Hi, friends! Today we have a packing list for a trip to Europe—and MORE! Earlier this summer, some members of the PMT Style Club asked for packing lists to accompany the Summer Wardrobe & Outfit Guides. Since some of the PMT team members were already busy researching and preparing for our own upcoming trips, we were on it!
We created packing lists for THREE destinations, including a packing list for a trip to Europe, to the beach, and for a cruise! They will be posted here on the blog throughout the rest of the summer, but in case you can’t wait to get your hands on them, we created a free downloadable PDF for all three lists, including checklists and shopping links! You can get the packing lists and shopping links for all three destinations at once by filling out this form to download your copy, or by filling out the form at the bottom of this post!
Today, I want to introduce you to one of my teammates, Cecilia, who is sharing her packing list for a trip to Europe! If you have been wondering what to pack for a trip to Europe, she’s here to help you out. She just got back from Portugal! I’ll let Cecilia take it from here.
What to Pack for a Trip to Europe
PMT team member Cecilia here! Earlier last year, our family encountered an impassable opportunity to house- and dog-sit for some friends of ours in Portugal while they vacationed. So here we are, packing our bags for 12 days in Porto and Lisbon!
When making my packing list, I considered:
- Activities: My kids are 11, almost-8, and just-6, so they’re old enough to keep up with all the usual touristy things, but still young enough that we have to consider their stamina and interests. That means lots of walking (but no serious hikes), sightseeing, time at the beach, and visiting shops and restaurants (but nothing fancy).
- Weather and climate: Porto and Lisbon are coastal, so temps will be fairly moderate in the 70s and climb to the low 90s (with humidity! 😬). Rainy days are not uncommon. Clothes to keep cool with options for layering will be key!
- Culture: I remember this from a past trip to Europe and then verified with my friend who currently lives in Porto: Unlike in the U.S., it’s uncommon for adults to wear shorts or bare their shoulders (except during outdoor activities or at the beach). Churches and cathedrals may require hemlines past the knees and shoulders to be covered. I kept this in mind when packing my own bags, but in reality, especially in the touristy areas, I don’t think it’s too big of a deal.
- Duration: 12 days
- Other considerations:
- Cobblestones and steep slopes in Portugal will require comfy, supportive shoes.
- We are not checking in luggage, so I have to pack minimally!
- But our apartment will have laundry! (So, yay! I won’t have to pack *that* minimally. 😜)
The result is a capsule wardrobe that is casual and comfortable (but is still nice enough for all the gorgeous photo ops I’m already planning!), and will be VERSATILE, taking us from rain to the beach!
It’ll be our family’s first international trip, so we’re nervous and excited. (I’m nervous; they’re excited.) So in addition to the usual travel items, I added some fun logic games for the kids and some help-I’m-traveling-with-three-
I hope this list helps you, in case you’re also planning a trip out to Europe sometime soon! Tchau!
Packing List for a Trip to Europe
Bottoms: 3-5
- 2 lightweight neutral pants
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 printed skirt (optional)
- 1 pair of activewear shorts (optional)
Tops: 6
- 2 neutral colored tops
- 2 printed tops
- 2 solid colored tops
Note: I made this packing list before heading on the trip. Now that I’m back, I only needed 5 tops instead of 6, especially if I’m bringing two dresses. It was plenty!
Layers:
- light jacket, preferably with a hood
- neutral cardigan
- light layer
Note: Now that I’m back from the trip, I would have just brought my cardigan OR my light sweater, not both. Having the light jacket was sufficient to layer when needed.
Dresses: 1 or 2
Choose dresses that work for everyday casual wear and that can be dressed up when needed!
Shoes:
- white sneakers
- comfy sandals
- waterproof/beach sandals (optional)
Note: Comfy sandals with a heel strap would be ideal for lots of walking, especially up hills.
Other Notable Items:
There are lots of other notable items that we brought on our trip, and you can find them all listed in the free downloadable checklist and in the shopping links below!
Shop the Packing List for a Trip to Europe
Shop Bottoms:
Shop Tops + Layers + Swimsuits:
Shop Dresses + Skirts:
Shop Shoes + Accessories + Bags:
Shop Other Notable Items:
Grab your free Packing Checklists:
Europe, a Cruise, and the Beach!
