Packing list for a folk high school stay on Mallorca

Packing for a folk high school stay on Mallorca is not about bringing as much as possible — it is about bringing the right things. You need to be able to paint a morning in the shade, take a walk in the mountains in the afternoon and sit outside with a glass and a conversation once the sun has gone down. And it should all preferably fit in one suitcase that you can carry yourself.

Mallorca is a warm Mediterranean island, but the weather changes more than many people think. In spring and autumn the days can be pleasantly mild, while the evenings turn surprisingly cool — especially if we are near the Tramuntana mountains in the north-western part of the island. That is why the key phrase is layer on layer. With a couple of good mid layers you can handle both a sunny lunch and a cool evening without lugging a whole wardrobe around.

Below you get a packing list you can use as a checklist. It is intended for a stay with creative courses such as watercolour, drawing or knitting, combined with excursions and walks. Feel free to adapt it to your particular course and your own travelling style — you know yourself best.

Clothing

Think in light, airy layers you can take off and put on during the day. Natural materials such as cotton and wool breathe well in the heat and keep you warm when it cools down.

T-shirts and light blouses for the warm hours
A couple of long-sleeved shirts or tops for sun and insect protection
A warm jumper or cardigan for the cool evenings
A light jacket or windbreaker — ideally water-repellent
Long and short trousers, so you are dressed for both the town and the mountains
A dress or smarter outfit, if you want something festive for a shared dinner
Underwear and socks for the whole stay
Swimwear — the sea and a pool may well tempt you

Footwear

Good footwear is probably the most important thing on the whole list. The trails in the Tramuntana can be stony and uneven, so don't skimp here.

A pair of broken-in walking shoes or boots with a good grip
Comfortable shoes for everyday wear and walks in the town
Sandals or light shoes for the warmest days
A pair of socks that fit your walking shoes, so you avoid blisters

For the course

A lot of gear is typically provided, but many people like to bring their own familiar tools. If you receive a materials list before departure, follow that rather than this one.

Your own brushes, paints or sketchbook, if you paint or draw
Pencils, an eraser and a small ruler
Knitting needles, crochet hooks and possibly a yarn project you have on the go
A roomy bag for carrying gear out into nature
A smock or an apron you are not afraid of getting paint on

For excursions and walks

On the trips out into the landscape, a few things make a big difference to your comfort.

A light daypack
A refillable water bottle — it is important to drink plenty in the heat
Sun hat or cap and sunglasses
Sunscreen with a high factor
A light rain cape or a small umbrella
A sitting mat or a scarf to sit on outdoors

Practical and personal

Passport or valid travel ID and, if applicable, the blue EU health insurance card
Your travel insurance details
Your regular medication in your hand luggage, ideally in the original packaging
Toiletries and a small pocket first-aid kit with plasters
Charger, adapter (Spain uses the same plug type as Denmark) and a power bank
A little cash and your payment card
A book, a notebook and something to write with

A few pieces of advice before you close the suitcase

Pack in layers rather than in quantity. One set of clothes you can build up and down with a jumper and a jacket covers far more situations than three complete outfits. Put the heaviest things at the bottom of the suitcase and what you will need first at the top.

Keep your hand luggage thoughtful: medication, charger, an extra jumper and your course gear belong here, so you are well set up even if the suitcase should be delayed. And feel free to leave a little space — most people come home with a little more than they set out with, whether it's yarn, a local speciality or a finished watercolour.

Then you are ready. With the right things in your bag you can spend your energy on what you came for: the immersion, the nature and the fellowship. See you on Mallorca — and remember that the most important thing you bring is the desire to take part.