on size bags (full ones, so one would still be checked) to make it easier to myself when I am on trains getting to and from the school. Any opinions on that? One would be a duffle bag and the other a roller so the duffle would be able to sit on the roller.

Certain days the skies in Toledo make El Greco look like a realist rather than mannerist.

If you will have a little extra cash to shop, I would take the minimal number of shoes you can get by with. Spanish shoes are fantastic! However, I always pack more shoes than clothes practically because I have problem feet, and I like your assortment of shoes for all occasions.

Most airports have maps on their websites--that might help you with your meet-up question.

As for one or two bags--do a trial run to see how easily you get around with the two options.
have a great trip!

Yorkshire - I've tried the maps but haven't had any luck as I couldn't tell where security was in relation to baggage claim and the room.

And I'll try the trial run thing too

Aduchamp, thats why I've got the cardigans/scarf and coat Any other suggestions?

Hi studyabroad,

I looked at the map of Terminal 1 and the American express office looks to be right outside Sala 1 on arrivals level. This would be after you come out with your lugagge.

cruiseluv - Thanks so much I tried to find maps for Terminal 1 with no success, and your answer makes me feel much better about my plans for meeting up with people there.

Did you find the map on the airport's website?

Hmmmm, now I'm looking at the map again and it's not clear to me if the Amex is inside Sala 1 or just outside. I do know (from experience) that there are money changing facilities also inside the bagagge area. Sorry, I can't be sure now. This is the link to the map:

http://www.aena.es/cartografia/termi...37&sheight=633

An alternative place to meet (which is for sure outside the bagagge claim area) is as you walk out of Sala 1, on your right, they show an Ars cafeteria.

not that this is my area of expertise, but i think you could cut down loads on what you're bringing and buy in spain. toledo centre is not great for shopping but there are malls on the outskirts and of course you're 30-40 mins by rail from madrid. you will be able to buy t shirts, vest tops in fact anything from shops like Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti (bit more upmarket), Stradivarius, Pull & Bear, Cortefiel - all big fashion chains. There are also stores like H&M, C&A, Domingues for more designery things and of course Department store el Corte Ingles - loads in Madrid. Clothes are realtively cheap in Spain, shoes certainly good value. I don't know whether you can do it that way but it would really save you lugging too much around and you can go home with lots of new stuff for not that much money...

Cruiseluv, Thanks for the link, the map is a little tricky, but it's good to gain some familiarity with the layout

I wish I could change the meeting place but I'm not in a position to suggest an alteration, so I'll just keep my eyes peeled and practice the appropriate spanish phrase in my head on the flight!

Portuense - while I'll probably pick up a few things, I'm planning on using my budget more for seeing the sights than adding to my wardrobe. Additionally I am as concerned about dealing with luggage on my return as I am with while I'm heading out there.

I think that your list looks good. I would stick with the luggage as planned rather than switching to the 2 carry-on size bags.
The other things that came to mind:
-Prescription medication?
-Sunglasses (I cannot go anywhere without mine)
-Good guidebook
-Maps- I would purchase the "Streetwise Madrid" and "Streetwise Barcelona". They take up no room and these are fantastic maps.
-Over the counter medications- Advil, Tylenol Cold,sore throat drops, etc. I would bring whatever you are familiar with and what works for you.
-Extra batteries for the clock (and anything else that needs batteries). Sure you can buy those over there but maybe you have spares around the house or can get them cheaper at store here.
-Travel umbrella.
-Little woolite packets are nice for handwashing delicate items.
-Scan a copy of your passport and email it to yourself and a family member.

You may be bringing home books from your studies so save that extra room. Have a great semester.

Tiny flashlight

Lynnaustin -
Great suggestions thanks! I've got one guidebook, I'll probably pick up a few more along the way.
As for the maps I've been looking for the Streetwise Madrid/Barcelona maps, but I haven't seen them in our bookstores. Any suggestions as to where I can find them (in store, I haven't got time to order them online)?

I guess it's too late to get the Streetwise maps at Amazon.com? I find that B & N and Borders carry a very small collection of maps these days as compared to a few years ago.
Maybe the airport you're flying from has a book store that stocks maps?

But if all else fails, the book stores in the cities you'll be visiting will surely have some type of small laminated map.

Yes too late for Amazon, but I'll keep my eyes peeled in country!
Thanks grandmere

You can always send home things you do not need immediately. The Spanish Post Office is notoriously slow.

There are scores of buses and trains that run between Toledo and Madrid. There are also many town like spokes from Madrid worth seeing including Salamanca, Segovia, Avila, and Cuenca.

I have no idea about the night life in Toledo but Madrid does not get going until after midnight.