The one question that I get asked the most from women is; "how much stuff do I really pack for 2 weeks in Europe?" It's funny because I love my stuff, but I've learned the hard way that less really is more when traveling abroad. I'm now going to share my full proof way of packing for 2 - 3 weeks in Europe. Trust me! I use the same list every year - everything will fit in 1 medium sized suitcase.
Before my 1st vacation to Europe I read every travel book out there. They all seemed to be either geared to the outdoorsy gal or the fashionista who couldn't part with anything for more than a day. I was bound and determined to make 1 suitcase work for me to limit the hassle and back pain of carrying too much stuff.
1 long boyfriend sweater (it will keep you warm and keep your dress from flying around if it's a windy day)
5 cotton skirts (cotton is important - you can clean a stain and freshen it up with a spray between wears)
6 short sleeve t-shirts
2 long sleeve t-shirts
1 nice sweater to dress up any outfit
2 black dresses (for dinner out)
minimal jewelry (1 watch, 1 - 2 pairs of earrings and 1 bracelet).
1 cross body purse
1 tote (you will use this on the plane and running around sight seeing-great catch all bag)
1 pair of flip flops (in case need to run around the hotel, you get blisters and need to give your feet a break and to fly with as my feet and ankles swell on those 10 hour flights)
1 wedge (it will work as your fancier pair of shoes)
1 pair of either flats or nice sandals (you cannot pack more than 3 pairs of shoes..they take up too much space and weigh too much)
1 pair of underwear for every day
2 nightgowns (1 for each week)
1 pair of shorts and 3 tank tops for sitting around the hotel room
1 bathing suit - just in case the hotel has a hot tub
1 pair of sunglasses
1 small travel umbrella
just enough toiletries to get you there. All our favorite products are most likely made in Europe so you can get everything you need from the local grocery store. You will leave it at the end of your vacation so you have space for the gifts you purchased for friends & family.
*Hints & Tips*
1.) Most hotels offer laundry service. If you get to day 10 and you just have to get that black dress cleaned, it's worth the expense.
2.) Don't bring your hairdryer. Check on line to make sure your hotel supplies them. Remember the outlets are different in Europe.
3.) While flying - you may want to bring an empty water bottle. You will be able to fill it once you're through security and reuse it multiple times during your trip. It's good to have water on you at all times because most passengers sleep on those long flights and flight attendants may not be available. Pack healthy snacks in your tote bag. Remember, 7 - 10 hour flights can be draining. Having a small healthy snack will give you energy and the ability to stay away from salt (peanuts, crackers and pretzels).
4.) Don't forget to shop at the Duty Free store before your International flight. Alcohol prices are crazy low! They will deliver the alcohol to your plane and you'll be able to enjoy it the entire trip.
Before my 1st vacation to Europe I read every travel book out there. They all seemed to be either geared to the outdoorsy gal or the fashionista who couldn't part with anything for more than a day. I was bound and determined to make 1 suitcase work for me to limit the hassle and back pain of carrying too much stuff.
Packing List:
1 scarf (you will use this as a pop of color, pillow on the airplane, bathing suit wrap, and blanket to sit on to have lunch in a park)1 long boyfriend sweater (it will keep you warm and keep your dress from flying around if it's a windy day)
5 cotton skirts (cotton is important - you can clean a stain and freshen it up with a spray between wears)
6 short sleeve t-shirts
2 long sleeve t-shirts
1 nice sweater to dress up any outfit
2 black dresses (for dinner out)
minimal jewelry (1 watch, 1 - 2 pairs of earrings and 1 bracelet).
1 cross body purse
1 tote (you will use this on the plane and running around sight seeing-great catch all bag)
1 pair of flip flops (in case need to run around the hotel, you get blisters and need to give your feet a break and to fly with as my feet and ankles swell on those 10 hour flights)
1 wedge (it will work as your fancier pair of shoes)
1 pair of either flats or nice sandals (you cannot pack more than 3 pairs of shoes..they take up too much space and weigh too much)
1 pair of underwear for every day
2 nightgowns (1 for each week)
1 pair of shorts and 3 tank tops for sitting around the hotel room
1 bathing suit - just in case the hotel has a hot tub
1 pair of sunglasses
1 small travel umbrella
just enough toiletries to get you there. All our favorite products are most likely made in Europe so you can get everything you need from the local grocery store. You will leave it at the end of your vacation so you have space for the gifts you purchased for friends & family.
*Hints & Tips*
1.) Most hotels offer laundry service. If you get to day 10 and you just have to get that black dress cleaned, it's worth the expense.
2.) Don't bring your hairdryer. Check on line to make sure your hotel supplies them. Remember the outlets are different in Europe.
3.) While flying - you may want to bring an empty water bottle. You will be able to fill it once you're through security and reuse it multiple times during your trip. It's good to have water on you at all times because most passengers sleep on those long flights and flight attendants may not be available. Pack healthy snacks in your tote bag. Remember, 7 - 10 hour flights can be draining. Having a small healthy snack will give you energy and the ability to stay away from salt (peanuts, crackers and pretzels).
4.) Don't forget to shop at the Duty Free store before your International flight. Alcohol prices are crazy low! They will deliver the alcohol to your plane and you'll be able to enjoy it the entire trip.
No comments:
Post a Comment