Travel Tip: The Weather in Spain and Portugal and What to Pack for your Trip

Dear members of the Western Reserve Academy Choir and Ensemble,
As your departure for your 2012 performance tour comes closer and closer, Incantato Tours would like to provide you with a couple travel tips.

For most people, packing for a trip is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it: "You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."
The major factor is that you should bring only 1 suitcase, no heavier than 50 pounds.

Knowing the weather forecast can be helpful, keeping in mind that it is still too early to have a good prediction… However, here you have some examples of how the weather can be in the cities you will visit for the month of March. Remember it is still winter!

• Madrid: Temperatures between 41 and 59 F, scarce rain, chilly wind from the snow-capped mountains. 
• Toledo: Temperature average is 36, it is usually freezing at night and windy during the day. Sunny middays make the difference. Usually dry. It is like Madrid, but colder.
• Córdoba: March temperatures usually vary between 46 and 64 F. It is never as cold as in Madrid, so you can expect mild, non-rainy winter days… being outdoors is nice!
• Sevilla: Very much like Cordoba, average temperature in March is 58º F. It is a bit warmer, and it might rain occasionally.
• Huelva: Between 48 and 68 degrees, scarce rain, seaside mild temperatures. Lisboa and Portugal: Well, this could be the rainy part of the trip – though you can always be surprised!!. Lisbon March temperatures run from 50 to 65º F, and there is a 47% chance of getting some rain!!

Even if you are used to lower temperatures and you feel these forecasts sound like summer, please keep in mind that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution here. Shorts should always go to your knees (both for ladies and gents).

Now it is time for you to start planning your luggage! We hope the weather forecasts can help you to decide what to bring. Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person, (maximum 50 pounds) and one small carry-on such as a backpack. A sample packing list (just a suggestion!):

• Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
• Umbrella
• Gloves, scarf, hat… if you tend to feel chilly!
• An adapter plug/converter (if you are bringing electronic devices, please check if they are compatible, most new devices are – most……)
• Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
• At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses, too
• A sweater or two, (or three, if you tend to feel chilly).
• Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
• Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
• A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables at all times)
• Choir music and attire
• Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
• Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules: TSA | Transportation Security Administration | 3-1-1 on Air Travel
• All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounces. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.
• If you forget anything there are plenty of shops where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

You can also check more info on:
Little things to know about Spain and Portugal before packing
Travel tip: Money matters

Please do not hesitate to address us with any questions you might have about this or any other matter. We would love to help you!!

References for weather:
http://www.whatmadrid.com/weather.html
http://www.tour-madrid.com/areas/servicios/eltiempo.asp
http://www.cityrating.com/cityweather.asp?city=Toledo
http://www.whatcordoba.com/cordoba-weather.html
http://spain-411.com/sevilla-general-info/seville.html
http://www.climatetemp.info/spain/huelva.html
http://weatherspark.com/averages/32376/3/7/Lisbon-Portugal