Ugh. Packing. Just the word itself sends shivers down my spine. Let’s be honest, it’s the absolute WORST part of any trip, especially a long one like my upcoming 6-month European adventure. Saying goodbye to my overflowing closet is basically emotional torture. But don’t worry! I’ve emerged from the packing battlefield relatively unscathed (and with most of my sanity intact) and I’m here to share the battle secrets.
Because let’s face it, packing for 6 months in Europe can feel like packing for a lifetime. Especially for someone like me who gets ridiculously attached to, well, everything in my wardrobe. But trust me, with a little planning and these handy tips, you’ll be basking on a beach in Santorini with a Aperol spritz in hand before you know it (without a backpack/suitcase bursting at the seams).
Packing Pro Tips:
- First Things First, Backpack: I have gone 2 full-years with my Osprey backpack, and I’m obsessed. It’s 55L, and I get away with it being carryon size ALL the time (just don’t stuff it like crazy. It fits 3 compression bags, 2 pairs of shoes, and most of my other essentials… plus there is a laptop compartment.
- Versatility is Your BFF: Leave that adorable-but-completely-impractical neon jumpsuit at home. Stick to pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Think solid colors with a couple of statement pieces to add some personality.
- Printed Pieces: A Little Goes a Long Way: I know, I know, solid colors are the “packing guru” gold standard. Allow yourself 1-2 printed items to add some fun to your wardrobe. Just avoid anything too out there – you probably won’t wear it anyways.
- Embrace the Souvenir Factor: Half the fun of traveling is stumbling upon those adorable little shops and finding unique treasures. Leave some room in your suitcase for those impulse buys you’ll inevitably fall in love with.
- Essentials Only: This is where it gets real. Be ruthless! Start with the absolute necessities (think underwear, PJs, and that one comfy t-shirt you live in) and build your wardrobe from there.
- Precious Garments Stay Home: Packing your grandma’s vintage Chanel bag might seem like a good idea, but trust me, it’s not. Anything you bring needs to be able to withstand the travel bumps and bruises (and potential mishaps involving spilled gelato).
- Souvenirs Add Up, Clothes Don’t: Think about it, it’s way easier to buy another cute sundress in Barcelona than it is to add a whole new suitcase to your travel woes. Remember, you can always add things along the way, but taking things away is a whole different story.
- Compression Bags: These lifesavers are an absolute game-changer when it comes to packing light for long trips. By squeezing out all that extra air, you can seriously maximize your suitcase space. Trust me, once you witness the space-saving magic of a compression bag, you’ll never go back!
So, What Did I Pack?
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a peek at what made it into my (surprisingly manageable) backpack:
Bag 1: Base Layer Essentials
