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| Pictured (clockwise): Flashlight, eBags packing cubes, Grid-It organizer, bike lock, travel lock, power converter |
A major tip I have come across over and over again while researching long trips through Europe is that less is more when it comes to packing. The real key for most travelers is to limit yourself to one back, preferably carry-on size or smaller. The main reason for this is that it allows you to travel much easier, especially considering you will most likely be using a variety of different modes of transportation, all with different luggage guidelines. While your flight into Europe may allow for checked bags, budget airlines flying within Europe often charge steep fees for checked bags and buses and trains can have limited space. The ease of only having to cart around and keep track of one bag has made the difference for so many people traveling throughout Europe.
I personally will only be bringing a carry-on sized bag on my trip, and with the limited space it is increasingly important to make smart and informed packing decisions. Below I have put together a list of some of the best packing tips I have found, including some items that I wouldn't have thought to bring originally. Although this is by no means a comprehensive packing list, I hope it can help you get started if you too are planning a backpacking adventure.
Basics
- Backpack
- Ideally you want to find a backpack that (like mentioned before) fits the standard carry-on size where the length, width, and depths of the bag add up to 45 inches or less
- Most people traveling in Europe recommend a bag WITHOUT wheels. This is because maneuvering a bag on wheels through crowds and on cobble stone streets completely diminishes the convenience
- Try to find a bag that fits comfortably and has both shoulder straps and a waistband for added support and comfort
- People also find that bags with zippers that open similar to a suitcase, as opposed to bags that open only at the top, are much easier to use when you need to get specific items out of your pack
- For a more comprehensive guide to picking out the right pack, I definitely recommend checking out the following website- this gives a detailed look at the different options and how to choose the right one for you: http://thesavvybackpacker.com/how-to-choose-a-backpack-for-europe/
- Clothing- The amount and types of clothing you bring will completely depend on the length of trip and where you plan to go, but below are some basic guidelines to help you pick the right types of items to bring
- Make sure the clothing you pack is durable and in good shape before you leave- clothing wears out much faster while traveling
- Chose items that dry quickly and do not have complicated care instructions. You will not always have access to laundry facilities and being able to wash items in sinks could turn out to be a life-saver
- Coordinate clothing so that layering and creating many different outfits is easy. When every item you brings is able to be mixed-and-matched you can not only bring fewer items but you can save time planning outfits on a daily basis
- Bring clothing that you feel comfortable in- do not buy items for their trip purely because they are functional. If you would not wear it at home, why would you want to be wearing it in pictures in front of the Vatican?
- Make sure to bring items that will keep you comfortable in cold and rainy conditions- even traveling in summer you are bound to have days when you need a sweater or raincoat
- A major tip specifically for European travel is that throughout much of Europe, everyday citizens do not wear sneakers and sweats unless they are actively exercising. If you do not want to stand out as a tourist, try to avoid sneakers and instead opt for a nice pair of walking shoes or flats
- Finally, in places like Italy and Greece female travelers should be aware that men there can be very forward, so if you want to avoid unwanted attention it is recommended that you cover up as much as possible with long sleeves and long pants
- This seemed odd to me, but I have also read in a few places that Europeans don't wear shorts. I don't wear shorts very often myself so this wasn't an issue for me but it seemed worth noting
- For more tips on what clothing to take with you on your trip the following websites can help you get going:
- http://herpackinglist.com/category/clothing/- Amazing guide for female travelers
- http://travelfashiongirl.com/- A great site for packing tips, especially if staying stylish is important for you
- http://blog.shabbyapple.com/2013/03/packing-tips-for-any-trip.html- A basic packing list that can fit almost any kind of trip
- Organization- When you are trying to pack light and have all of your possessions in one bag organization can be a huge key to keeping your sanity.
- Hanging toiletry case- There usually have three compartments that fold up to be more compact and obviously have a hook so it can easily hang up. The main reason these are so useful is so that all of your toiletries are all in one place and make them accessible in hostel bathrooms and other places with limited counter space
- Packing cubes- These are basically compartments that fit easily into you backpack. Essentially you pack like items into each cube so that whenever you need a shirt/socks/pants you don't have to dig through everything in your bag to find it. Instead you find the correct cube and pull it directly from there. Many travelers swear by the brand eBags, with the slim packing cubes being perfect for carry-ons
- Grid-It organizer- This is great for keeping smaller items organized, especially if you will be traveling with various chargers and cords. The design is simple and effective and will help you keep all of your smaller items secure and in one place
- Compression storage bags- These are handy for packing and storing bulkier items like sweaters and towels because you simply pack and then roll them so all of the items take up as little space as possible
- Things that are easy to forget- I have seen these items on so many packing lists that I am sure they will come in handy, but they could be very easy to overlook
- Small flashlight- for when you don't want to wake everyone sleeping in your hostel, or if you find yourself in other dark situations
- Various plastic zip-lock bags- These have so many uses and it is much easier to snag some from home than buying a whole box when abroad
- Sewing kit- Clothing wears out quickly when traveling and there is nothing worse than having to ditch a article of clothing because you couldn't mend it
- First aid kit- When you are constantly on the go it can be easy to get minor cuts and blisters, and you want to make sure you take care of any injuries before they get worse
- Pack of tissues/toilet paper- When you are out and about all day it can sometimes be hard to find a well-stocked bathroom and no one wants to be stuck without toilet paper
- Travel clothes line and detergent- Although most hotels and hostels will have laundry facilities available, there will be times when washing things in the sink is you best or only option
- Drain stopper- Comes in handy when you need to do laundry in the sink, or for quickly washing up without taking a shower
- Duct tape- The universal solution for when anything breaks, just wrap a small amount around a pencil so that you have it handy in case you need to do any make-shift repairs
- Sheet or Sarong- It is always possible that your nightly accommodations will turn out to be less than stellar, and being about to lay something down on top of the mattress will provide some piece of mind, plus if you use a sarong it can double as a picnic blanket and beach cover-up
- Travel alarm- Often the best time to see cities is in the early morning, and having an alarm will help you beat tourist crowds
- Zipper lock- So you can lock up your backpack when traveling or in your hostel to deter potential thieves
- Simple cord bike lock- These come in handy when traveling on trains or public transportation, and if you are staying in a crowded hostel. Simply thread the cord through the straps on your pack and lock the bag to the luggage rack or your hostel bunk, this deters thieves who may try and grab the bag when you aren't looking
- Towel- Many hostels will provide towels or allow you to rent them, sometimes they will not be available and that is not a pleasant surprise for anyone
- Nausea medicine- When traveling abroad the food will inevitably be different from what you are used to at home, which can cause digestive problems. Being prepared could save you a lot of discomfort in the long run
- Optional
- Converters and Adapters- If you plan on bringing multiple gadgets and things you need to charge, it is handy to have your own power converters
- Portable USB drive- You can back up your pictures from your digital camera and keep digital copies of your travel documents here in case of an emergency
- Address List- If you plan to send postcards and letters you will want hard copies of contact information available
I hope these tips are helpful for anyone considering a backpacking trip to Europe! Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Below are a few websites that offer even more information and complete packing lists to help you along:
