How to Pack for a Trip to Europe

By: Andrea

Hi guys! I figured that since spring is quickly approaching, I would post about something that I spent a long time researching this time last year!

HOW DOES A 21st CENTURY GIRL PACK FOR A TRIP TO EUROPE?

*A lot of this list pertains to GUYS as well :)

I remember asking myself this exact question days before jetting off on my trip to France and Germany. I don’t like to think of myself as a high maintenance person, but boy was I stressing over this one.

The whole idea of having to fit everything into a bag that I would have to carry with me for the entire trip seemed daunting, so I’ve created a list for girls to follow to show that if you are prepared, it’s really not all that bad! Here is my Her Coconuts inspired list of…

16 essentials to pack for Europe:

1. Passport -Even if you decide to travel completely naked, this is the ONE thing you absolutely won’t be able to do without!

2. A comfortable pack that FITS your body -Don’t scrimp on this one. If your pack doesn’t fit you will be miserable. Find something light weight, and that you feel comfortable enough to move in (I bought mine at canadiantire.ca)

3. Small travel sized toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo & conditioner, deodorant, and tooth brush -After years of snagging mini EVERYTHING from hotels, this is the time to put those micro products to use! Best part is once they are used up, you can recycle them and buy more while on the trip!

4. A travel size bottle of Dr Bronner’s organic certified, fair trade soap -This was a lifesaver! Dr Bronner’s is famous for being the ultimate multi-purpose “Magic Soap.” You can use this soap to wash your clothes, hair, hands, and body! I will never travel Europe without it! Check out their line at drbronner.com (I personally love their peppermint, rose, and lavender products). 

5. A blow up head-rest pillow, micro towel, and micro sleeping bag -I got a FANTASTIC micro-sleeping at canadiantire.ca! The bag rolled up super small and added barely any weight to my pack! I also grabbed a de-flatable head rest for the plane and train rides.

6. Basic makeup kit -100% Pure tinted moisturizer(gives you light coverage wile protecting your face with SPF), 100% Pure concealer (Jet Lag friendly), a stick of Lemon Lime Rockey Mountain lip butter (LOVE their products!), a trial size tube of Kiss Me mascara by BLINC (tubes your lashes so the mascara doesn’t run), and compressed powder by MAC (to combat shine). I skipped the eyeliner, blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, lipstick, and brow pencils on this trip. I wanted to feel as free and natural as possible without being bogged down by a heavy makeup kit!

7. Skincare -I really paired this one down for my trip and opted for a 1oz tube of Weleda Almond facial cream, a small bottle of Alba sunscreen, and Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil Pads (all from vitacost.com). I used my Dr. Bronner’s (Peppermint) to clean my face at night.

8. Kindle or Kobo -Forget lugging books around! These things don’t weigh a pound and you have endless books at your fingertips at all times!

9. HAND SANITIZER –This is a MUST! I opted to buy the mini clip-on sanitizers from www.bathandbodyworks.com. I clipped mine to the outside of my pack so I could keep the germs away without much effort!

10. A cute bikini! – If you are traveling in the summer… do I really need to explain this one?

11. At least two pairs of shoes -I opted for cute, light weight sandals, and hiking-style sneakers for the long treks!

12. iPad –Traveling with a computer is just too heavy! This does the trick! Keep an eye out for free WIFI as you travel.

13. Plastic bags! -This might sound strange, but things become damp as you travel (towels, shoes, etc). You never know when you might need to throw something into a bag to keep it from dampening your whole pack!

14. A flag patch for your backpack –This is a great conversation starter between you and fellow travellers. You’ll be surprised at how many awesome people you will meet by proudly displaying your national colors!

15.  At least two cute dresses! -Self explanatory! Dresses are easier than coordinating an outfit + everyone wants to look cute for all those hundreds of pix that end up online!

16. A CAMERA!

Hope this list helps with your packing! Also- we would LOVE to see pictures of what YOU pack when you travel! Any product recommendations for us to add to this list? Tweet @AndreaKBrooks and @VanessaMorgan!

Happy adventuring!
Xo AB