Packing for Europe

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It’s hard for me to believe that our trip to Europe will be the third time I’ve traveled with just a backpack. We got our bags when we traveled to Belize last December, and used them again when we went to New York City last spring. Traveling with a backpack forces you to pack light, which ultimately makes you a more agile and less-stressed traveler. The first time I went to Europe I ended up paying an overage charge for my 75+ pound bag, so you can guess that I was nervous about getting my stuff into a backpack! But now that I have some experience I really love leaving for the airport with everything neatly organized and then strolling through a new country with everything secured to my back.

Interested in getting on that backpack train? I’m breaking down the gear I’ve been relying on and a few things I always pack:

Osprey Porter 46 Backpack ($130.00): This is a backpack that is designed for travel. It has hard sides that fold up and wrap around the bag to help you condense it so that you will easily be within carry-on restrictions. The shoulder straps and hip belt all tuck neatly into a zipped pocket on the back so that you don’t have straps and buckles sticking out when you store or check it. I like to call it my “magic bag” because I swear it fits way more than it should.

Pro Packing Cubes ($35.41): After trying these out I have refused to travel without them, even if I have a suitcase. These help you in so many ways: if you roll your clothes and organize them in these cubes it helps you condense clothing into a small package. They also help you organize items so that you can find them quickly, and keep you from constantly messing up your bag when you’re digging through it. Simply take out the cube you need, and the rest are undisturbed. I feel so much more efficient and organized with these in my life.

JOTO Waterproof iPhone Bag ($8.99): I like to be ready for anything on vacation, and that might mean tossing on a swimsuit and rafting down a river or kayaking across a lake. These JOTO bags are a cheap way to take your phone with you on these adventures. I love that it doesn’t take up any room in my bag and also has a lanyard so that I can wear it around my neck or tie it to the boat. Bonus: they also come in handy when you’re biking and want to have your phone at the ready, or to hang your phone from a tree for a timed photo (it happens).

Truffle Pouch ($34.00): These clear bags make the 3-1-1- rule so easy. They can also double as a clutch or organizing bag during the duration of the trip.

Fossil Sydney Bag ($128.00): I wanted a black cross-body bag that was sized perfectly for traveling and had nicely sized compartments. I tested out a few, but ultimately went with Fossil’s Syndey. I loved that it had one larger compartment, and one that was slimmer for organizing tickets and travel documents. Added bonus: the gold hardware conveniently has large gold rings on all the zippers, which makes it super easy to secure them using a caribiner to deter pickpockets.

Fossil Sydney Bifold ($35.00): It’s unnecessary to carry a huge wallet when traveling, so I always downsize to something that just fits a few cards, ID and cash. I love that this bifold has room for all of that but is still thin.

Shotgun Lovesongs ($10.78): I always get a new paperback book to read on vacation, and I am so excited to dive into this one! It’s set in Wisconsin (fun!) and follows four boyhood friends from a small town who reunite for a wedding.

New Balance 420s ($69.95): When we went to NYC my pair of Nike Montreals ended up being the best thing I brought. I walked all over the city in them. Unfortunately they came back in pretty rough shape and I decided to order a pair of these NB 420s for our trip to Europe. I love that they are casual enough to wear with workout gear on a bike, but also look great paired with cropped skinny jeans or even a knit dress.

Blowfish Fisherman Sandal ($39.00): When traveling with a backpack it’s important to limit the number of shoes you bring. That meant I needed to find a sandal that was insanely comfortable, but very versatile. I needed to be able to walk 10 miles in them, ride a bike in them, and pair them with a dress for dinner. I tried on dozens of them, and ended up ordering 4 pairs to try out at home. I’m glad I did all the research because it was definitely worth it to find these gems from Blowfish, which might be the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. I love that they are simple and strappy, but have a thick cork bed like a Birkenstock, which makes them comfortable to walk in all day. These are so worth the money, I want every color.

Pocket Farkel ($7.76): One thing we have always done when traveling is to always have cards and travel farkle with us, and it’s resulted in many memorable nights. You never know when you might find a secluded patio with a sea view and a bottle of vino.

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