European Guesthouse

What I Actually Packed For My Europe Trip (And What I’d Change Next Time)

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Quick outline:

  • My bag and why it mattered
  • Shoes that didn’t wreck my feet
  • Clothes that worked in cities and small towns
  • Laundry that didn’t ruin my nights
  • Tech that kept me sane
  • Toiletries that saved the day
  • Safety stuff that felt low-key
  • Summer vs. winter swaps
  • Things I wish I left at home
  • My exact packing list

The bag that saved my back

I tried two bags over two trips. The Osprey Farpoint 40 (S/M) for trains. The Away Carry-On for a work thing with hotels and cabs.

  • Osprey Farpoint 40: It fit overhead on Ryanair and EasyJet. I carried it up those endless Paris Metro stairs without swearing (much). The hip belt helped a lot. Downside: I had to unpack like a snake to reach my charger buried at the bottom. Also, it looks “backpacker,” which I don’t mind, but some folks do.

  • Away Carry-On (polycarbonate): Glides like butter on smooth floors in Munich. But on Prague cobblestones? The wheels rattled and I baby-walked. It also hates stairs. I scratched the shell on a Rome curb. Still fine, but not cute.

If you’ll ride trains and walk a lot, the Osprey won my heart. If it’s short flights, taxis, and smooth floors, the Away is comfy. I originally detailed every cube, sock, and charger in this blow-by-blow packing diary if you want even more specifics.

For finding a cozy base that matches your travel style, European Guesthouse lists charming, affordable stays from Lisbon to Ljubljana.

Shoes: the two-pair rule that saved my knees

I pack two pairs. One for walking all day. One that looks a bit nicer.

  • Allbirds Tree Runners: I did 17,000 steps in Lisbon. My feet stayed cool. They dried fast after a surprise spray by the sea. But on slick, old tiles, the grip felt meh.

  • Blundstone 550 Chelsea Boots: I wore these in rainy Dublin. Warm and sturdy on cobbles. A bit heavy in my bag, though.

Would I swap? Sometimes I take Nike Pegasus instead of the boots. Lighter, but not dressy. For socks, I like Smartwool and Darn Tough. I wore the same pair twice without odor. Not proud, but hey, it worked.

Compeed blister patches? Don’t leave home without them. I slapped one on near the Trevi Fountain and finished the day.

Clothes: tiny wardrobe, lots of combos

I kept it simple and repeated outfits. No one cared. Promise.

  • 3 merino tees (Icebreaker and Unbound): Soft, no stink, quick dry. One black, one gray, one stripe.
  • 1 pair jeans (Everlane): Wore them on flights and cool days.
  • 1 light pant (lululemon Commission): Packs small, looks neat.
  • 1 casual dress (black, midi): Nice for dinners in Seville. Easy to wash.
  • 1 packable jacket (Patagonia Nano Puff): Warm on a breezy boat to Capri. Packs into its own pocket.
  • 1 scarf: Doubled as a shoulder cover at Rome churches.
  • 1 sleep set, 1 workout short, 1 sports bra.

I also carry Uniqlo Heattech in shoulder season. A thin base layer made Zurich mornings feel fine.

Small spill note: I got gelato on my dress in Florence. Tide To Go pen took it out in five minutes. Magic.

Laundry: ten minutes, not a whole evening

I’ve done both ways. Hotels and sinks.

  • Scrubba wash bag: Sounds silly, but it works. I washed two tees and a pair of underwear in seven minutes. I stomped on it like I was crushing grapes. Clothes dried overnight on a travel clothesline.

  • Sheets Laundry Club travel sheets: No leaks. Smells clean, not loud.

  • Dr. Bronner’s 3 oz: Good for hand-wash and, weirdly, for a quick shoe wipe.

Tip: I roll clothes in a towel and press. Less drippy. Hang near a window or heater, not on the lamp (I learned).

Tech that kept me sane on trains and ice-cream breaks

  • Epicka Universal Travel Adapter: Had USB-A and USB-C. Worked in Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK with the extra slide-out plug. A bit bulky, but one block for all.

  • Anker PowerCore 20000: Heavy, yes. But when my phone died on a long train from Vienna, this brick saved me.

  • 2-meter USB-C cable: Hotel plugs are never where you need them.

  • Airalo eSIM: I set it up at home. Landed, turned it on, and maps worked right away. No line at kiosks. In tiny towns the signal dipped, but it was fine.

  • Apple AirTags: One in my bag, one in my coat. Peace of mind in busy spots like Barcelona Sants.

I also download Google Maps offline and a few Netflix shows. Night trains get boring fast. That download strategy saved me during my three-week city-hopping sprint across Poland where the Wi-Fi was hit-or-miss.

One last digital wildcard: sometimes evenings get quiet and meeting new people becomes part of the adventure. During longer solo stints, travelers occasionally look beyond Tinder and Bumble for more niche, body-positive communities; for example, Fuck BBWs – try this weird app to meet curvy locals can match you with plus-size partners nearby, adding a spontaneous social angle to your nights—just remember to stay safe and respectful wherever you roam. Likewise, if your route or a mileage run ever brings you through the Denver area and you’re curious about trans-friendly companionship, the vetted profiles on TS escort Thornton make it easy to browse photos, confirm availability, and set clear expectations before you even land.

Toiletries I used for real

  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen: Non-greasy. I wore it all day in Seville. No burn, no white cast.
  • Ethique solid shampoo bar: No leaks, no mess. Suds well in hard water, which surprised me.
  • Cerave moisturizer (travel size): Simple and calming after sun.
  • Mini pharmacy: ibuprofen, antihistamine, melatonin, and those Compeed patches. Pharmacies are great in Europe, but some close on Sundays. I learned that the hard way in Lyon.
  • Menstrual cup (Saalt) plus two pads. Bathrooms on trains can be tiny, so I plan ahead with wipes.

I keep liquids in a clear TSA pouch. I once spilled toner on my sweater. Now I screw lids tight and add a little tape.

Low-key safety and money stuff

  • Pacsafe Daysafe crossbody: It doesn’t scream “tourist,” but it has lockable zips. Sat close to my body on a busy tram in Milan. I felt calm.

  • Tiny coin pouch: Euros come in coins. Parking machines and bakeries love them.

  • Photocopy of passport: One in my bag, one in my email. Boring, but smart.

  • Small luggage lock: I used it at a hostel in Interlaken. Also handy on train luggage racks.

Summer vs. winter swaps

Summer:

  • Hydaway collapsible bottle: Refills saved me during a heat wave in Madrid. Folds small.
  • Uniqlo Airism tank: Breathes well under shirts.
  • Tiny umbrella: Sun shade at noon, rain shield at four.

Winter:

  • Uniqlo Ultra Light Down vest under a coat.
  • Merino beanie and gloves.
  • Waterproof shell (Patagonia Torrentshell). Wind on the Charles Bridge is no joke.

If you’re headed for the slopes, my notes on the European ski resorts I’d happily revisit might help you pick the right base.

Shoulder season is my favorite. Pack a light layer and you’re set.

Things I wish I left at home

  • Heels: Cobblestones laughed at me. I wore them once and carried them back.
  • Hair dryer: Most hotels have one. Also, 220V fried my old curling iron in Florence in 2018. I smelled it burn.
  • Big tripod: Too heavy, too fussy. I use a small Joby instead.
  • Extra jeans: One pair is enough.

What I missed and now always bring

  • Baggu foldable tote: Groceries, market finds, beach days. We used it daily.
  • Quick-dry towel (Rainleaf): Great for hostels and lake swims.
  • A pen. Customs, train notes, and snack math.

My exact packing list (carry-on only, 2 weeks)

Clothes:

  • 3 mer

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