A Guide to Packing for Europe…

Okay everybody…our latest adventure reveal……..we returned from a tour of the beautiful country of Spain!  The internet was very spotty over our vacation so I decided to take the time and not “work” while we were there and really enjoy the trip!  Not to worry, though I’ll be reliving all of those wonderful moments this week with you guys via social media and my blog!  First things first.  The packing.  I’ve created this guide to packing light for a 10 day trip to Europe and some tips to help avoid overpacking!

I know I have mentioned so many times on here how I simply do not know how to pack light.  I just don’t.  When I received our trip information stating we could only have 1 bag and 1 small handbag (aka a purse) panic began to strike me.  I could hardly breathe.  How in the world am I going to pack everything I need for 10 days of traveling in one bag?! I need options!  I need shoes! I need accessories!  Well, after much thought and some serious planning, I was able to come up with a list that allowed all of these things.  I even had some extra room to do a little shopping!   {You know the first place I went to was Zara!}.

What to pack for 10 Days in Europe! 

Obviously, keep in mind the time of year you are traveling.  In my case, this was a summer list.

• 3 Shorts
• 7 tops to go with shorts mentioned above
• 1 Pair of Jeans
• 2 Casual Dresses (space saver)
• 2 Slightly dressier dresses (for a nicer dinner)
• 1 sweater
• 1 jacket
• 1-2 layering shirts to with several outfits above.
• 1 Blazer (an easy way to take a day outfit to an evening outfit)
• Undergarments (Don’t skimp here- 1-2 pairs per day), socks, bra’s, etc.
• 2 sets of pajamas (nobody sees these anyway, and most of the time I throw on one of Joey’s tee shirts.)
• 2 pair of walking sneakers ( I took my Tory Burch ones and wore my Steve Madden’s on the plane)
• 2 pairs of comfortable sandals ( I took my Jack Rogers and these gladiators)
• 1 pair Sneakers (workout)
• 4 workout leggings
• 4 workout shirts
• Flight home outfit- Leggings, oversized tee, and scarf
• Accessories- I keep these in another small accessory bag to keep organized.
  • 1 gold set of bracelets/watch/necklace
  • 1 silver set of bracelets/watch/ necklace
  • 1-2 more necklaces that will add a pop to a few outfits
  • 2 pairs of sunglasses (1 brown/1 black)
• 1 umbrella- Yes, you need this.
• 1 small cross body bag that goes with everything- helps to prevent pick pocketing
• Converter Set/Europe Plugs
  • **Double check everything you have is compatible.
• Phone Charger, Computer Charger
• Camera (and charger)
• Bathroom Bag:
  • Daily make up basics- Foundation, powder, primer, bronzer, eye liner, etc.
  • Choose one pallet of eye shadow.  {I know it’s tempting to want to take your Naked Pallet, Too Faced Pallet, and your Mac, but you only need one}
  • choose 2 lipsticks and 2 lip glosses-reasonable amount of options
  • Tweezers
  • Hair ties, bobby pins
  • Mini eye make up remover (travel section)
  • Mini Loofas
  • Mini pack of q-tips
  • Wide tooth Comb
  • Medication Kit- travel sized medications from tums, vitamins, bandaids, etc. )

The Carry On/Flight Bag

1. Large Crossbody Bag:  I love this Kate Spade Cobble Hill Leslie bag because it can store a lot and is very easy to carry.
2. Inside my carry on: I like to carry my “beauty bag,” a small makeup bag to keep myself more organized inside my large bag.  This consists of the following:
   • Antibacterial Wipes
   • Make Up remover wipes
   • Tissues
   • Advil
   • Hair tie
   • Contacts/Case/Solution/Glasses (the liquids I make sure to put in a separate zip lock bag for an easy grab at security).
   • Mascara/Powder
   • Water
   • Toothbrush/toothpaste/Floss
3. In Flight Entertainment: Computer, Rick Steves Guide Book, Magazine, and a small tech bag like the donut above.  Inside has my earbuds, internet hotspot, and my Lilly pulitzer portable phone charger.
4. In Flight Comfort: I always freeze on the plane so it’s important for me to be warm and comfortable especially on a long flight.  I usually wear some leggings, sneakers, and layer myself with something like this Ily Couture Sweater, a tee, and a scarf.

Tips to avoid overpacking…too much.

• First and foremost, check the weather of your destination so you can plan accordingly.
• Don’t be afraid to wear something more than once-especially jeans/shorts
• Be organized.  Buy travel organizers so your items are packing neatly/tightly so you can save some space.
• Research your hotels to find out what amenities they have.  For example: I researched and found that most hotels include a hair dryer.  That’s a huge space saver in your suitcase!
• As a general rule for myself, I pack 2 (sometimes 3) shirts for 1 bottom.
• Really analyze what you are bringing.  Pack similar color pallets so you can match your shoes/accesories to more than one outfit.
• I always recommend bringing 1 jacket in case it gets chilly.  Choose one that will go with everything you are bringing.
• Always bring 1-2 layering shirts to go with a few different outfits.  I learned the hard way that no matter what the weather says, it always changes.  Even in Europe. I like to bring this J.Crew Gingham shirt because it goes with so much and can easily be tied around my waist!
• Instead of taking the full size of your daily products, considering buying these small containers from Target.  They are super inexpensive and a huge space saver.  I label them for my face/body lotion, eye cream, and hair serum.
• Use smaller containers for your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as well.
• Take full advantage of all travel sized options.

Wheels up, we’re ready to go!

What are your must haves for your vacation?  Tweet me @ashleypletch3 and let me know!

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