I am now less than 12 hours from getting on my flight to Europe! As such, I have finally finished packing! And what a task it was. Try fitting 12 months of your life into one European carry-on sized backpack. As my mom said, “That would just never work for me!” But alas, it’s what I am doing.

I thought I would share what my packing list is so it can be a tool for future travelers… or for travelers who have never packed lightly before.

Here’s a link to the company that I bought my backpack through for this trip! I absolutely love it so far.

Packing List For Europe:

Clothes

• One pair of workout pants
• One pair of Lululemon’s
• One pair of jean shorts
• 3 dresses (two summery, one dressier)
• 5 Cute shirts
• 2 sports bras
• 2 athletic shirts (one to sleep in)
• Nike Booty shorts (to sleep in)
• 5 pairs of underwear
• 5 pairs of socks
• one nude bra, one black bra
• running shoes
• Boots
• Sandals
• 2 Scarfs
• Sweater
• Northface
• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Rain coat
• Nylon bag
• Running band

Electronics

• Computer + Charger
• iPad
• iPhone + Charger
• GoPro + Charger
• Headphones (Apple)
• Headphones (Bose)
• Plug adapter
• Portable charger

Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Flosser
• Any medication you take
• Retainer
• Deodorant
• Makeup
• Eye makeup remover
• Razor
• Conditioner
• Shampoo
• Brush
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Ibuprofen
• Hair ties and bobby pins
• Moleskin
• Bandaids
• Cough drops
• Topical steroid cream for bed bug bites or regular bug bites to help with itchiness

Miscellaneous

• Folder of itinerary print outs
• Extra Passport photos
• Thumb drive with all documentation
• Handbag (for personal item on planes as well as day-to-day use)
• Travel Towel
• Water Bottle
• Ear Plug
• Eye Mask
• Lock (for staying in hostels)
• Passport
• ID
• Money belt

Here is everything spread out on a table!

It was so hard to determine what to bring with me when I knew I could only bring a few things and it would be the only things I have for 12 months. After doing a lot of research on what I should bring, one common piece of advice was to make sure every combination of outfit you can make from bottoms, to top, to scarf, to jacket, would work well together. This is why I stuck to mostly black, gray, and off white, with a touch of color, such as blue. I brought one warmer scarf (the dark purple and black scarf under my running shoes) and one lighter, more summery scarf (the light blue next to the purple scarf). Both serve a purpose and both worked color-wise with every outfit combination. For warmth, I brought one lightweight packable Patagonia black down jacket for cool nights and a navy shawl for style or when I only need a little bit of warmth. I used 4-5 “toiletry bags” to organize various groupings of items. One for toiletries, one for first aid kit, one for makeup, and one for all my smaller electronics and their cords.

Here is everything packed and ready to go!

Shown: Backpack packed, Outfit for airport, and personal bag (with laptop, iPad, headphones)

Catch you on the flip side (or on the other side of the Atlantic)!