How to pack for a summer trip to Europe
Seven years ago, I graduated from college—and almost immediately hopped on a plane for a backpacking trip around Europe. I gallivanted through Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland, England, Austria and France for five weeks, mostly solo.
Looking back on that trip, I feel like it was a lifetime ago: at 21 years old, I had lived a mostly sheltered life in the confines of small town Northern California. I’d spent two summers in France (at 16 with family friends in Provence, at 18 studying at the Alliance Francaise in Paris), but I’d never traveled anywhere where I didn’t speak the language.
And yet, I feel like I did a lot of things right. I eased into the whole “solo” part: after two days in Berlin on my own, I traveled through Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest on a Contiki tour. I supplemented the days I was on my own with group activities, like city bike tours (and even paragliding!). I met up with friends who were living in London and Germany: I crashed on their couch and took advantage of their local suggestions.
And I feel like I did a kick-ass job of packing for a variety of climates, activities and places in just one backpack: I still swear by most of these tips, 30 countries later. I can’t wait to put them back into practice when I head to Paris and Cambridge in August!
Choose a color theme
Brown, navy or black? Before I leave on any trip, I try to establish a color theme for the trip: basically, one color that will tie everything together. For example, if I choose black: I’ll bring black sandals, a black purse and a black skirt or black jeans—and then a selection of colorful shirts or scarves that will work with that. It ensures that everything can be mixed and matched on the trip, and narrows down options beforehand to make packing more efficient.
Pack sundresses
When traveling in summer, 80% of the clothes I bring with me are sundresses: they’re a complete outfit in themselves! I try to find ones that won’t wrinkle, can be dressed up or dressed down, and are comfortable enough to spend all day in.
Bring something to cover up
On the itinerary in most European cities: churches! And they’re often churches that require women to cover their shoulders—or encourage it, out of respect for the place and the tradition. Make sure to pack a light cardigan (this Everlane cashmere one is a current favorite) or a large pashmina that you can easily throw on—if possible, it’s best to pack it with you every day just in case.
Go easy on how many shoes, but make sure they’re comfortable
Shoes are a necessary evil: they’re heavy, they’re dirty, they take up a bunch of space BUT you have to take them. Try to minimize how many shoes you’re bringing with you—I usually like to wear a pair of sneakers on the plane (Allbirds are my current fave!), and then pack one or two flat and easy sandals (I swear by Saltwaters). One thing that I don’t recommend: anything that you can’t walk a mile in.
Have a hands-free bag
I never travel without a cross-body bag: I currently own and love the Pearl by Lo & Sons. I like that it’s hands-free, so that I can carry shopping bags (!) or ride a bike. It’s also nice to be able to swing it in front of your body, like on a crowded train. And because it tends to be smaller, it forces me to take less stuff: I usually stick to phone, wallet, keys, Kindle, lip balm, mobile charger.
Be prepared!
Bring a photocopy of your passport in your luggage, along with storing digital scans in your Dropbox or email. Make sure to have a universal plug converter to charge up at your hotel or hostel, and a mobile charger so that you don’t miss any photo opps from a dead battery during the day. Walls and windows can be thin and European street noise can be loud: pack ear plugs and an eye mask if you’re a light sleeper.
Are you going to Europe this summer? If so, any packing tips?
And if not, you could be! Contiki not only offers tours that make planning your trip super easy—but they’re also giving away six packed travel bags AND a free trip to Europe! Check out the contest here.*
*Please note that this contest is only open to US residents, but international residents can still click through to take a fun quiz regarding the Contiki trip and bag.
Special thanks to Travel Mindset and Contiki for sponsoring this post.
