For any first time backpacker, backpacking through Europe can be the trip of a lifetime. Most people want to retain all of the comforts of home on the road, which can lead to severe over packing. Not only do you need to trim down the list of things to bring with you, it all needs to be neatly organized for easy access throughout the trip. The last thing you want to do is feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, with a backpack filled with several pairs of shoes and other non-essentials.
My general rule is to lay out everything you want to take, and then cut it in half. You’ll have plenty of time to do laundry, so putting out 10-15 days worth of outfits and shoe combinations isn’t necessary. Clothing should be breathable, plain, and comfortable. You’re going to want things that you can wear again and again, so make sure you bring clothes that are easily matched with other parts of your outfit (if you’re a fashionista)! Depending on the weather, bring a variety of types of clothing rather than a bunch of the same thing. Be sure to pack t-shirts, a polo, a long sleeve, shorts, a pair of pants, swimwear, underwear, socks, and other basic categories of clothes.
Another thing people commonly bring that they don’t need is a pillow. One can be bought for cheap if you really need it, but you’ll have plenty of places to rest your head at night. A lot of people bring candy, junk food, or other food items they won’t need. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to grab local snacks for cheap while you’re there, and food items you bring from home can get smashed or go bad while you’re on your trip. Instead of bringing an umbrella, bring a waterproof jacket that won’t take up much space, or a reusable poncho.
For things that are necessities, a good pair of walking or hiking shoes can make or break your trip. You’ll primarily be gallivanting around and you’ll want your feet to feel fantastic after a long day touring around. Another thing you’ll want to have are Ziploc bags — I’ve been saved many times by putting things that shouldn’t get wet (passport, paperwork, electronics) in Ziploc bags. Along the same lines, I enjoy a trek-type towel (microfiber) that can absorb a lot of water and isn’t terribly bulky. Another way to save space is to get a collapsible water bottle. This will allow you to stay hydrated throughout the day, and when it’s not filled with liquid, it won’t take up very much space in whatever bag you have. Personally, I love a great pair of sunglasses because you’ll be running around all day and you don’t want your eyes to get tired squinting at the amazing sites you’ll take in. Also, I’m big into photography so I won’t go anywhere without my camera. Going along the theme of electronics, make sure you have a universal converter to be able to plug them into whatever wall outlet is available. One thing people usually forget is some toilet paper — you never know when you’re going to need it, so it’s nice to have it around just in case.
Honestly, there’s a ton written about what to take and what to leave at home while you’re on the road. The key is to leave expensive items at home, don’t bring things you might only use once or twice, bring clothes that don’t make you stand out and attract unwanted attention, bring a bag that’s inconspicuous and doesn’t provide an easy target for thieves, and make sure you bring essential stuff for yourself (medicine, documents, sunblock, etc.). By lightening up your travel backpack, you leave more opportunity to bring awesome souvenirs home from abroad — isn’t that what it’s all about?
