# Packing List

By [SeesawTravelBlog](https://paragraph.com/@seesawtravelblog) · 2024-03-15

packing, travel, tips, packinglist, internationaltravel, packlight, packingtips, packsmart, traveltips

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Our biggest packing takeaway was to travel LIGHT.

Packing light is optimum for many reasons:

1.  **Airport Fees:** Large/excessive luggages = additional travel fees for each flight. This can really add up – especially if you don’t have a direct flight. (We accidentally spent close to $340 just on this issue alone. Sad face.)
    
2.  **Stairs and Hills:** There are lots of inclines and floors to climb in Europe! In fact, there the ground floor is considered as “0” so even if you think you are on the first floor, you may not be! You have to exert a lot of energy and strength lugging around luggage (pun intended).
    
3.  **Packing and Repacking:** It is best not to overstuff your bag before you depart because then it becomes a time consuming headache to repack it in between locations.
    
4.  **Souvenirs:** It is great to leave room for purchases! Carrying souvenirs in your baggage is much less expensive than shipping them separately.
    
5.  **Public Transportation:** Lastly, folks who take large luggage may struggle for space on crowded public transportation which can be stressful. Plus the dirty looks are awkward!
    

If the concept of “traveling light” causes you to fear outfit repeats in your photos, have no fear! A good way to change it up is to incorporate accessory changes like sunglasses, dangle earrings, headbands, or compact scarves.

A hack we heard of is stuffing jacket(s) into a pillowcase. That can save space in your bag while also offering some relief during an uncomfortable flight!

### Airline Luggage Policy

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Double (even triple) check each airline’s baggage policies to avoid incurring unexpected fees.

Of course, we recommend only using carry on sized baggage because:

*   They cost less than checking oversized bags.
    
*   Smaller carry on bags are easier to transport through Europe.
    
*   By keeping carry on luggage by your side through the flight process, you can have the peace of mind that they will not be lost in the airport’s baggage check. Plus, you won’t have to wait in the dreaded baggage check area after arriving!
    

### Layers

When packing, it cannot be emphasized enough to take the weather into consideration. Layers are your best friend, whereas large, bulky clothing pieces become your enemy! It is also helpful to take into account the activities you will partake in to help guide your clothing selections.

### Shoes

Consideration of footwear is vital. It is important to have comfortable, walkable shoes that are already broken in, prior to your trip. Nothing can ruin a travel day quite like blisters, so please thoroughly vet your shoes beforehand! Sacrificing style over functionality (especially with footwear) is just not worth it when traveling internationally!

A hack we heard of is stuffing jacket(s) into a pillowcase. That can save space in your bag while also offering some relief during an uncomfortable flight!

### Packing List

We have put together a recommended packing list, organized by category. Hyperlinks are embedded should you need to purchase the suggested travel item.

* * *

*   Documents
    
    *   Passport for international travel; Real ID or passport for domestic travel
        
    *   Visa credit card (or debit card) with no foreign transaction fee
        
    *   Travel visa approval (if required)
        
*   Country specific items
    
    *   Small cash and coins in local currency
        
    *   Outlet adaptor(s)
        
*   Electronics
    
    *   Solis international wifi device/portable charger and charging cord
        
    *   Cell phone and charging cord
        
    *   [Bluetooth headphones and charging cord](https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Flex-Wireless-Earphones-Built/dp/B08L6ZPV7T?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=bcacb649d06fc169e6d2611206f843bd&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Headphones with jack for plane](https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ear-Headphones-Mic-Black/dp/B07HH1QSLB?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=12a1550eb98623302a5c5a4311641359&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Selfie stick](https://www.amazon.com/ATUMTEK-Bluetooth-Extendable-Aluminum-Smartphone/dp/B07TV5BCVW?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c83e4d123191b41a1169b273d7a45d75&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
*   Travel items
    
    *   Pen
        
    *   International stamps
        
    *   [Hand sanitizer](<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Antibacterial-Travel-Sanitizer-LAUTRE-PEAU/dp/B01B8M6Y0S/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?crid=5NG6OJGSSHQH&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jM80kTkaJGJl3NDQYM6ELZeFsP258XNyg4PVGTQAlqovV97m0tWaI5_YdeeBXWBH-58P0KHzvAZyAnHniaTQig3b21M5I8JjuCozSuNNkoisF-04kmRbEOGhMigifnCW-puZAOsd8y2s9-UwB3tP8A.3PtLrEe-7cWNNakI7v6auBFQvPQRIaKKRDvDPMuKsHo&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=travel+hand+sanitizer&amp;qid=1705280404&amp;sprefix=travel+hand+sanitize%252Caps%252C164&amp;sr=8-11-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&amp;psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6653da6b89e2a529a98bc04b287b3a97&camp=1789&creative=9325">Travel clip hand sanitizer</a>)
        
    *   Sunglasses (prescription if applicable)
        
    *   [Laundry detergent sheets](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C8RD2XHD?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5988f16ad80fd97ba9c19f91dfb8f8a4&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Reusable shopping bags](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08XN937K6?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e19e85c428249dfc380ef2bc760efb66&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Silk zip pillow case](https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Bedding-Luxury-Satin-Pillowcase/dp/B07BL64SYL?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e8cca74084c852a93098a999b8071673&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
*   Baggage, organizers, and bag accessories
    
    *   [Carry on suitcase that rolls in all directions](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071NJ24R9?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=a3481dec8740e065e076d1d70ae12041&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Carry on backpack](https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Expandable-Weekender-Resistant-Lightweight/dp/B07P1SFHK3?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=4b0092b307ac9e095aa2b7ee986a59e6&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Luggage tags](https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Luggage-Suitcase-Instrument-Gostwo%25EF%25BC%2588Orange%25EF%25BC%2589/dp/B09M49MZD1?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=d338590b7bb72b7d0d0bec5c27853970&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Luggage locks](https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-Travel-Luggage-Inspection-Indicator/dp/B073NYB7R2?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=9a7696722580df06b544939d451b838e&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Packing cubes](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014VBIEZQ?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=75e6320a082c8343433bf2fd45cbb0a2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Laundry bag](https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Aluminum-Carabiner-Collapsible-Students/dp/B0BXK6WTG7?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=a441157844c6461ea40bf80da59eb97e&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Anti-theft crossbody purse](https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Anti-Theft-Active-Small-Crossbody/dp/B01E5JKUPQ?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=088cd38d992f5a17ffd74997cd58153d&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Carabiner clasps](https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Carabiner-Clip-Spring-Snap/dp/B08DTCM52N?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e952b58c140eae4cdaffe248b7ef4c72&camp=1789&creative=9325) (to secure purse zippers)
        
    *   [Holder around neck for passport or boarding pass](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099NCHWN4?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=b0cd9c3a93550a0c1c2e525cd890733f&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Lightweight bag for hiking](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AIVT5M4?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=9ff72d3c1f1c032778794d6bccbacba2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Electronics organizer](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YZ2K3PV?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=b59f9b9e0fad30351c7922a9f194f0bb&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Jewelry organizer](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZHC51DX?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e4e846f3bd48bd53330d6ee6b7fa2b9e&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
*   Sustenance
    
    *   [Reusable water bottle](https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sports-Water-Bottle-Eco-Friendly/dp/B011LC85PM?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=3084e1a9f0bc2783c802046eb71db4e4&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Beer bottle and wine opener](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S7KQ3F6?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=fdf1b19a0cf9d0b5f83b6737ef4632e0&camp=1789&creative=9325) (without a knife, otherwise TSA will confiscate it)
        
    *   [Reusable set of silverware](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CV3NHDL?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=b94688ebe42700d46aa99cff8e1909db&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Small bags of trail mix](https://www.amazon.com/Kars-Sweet-Deluxe-Individual-Single/dp/B083X6TSHQ?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=fd19a610cbe55b223f812b81b9769c00&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Dried fruit bars](https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Layered-Fruit-Variety-count/dp/B08RD41V4Y?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=b4fc751de490d7500397c5c06d85a984&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Vitamin C water tablets](https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-1000mg-Effervescent-Gluten-Free-Antioxidants/dp/B000WZI4WY?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=b149aabd452decdeab28a2d03a0c7b7a&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
*   Weather-related items
    
    *   [Raincoat](https://www.amazon.com/HLKZONE-Raincoat-Portable-Reusable-Elastic/dp/B07HR5WD9W?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=704f4b01677a124b4cc78a1d451d41df&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Compact umbrella with wet bag](https://www.amazon.com/SY-COMPACT-Windproof-LightWeight-Unbreakable/dp/B071SBKLF6?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=93617db7f576e1c2c5b28f9e3e0a3a22&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Hand fan](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08514G885?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=916fe7d2a55c0a7b46c2c9cd3e1d1e1a&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Rollable foldable sun hat](https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Protection-Lightweight-Adjustable-Adventure/dp/B09GM16NDJ?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e4fee335c1a87b2ea520d45073f6fa09&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
*   Toiletries
    
    *   [Toiletry bag](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SL2RKJK?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=bf323493dee2c2572ff6d9072913e538&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Toothbrush](https://www.amazon.com/Colgate-Extra-Clean-Toothbrush-Count/dp/B00CC6XSSQ?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5576167f2fec4cba68afdb0c75310404&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Toothpaste](<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Colgate-Advanced-Whitening-Toothpaste-Sparkling/dp/B082F1QH7S/ref=sr_1_6?crid=384XW6W38LVCC&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.87Qg8gSdmKb9ITHRQFNZFN1fHJVup6BoAqCD7bJVr1gyzx1vYFhV0NfCcxMo508vNwYZYu7zCND7PANtT5zok0mi3bnnmtoSVLzkAq4IAEO8hgQi_8Zd0ofKbwDn1QhWTbo4Wj59TybQYd2DQCaiAuvSemcFlCGJ9zChbKQBCYlXikgXk5exFAO3jfzaBTwoUAGSCisEVco95dExE5BYd7ZPnlJoJNaWo4F7r0F5fhrMMUwpRyQ6FiHjW5jecJHlNlLgXWLiJwZJAw6ml_vn_Bez7LINp7IXHCmdaZF4-nk.GkkE9bf8D-pKI7-vKnPIwPy7vw-JUtDYNE6pLG1Yfc4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=toothpaste+100ml&amp;qid=1709009645&amp;sprefix=toothpaste+100ml%252Caps%252C180&amp;sr=8-6&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=88d505ab9dff21b5b9125c850d4ab6f7&camp=1789&creative=9325">Toothpaste</a>)
        
    *   [Floss](https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Dentotape-Cleaning-Surface-Unflavored/dp/B003XDVERE?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=d2f0c38c62a626b0e415e3b2d4261856&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Cotton swabs](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Cotton-Swabs-500ct/dp/B09541P9WH?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6b820e77b58fdd56eae4bcd97bdb2249&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Grooming kit that includes tweezers nail clippers scissors](https://www.amazon.com/Keiby-Citom-Professional-Stainless-Luxurious/dp/B072FB8JNG?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=d28e50af7d0e026a06c82fda08ccf6f7&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Brush](https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Collapsable-Portable-HairBrushfor-Straight/dp/B0BFGMZ8Z6/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=a9cbce7dd00a030bf1d19f6b6e572d4c&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Fillable containers](https://www.amazon.com/Gemice-Toiletries-Containers-Refillable-Accessories/dp/B093GFWF24/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5afe206cae0f5e383e025bb36a751897&camp=1789&creative=9325) (for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, face wash, etc.)
        
    *   [Medicine organizer](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BLZM9NCF?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=4a2a7e0af742a7d4ca3e7a87fd5aff8b&camp=1789&creative=9325) (include pain killers, antacids, stool softeners, anti-diarrheal, etc.)
        
    *   [First aid kit](https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Purpose-Piece-Travel-First/dp/B00BIRMTY4?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=55182b983d760800abbe3aa4617eb743&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Ointment](https://www.amazon.com/Aquaphor-Advanced-Therapy-Ointment-Protectant/dp/B001IAG7G2?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=43545e5e4f3b817a32b1dd0f8c0e64d8&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Mosquito repellent](https://www.amazon.com/Repel-Repellent-Mosquitoes-Long-Lasting-Protection/dp/B0037TTQX8?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0c723b9a0e6aa7a8f048c2df8f2f8af9&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Spray sunscreen](https://www.amazon.com/Coppertone-Continuous-Sunscreen-Spectrum-1-6-Ounce/dp/B0756JLW5C?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=cad467986b6e43877825e115290e028b&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Liquid sunscreen](https://www.amazon.com/Banana-Boat-Sunscreen-Lotion-Ounces/dp/B0014599H0?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=9a0bdc7e0d062037daca3ab3cd0761d3&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Toilet spray](https://www.amazon.com/Poo-Pourri-Before-You-Go-Toilet-Travel-Original/dp/B07CN6ZDVY?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=43ef7590bac7bc2d49182215b3f189c7&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Dry shampoo](https://www.amazon.com/IGK-FIRST-Charcoal-Shampoo-Travel/dp/B08VT242P7?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=1ca2acac093a2c035db657106cf4d75f&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   [Hair spray](https://www.amazon.com/IGK-Beach-Club-Texture-Spray/dp/B074WLWFWM?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=47296623c5ce4a1f775e248cee2b1356&camp=1789&creative=9325)
        
    *   Period supplies like pads, tampons, and/or [menstrual cup](https://www.amazon.com/Saalt-Soft-Menstrual-Cup-Sensitive/dp/B07RLPN947?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c1d3a7eccc14292291c6d6638837ec28&camp=1789&creative=9325) (if applicable)
        
    *   Prescription medications (if applicable)
        
    *   Contacts (if applicable)
        
    *   Condoms (if applicable)
        
*   Swimwear
    
    *   Swimsuit
        
    *   [Lightweight beach towel](https://www.amazon.com/ECCOSOPHY-Microfiber-Beach-Towel-Lightweight/dp/B09L6F2F51/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=seesawblog202-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=132b25456f576ee8aa51f40b3191872a&camp=1789&creative=9325)

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*Originally published on [SeesawTravelBlog](https://paragraph.com/@seesawtravelblog/packing-list)*