It seemed
like a fantasy to travel solo across Europe for a month, until I had to start
packing.
Nothing
properly prepared me for the reality of living out of a backpack
for 30 days, despite the hours I spent reading packing tips and watching
YouTube videos.
What I packed, what I liked, what I never used, and what I wish I had with me are all broken down here in all their rawness and honesty.
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| Packing for 30 Days Alone in Europe |
Why I Chose to Travel Solo Through Europe
I had been
thinking about traveling solo for years. I desired freedom, development, and
the opportunity to learn on my own terms.
Europe seemed
like a secure and broad option because of its well-connected cities, vibrant
culture, and abundance of independent female travelers to look up to.
I organized a
flexible 30-day vacation that included stops in Italy, France, Germany, the
Netherlands, and a few undiscovered destinations.
The hardest
part, however, was packing wisely before the expedition started.
My Packing Strategy - Lightweight, Practical, and Versatile
I was
concerned about bringing just a carry-on backpack. I wanted to move freely and
easily, not just to escape the trouble of flying.
My strategy
was straightforward; everything I packed needed to have several uses.
I questioned
myself,
- Will I wear this more than once?
- Can it be layered for different climates?
- Is it easy to wash and dry?
- Can I mix and match it?
What Worked (And I’d Pack Again)
1. Packing Cubes
The game was
modified by these. They made it simple to find items and kept my backpack
organized.
I used three
- one for electronics, one for clothing, and one for underwear.
2. Merino Wool T-Shirts
It is
odor-resistant, lightweight, breathable, and ideal for layering. I had no
trouble wearing them in both hot and cold conditions.
3. Lightweight Rain Jacket
Unexpected
rain fell in Amsterdam and Paris. This jacket prevented me from getting wet by
acting as a windbreaker.
4. Universal Travel Adapter
I could
charge all of my devices simultaneously if there were multiple USB ports. Little
yet necessary.
5. Comfortable Walking Shoes
I brought one
pair of sneakers that were neutral. Wore them every day. No discomfort, no
blisters. My most-used item without a doubt.
6. Reusable Water Bottle with Filter
In addition
to saving me money, this kept me hydrated. Particularly useful in locations
where the tap water was safe to drink but tasted strongly.
7. Small Crossbody Bag
On busy metro
rides and day outings, it kept my necessities safe and accessible. With it, I
never felt in danger.
What Didn’t Work (And I Regret Packing)
1. Too Many Dresses
I wore two
and brought four. Even though they were fashionable, they weren't the best for
long walks or chilly weather. One would have been enough for me.
2. Heavy Travel Guidebook
I rarely
opened it, yet it felt romantic to bring it along. Travel applications,
Pinterest, and Google Maps were far more helpful.
3. Hair Straightener
It was
originally used for a Florence dinner night. I tied my hair up or let it air
dry for the rest of the time. The weight is not worth it.
4. Backup Jeans and Extra Toiletries
I left the
second pair of jeans untouched. Instead of carrying additional necessities, I
could have easily purchased what I needed overseas.
What I Wish I Had Packed
1. Travel Laundry Kit
Hand washing
would have been simpler and I would have needed less clothes if I had a tiny
detergent container and a sink stopper.
2. Silk Sleep Sack
While some
hostels featured rough mattresses, others were clean. This would have brought
comfort and peace of mind.
3. Compact Power Bank
During
lengthy day travels, my phone died multiple times. I could have avoided those
tense situations if I had a portable power bank.
My Refined Packing List for 30 Days
3 top (2 merino wool, 1 cotton)
2 pants (1 jeans, 1 lightweight joggers)
1 jumpsuit
2 dresses (only one needed)
1 rain jacket
1 hoodie
5 pairs of underwear and 2 bras
1 pair of comfortable sneakers
Minimal toiletries
Crossbody day bag
Travel adapter and charger
Kindle and phone
Backpack (40L)
Packing cubes
The Biggest Lesson I Learned
Every item in
your bag matters when you're traveling solo. You feel happier when you carry
less.
I came to see
that packing well is about making your journey easier and more transparent, not
just about saving space.
It didn't
take much for me to feel secure, assured, and eager to explore. What I did
require was adaptability, curiosity, and flexibility.
Your Turn
Do you want to travel solo across Europe? Are you unsure of what to bring or what to leave behind?
Please feel
free to post any queries or packing tips in the comments section.
Tell us what
you're bringing with you, folks.
