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45 day trip to Europe- packing light and perfectly

We just returned from our trip -March 17-may 1. We packed for winter, rainy, and warm weather. We each had a 20” roller and computer backpack, all carry on.

Since we were skiing early on in our trip we also had ski clothing and accessories that we shipped home from Innsbruck to lighten the backpacks.

We used everything we brought except for my husbands swimsuit and ski googles (didn’t snow). We planned on laundry about once a week, mostly using apartment washing machines and a laundromat once. Once we washed a couple things out in sink.

Here’s what I packed (or wore) (excluding ski stuff)
- 4 pairs of pants

  • 9 shirts (7 LS, 2 SS )

  • 4- sleep t shirts

  • 6 bras, 7 pairs underwear

  • Swimsuit

  • keen Hiking shoes, sandals for wearing around apartment

  • 7 pairs socks,

  • heavier rain jacket for cool weather and lightweight rain jacket

  • 2 cotton zip up sweatshirts

  • Cold medication in case we got sick (we did)

  • Toiletries

  • Bose headsets

  • Airplane pillows

  • swimsuit

  • 1 flat sheet since there is never a top sheet on beds.

  • Electronics pouch with car charger, toothbrush charger, I phone and iPad chargers, hearing aid case and chargers

  • Gloves and hat/headband for chilly days

  • Small bottle of laundry detergent

  • Small three ring binder with reservations, itinerary etc.

  • Travel vest with loads of pockets

  • Small purse size backpack ( fit in larger backpack )

Because we shipped ski stuff back we had enough room in rollers for 5 bottles of wine and some souvenirs (checked on way home )

The only thing that I wish we brought more of were zip lock bags.

Temperatures ranged from freezing to upper 70s, sun, overcast, or rain over the 6 weeks.

Transportation - first half of trip was train and other public transportation. 2nd half by car until we took train from Bordeaux to Paris. Then metro to apartment and bus/train to airport.

Posted by
483 posts

Wow!

I'm amazed you managed to fit all that in a 20" suitcase.

How big was the computer backpack?

What did you stuff in the travel vest pockets?

You say that you used everything you brought, but any changes you would make on the next trip?

Thanks for sharing.

Posted by
1716 posts

I mostly wore my vest when on train or plane. . Stored passports, wallet, sunglasses or glasses, reservation with notes on transportation to apartment and check in instructions.

Here is what my backpack looks like
https://www.swissgear.com/backpacks/laptop-friendly-backpacks/wenger-synergy-16-laptop-backpack

Roller suitcase held 2 small, 2 large eagle creak packing cubes, 2 pair sandals, sweatshirt, toiletries, and lightweight jacket.

Based on time of year and expected weather, I would not have packed any differently.

Posted by
9151 posts

Well, I have to say that someone bringing a top sheet is a first for me. I've never worried about it, since I would imagine that they wash the duvet cover when they clean the room for a new guest.

And I am also amazed that you got all that in a 20" carry on—very impressive!

Posted by
1244 posts

I am also amazed you got all of that in a 20" carryon. I have a carryon that holds 42 liters. So thinking a 20" is a bit less. Your computer backpack specs say 26 liters.
Still, I am amazed.

Posted by
1716 posts

We started carrying a sheet when we lived in Italy with or dog. We took a sheet so he could be on the bed/couch and not dirty or leave dog hair. But then we realized that with a heavy comforter with no top sheet, we were either too hot, or too cold with nothing, so having the “dog” sheet helped. The sheet helps with the needed in between temp. On this trip, only 1 hotel had a lighter weight blanket instead of the thick (almost always polyester filling) comforter. Well worth using a little luggage space for a better night’s sleep. In all our travels in Europe can’t remember one stay with a top sheet,

Posted by
9151 posts

Oh, that makes sense. Yes, I don't think the Europeans bother with a top sheet. TBH, I quit using one because it's so much easier to make the bed in the morning with just a duvet and cover and no top sheet. :-)

Posted by
232 posts

Karen, thanks for the packing report.

I tend to overheat with a duvet. I find most hotels are willing to provide me with a top sheet, even though they sometimes think it's an odd request.

Posted by
10915 posts

“But then we realized that with a heavy comforter with no top sheet, we were either too hot, or too cold with nothing”

This. I’m done with traveling in warm weather and finding only a heavy duvet on the bed. For our upcoming 11 week trip which occurs during the entire months of September, October & half of November I bought a brightly colored top sheet that we can use or not, depending on the situation.