When we started planning our five-week belated honeymoon/anniversary trip to Europe (see Five Weeks in Europe: How to Create the Best Itinerary), we knew we wanted to pack as light as possible. Actually, we were determined to travel with just backpacks. Backpacks small enough to qualify as carry-on on the budget European carriers we would be using to get around quickly. The fact is, we had both overpacked in the past. We knew we didn’t want “luggage” – as in, to be lugging anything extra around.
But what should your capsule wardrobe look like and what should you pack it in? Here are some tips that helped us decide and a detailed list of what I (Sara) packed.
Consider the Weather
Due to the season, we weren’t sure totally what to expect weather-wise. Autumn can be quite different in temperature from year to year and place to place. Jeremy’s first trip to Europe he ended up having to buy a winter coat even though it was already late March when he arrived. That’s saying something, since he is always hot!
Your climate at home will also influence how you tolerate the cool or heat in your travels. I remember being happy that I was used to the scorching Arizona temperatures when I was traveling during a “heat wave” in Greece. Being accustomed to much hotter weather, I was able to tolerate the temperatures in the upper 90s (Fahrenheit) far better than tourists from cooler areas or even locals.
Before I get into more details on what I actually packed (feel free to scroll down to my list), I have to confess something. Even though we successfully packed in backpacks, we ended up not using about 30% of what we brought. The weather simply wasn’t as cold as we feared it might be, so our jackets and all our long-sleeve layering pieces pretty much went unworn. My coat got the most use inside the Heathrow airport! So, in the end, we still overpacked a little and next time, we will plan to go even lighter.
The Right Bags
Choosing a great bag and knowing how to pack it are key factors in having a good minimalist travel experience. We wanted backpacks not rollers, because cobblestones aren’t roller friendly. Backpacks can also give you the freedom to move quickly, but they aren’t for everyone. If you are planning on carrying a backpack choose the one that’s comfortable for you. Make sure it’s packed properly and adjusted to your body. Stores like REI will even do a fitting for you if you go in in person, even if you don’t buy a bag from them. Choose a backpack that allows you to zip it open like a suitcase rather than one that you can only stuff things into like a typical hiking backpack. You can find some great packing tips from The Savvy Backpacker here.
Consider what extras you might need to bring, like photography equipment, work gear, or special occasion wear. We needed to carry laptops with us in order to work and stay in communication for important meetings. That takes up valuable space, and sometimes more importantly, adds a lot of weight. Make sure the bag you choose has space for these necessary items, like a protected laptop compartment, which is a feature Jeremy loves on his Tortuga backpack.
Vitally important: Choose a bag that meets the size requirements for carry-on on the airlines you plan to fly on. Keep in mind that these requirements are not the same as carry-on for the US and may differ from airline to airline within Europe. Don’t assume that what one airline accepts will fly with another airline. If a bag is a little large but will squish to the proper dimensions, you are probably okay as long as you don’t pack it to bursting. If your bag is oversize or overweight be prepared to pay more!
In the end, though we considered some other options, we settled on the two backpacks that had already been workhorses for us in the past. A Tortuga 40L pack for Jeremy and my 40L Kelty Redwing (see our reviews here and here). And I also brought a small Travelon purse as a personal item.
One Week Equals One Season
The reason this article is about packing for one week or a season, is because you really need about the same amount of clothes whether you are going somewhere for one week or three months. So, one week of clothes is really equal to one season of clothes. Consider it the equivalent of a traveling capsule wardrobe.
We planned our stops for our five weeks so that every seven to ten days we would have easy access to laundry facilities. Many vacation stays like Airbnb and even some hotels offer self-serve washing machines. You can filter for this in their amenities lists. Just be aware that dryers are not as common (especially if you are staying in a vacation stay) and give yourself more time for the clothes to hang dry. Our strategy was to immediately get our clothes in the wash when we arrived, so that they would have maximum dry time.
In a pinch, if you pack light, breathable materials, you can also wash things out in your hotel room. Just use a little shampoo and then hang them in the shower to dry. This works especially well for socks and underclothes, which need washed more frequently as well. More tips on the best socks to buy for travel later.
If money is not a concern, you can also have your clothes laundered at your hotel, but this is generally quite expensive. Finding an outside laundry facility is also a possibility. We choose not to because we preferred to spend our time seeing the sights, not dragging dirty clothes somewhere and waiting for them to wash. If you choose to rent a car this might be less of an ordeal.
Planning Your Travel Wardrobe
Obviously, one of the biggest considerations when planning is the season in which you will travel and the weather at your destinations. Your core packing will probably remain the same, but you will need to factor in temperatures and the probability of weather phenomena like rain. Though the weather is ever difficult to predict, you can easily look at average temperatures and rainfall for your destinations by doing a quick google search.
The other big factor to consider, is the type of activities you have planned for your trip and whether you are covering the bases wardrobe-wise to suit those activities. Our trip covered so many areas and was so diverse that minimalist packing was a real challenge.
For starters, we would be attending some meetings and eating at some restaurants that required being dressed up (though not to the level of formal wear). This is also recommended as respectful if you plan to visit many of the religious sites and old churches Europe is famous for, many of which are still in use.
On the opposite spectrum, we were planning to take part in some active experiences (like kayaking) that often require special clothes (i.e. no cotton/jeans). We had some hiking in mind that might be muddy terrain. And of course we planned to do a lot of walking in general, much of it on uneven cobblestones.
Ultimately, the most important thing about making a packing list or creating a capsule wardrobe is to choose clothes that are comfortable and make you feel good. There are tons of companies marketing travel wear that may or may not be a good fit for you. You know which items in your closet that you keep reaching for day to day. Incorporate the clothes you already love into your travel wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to try new options, but remember that clothing items you love don’t have to be specially labeled as travel gear to be a part of your packing list.
Sara’s Packing List
Please note: This post contains a few links that generate a small commission if used for purchasing. Though it won’t cost you any more to buy the products, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. The other product links are not commissioned, just my personal recommendations.
Without further ado, Sara’s packing list for our five weeks in Europe (Autumn edition):
Jeans (1 pair) (bring your favorite pair, dark wash is a good option as it shows dirt less and has a more “dressed up” vibe)
Merino wool leggings (2 pairs Wool& black) – these are amazing and completely worth the price, see details below
Rain coat – I brought (and love) this super inexpensive, lightweight and flattering option (note this will not withstand a downpour
Lined coat/jacket – in retrospect, packing this was probably overkill, though I did make use of it a few times I could have just layered up more instead. If you are traveling further north or in the winter it will be more useful. I strapped mine to the outside of my backpack to save space.
Midweight pullover sweaters (2) – these were inexpensive sweaters I frequently wore at home and found myself reaching for over and over again while traveling because I like how they look on me
Cardigan sweaters (2) – one lightweight, one midweight. I really only used one, so this is an area I could trim.
Merino wool long sleeve tops (2)- one lightweight, one midweight – these Amazon offers are good quality at a great price, I rarely wore the midweight option
Long-sleeve shirts (2) from Uniqlo’s Airism collection
Short-sleeve shirts (2) from Uniqlo’s Airism collection
Merino wool socks (5 pairs) by Darn Tough, also available here, highly recommended
Underwear (5-7 pairs) – nothing special, just a light cotton style that I was already comfortable with
Bras (2-3) – again, underwear selection is highly personal and you should choose what’s most comfortable for you
Dresses (2) – bring simple options that are comfortable but can be dressed up or down, like this one I wore for the long plane ride over with a scarf and leggings
PJs (1 pair) – a cotton tank and capri length sweats. Tip: leggings, layering piece shirts and even comfy jersey dresses can also double as PJs.
Shoes (two pairs) – I brought this pair of Sorrel black booties that are comfortable, stylish, and waterproof as well as a pair of Allbirds Tree Breezer flats that I will discuss more below
Water shoes (1 pair) – I ended up not needing mine (our kayaking experience was cancelled last minute). But they are highly desirable if you are going to be doing a lot of water activities and very lightweight and packable.
Scarves (1-2) – extremely versatile and good to have for both warmth and dressing up an outfit. I wore this one almost every day, it doubles as a blanket or head covering in a pinch. I gravitated more toward one of the two I brought. So, one could be cut from the list if you want to reduce space.
Swimwear – unless you hate water and swimming, always pack your favorite swimsuit. Lots of hotels have heated pools you can use and hot springs are also an awesome place to visit.
Sunglasses
Hat/beanie
Compact travel umbrella
Small purse/bag – I use this Travelon tour bag, crossbody purse, for both every day and travel. It has awesome features like RFID protection, locking pockets, and slash resistant straps. It’s small to medium in size, but you can pack a lot! Mine has held up to heavy, regular use for over four years now.
Daypack – this one is a great buy, read our review here
Toiletries Bag – your essential makeup and nonliquid beauty products and toiletries, try a solid shampoo and conditioner from Ethique or another solid shampoo company to reduce your liquids – I was a skeptic but it works great! (See Five Travel Products that are Really Worth Buying)
Liquids in a plastic quart bag, remember only 3.4 oz (100ml) or smaller bottles
Laptop with case
Chargers (phone, laptop, etc)
Kindle – yes, it’s totally worth it if you enjoy reading
Headphones
Universal Travel Adapter – like this one
Reusable water bottle – I swear by my Kleen Kanteen
Purse travel kit – kleenex, dramamine, ibuprofen, safety pins, wet wipes, bobby pins, etc.
Wallet with passport, pen, credit cards, ID, currency, emergency contact info, etc. – I like this one because my passport fits inside with everything else and it is RFID blocking.
Packing Cubes – these travel organizers not only help add space, they’re really great for keeping things organized when you are living out of a bag. I like to use them even for short trips.
Note: Choose clothes that match each other in lots of different combinations. Neutrals like black, navy blue, grey and tan are good choices. Add some color with accessories like scarves or a jacket in a flattering (for you) color.
The Right Shoes Are Crucial
I think shoes require their own special section for a few reasons. First of all, they can be bulky and heavy to pack, especially if you have a bigger shoe size. This can really hamper your minimalist travel style. Second, they are crucial to your comfort. A good or bad shoe can really make or break your enjoyment of an experience. No one wants to be in pain or possibly even getting injured while traveling due to poor footwear. So choosing good shoes that can work in a variety of scenarios is essential.
Many seasoned travelers will tell you to wear your heaviest shoes on the plane if you are worried about luggage space. But when you are going through airport security or crammed into an economy seat facing an 8-15 hour flight, your choice of footwear can quickly become inconvenient and uncomfortable.
If you are going carry-on only, one solution is to pack a very light, compact pair of flats that you can easily grab from your bag and change in and out of. They should be comfortable enough for long walks through the airport and easy to get on and off.
Note: If you are plus size, your shoes are even more important. Be sure to pick ones with good arch support and add some insoles if needed. I love these ones from Dr. Scholl’s. Your feet are likely to hurt some after a full day of walking on cobblestones regardless of how great your shoes are, but you can definitely minimize the soreness.
Choosing Shoes
My main choice of footwear for our Europe trip was a great pair of black Sorrel booties. But I also took this pair of Allbirds flats with me and I was very happy with how comfortable they are, besides being packable and washable. They later (after Europe) developed small holes in the toes, which, for the price, is not really acceptable. But I still love them and will keep patching them up. If you do invest, I recommend buying from their “ReRun” store, where you can get a nice 30-50% discount for gently used shoes. They also have an amazing return policy, allowing you to try the shoes for a full 30 days and return in any condition.
One big packing mistake I personally made was taking the advice of other travelers saying you should not wear sneakers in Europe unless you want to look like a gauche tourist. None of us want to look less than our best, especially when so many Europeans are effortlessly chic! So I determinedly did not bring or search for sneakers for the trip. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a whole lot of Europeans wearing comfortable sneakers as they went about their day …
Don’t forget to take the shoes you choose for a good test spin before your trip. I found a super comfortable pair of Easy Spirit booties that I thought would be perfect for our trip. I trialed them on a two mile walk and discovered there was a seam inside that rubbed a hole in my foot, even through thick wool socks. Every foot is different, so, while good ratings are important, make sure a shoe really works for you.
Keep in mind that, while comfort should be priority, you can and should still look good while traveling light. Be sure to try on the shoes you want to bring with your different outfits and make sure you are happy with the results.
Travel Friendly Fabrics
There are ton of great travel clothes out there and synthetic fabrics are really popular and have come a long way. We tend to lean toward natural fabric when possible however. Everyone’s preferences are different, so trial some performance materials you are interested in before a trip to find what’s best for you.
We cannot emphasize enough how great merino wool can be as a travel fabric. It is comfortable, warm but breathable and packs well just to start. It can be worn several days in a row, as it doesn’t get smelly fast – an amazing feature for travel, or every day. There are lots of other blog posts by travel writers devoted to this topic. When I was purchasing travel gear and packing I found this one by Tortuga helpful. So we will simply list some of the brands and products we really love, that worked for us as plus-size and tall travelers.
Brands We Like
Wool&
My favorite purchase, as mentioned before, were the amazing merino wool leggings I got from Wool&. They are soft, comfortable, breathable, warm but not hot. Flattering, versatile. I could go on and on. Initially, I decided to buy them so I would have a non-jean option for kayaking in Venice. Since wool stays warm when wet, it is a much better option than cotton if you don’t have room for synthetic material athletic wear that isn’t as useful for everyday wear. I love that the leggings are available in several colors, multiple lengths and go up to a plus-size 3X (24-26W).
I did try several of their dresses and shirts as well, but didn’t love how any of them looked on me enough to spend the money. They have an awesome number of styles and colors and are continually coming out with new options. So, I will probably do another buy in the future, to potentially add a merino wool dress to my travel wardrobe.
One fun thing the company does is wardrobe “challenges”. Essentially, you can both earn yourself a discount (in the form of a substantial gift card) and give your merino wool dress purchase a great trial run by wearing it every day for 30 days. Or, if you are really up for a challenge, 100 days! You can find more details here.
Wool & Prince
The men’s version of Wool& – Jeremy was able to get this merino wool dress shirt there, that we consider a good purchase. While he doesn’t rate it 10/10 because it can get slightly itchy in Taiwan heat, it checks a lot of boxes, including stylish, wrinkle-resistant, warm and breathable. Not to mention a good fit for an extra tall traveler! It performed great traveling in Europe.
Unbound Merino
Where Jeremy found his go to merino wool T-shirt. The shirt comes in a tall, which is hard to find in specialized travel clothes! It looks great, packs great, and is odor-resistant, fast drying, and soft and comfortable to the touch. This was a fantastic buy – we only wish the other colors came in a tall!
Uniqlo Airism
This may seem like a non sequitur amongst all this wool, but I started shopping there while living in Taiwan and I find their Airism “sweat-wicking” line, to be a really great buy. Not only have they created a relatively comfortable, quick-drying synthetic fabric, they are very affordable and carry plus sizes in many styles. Since I have a history of skin cancer, I love that the line is UV protective. Besides the shirts that I took with me to Europe, I wear their mesh hoodies almost daily in Taiwan, especially for scootering, and would definitely take them to Europe as part of a summer travel wardrobe.
Darn Tough
Our favorite ever wool sock brand! The comfort and lifetime guarantee are unbeatable. They also have an awesome variety of colors, sizes, and styles. Jeremy tried a large variety of wool socks and they were hands down the winner. Just having options big enough for his feet is a win!
Merino Tech
A brand I found on Amazon and ended up purchasing two merino wool layering pieces from. The shirts I bought are good quality for a great price. I occasionally find them slightly itchy when worn directly against the skin, so your mileage may vary. They are definitely worth giving a shot if you are looking for some budget merino wool options.
Simplify Your Routine
When it comes to toiletries and beauty products, the first thing you need to to do if you want to travel minimalist is simplify as much as possible. Maybe you have a twelve step skincare routine at home. Try to reduce it to two or three products. You know what’s truly essential for you.
I have seen some blog writers recommend not wearing makeup while traveling to save space. For myself, I know I would be very unhappy with my photos if I was completely makeup free. The boost a little tinted moisturizer, mascara and lip gloss gives me, even if it’s just psychologically, is worth allotting some extra space for – just keep it as basic as possible. Choose your go-to products that you know you will be happy with and stay simple with your hair as well.
Toiletry Recommendations
Some products can definitely be bought abroad, especially if you are not picky. Jeremy relies almost entirely on hotel shampoo and conditioner. Having curly hair I am much more picky about my products, but I’ve found using a solid shampoo and conditioner while traveling can vastly increase your liquids space, leaving room for my favorite moisturizer and foundation. Two in one products like moisturizer with sunscreen can also be a great choice. I love this one and use it daily, traveling or not. Only go with two in one products if they work for you. Always choose products you know you will be happy using!
Make sure to pack enough of the “must have” products to get you through your whole trip. Rather than pack a half used bottle of moisturizer or deodorant, opt for a new one. I learned my lesson in Europe packing a travel size solid sheer deodorant. It ran out 4 weeks in and all of the deodorant we found in the stores was liquid, which we didn’t have room for in our liquids bags. You can use reusable bottles/tubes for products you only have large bottles of – but for longer trips I really found non-liquid options the way to go.
Seasonal Adjustments
Honestly, packing for Europe in spring, winter, or autumn will be almost the same. You may lean toward warmer choices in the winter or simply layer up more. The main time your packing list will probably have a greater variation is if you choose to travel in the summer months. In this case, you will probably want to switch out pants for shorts and long-sleeves for sleeveless, a beanie for a sunhat, etc. The nice thing is, summer clothes take up less room than winter clothes, so you will have more flexibility and space as well.
Have you found travel gear you love or do you have other great packing tips? Feel free to share in the comments below!
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