Packing For: Backpacking Around Europe

Packing For: Backpacking Around Europe by rionadoherty featuring a straw hat

On the 1st July, two friends and I are setting off to backpack around Europe for 2 weeks. First stop Budapest, then Prague, Berlin and Amsterdam. We're Interrailing but cheating the system by flying to Budapest first, thus only activating our 10 day train pass when leaving Budapest. We leave next Monday and  this Polyvore collage is literally as close as I've got to actual preparation for the trip.

Obviously the one major thing (that I've completely left out) is a Duke of Edinburgh-style backpack. When packing for travelling, the most important things to remember are:

• Does this go with several outfits? If you're not gonna wear it at least 3 times, don't bother.
• Can I layer it?
• Is it lightweight?

I LOVE denim but don't think I'll be bringing my dungarees. And I'll have to limit myself to only one pair of jeans, probably my Topshop Moms.

But here are my other picks... (going clockwise)

a) a nondescript wide brim floppy straw hat (the hat featured above is an overpriced one from Nordstrom). Straw because it's lightweight, won't make you hot and straw hat can get creased in the backpack and usually spring back into shape. To chic it up a bit you could tie a scarf around the brim, Breakfast At Tiffany's Sing-Sing-Prison-visiting style.

b) A bralet. Again, lightweight and just so easy to wear and layer. Also perfect with high waisted shorts, skirts etc.

c) A duffle bag. Not a necessity but I just LOVE this tribal festival style one from Accessorize. This one also has pockets inside and duffle bags generally are ideal for travelling - spacious, stylish and easy to hang onto and open.

d) A midi smock dress. Ridiculously comfortable and lightweight, can be dressed up or down and it's an entire outfit. I especially love the flowy shape of this one on ASOS.

e) A print pair of shorts is also a must, again very light to pack and a high waisted pair like these can easily be paired with a crop top.

f) A pleated midi skirt. This ASOS skirt comes in cream or green and is high waisted enough to wear with a crop top - I think it goes great with a denim bralet and ballet flats. Daytime look = sorted. I would say if you buy this skirt, that it is very see-through so investing in some sort of slip or thick nude underwear-shorts is essential.

g) A kimono. Kimonos are going to be huge this summer and are the ultimate beach cover up. This Topshop number can be dressed up or down, unlike some which are really only suitable for the beach. 

h) A bumbag. A seriously 'dad' accessory, but an essential nonetheless, and probably the most secure way to keep your phone and money on you. You can also sleep with it in your hostels. This studded one from Pieces (via ASOS) adds a modern edge to the 90s it bag.

i) Ballerina flats. The comfort of standard ballet flats, PLUS adorable leg ties that can be shown off with a midi skirt. Win win. The Office link I used on Polyvore was actually out of stock, but Miss Selfridge have sold them from time to time, and if you're really desperate you could go to a proper ballet outlet.

j) A hoodie. Whilst I'm not a huge fan of the drawstring hoodies that everyone in the UK seems to own (I can't help but think of Cher Lloyd), they're comfy and therefore ideal for travelling. I can't imagine the night time 8 hour train rides from country to country being too warm, or comfortable. The hoodie featured is an oversized Topshop one but I'd probably just pick up a cheapy Primark one.

k) A fail safe evening dress - specifically, a landscape dress. Landscape designs are HUGE at the moment and H&M have released an absolute steal for £15, when they used to only really be sold by more expensive shops such as American Apparel. The cut out design on the back also makes it stand out.

l) Comfortable but stylish sandals. You definitely won't be taking heels with you so a stylish pair of flats is essential for the evenings. This Accessorize pair are £29 and can work in the daytime as well as the evening.

m) A crop top. Invest in basic colour crop tops, they can be matched with other items so so easily.

n) A vest. Vests are also easy to wear when crop tops aren't an option, they can be tucked into anything, or in this case the 'extreme swing' fit looks great with print leggings or shorts.

I did this with backpacking in mind, but I'd say it's a generally good guide line for most holidays.

Where are you off to this summer?

Bises,

Riona