I leave in two weeks for Europe, and it’s made me both excited and anxious. With two jam-packed weeks including attending a conference interstate, my next powerlifting competition, and speaking at an event over two days in Adelaide, being the super organised person that I am, I’ve already started trial packing.
I’ve travelled overseas for a month or more quite a few times over the last few years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s how to NOT overpack!
So what do you pack for 6 weeks in Europe, over the middle of their Summer? Check out this table to see what I’m packing:
|
Item |
Quantity |
Notes |
| Hat | 1 | Pack a versatile hat you can wear on warmer/sunny days. |
| Jeans | 1 | A pair of jeans is useful for cooler days and nights. |
| Hoodie | 1 | 1 warm jumper |
| Denim jacket | 1 | Nights in Europe can be cool even in Summer |
| Long sleeve | 1 | Perfect to wear when flying and on cooler days. |
| Leggings/gym shorts | 1 | Perfect to wear on flights as it can get chilly! |
| Gym Top | 1 | Useful for days you are doing activities such as bike riding, or hiking. |
| PJ’s | 1 | Pack something you can sleep in comfortably. |
| Tops | 5 | Make sure they go with all your bottoms so you can mix and match! |
| Shorts/skirts | 4 | Pack bottoms that are dark/can be worn with all your tops. |
| Dressy tops | 2 | These tops can mix/match with the rest of your bottoms. |
| Playsuit | 1 | Pack one that is versatile and can go over bathers or be and dressed up with accessories worn for a night out. |
| Bathers | 2 | If you’re going island-hopping or on a sailing week, more than one pair of bathers is a must! |
| Casual dresses | 2 | These are useful for throwing over bathers or for wearing on very warm days. |
| Socks | 10 | Pack a lot of underwear and socks. Some days you’ll want to change before dinner if you’ve been on a bus all day, so the more pairs the better! |
| Underwear | 20 | |
| Shoes | 3-4 pairs | Comfy sneakers
Thongs Sandals Comfy shoes you can wear out |
My Top Tips
- Put everything you’d possibly want to wear at any given point in the trip on your bed, and then try each item of clothing on. If you don’t like how it looks on you, don’t pack it!
- One pair of bottoms can go with 2-3 different tops. Packing dark colours like black or denim means that if you spill something you’ll be less likely to notice a stain. You might not be able to wash your clothes for a few days at a time depending on where you’re staying.
- Google the average temperature of each country you’re going to during the season you’re going to be there. This will help you cut down on unnecessary items of clothing.
- Know the types of activities you’ll be doing while you’re away. My top tip – pack one outfit that you can wear for activities that are going to make you sweat – i.e. gym shorts or leggings, a t-shirt or singlet, and a pair of comfortable sneakers that won’t give you blisters.
- Packing cubes are a lifesaver when it comes to making sure you’re not overpacking. If it doesn’t fit in the packing cubes, don’t bring it – unless it’s a warm jacket.
- Don’t pack stilettos or you’ll be in for a bad time. Europe has lots of cobblestoned and uneven streets, so wedge heels are a safer option.
If you’ve found this list & tips useful, I’d love to hear from you!
You can contact me on this form:
Sammie Johannes 