How to Pack for a Trip Across The Pond
In less than 24 hours, I will be embarking on my first European adventure, and I could not be more excited!! I have dreamed of going to Europe for years and feel so lucky that I finally get the opportunity to go. I feel even luckier knowing I get to see three of my closest friends while on this trip as well! One of my best friends is studying abroad in Limerick, Ireland this fall, and my journey across the pond wouldn’t have been possible without her encouragement (so thank you, Sarah!)
Here is my itinerary of the next 13 days:
PDX → JFK (8-hour layover that I purposely scheduled so I could spend the afternoon with one of my best friends who recently moved to Manhattan!) → Ireland (4 days) → Paris, France (3 days) → London, England (4 days) → PDX.
Of course, when I began to think about this trip several months ago, all I could imagine was how many amazing outfits I would want to sport in these fashionable European cities. However, after booking multiple flights and not wanting to spend $300+ on checked baggage fees, I was forced to think realistically about packing… meaning I needed to pack for 13 days in nothing but a carry-on…. WHAT?? IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!
Well, come to find out it is. I am so proud to say that I have sifted through my closet numerous times and chosen only the most worthy of clothing articles to fit into my teeny-tiny 55cm x 40 cm x 20cm (very strict measurements bolded and highlighted on Ryanair’s website) leopard print carry-on suitcase.
Okay, I’m being dramatic, but I did have to be very strategic in my wardrobe planning, especially because the weather in Europe can be pretty cold and rainy this time of year. Here’s what I managed to fit inside my carry-on:
- 1 leather jacket
- 1 rain coat
- 1 peacoat
- 5 tops
- 2 sweaters
- 3 dresses
- 2 pairs of leggings
- 2 pairs of pants
- 2 skirts
- 2 scarves
- 4 pairs of shoes (2 pairs of Nikes, 1 pair of boots, 1 pair of heels)
- 1 blue wig (I’ll be there for Halloween but couldn’t fit a costume) and
- all necessary undergarments & socks.
About half of the articles I packed are black, which means I’ll fit in perfectly in France. Most of the other articles are solid and neutral-colored, and can be easily layered or mix-and-matched to create multiple different outfits. And I know that I’ll be very thankful I don’t have to lug around a huge, heavy suitcase. So instead of spending a ridiculous amount of money on baggage fees, I’ll be able to use that money towards shopping in Paris or more beer in an Irish pub. Sounds much better to me!
I cannot wait to share my adventures from the next two weeks. Stay tuned for some amazing scenery & landmark shots, travel tips, outfits pics & a good story or two!
As always, thank you for reading! XOXO
