21 year old Female Traveling June --> August. Need help packing!

Have you checked out "RS's Packing List" shown at the bottom right hand corner of many pages on this web site?

I really like http://herpackinglist.com/ it has been really helpful for me as far as gear and starter lists. I have also been using the Polyvore app to make a visual for myself to see how many outfits I have. My personal goal for my trip is that each top/bottom has to go in at least three outfits, or it's not coming along. I'm only doing 12 days, but this will probably help you a lot. I'm jealous of your trip!!!

There's another WEB site that will help you: ladylighttravel.com. It has just what you need.

Katie.. even though you are travelling for 2.5 months.. you only need to pack for one week.
You do laundry.

The thing is since you have such a range of places you will need to pack a range of clothes.. a lightweight wind/rain jacket and a sweater or lightweight fleece for places that may be colder ( up in parts of Switzerland etc ) and last year we were in Nederlands in july and hit cool rainy weather,.. but you also need some cool clothes ( Italy is roasting in summer ) .. so think layers.. layers , layers.

On long trips it can be boring wearing same clothes over and over ( even if cleaned) so I usually ditch a few items as I go and replace them with new stuff .. they are my "souvenirs" so to speak.. you'll always treasure the cute skirt you bought in Paris.. more then the keychains or plaster of paris Eiffel Towers.. lol

I pack for seven days plus what I wear. Temperatures will be fairly stable from country to country, but you may need a sweater or wrap for evenings in the cooler places. If you are in Italy in July, there are great clothing sales all month.

Katie: Your wardrobe choices really depend on your age, figure and personal taste. If your main activity is being a tourist and not attending many formal affairs, dress like you would on any casual weekend. Except for Italy the more northern countries will have a milder climate. Remember that less is more: take 3 coordinating outfits with pieces that can rotate with each other with maybe some extra tee shirts and pullovers. Wear mostly pants. Take one skirt (reversible). I don't recommend jeans myself since I find knits (not too tight) more comfortable. Europeans do wear jeans if you don't mind the extra weight and drying time. Take one pair leather walking shoes, one pair clothe tennis shoe type with good soles, one pair sandals that don't cut your feet. Take one nicer jacket or cardigan sweater. Take one light weight rain jacket that will layer over other jacket or pullover. Fleece pullovers are great for warmth layering. Take a week of panties, 3 bras and/ or camisoles. Take a bunch of scarves and some folding hats. And a swimsuit. Modest nightshirt or pajamas and slippers for walking down hall to bath.

Summer will be too hot for most jeans. At this time of year, a pair of shorts will not be out of place for parts of your trip. Lightweight summer pants or Capri-length will go everywhere, including Italian churches where knees must be covered. If you bring a sundress, just plan that you will have less access to your money belt when you wear it.

katie,

One more point regarding Italian Churches - shoulders must also be covered. I witnessed what happened to one young lady who was visiting the Vatican, and made the mistake of taking her shawl off when she got inside (it was at hot day). The results were NOT pleasant!

one rule of thumb would be, 4 tops 2 pants 2 shoes. And at least one rubber clothesline.

As noted, you can buy stuff along the way at stores like H&M that aren't much money at all.

Go extra on the underpants. Unless you go cotton, panties take up almost no space in your luggage, and as long as you've still got clean underwear, laundry can be delayed for another day.

Laura.. a money belt is not to be accessed in public anyways.. or do you do differently then RS advises.. A money belt is DEEP storage.. only go into it in private.. or .. so how does a dress make a difference..
I ask because in hot climates I prefer sundresses to all other choices..

leave stuff in hotel safe.. 30 years , multiple trips.. and no problem.

Carry only what you need and can afford to lose for each day in your bag.

I only wear a moneybelt for transit journeys. And I still have no need to paw about in it 99 percent of time.

If you wear jeans don't wear the scruffy style , it's not done .Shorts only on the beach or beach town or camping. NOT in cities .
Black slacks will be your best friend ! For rainy weather I find a poncho best because it covers a back pack or bag. Fleece zip-up can be worn as a light jacket or a sweater .Layers !
I completely agree with the mentioned advice about packing for 1 week and making sure all tops can go with all bottoms.
If you are young , like in your early twenties or under , you get by with a little more , otherwise you have to remember that most Europeans dress not as casual as in the U.S.
And most important : Comfortable walking shoes , because there are many cobble stone or uneven streets.
Have a great time !

In summer, even cities north of the Alps can have terrible heat waves.