What to Pack for Your Argentina Holiday

Once you’ve decided to go to Argentina, you’ll have to sit down and figure out where you’ll get to visit in the country and places you’ll have to pass up. With Argentina covering an impressive 2.78 million km2, it’s understandable that the geography, climate and general environment will vary greatly. If you are travelling to more than one place in Argentina, chances are you’ll need to pack for at least two or three different seasons. The diverse weather can make it hard to squeeze all your travelling essentials into one bag but with careful planning, packing for your Argentine holiday will be a breeze.

Patagonia/Outdoorsy Location (Southern Spots)

This is a little harder to pack for because it’s difficult to know how much cold-weather clothing you will need with you. If you will be outside continuously and taking hikes or participating in any number of the winter sports offered throughout Patagonia, then invest in a decent pair of walking boots or trainers. That way, regardless of what the weather does, you’ll have sturdy, comfortable and durable footwear with you. Otherwise follow these guidelines to properly layer up or down depending on your location and level of activity for the day.

Clothing

• T shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Jumper
• Waterproof jacket/light jacket – with weather as unpredictable in Argentina as it is, a thin, waterproof jacket can add an important layer between you and the elements.
• Jeans – these aren’t ideal for lengthy physical activity because they take a long time to dry and can be exceedingly uncomfortable. They will work perfectly for any quick jaunts around town and for exploring the cities.
• Walking trousers/quick-dry trousers –if you will be hiking or exercising extensively, then walking trousers can greatly improve your quality of life. They tend to be loose, quick-dry and comfortable trousers that are ideal for hiking.
• Cardigan – women can use a cardigan to keep warm in slightly chilly climes or use it as a part of the layering technique mentioned above.

Footwear

• Decent trainers— be sure to break them in BEFORE you get to Argentina for a comfortable and durable travel footwear.
• Sandals – for wearing in the downtime when you aren’t active.
• Quick dry socks – if you get stuck in the rain you’ll want a material that wicks away moisture so your feet aren’t vulnerable to the cold and wet.

Buenos Aires (Northern Spots)

Buenos Aires is a city full of sophistication and grace which can be unnerving for the uninitiated traveller coming into the city. The city is cosmopolitan and people tend to dress more fashionably and smartly—clothes fit perfectly and shoes are an important aspect of an outfit. If you don’t want to look like a tourist opt for neat, sleek outfits in neutral colours. If you are visiting in June, July or August, pack a sweatshirt to account for the slightly cooler temperatures. If you plan to experience Buenos Aires’ incredible nightlife don’t forget to pack footwear that isn’t a set of trainers. Many places won’t let you in with trainers on, so opt for smart shoes for men or heels if you are a woman.

Clothing

• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Sundresses
• Jeans/Trousers – in the off-chance the weather does dip below perfect, having a pair of jeans or trousers with you can save your legs from being chilly.
• Leggings – they will keep you cooler than jeans or trousers if it’s very warm outside and they don’t take up much space.

Footwear

• Sandals – casual and comfortable are key for whatever pair of sandals you pack.
• Dress shoes – for if you decide to head out for the night in Buenos Aires.
• Lightweight trainers –no need for heavy duty boots here. A pair of simple, lightweight trainers will work well for this terrain and area.

Anywhere in Argentina

In addition to destination-specific clothing and footwear, there are other accessories and gadgets that will improve your travelling experience in Argentina. Whether it’s an adaptor to keep your camera charged or motion-sickness medicine to keep your head up and your stomach settled, these small additions to your packing list are well worth the effort.

Accessories

• Gloves, woolly hat, scarf
• Sunglasses
• Watch

Personal Items

• Spanish phrasebook – remember Argentine vocabulary and pronunciation is slightly different from the rest of South America
• Sunscreen
• Moisturiser
• Chapstick

Electronics/Gear

• Camera and battery charger
• Music Player
• Converters or adaptors –if you have devices that need to be charged abroad, be sure to bring the proper adaptor for the plug to protect your technology.
• Microfiber Towel –the best sort of towel to have when you travel, microfiber towels will get the job done, dry quickly and pack in tight spaces.

Medicine Cabinet

• Motion-Sickness Medicine
• Feminine Products— it is notoriously difficult to find feminine products in South America, so be sure to come prepared
• Vitamins
• Pain Relievers
• Antacids

Feel like a packing pro now? Know where you want to go in Argentina? That means you’re ready for the next step in travel planning—researching and purchasing a travel insurance plan. Cover-More Australia offers travel insurance where you can tailor the cover to what you need, like increasing luggage cover on your perfectly packed and prepared luggage.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Mike McCune