This week it’s my turn to share packing tips and tricks for a long term trip in Europe. If you missed it, be sure to check out Tom’s men’s version of our Packing List for Long Term Travel in Europe—after you finish reading my post of course.

Earlier this year we traveled around Europe for 3 months with only what we could carry. We started in Paris in Spring and ended in Italy in Summer so needed clothing that could transition from cold and rainy to hot and sweltering. Plus, our travel gear had to accommodate hikes, beaches, dinners, and everything in between. Whether you’re traveling for a week, a month, or more we put together this packing list of everything you need for long term travel in Europe.

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Best Luggage for Long Term Travel

First things first. How do you carry everything you need for long term travel with you? I did a ton of research (and by that I mean watched a lot of YouTube videos) before our trip and it paid off. We decided to go with Osprey backpacks over rolling luggage and it was definitely the right decision. We encountered so many stairs, that Tom actually started falling apart. Our backpacks however, held up great!

We strongly recommend backpacks if you’re traveling to multiple destinations. They’re so much easier to maneuver over cobblestones and stairs than rolling luggage. Another travel tip is that these backpacks work perfect for carrying bottles of wine…errr…I mean groceries back to guesthouses and Airbnbs. The video below has more details on our backpacks of choice.

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How to Pack for Long Term Travel in Europe

If you’re traveling long term (or even for two weeks) you’ll likely be visiting multiple places and unpacking and re-packing a lot. It’s important to have everything organized so you can spend your time exploring, not packing. Organization is also helpful when you wake up late to catch your train (not that we’d know 😉). We’ve included our recommendations for best luggage and organization in this video along with a walk-through of what to bring for backpacking around Europe.

Ultimate Packing List for Long Term Travel in Europe

Here’s the complete travel packing checklist for long term travel in Europe. We’ve included links to products that are the same or similar to what’s in the video as well as notes and tips about some of the items.

Luggage and Packing Gear

• Osprey backpacks – these packs are an investment, but we found them completely worth the money
• Packing cubes – Packing Tip: roll your clothes so they fit well into the cubes and avoid wrinkles
• Toiletry bags

Clothes

• Rain jacket – I love the non-boxy cut of this rain jacket
• Swimsuit – pick something that can be easily mixed and matched
• Sports bra – choose one that can double as a swimsuit top
• 2-3 Bras
• 14 Pairs underwear
• 5 Pairs socks
• Cardigan sweater
• Lightweight button up shirt
• 2 Basic tanks
• 3-4 Dressy tops/tanks
• 2-3 Casual tanks
• Solid t-shirt
• Striped t-shirt
• Maxi dress – great for travel days
• Short casual dress – also good for travel days
• 3/4 Sleeve dress – bonus points if it doubles as a swimsuit cover-up
• Formal(ish) short dress
• Patterned skirt
• Solid long skirt
• Dark jeans
• Leggings
• Lightweight pants
• Jean shorts
• Dressy shorts
• Bicycle shorts
• Lightweight lounge shorts

Footwear

• Tennis shoes
• Ankle boots
• Sandals
• Flip flops

Accessories

• Packable purse
• Large scarf
• Small scarf
• Sun hat
• Jewelry

Tech

• Computer
• Charging cords
• Portable charger (large)
• Portable charger (small) – not a vibrator, I swear
• Selfie stick
• Earbuds
• External hard drive
• External hard drive case
• Phone
• Camera
• GoPro
• Outlet adapters
• Kindle

Toiletries and Cosmetics

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Deodorant
• Moisturizer
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Make-up – love one palette solutions like this
• Sunscreen
• Soap
• Razor
• Nail clippers
• Brush

Misc.

• Passport
• Eye glasses or contacts
• Sunglasses – look for a super durable pair like these
• Water bottle
• Microfiber towel set
• Sewing kit
• First aid kit
• Padlocks
• Carabiners
• Laundry detergent pods – opt for powder only ones
• Ear plugs

More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Our Luggage

If you’re reading this, congratulation you’ve made it to the end! Also, a big thank you! This is a lot of info but we wanted to share what we’ve learned about packing and luggage organization, so you can save time planning and not have to watch 1,000 different videos like I did. You can use this packing list for long term travel as a checklist on your next adventure.

Would you like to see more packing related posts? How to create a travel capsule wardrobe? How to pack light and fit everything into a carry-on? Or more travel gear recommendations? Let us know in the comments below or send us an email.

Other Gear Guides:

• Packing List for Long Term Travel in Europe – Men’s Edition
• Top Outdoor Gear
• 13 Road Trip Essentials
• Top Van Life Gear

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