Buenos Aires is a burgeoning tourist hot spot. In 2018, this bustling city welcomed 2.7 million guests — a 5% increase from the previous year that helped generate upwards of $2 billion (S145 billion) for La Reina del Plata. With the national government introducing tax incentives to Buenos Aires’ hospitality industry, tourism in the city is expected to be more robust in the coming years, particularly when the world recovers from the health situation it is facing at the moment.
Read also: the best day trips from Buenos Aires
For the meantime, it’s never too early to plan ahead. On that note, we suggest you start plotting out your next great adventure, be it a day trip to Tigre Delta or a quick stop at the Temaikèn. The destinations and attractions here are endless, which is why planning your itinerary is so important. Just as important is packing all the things you need for your solo trip to Buenos Aires. Fortunately, we’ve got this covered — check out this handy packing guide we’ve prepared.
Keep track of travel essentials
There are items that you should always bring along in every trip aside from clothes and your passport. For solo travelers, the Magic Pin Blog recommends bringing enough cash, along with an emergency identification card, copies of your personal documents, water-proof bags, a first-aid kit, and your gadgets and their chargers. With this variety of items, it would be wise to keep a checklist of all of them, so you can just tick them off one by one as you put them in your bag. In this way, you won’t forget anything important.
Pick your clothes wisely
While the climate in Buenos Aires — and Argentina in general — is mostly temperate, do note that it has four seasons: summer from December to March, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. With that in mind, you can choose better which clothes to pack depending on when your visit is. Your best bet: bring some layers, so you can adjust on the fly. Don’t forget to bring comfy shoes too!
Roll them clothes
Here’s a neat trick once you do start packing: roll your clothes! The article ‘5 Packing Hacks for the Traveler on a Budget’ notes how this packing strategy is among the smartest ways to save space. Using it will leave you more space for your other travel essentials, like your gadgets and important documents. Not to mention, rolling clothes will keep them from wrinkling, saving you the need to iron them upon unpacking.
Use packing cubes
Organization is key, so you’d be able to get the things you need easily, and without rummaging through your bag. The feature ‘How to Pack Like a Pro’ recommends using packing cubes for that very purpose, as they are a great way to keep things organized. You can, in particular, put your toiletries, gadgets, documents, and medications in separate cubes, so they can be easily seen and accessed accordingly.
Throw in an extra bag
No trip will be complete without some souvenir shopping. Naturally, the city has plenty of things you’d want to bring home with you, like premium leather goods (e.g., cowhide wallets and designer handbags) from the San Telmo Fair or from the boutiques at Palermo Soho. That’s why you ought to bring along an extra bag. Alternatively, you can choose to pack lighter than usual, so you’ll have extra space for those souvenirs.
Written by Alyssa Christine Cheney
Exclusive for secretsofbuenosaires.com
1 Comment
I’d add that check with your hotel before booking so you don’t pay the IVA tax on your room of 21%. That “no refund” rate sounds good? Too bad, I was told. You’ll get hit with the room tax as the hotel has to see your entry stamp for example. This is a great piece, however. Yes, roll those clothes and, I’d add, leave the expensive stuff at home like jewelry,, Jimmy Choo shoes etc. We’ll be coming off a period of horrid economic circumstances due to Covid-19 not only in Argentina, but everywhere else. Don’t give the pickpockets a target. I’d also take an adequate, but cheaper, smartphone as well and watch where you use it. After 27 countries, I hope I learned a little.