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Europe Packing List






i've linked a link to a printable version of my essential packing list here

After many hours pinteresting "what to pack for study abroad" I've compiled a list of absolute essentials that will hopefully help someone save some time packing in the future (you're welcome). This list will almost definitely be updated after I realize I've forgotten something vital or added a couple things that are super easy to get while abroad, so stay tuned. Regardless, here's the first draft! 

Clothing 
Keep in mind that the climate of wherever you're traveling to will most likely be a little different from what you're used to at home. With dublin in mind, my list leans more on the side of a colder, rainy climate. 
     
Tops
  T-shirts – graphic tees, v necks, white (8-10)
  Long Sleeve (3-6)
  Tanks (5)
  Sweaters (3-6) 
  Sweatshirts – zip-up, hoodie, crew (2-3)
  Cardigans - black (2-3)

Bottoms
  Jeans – nice, ripped, and black (3-4)
  Leggings – black (long & cropped), gray, blue (5-6)
  Shorts (2-3)
  Optional: skirt (1-2) if you’ll actually wear them

Yes, you still have to work exercise into your routine abroad (sigh). Since I basically already live in my athleta leggings here in the U.S. it was a no brainer to pack my beloved salutation tights (linked here, trust me you'll love them too), but make sure to also pack sport tops/bras for actual workouts.  

Workout
  Leggings (2-3 if needed in addition to previously listed)
  Tanks (2-3) 
  Sports Bras (2) 

Sleep
  Shorts / Long Pants (3-4) 
  T-Shirt (1)
  Hoodie (1-2)
  Robe (1)

Jackets and coats will most likely take up a lot of the room in your suitcase, but you will for sure need them if you're going anywhere there's a chance of colder weather. My tip, skip the bulky, stiff coats and go for a more packable option like the Michael Kors jacket linked here.

Jackets  
  Rain (1)
  Long Coat (1)
  Green Cargo (1)
  Packable (2) 
  Optional: Blazer  

I'm typically not a dress person, but classics must be included in any wardrobe and they tend to dress a little nicer in Europe. Feel free to add a couple more to your list if you think you'll wear them.

Dresses
  Casual (1-2)
  optional: Nice (1)

Bathrobe – Fluffy, Silk

I will admit, I pretty much always overpack on shoes (oops). However, if you're almost done packing and have enough room and weight left in your bag, I strongly suggest adding the extra pair, I've never regretted it. ;)

Shoes
  Tennis Shoes – ultraboosts, superstars, converse  
  Sandals – Burks, Sanuks  
  Boots – Rainboots, Riding, booties 
  Shower Shoes (Flip Flops) 
  Slippers?
  Black pumps 
  Socks – Low socks (10), 1 pair cozy 

Bras / Panties (enough for 2 weeks)
Accessories
Ireland is a chilly place, so I plan on bringing A LOT of scarves. If you're going somewhere warmer, one or two will do just fine. I definitely recommend bringing at least one that can double as a blanket for the plane ride there and back too! 

Scarves (3-5)
  Winter
  Statement
  Neck Scarf (1)

The nice thing about jewelry is that most pieces take up little to no space in your bag while being able to completely transform that outfit you've already worn 3 times on your trip. I usually go for more necklaces than anything else, since they tend to be most noticeable. 

Jewelry
  Statement Necklaces
  Studs
  Leave at home: Apple Watch or expensive jewelry you don’t absolutely need

You may not think you'll need to pack a bathing suit or sunglasses if you're not going somewhere tropical for the majority of your stay, but you'll be thankful to have them just in case a spontaneous trip comes up! 

Sunglasses (1-2)

Bathing Suit / Cover-up (1)

I'm incredibly biased toward Kate Spade anything / everything, so if y'all are still in search of the perfect bag to travel with you the link to the perfect Kate sale purse / wallet is here. 

Bags 
  Crossbody purse 
  Tote or Backpack
  Larger Purse
  Wallet 
  Fanny Pack 
  Duffle Bag 

Bathroom
Admittedly, this is where a know a definitely overpack. I like to have absolutely everything I could need for the entirety of my time traveling, and I don't regret it one bit when I realize how hard it is to get some of the American products I'm used to while I'm in Europe (#sorrynotsorry). If you're not as high maintenance as me, feel free to leave out some of these products; I'll also link them all so you can try them and get hooked like I already have, no judgements here! 

Face
  Foundation / Concealer
  Eyeshadows / Eyeliner / Mascara                                   
  Brows
  Lipstick / Chapsticks
  Brushes
  Bronzer / Highlighter / Blush
  Primer 
  SettingSpray
  Makeup Remover
  Facewash
  Tweezers / Blackhead Remover
  Moisturizer
  Optional: Face Masks & Tea Tree Oil  

Hair
  Shampoo / Conditioner 
  Dry Shampoo
  Brush / Comb
  Hairspray
  Hair ties / Bobby Pins

Body
  Body wash                                  
  Lotion    

Towels – washcloths, full towel (1 each, get more there)

Toothbrush / Toothpaste

Razors / extra blades 

Deodorant / Perfume

Feminine Hygiene Products (enough for entire trip)

Nail Polish (1-2) / Clippers / Files / Remover Pads 

Glasses / Contacts / Solution 

Misc. Travel Extras
Travel Locks & Fitted Sheet (for hostels)

Ziploc Bags (they're packing miracles)

Carry-on Bag 
  Snacks / Gum 
  Passport / ID
  Hand Sanitizer 
  Pen (you’ll likely have to sign papers upon arrival)
  Earbuds
  Neck Pillow / small blanket
  Euros & Pounds (order at home for better exchange rates)
  Kleenex
  Portable Phone Charger

Reusable Water Bottle

Travel Guides (lonelyplanet books are my favorite!)

You're most likely going to want to do some exploring while you're abroad and won't want to lug around the full size bottles of everything you brought. it's hard to find travel size in Europe so save yourself the struggle and bring em with! (also note I included sunscreen: I burn super easy and it's hard to find the sunscreen you're used to in Europe, so I recommend bringing it just in case!)

Travel Toiletries 
  Shampoo / Conditioner
  Deodorant
  Sunscreen
  Body Wash Pods (I like these ones)

U.S. Medicine (may be hard to find abroad)
  Zyrtec-D
  Melatonin (for the plane) 
  Tylenol / Advil 
  Excedrin Migraine 
  Tums  
  Vitamins (I recommend a “Complete” Vitamin & extra Vitamin C) 
  Band-Aids

Packing Cubes / Space Saver Bags

Umbrella(s)

Portable Luggage Scale

Home
Sheets / Pillow

Wrinkle Releaser Spray 

Room Spray that smells like home (volcano is my forever scent)

Electronics
  Laptop / Charger
  Phone Chargers
  Power Converters
  Flatiron (if you don't have a duel voltage, wait and get this there! you're chi iron will thank you for not frying it)
  optional: iPad / Charger

Bringing school supplies might seem like a waste of space - and if you don't have room in your suitcase, definitely leave these out - but it's hard to find a spiral bond notebook abroad, so you might want to bring one. 

School
  Pens / Pencils
  Notebooks

Pictures of Home (they take up like no space, and you'll be glad you have them)


Wait Until You Get There 

Blow dryer 

Pots / Pans

Books

Souvenirs

Phone SIM Card

Laundry Detergent 

Hangers

Sheets / Blankets 



i've linked a link to a printable version of my essential packing list here

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