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How To Pack for Europe in a Backpack

The thought of losing my luggage on a solo trip to Ireland scared me to death.

This prompted me to research exactly what I needed for 11 days with doing no laundry.

I watched every YouTube video and read Rick Steves like my life depended on it.


CHOOSE A BACKPACK THAT CAN BE EXPANDABLE, FUNCTIONAL, AND ONE THAT CAN FIT UP THE SIZE OF 22 X 14 X 9 INCHES.

I settled on an expandable backpack from Amazon. https://amzn.to/3ZhvVyk

It worked perfectly. I also highly recommend a quality set of packing cubes. (I opted for a cheap set and have since upgraded). You will never see me travel without them. They can also be found on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3yfzYza I advise learning how to roll your clothes


Taking a backpack also gives you a great sense of freedom. If you are traveling solo it helps when having to use the bathroom with no one to watch your bags. (Something I had not thought of prior to my first solo trip)


I had a moment when I was afraid that my bulging backpack would not fit in the silver stand where they measure your carry on prior to boarding the plane. I squished it down in and breathed a sigh of relief when it fit snuggly in.


Ireland is 52 degrees plus or minus 10 all year. You don't really sweat, so you can bring layers and wear your pants and outer shirts more than once. I bought inexpensive under shirts which were easily washed and hung dry in my rooms. I packed 1 pair of walking shoes, 1 pair of athletic sandals for kayaking, and 1 pair of wedges. You don't need big heavy boots. I wore great pants from Columbia https://amzn.to/3mr0e7m and Kuhl. Both are super comfortable, water-resistant and look nice dressed up or down. Add layers, a down vest (I prefer Eddie Bauer), and a high quality rain coat. https://amzn.to/3ZAVSJ0. https://amzn.to/3mr0e7m and Kuhl. Both are super comfortable, water-resistant and look nice dressed up or down. Add layers, a down vest (I prefer Eddie Bauer), and a high quality rain coat. https://amzn.to/3ZAVSJ0 .

I also swear by Smartwool socks for women https://amzn.to/3kJsr8K They cost a little more but trust me, they are worth every penny.

Pick a fun scarf and you are set.


Here is the best part of this story. The minute I landed in Dublin, with my backpack, I headed straight for the local department store and bought an inexpensive piece of rolling luggage. That's right. I knew I would be buying things and moving from town to town. The backpack was just to make sure that my luggage did not get lost and that I didn't pack anything unnecessary. The luggage was only $40 and worked perfectly.


Remember, if you forget something. You can always buy it.








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