Today’s post, we will show you how to pack like an Argentine, or should I say, armar la valija. That’s right! In Argentina, we don’t say “pack a suitcase’’ We say armar la valija or armar el bolso, and when we get home, we desarmamos la valija. You’ll never hear us say “empacar” or “desempacar” like in other Spanish-speaking countries.
Today I want to show you the things I carry in my valija when I travel, so you can pick up some useful travel vocabulary.
Are you ready? ¡Vamos!
Let’s suppose I’m starting a new adventure with a long, very long trip, because I’m moving to another city for a while. So I want to share some of the things I would take with me, things that are essential in my valija when I travel.
First: What Goes in My Carry-on Bag
I always carry a backpack as my bolso de mano (carry-on bag). I find it way more comfortable than a purse.
Here’s what I always include:
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A neceser (toiletry bag) with personal hygiene items:
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Crema dental (toothpaste)
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Cepillo de dientes (Toothbrush)
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Peine (comb)
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Lima de uñas (nail file)
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Cargador de celular (phone charger)
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Laptop
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Cargador de laptop (laptop charger)
Next: What I Put in My Small Suitcase (Valija Carry on)
Usually, I take a small sports-style bolso.
What goes inside:
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A change of clothes (una muda de ropa). It’s super important to have something easy to grab in case what I’m wearing gets dirty or uncomfortable.
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A deck of cards or travel games, always useful!
And Finally: What Goes in the Big Suitcase (Valija despachada)
The large suitcase that you check in is called el equipaje despachado. It goes in the cargo hold of the plane, unlike carry-on luggage, which stays in the cabin with you.
What I pack in the big valija:
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Ropa y zapatos (Clothes and shoes), of course.
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Ropa interior (underwear):
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For girls: Bombachas (panties)
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For men: Calzoncillo (Boxer)
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Secador (Hairdryer)
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Fernet, dulce de leche, and yerba (for Mate), these are must-haves if you're Argentine!
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Things you can’t bring in your carry-on:
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Tijeras para uñas (nail scissors)
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Cortauñas (clippers)
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Perfumes (Perfumes)
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Cremas (creams) over 100 ml
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What Happens When You’re Traveling Somewhere Freezing?
When I travel to a place with cold weather, I always pack ropa abrigada in my valija.
I never forget:
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A good campera (Winter coat) or abrigo (Coat)
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Several wool suéteres
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Remeras mangas largas (long-sleeved shirts)
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Pantalones térmicos (Thermal pants)
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Bufanda (scarf)
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Wool gorrito (Winter hat)
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Guantes (gloves)
To protect myself from the cold, I also bring:
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A pair of botas impermeables (waterproof boots)
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Thick medias (socks)
I prefer to dress in layers so I can adapt if I go into a heated place.
Turns Out I’m Headed Somewhere Warm. Here’s What I’m Packing!
When I travel to a place with very hot weather, I always pack ropa liviana in my valija.
I bring:
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Several remeras (t-shirts)
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Musculosas (tank tops)
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Pantalones cortos (short pants)
Other essentials:
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A pair of ojotas or comfy sandals
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A sombrero or gorra (Hat) to protect myself from the sun
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Anteojos de sol (sunglasses)
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Protector solar (sunscreen)
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A malla (swimsuit) in case I go swimming
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A light vestido (dress) or bermuda for walking around during the day
The key is to stay cool and comfortable when the heat hits!
So now you know, if you want to feel like a true Argentine when you travel, make sure to use this vocabulary! Words like valija, campera, ojotas, and remera aren’t just part of your suitcase, they’re part of our identity.
Every country has its own way of talking about travel and packing, and that’s what makes Spanish so rich and diverse.
Would you like to know what a Mexican might carry in their maleta, or what a Venezuelan puts in their equipaje when heading out on a trip?
Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear where you’re from and what you never forget to pack.
