Europe Packing List
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Europe Packing List: Solo Female Travel
This Europe packing list is for travelers who are planning to take on Europe with nothing but what they can fit in a carry-on. The list fits a standard carry-on size of 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm). If your carry-on allowance is even smaller then try this packing list. If you are traveling with checked luggage then feel free to pack more and bring full-sized toiletries.
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Here’s What To Pack In Your Carry-on:
Clothes
As you’ll notice, the amount of clothes you’ll be able to take isn’t very much. This means washing your clothes more often. I went with every five days and that worked for me because every hostel I stayed in had laundry facilities, some even did my laundry for me.
Pants x 2
- A pair of skinny jeans or leggings.
PJs x 1
- You can pack whatever you like to sleep in for nights when you just want to be comfy, but what some travelers like to do is sleep in the clothes they plan to wear the next day. So they can get multiple uses from everything they pack.
Skirt x 1
Tops x 5
Dress x 2
Underwear x 7
- If there is a delay in getting your clothes in a washing machine, you’ll at least have clean undies to get you through.
Bras x 4
Socks x 7
- You want to go extra on the socks because these have a habit of disappearing in hostel laundry facilities.
Flip-flops (For the shower)
- Shared showers can get a bit germy and you’ll want to protect your feet as well as make it easy to go from the bathroom and back to your room.
Pair of Flats (Comfortable and Sturdy for Walking)
- For hiking and trekking, I bring a good sturdy pair of hiking boots but for city walking I prefer flats. Something that breathes and can be slipped in and out of easily. I suggest solo travelers pack flats that are comfortable and made for hours of walking. Your feet will thank you.
**Note: This does not include the clothes you wear on the plane. Wear your heaviest clothes like jackets, hiking boots, etc when you board. Don’t be afraid to layer!**
Toiletries
Travel-sized Toothpaste
Travel-sized Shampoo & Conditioner
- If you need specific hair products like I do then instead of trying to find the travel-sized version you can purchase empty travel bottles and fill them up with whatever your hair needs.
- Check out this post for more info on how to take care of Black hair on the road.
Leave-in Conditioner
Travel-sized Body Wash
Shower Cap
Deodorant
Travel-sized Perfume
Toothbrush
Comb
Brush
Feminine Products
- You can buy tampons and pads in Europe of course but it doesn’t hurt to have a couple on you just in case.
Nail Clipper
- A regular cotton towel just won’t do when you’re backpacking. They take too long to dry and you don’t want to be lugging around a damp, smelly rag. Microfiber towels are quick-drying and roll up easy with makes them great to travel with.
Misc
Camera
Small Pack of Tissues
Pack of Wipes
Small Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
Ear Plugs
- The only way to get a good night sleep in hostel room full of people.
Sleep Mask
- Another essential for hostel life.
Chargers
Journal
- You won’t remember every aspect of your trip and all the things you did and the people you met…but your journal will.
Satin Pillowcase
- The best thing I ever did for my hair was to buy a satin pillowcase and satin-lined beret. The friction caused by our hair rubbing against those cheap fabrics they insist on putting on airline seats and hostel pillows does a lot of damage that results in breakage and dryness. Now I just tuck my hair into my beret when I’m flying and I use my own satin pillowcase in hostels, hotels, everywhere.
Plug Adapter
- Not all outlets are created equal. Make sure you have a plug adapter so you can charge your phone, tablet, laptop, etc.
- It took me a while to get on board with packing cubes but when I did I fell in love with them. They make it so easy to keep your pack organized.
Here’s What To Pack In Your Personal Item:
Kindle
Phone
Power Bank
Motion Sick Pills (if needed)
Lip Gloss
Headphones
Passport
Wallet
Collapsible Water Bottle
There you have it!
My Europe Packing List to help you make the most of your trip. Next, check out Solo Female Travel Safety Items for some small, carry-on friendly items you can add to your packing list to protect you and your things on the road. Also, see my Resources page for more of the specific items I travel with!
Happy Travels!