Packing List for Europe

Destination Packing Lists

by alex | on October 1st, 2012 | 16 comments

This month Travel Fashion Girl has an awesome Guest Blogger from Canada: Vanessa Yates! Vanessa’s traveled all over the world and will be sharing her personal travel beauty and packing tips. She’s currently traveling around SE Asia before starting a job in Malaysia next year. This is her first post for the month which is a great one if you’re backpacking Europe!

Packing List for Europe

You’ve read about it, dreamt about it and almost everyone you know, knows someone who has done it: Backpacking Europe. It is almost its own culture now!

After working a countless number of extra hours you have finally decided to take the plunge spend the money and backpack through Europe. It took you weeks to plan the perfect itinerary that you edited at least 20 times and now you are moving on to the hardest planning part: the Europe packing list.

“How do I pack enough clothing to get me through my entire trip backpacking through Europe?”

I too struggled with this the first time I traveled Europe. I spent 5 months in the incredible continent – hopefully these packing tips will help make the process a bit easier for you. If you’re planning to travel by train, also check out this packing list on how to pack for an inter-railing trip through Europe.

Don’t forget, shopping haunts you all over Europe so save some space for new purchases.

Backpacking Europe Checklist:

2 or 3 Short sleeved tops
1-2 long sleeved tops
2 tank tops (summer)
1 dress – a strapless dress is great as you can wear it as a skirt as well. (Check out the Twelve Ways Dress!)

2 or 3 shorts/skirts (any length is fine)
1-2 pairs of light trousers / leggings

1 Swimsuit – bikini is fine (why not get a reversible bathing suit?)
2-3 pairs of Socks (I wear toms and sandals so socks are just preventing bugs)
10 pairs of travel underwear
3 bras – 1 sports dry fit recommended

1 “sleeping outfit” – pajamas that can double up as regular clothes too

Accessories/extras

1 Rainproof jacket

1 knit or light sweater – I like a button up cardigan as it can dress up and down. You have a rain coat for sporty times!

1 scarf
Sunglasses
Jewelry (nothing too expensive but enough to glam up any outfit)
Shoes (mainly city streets)
Waterproof Thongs/flip flops/sandals (check out iPANEMA sandals)
Flats that can be worn casually/dressy
Comfortable walking/trekking shoes – I prefer Toms as they are lightweight, comfortable and still cute. I don’t typically do a lot of rugged hiking in Europe.
Also note that runners are typically just worn by tourists or those doing vigorous exercise. You will be just fine without them (unless you suffer from body pain).

Additional Travel Gear:

Travel towel
Adapters
Music – staple for long journeys
Flashlight/torch
Neck pillow – I use it for all long rides
Sleep liner – silk or microfiber are the most compact.
Small Locks (1-2) – you will need them in hostel dorms
Sink stopper – the flat ones work with all drains
Bobby pins – great for easy travel hair styles and as clothing line pins

I have used this backpacking (packing) list every time I travel and I have always been more than prepared. Anything else you will need you can get along the way!

Congrats on your adventure and have fun in Europe!

For more Packing Lists, check out Travel Fashion Girl’s Functional and Fashion Packing List section.

anatomie-travel-pants-women-travel-outfits

TFG recommends: Anatomie Wear makes amazing travel pants that are functional and also look sophisticated which work perfectly for Europe. I’ve worn their Skyler travel pants with heels for drinks in LA, in Spain with boots for sightseeing, to play in the snow with wellies in the UK, for every day travel in Thailand with flip flops, and also to go for hikes with trainers. They are the ultimate multi-functional travel pants that offer you form, function, and fashion (and a good cost per wear value)!

MORE ABOUT WHAT TO PACK FOR EUROPE:

AND OTHER EUROPEAN TRAVEL POSTS:

SHARE YOUR EUROPE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS IN THE COMMENTS AND PLEASE SHARE THE LOVE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND PINTEREST. THANKS FOR READING

Author Bio

Vanessa Yates and her backpack and have traveled 28 countries throughout North America, Central America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Her adventure continues in South East Asia where she will soon begin working at a Canadian international school in Malaysia. She hopes to never stop traveling!

If you want a European travel adventure but aren’t ready to travel solo or don’t want to plan it on your own, check out this cool tour:

Check out similar articles :-)

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Comments (16)

Jessica Thursday - 23 / 05 / 2013 Reply

Where are the black and white striped shirt and the shorts from?
- alex Friday - 24 / 05 / 2013 Reply
  
  shirt: farfetch.com/shopping/women/cats-by-tsumori-chisato-striped-t-shirt-item-10246801.aspx shorts: nelly.com/uk/womens-fashion/clothing/trousers-shorts/estradeur-1043/roma-shorts-104324-14/?utm_source=affwin&utm_medium=cpo&utm_campaign=affwin_92295 and aliceandolivia.com/
Ronni Sunday - 21 / 04 / 2013 Reply

Hiya, I'm going to Turkey for 3 months in 5 weeks and even though I'll be staying in my own apartment I only have a 20kg suitcase allowance and a carry on suitcase crammed full of stuff (unlimited weight) Looking at what you have recommended I'm starting to think ill over pack! I have at least 10 bikinis and 8 pairs of denim shorts alone as well as about 12 pairs of sandals/flip flops. Not to mention I still have to pack towels, toiletries and loads more clothes! Whoops. Any advice on what to cut down or cut out? Hopefully it will about 30+ degrees everyday so there's no need for an umbrella or coat etc. Also I don't have a washing machine so the majority of things will be hand washed but there is lots of laundrettes nearby i could use should I feel the need. Ronni x
- alex Sunday - 12 / 05 / 2013 Reply
  
  Hi Ronni, sounds like you have quite the packing list going on. I think you should start here: http://travelfashiongirl.com/maximista-packing-list-spring-2013/ and also sign up to download my free packing e-book. Do you really need those quantities? You can create countless outfits by choosing the right clothing. You can rotate 2-3 pairs of denim shorts. At the very most I would recommend to choose 5 pairs of shoes that match best with your clothing. Check out how I made 3 weeks worth of clothing with just 8 clothing items here: http://travelfashiongirl.com/fsjet-22-days-8-countries-8-clothing-items/ It sounds like you're quite the fashionista so focus on your accessories to make your outfits. As for toiletries, you can buy what you need there and just pack the essentials such as special products you can't live without for 3 months. Also, you should really consider packing cubes to help maximize your limited space: http://travelfashiongirl.com/video-tutorial-how-to-pack-light-using-ebags-packing-cubes/ Hope this helps! Have a great trip!
Cassie Wednesday - 20 / 03 / 2013 Reply

HI, I am going to Germany, Poland and Amsterdam this summer for 2 weeks. Mostly going to Holocaust sites and the Anne Frank House. Any packing/clothing suggestions>
- alex Friday - 12 / 04 / 2013 Reply
  
  Hi Cassie, stay tuned. Many Europe packing lists coming in May :-)
Amie Tuesday - 19 / 03 / 2013 Reply

This is a great site, and a fantastic packing list! What changes or additions would you make for a 2 week honeymoon with Paris, Venice and Munich as the main destinations? We are going in September.
- alex Friday - 12 / 04 / 2013 Reply
  
  Thanks Amie! Stay tuned for Europe packing lists in May :-)
Erika Sunday - 03 / 03 / 2013 Reply

Hi! I'm going to be spending around 3 months in Europe and am severely struggling with luggage... On that note, what luggage do you recommend? I know for sure I want a backpack but I don't want to scream "tourist." Also, do most backpackers carry their luggage around with them everywhere? Or are there places to lock up your things? Sorry if these questions are basic! Really need advice tho! :\
- alex Wednesday - 06 / 03 / 2013 Reply
  
  Hi Erika Thanks for your message! For Europe, 100% backpack! I brought a suitcase with me on my first 2 trips and it was just a nightmare running up and down the train or underground stations with a heavy suitcase. Plus, the hotels we stayed at in Italy had a million flights of tiny stairs so that wasn't very fun at all. With that being said, pack light! I like Osprey bags like the Farpoint 55 because it's a nice looking quality bag that works: http://travelfashiongirl.com/shop-travel-gear-three-items-i-cant-live-without/ Usually, you can leave your backpack in your hostel dorm. While some places do have lockers for your bag, many don't but they do offer services to store your valuables in either individual safes or with reception. out of the 5 years I've been on the road, I've only had something taken out of my bag once while traveling so it's not a common occurrence, plus it was really my fault for leaving cash in my unlocked Aura 65 bag. The bag that I now use Farpoint 55 has lockable zippers which actually did prevent a theft this year so highly recommend it. I'll be releasing a new Europe packing List soon. Send me an email with your countries so I can have your itinerary in mind when I put it together :-) travelfashiongirl at gmail dot com
Mollie Monday - 11 / 02 / 2013 Reply

Thank you! This is so helpful for my 5 day (I know it's short) to England and Germany!
- alex Tuesday - 12 / 02 / 2013 Reply
  
  Thank you Mollie! You might also like this new packing list specifically for budget airline travel in Europe http://travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-for-europes-budget-airlines/ Hope you have a great trip!
Gerard ~ GQ trippin Sunday - 28 / 10 / 2012 Reply

This is a great list as we're leaving for Eastern Europe in a week. So how much more do you pack for a Europe in Winter?
- alex Sunday - 28 / 10 / 2012 Reply
  
  Layers layers layers. Since you don't sweat as you would in the heat, maybe yo maximize your warmth layers and reuse them so you dont need to change every singe day... If you're not trekking, then just one pair of comfy trainer/going out shoes and one flip flops for hostels? A coat that you wear on the flight and you wear every single will probably never have to go inside your bag so that shouldn't take room... Maybe you two will share some of your packing insights when you get back? :-) How long are you gone for?
  - Gerard ~ GQ trippin Monday - 29 / 10 / 2012 Reply
    
    Thanks! I was worried about shoes too since I don't have any 'waterproof' shoes. I was hoping my regular sneakers would be fine. We're gone for 5 weeks. Eastern Europe and NYC! =)
    - alex Monday - 29 / 10 / 2012 Reply
      
      That's awesome! Just avoid wearing fabrics and colors that would get ruined liked white colors or suede fabrics. Leather is a good option. Any footwear you'd wear outdoors in the winter in Northern California would probably work too :-) Have fun :-)

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