The best packing advice I ever received is this: Pack as if you are going for 10 days. Why? Because it is much easier to pack for a 10-day trip than a long-term international trip. You can do laundry every week or so. When you think about it that way, it makes packing much more manageable. Here’s the full list of items I packed for my first long-term trip to Europe (three months in 2016). You can check out the places I visited on the backpacking Europe itinerary.

Tips for Packing Light

• All clothing items should match. Neutral colors are best.
• Roll (don’t fold) your clothes and use packing cubes.
• Pack a comfortable pair of shoes in addition to tennis shoes (Converses, TOMS, AllBirds, Rothys, etc.). They are a bit more fashionable than tennis shoes for when your feet have had enough of those cute sandals!
• Avoid packing cosmetic jewelry. A simple pair of earrings and a watch will suffice.
• Use refillable mini bottles for toiletries. You can restock at local grocery/convenience stores throughout your trip.
• Remember, you can mail items home and/or purchase clothes during your trip. So avoid packing a heavy jacket if you don’t need it until your last month.
• There is no shortage of laundry mats in Europe. Pack less and do laundry more.

A Minimalist Packing List for Europe

Backpack and bags

• The backpack: Osprey Kyte 46 Pack – Women’s *I truly believe this is the BEST travel backpack for Europe. It’s extremely comfortable and light. It fits under your feet when traveling on a crowded train, or you can easily throw it on a luggage rack. And best of all? Most airlines consider it a carry on backpack.
• The day bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote
• The night bag: Fossil Crossbody Purse

Gadgets

• Hair dryer
• 2-in-1 hair straightener
• Power adapter
• iPhone and charger

Accessories

• Quick-dry towel
• Thin sleeping sheet (perfect for not-so-clean-hostels. Learn how to choose the right hostel)
• Brita Water Bottle (with interior filter)
• Travel Pouch (Passport and Ticket Holder)
• Foldable clothesline
• Sink stopper
• Moneybelt
  
• Lonely Planet Western Europe Guide Book
• Lonely Planet Central Europe Guide Book
• Waterproof watch
• Mesh laundry bag
• Silk pillowcase
• Mini bottle of wrinkle release
• Earplugs
• Headphones
• Passport (plus two copies)
• Drivers license (plus two copies)
• International drivers license
• Eurail train pass
• Basic toiletries (plus one pink nail polish)
• Makeup (travel size basics)

Clothing 

• 1 North Face Women’s Fastpack Wind Jacket
• 1 lightweight green jacket
• 2 short rompers (one black and one black/white)**Ended up mailing one home. 
• 1 long romper (black/white)
• 2 dresses (one black and one black/white stripes)
• 2 pants (one black jeans and one blue jeans)
• 4 short sleeve tops (one pink cotton, one grey cotton, one teal cotton and one black silk)**Ended up mailing the teal shirt home and buying a blue cotton t-shirt.
• 1 grey tank top
• 1 grey cotton long sleeve top
• 8 pairs of underwear
• 2 sports bras
• 2 real bras (black and nude)
• 3 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of black Nike shorts
• 1 pair of black Nike pants
• 1 black bandeau
• 1 black cardigan
• 1 black/white scarf
• 1 black pajama romper
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 black floppy hat **Ended up mailing home.

Shoes

• Black Steve Madden sandals**Ended up switching out for white Converses.
• Brown Steve Madden sandals
• Black flip flops **Used as shower shoes.
• Nike tennis shoes
• Black ballet flats

•••

Here are a few more travel planning resources:

• How to plan a long-term trip
• A Three-Month Itinerary
• A 14-Day Itinerary to Five European Capital Cities
• Five Easy Ways to Save Money, Spend Less and Travel More
• Why I Chose to Backpack Europe [and how you can too!]