My Clothing Packing List for Europe

Donna       4 Comments on My Clothing Packing List for Europe

We previously talked about what we’ve bought for our two month European vacation. We also mentioned that we were using merino wool to simplify how much we would need to pack.

  1. Planning for Europe…
  2. Planning for Europe – Electronics
  3. Planning for Europe – Comfort & Safety
  4. Planning for Europe – Packing
  5. Planning for Europe – Electronics Take 2
  6. Planning for Europe – Laundry
  7. Planning for Europe – Personal

We will be starting in Florida in September where the temps will be in the 80s-90s. We will spend a lot of time in air conditioning on the cruise ship, not too warm during the day (inside), but can be cool in the evenings. The average temps in our European ports look to be in the 70s (maybe a little warmer or cooler). Then there is Scotland in late October. We expect cold, wind, rain and temps as low as the 40s-50s at times, probably not much higher than the upper 50s. Then we are back on a cruise headed back to Florida, arriving in November where temps could be all over the place. That means layers for Scotland, and a variety of clothes otherwise.

I’ve spent months figuring our what I should bring. I normally overpack – a lot! I’m trying to pare that down but still give me options. Here is what I have so far and yes, it will probably pare down a bit more once I practice pack. Such fun!

I started with a HUGE spreadsheet using a suggested packing list. Too cumbersome, I decided to try the Soduku method of three columns. (see below) Then I added a second row for each Soduku line, as well as the Dressy/Outerwear & Layers/Footwear/Undies & Socks levels.
Soduku Template
This is what it translates into – just another way to view what I need. Yes, I have more tops and bottoms than I probably need, we will see what happens when I actually lay it all out to pack.

I am feeling pretty good about the list. I will be taking minimal jewelry, just a couple of necklaces for dressy night cruise dinners. Over half of the items are wool and can be worn multiple days without washing. The non-wool pants have also been worn on cruises for several days without washing.

I have two pair of the Little Andy Donkey pants because the are great for the days when I have to wear the compression socks (leggings don’t work that well with them). That happens on the cruises when I am sitting and writing most of the day. The quick dry pants will be layered over the wool leggings or the wool base layer leggings in Scotland. The bike shorts are for under the gray Sierra dress (which is an above the knee length). The shorts and the PJs are merino wool.

Oh, and Stu’s list? I suspect he will just see what fits in his suitcases (but yes, lots of merino for him, too).

Ciao for now!
The McNicols

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4 thoughts on “My Clothing Packing List for Europe

  1. Jan Mains

    I love my zip off pants that unzip up the side so you don’t need to remove your shoes. I wouldn’t take slippers, just a pair of those fuzzy socks. I am able to pack for 19 days in one suitcase for international travel. Little Andy also has long sleeve convert to roll up shirts that travel well. The best thing in the world are the little zip up bags that you can organize all your clothes. I don’t use the drawers or closets with these.

    1. Donna Post author

      We used to use the zip-off pants when we were on our motorcycles and going to events. Neither of us have any and I don’t wear shorts anymore, so will pass on those.

      We are gone for two months with temps ranging from the 30s to the 90s, then factor in electronics (I will be writing on the transatlantic cruises so need my laptop & accessories), taking my camera instead of just my phone (this is a one-time adventure), and a lot of bathroom items not everyone needs (2 months of panty liners & denture tablets). It all takes up space.

      I’m iffy on the slippers but we have four nights in different B&Bs as well as three hotels, and three cruises. I usually take slipper socks but if they get wet – ugh. LOL! These slippers are foldable and small.

      We use the packing cubes all the time – one reason I end up overpacking.

    1. Donna Post author

      My two pairs of wool leggings are petite size from WoolX (out of stock right now, they should be back in before too much longer). The Little Andy Donkey fit me perfectly length wise.

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