Packing For 2 Weeks In Europe

I've been so lucky to have more than a few trips to Europe, all lasting around 2 weeks. Each time I go, my packing gets more organized and thorough. I'd love to share my packing tips with you!

First step is to make a list. I'm a huge fan of lists. Like, really huge fan. I make at least one list a day. It's bad. But so gratifying to cross things off and feel accomplished.

2 weeks in Europe list:

// CLOTHING
4 tops to rotate out
2 pairs of pants/leggings
2 dresses
2 scarfs
2 pairs of extremely comfy shoes (socks if necessary)
2 sets of pj's
All the undies you need - I completely purposely over-pack undies. You. Just. Never. Know.
(Essentially, I pack 6 outfits - roughly half the days I'm going to be there. And do a wash at a hotel. Or just re-wear stuff - it's vacation - who cares!)

// TOILETTRIES (all travel-size)
Toothbrush/paste/floss
Hairbrush/accessories (I bring a few extra pony-tail holders and bobby pins)
Deodorant
Glasses/Contacts/Saline
Makeup (super minimal...for vacations I only bring foundation, eye liner, and mascara)
Nail clipper/file
Baby wipes (beyond important for those busy touristy days in the summer when you're not sure when you'll get back to the hotel for a shower)
Dry Shampoo
Mouthwash (for when you try something new, yet it wreaks of disgustingness...always carried in my purse!)
Q-tips
Razors/tweezer (2 weeks is a long time!!)
Hand sanitizer
Lotion
Any medicine (I always pack some ibuprofen just in case!)
Bandaids*
Tide Stick*
Sunscreen*
Feminine hygiene products (even if you're not anticipating it, bring some!)
(Most hotels will have face wash, shampoo, conditioner, and soap, so I don't ever pack those. If a hotel doesn't have them, they're easy and cheap to just pick up at a pharmacy!)
*these are all things I bring when I'm traveling with students...someone is bound to get a paper cut and think it's the end of the world. Or spill spaghetti sauce on themselves and be too embarrassed to move until it's cleaned up. Ms. C to the rescue ;)

// ELECTRONICS
Phone & 2 chargers
Camera & 2 batteries
Adapter
(Depending if there's a lot of travel between cities, I might bring my iPad, loaded with a couple of books and movies. If not, I don't bring it - the least amount of weight is best!)

// MISCELLANEOUS
Water bottle
Sunglasses
Gum/Mints
Headphones
Tissues
A journal and a pen
Chapstick
Deck of cards
Sleepy eye mask!
Neck pillow for the plane
Laundry soap (I use these and they're amazing!)

// THE MOST IMPORTANT STUFF EVER
Passport
Secondary ID
Insurance Card
Debit Card
Currency

Yes, I actually fit this ALL into a standard carry-on luggage, and a backpack! With room to spare for souvenirs! :)

The second thing I do, which is what makes it all work so well, is outfit prep. I lay out outfits for each day - every single item I need, and make sure it's an outfit I want to wear, and can cross-match stuff. This has seriously saved me so much room in suitcases, it's unbelievable. (See above photo for reference)

The third and last thing I do is mock-pack it all! I pack EVERYTHING. I pretend I'm leaving that day, and I just pack it all up, ready to walk out the door. It's not fun thinking you'll just pack in the morning, and you've totally left enough room for your makeup bag...and then the morning comes and your suitcase just.won't.zip.

And voila! 2 weeks in a suitcase and small backpack. Easy to navigate the stone pathways of Rome :)

What are your packing tips? Share in the comments!

xo, Jaclyn