How I'm packing for 3 weeks in Europe... in this bag
This is my new backpack! It matches my primary-based outfit, feels great, and has lots of pockets inside! Here’s the Amazon link for anyone interested!
My boyfriend received an internship in Portugal, and I can hardly be expected to go a few days without him, much less his whole 8 weeks overseas. For 3 weeks, I’m going to travel to Europe and see him each weekend I’m there. :)
So how am I going to do that with one little backpack? And why?
I’ve been interested in minimalism for almost 6 months now, and actually just presented a project on the topic as my rhetoric final. I’m looking forward to only have to carry around this little bag, not waiting for baggage claim, and having everything I need in one place.
Things that help:
I stopped using shampoo. Grotty! I have super oily hair. Grottier! I decided to use charcoal soap to absorb the oil. My hair, though a little drier, had no volume! I was told to stop using volumizing products, as they can actually weigh down hair. So I did. And my hair is poofy as ever, with only charcoal soap and a comb! No blow-drying, no bristly brush, no mousse, no powder. So I’m only taking a bar of soap, a case, and a wood comb to Europe.
I don’t wear makeup or jewelry. I mean, being a natural pizza face (oily hair, oily face, c’est la vie), I use foundation to cover blemishes. But since I’ve cut down on soda, my sugar intake has been lowered exponentially and I no longer get bulging whiteheads as a result. I also have contacts, but am opting not to bring them, so as not to bring the case and solution bottle. (I wear glasses.)
Everywhere I’m staying has laundry services and towels. Whether Air BnB or hostel, I’m covered for washing the few clothing articles I’m bringing and I can use their towels as well.
I made a capsule wardrobe. It consists of:
2 red shirts
2 white shirts
Blue jeans
Thin grey jeans
Swimsuit
Red hoodie
Grey jacket (Yes, 2 jackets. England be cold, yo.)
Grey tennis shoes
Flip-flops for the hostel shower
I’m not bringing a laptop. I considered renting a tablet for the trip, but we’ll see.
Those things are what really allow for me to travel so lightly.
So, without further ado, here is the list of what I am bringing:
Capsule wardrobe mentioned before
Socks and undergarments
Charcoal soap for hair and body
BPA-free, partially-recycled soap travel case
Bamboo toothbrush with travel cap
Travel toothpaste
Pen
Wood comb
Menstrual cup
Cell charger
External charger
Voltage converter (European and UK)
Passport and case
Hand sanitizer
Homemade deodorant in a 2oz jar
And in my jacket pocket and backpack’s side pockets:
Cellphone
Carmex
Headphones
Hankie
Wattle bottle (rare refills in Europe- drink water, y’all)
Boarding passes
As you can see, the bag isn’t even full, so I’m free to bring a few extra shirts, bring snacks, or pick up some postcards to bring back!