I will readily admit that I am probably the worst person to come to for packing advice. But just like any good blog online in today’s world, I’ll give you my opinion whether you want it or not. No matter where we go or how long our stay is, I will most definitely over-pack. I’ve come to terms with it. My husband hasn’t, but that sounds like his problem. With that being said, I become over-anxious and always expect, or fear, the worst during our travels. I like to be prepared with extra clothing if the need should arise. I’ve never had to pay extra for a heavy suitcase, but I have always had to check my bag.
After I’ve booked all components of my trip (hotels, car rental, train tickets, museum(s), etc.), my next order of business is creating a packing list. Like the dutiful, type A, person I am, I always write out a packing list to make sure I don’t leave anything behind. I also use this list during the packing process to double, and triple, check I have everything I need. Of course, every list is going to differ depending on the time of year you travel and location. The vast majority of my closet is dedicated to traveling overseas during the colder months. I’ve also changed out my traveling book bag and wallet on several occasions to find the perfect traveling companion, without having to worry about pick-pocketers.
As a reminder, this list is, by no means, minimalistic in any sense of the word:
- 3-4 pairs of jeans (you can always rewear them if need be)
- sturdy pair of tennis shoes
- tall/short boots (depending on weather/temperature)
- at least 10 pairs of socks – I always pack extra though because of experience
- one heavyish jacket
- I prefer wool and only pack one
- Iceland is the exception at zero and below temperatures. I purchased a heavier coat through Columbia with Omni Tech, double-lined, weather-proof to off-set the extreme weather conditions.
- jackets take a lot of room. Consider carrying your jacket on board the plane as an extra blanket and to avoid using so much room in your suitcase/carry-on.
- they can be worn again and again and again….
- 8-9 long-sleeved shirts and/or sweaters
- these range in fabric types and heaviness
- keep in mind the thicker they are, the more room they take in your suitcase
- toiletries
- toothbrush and toothpaste- don’t forget to pack your this in your backpack for easy access following your overnight flight
- hairbrush
- shampoo and conditioner – not always provided, especially if you’re staying at an Air B&B
- small first aid kit – also from experience
- travel backpack – I recently discovered the brand Nordace (made specifically for traveling)
- includes anti-theft protection with a pocket along the back for your wallet/passport
- empty water bottle – water is not free in other countries like it is in the United States
- small, travel umbrella
- wallet/passport
- headphones
- iPad/reading device – I’ve made the mistake of carrying actual books before and it just weighs you down
- sunglasses
- travel size tissues
- travel medicine container – pain killers, sinus medication, melatonin (need a script for this overseas)
- chapstick and/or lotion – if you’re traveling when it’s cold out, you will definitely need these
- selfie stick – this actually comes in handy more often than you would think
- camera, unless you’re fancy and you use your cell phone’s camera
- currency – we like to bring cash in the currency of the country we’re visiting
- your local bank will make this exchange for free
- printed ticket(s) and reservation confirmation(s)
- 2-3 scarves
- I like variety
- they also take a lot of room depending on their thickness
- try to find neutral colors that you can wear with anything
- hat(s) and gloves – these will vary in thickness depending on your location and the weather/temperature
- Note: may need to pack long-johns in extreme weather conditions (i.e. Iceland)
- 2-3 puffer vests
- these take the most room, a part from your jacket
- not necessarily needed, but adds an extra layer to block out the cold
- pajamas – long-sleeved if possible, but an extra short-sleeve tee in case your hotel doesn’t have a/c
- undergarments, because hygiene
- this includes bras, ladies!
- feminine products – special shout out to my home girls
- power converters – keep in mind that these are different for every country throughout Europe and, more than likely, elsewhere in the world too. If you’re lucky, some power converters are actually multi-functional, so you can get away without having to buy a new one for each country:
- Italy – C/F/L
- Iceland – C/F
- Ireland – G
- England – G
- Scotland – G
- phone and/or electronics charger(s)
- headphones – noise cancelling for the plane
- preferably bluetooth to minimize cords
Beyond Borders 