The Ultimate Europe Packing List
So, you are going to Europe for a week or two and you don’t know how to tackle the packing situation. Kick back and relax because here is The Ultimate Europe Packing List for summer. I recently spent two weeks exploring Europe and I only took a carry-on!
How could I possibly fit everything I needed for those two weeks in a carry on? I prioritized. After having a set itinerary and looking up the weather in each of the countries I was headed to I made a quick list of items I would inevitably need. Besides the basics of toiletries, beauty products and accessories where the rule of thumb is to minimize, with clothes it is slightly harder to do so because we are used to putting on a different outfit each day without repeating anything for at least a few days. When traveling keep in mind no one knows you and it really doesn’t matter if you use the same jean or shoes a few times in a week. With that said let’s go right into the list:
Cross body Bag – this type of bag is your best bet on keeping belongings safe from robbers while you keep it not to your side, but your front and it should have a zipper because buttons are easier to undo.
Fedora Hat – a small or medium one should do the trick and keep the sun from burning your face because even if you apply sunscreen the sun rays can still affect your skin.
Sunglasses – again, on sunny days these are lifesavers. What fun is it to go sight seeing if the sun is blocking the view?
Scarf – practical for chillier days, boosting an outfit or covering up when visiting certain cathedrals.
Blazer – perfect for night outs and pairing with a blouse you might have already used say…yesterday?
3 T-Shirts – remember you might be walking a lot in Europe so a comfy shirt can go a long way. Solid colors are a better choice because you can pair them with a scarf, necklace, jacket or blazer and it will look like a totally different piece.
3 Blouses – a dressier option is always needed for those days you need to look a bit more put together.
Sweater or Jacket– very important to pack since nights in Europe tend to be colder and not all countries in Europe are hot during the summer.
Day dress – this can be a short summer dress or even a romper for the days that are just too hot.
Little Black Dress – this one is well known all over! Perfect for a night out to a fancy restaurant, concert, night event, etc.
Dressy shorts and Jean shorts – both are a good call for walking among the city streets comfortably while avoiding the heat.
Two Jeans – one should be black and the other blue to mix and match. Hotels and hostels usually have washing machines and if not there’s always the bathroom sink.
Sandals – I recommend a black or neutral color pair that can easily be matched with any outfit.
Heals or dressy flats – to wear with any of the dressier clothes.
Sneakers – again black or gray are my go to choices to pack and don’t forget at least two pair of socks.
Use this as a guideline to pack your carry-on with these essential pieces and add or take away according with the places you’ll visit. I always use this method when I pack, and it hasn’t let me down yet. Every trip is different so take your time and raid that closet!