Packing List for Europe in Spring (Carry-On Bag Only)

Spring is probably the most difficult season to pack for since the weather can change a lot from frosty early spring to hot late spring. But there’s still no need to bring a huge suitcase. Everything you need can fit in a small backpack, making it easier to move from city to city.

I live in Europe and have traveled the continent in all seasons. Usually, I travel at least for a few weeks at a time always with just one small backpack, so I had plenty of opportunities to fine-tune my packing list.

Now, I want to share my ultimate packing list for Europe in spring with you, so you can enjoy your trip with the right luggage and without the burden of carrying a heavy suitcase.

Minimalist Packing For Spring Tips

Before having a look at the items I bring on a Europe trip in spring, let’s look at some general tips to minimize your luggage:

• Find the right backpack: An expandable backpack, like the Knack Pack, is great for a spring trip. Wear your bulky outfit on the way. As temperatures rise and you wear less, expand the travel backpack to fit everything inside. Also a backpack is better for the cobblestone streets in many European cities than a suitcase.
• Choose versatile items: Pack clothes that can be worn in different combinations to create multiple outfits. This will save space and allow for more flexibility while traveling. The best way to achieve this is by selecting items in one color palette for your travel wardrobe.
• Pack layers: In spring, the weather can change quickly, so it’s important to have layers that you can add or remove as needed.
• Bring clothes for a maximum of one week: In case your European vacation is longer than one week, use the washing machine in your accommodation or look for a laundromat. It’s gonna make you feel like a local 😉
• Double-check if you need everything: Lay out everything you want to bring in front of you and really think about if you are going to need each item.

Minimalist Packing for Travel in Spring (Expandable Backpack)

Best Packing List for Europe in Spring

Minimalist Spring Wardrobe

When creating your capsule wardrobe for spring make sure you can mix and match all the items you bring. I recommend bringing the following for a spring trip:

• 1 pair of pajamas: I always wear a pajama when sleeping, so in spring I bring one with long pants and a short T-shirt.
• 3 T-shirts and 1 tank top: I bring a tank top to wear under a T-shirt in cold weather and alone in hot weather. Otherwise, I bring 3 ordinary short-sleeved T-shirts.
• 1 shirt: A flannel shirt is a great item for layering. When it’s cold I wear it underneath a sweater and on warmer days I just wear the shirt over a T-shirt.
• 1 sweater: Spring can still be very cold in Europe, so you definitely need a sweater.
• 1 fleece jacket: I wear my fleece jacket either instead of a sweater or in combination with my rain jacket as a kind of thicker jacket.
• 1 waterproof jacket: A thin rain jacket is one of the most important things for spring. It will protect you from the rain and wind.
• 1 pair of jeans: Jeans are a great versatile item, they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
• 2 skirts: I bring 2 skirts, one shorter and one longer. In early spring I wear them with tights or a legging and when it gets warmer I wear them with bare legs.
• 1 pair of leggings: Leggings are a great item for layering under skirts. You can also wear the leggings for launching around on a chill day.
• 1 pair of tights: Tights are perfect for keeping your legs warm when wearing skirts.
• 7 pairs of socks and nickers: Underwear for one week so you only have to do laundry once a week.
• 1 sports bra: I actually only wear sports bras, when I travel I bring just one, on washing day I don’t wear any.
• 1 pair of comfortable ankle boots: Chelsea boots are my go-to shoes for traveling in spring. They’re comfortable and versatile, and they are great for rainy days.
• 1 pair of water-resistant sneakers: A pair of comfortable walking shoes is an absolute must-have item.
• 1 bikini if needed: In southern Europe, it’s warm enough to swim in the ocean in late spring. In Northern Europe, you might need it for the sauna.
• 1 scarf: Bring a thin scarf to keep you warm. On warm days I use my scarf as a blanket to sit on in a park or the beach.
• 1 headband: A thin headband doesn’t take up much space in your luggage but it can keep your ears warm on cold days.

Toiletries

Pack only the essentials when it comes to toiletries. I don’t wear make-up or deodorant so my essential travel toiletries are really just the essentials. If you do wear make-up, try to bring as little as possible. Some must-haves for a spring vacation include:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo, and body wash: Bring solid products so you don’t have a problem at airport security.
• Facial cream
• Body butter: Especially if you have dry skin, this is a must-have for colder days.
• Razor
• Sunscreen: Even though it’s not yet summer, the sun can still be strong in spring.
• Hairbrush
• Lip balm
• Reusable swab
• Tweezers, nail clippers, and nail file
• Menstrual products

Electronics

Pack only essential electronic devices for your trip. Bring items you’ll actually use, such as:

• Phone: Make sure it’s unlocked so you can use a local SIM card if needed.
• Travel adapter: Different countries in Europe have different outlets, so make sure you have an adapter that will work for all the countries you’re visiting.
• Power bank: In case you’re out all day and need to charge your phone.
• E-book reader: For those times when you just want to relax and read a book.
• Headphones: For listening to music or podcasts while traveling.
• Laptop: I always bring my laptop since I work while traveling, chances are you don’t need one on your holiday.
• Charging devices

Other Items

There are a few other essential items that come in handy on a spring trip to Europe:

• Reusable water bottle: Save money and the environment by bringing a reusable water bottle. My bottle doesn’t keep the water inside cool but it’s very light.
• Day pack: Bring a small backpack or crossbody bag for day trips.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes on sunny days.
• Medication and supplements: Bring any necessary medication and supplements with you.
• Travel insurance: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance, for example with SafetyWing, just in case of any unexpected events.
• Passport and important documents: Make sure you have all necessary travel documents such as your passport and visa (if required).
• Wallet: Bring your debit card or credit card for purchases, make sure to check your bank’s conditions for foreign currencies.

Final Thoughts: Europe Packing List Spring

Remember, when it comes to packing, less is more. Pack only what you need and choose items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits.

It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast for your destination before packing, so you can adjust accordingly but be prepared for unexpected changes in weather.

For a handy reminder of everything you’ll need, download my comprehensive packing checklist and hit the road with confidence!

Read More:

• Minimalist Packing Checklist for Women
• Ultimate Minimalist Packing List For Women
• 13 Easy Minimalist Packing Tips for Travel
• Minimalist Packing For Winter For Women
• Best Tips for Minimalist Toiletries for Travelling
• My 13 Favourite Minimalist Travel Accessories
• Best Minimalist Shoes for Travel: Comfortable & Stylish
• Best Minimalist Backpacks for Travel (Carry-On Size)
• Packing List for Europe in Spring (Carry-On Bag Only)
• Honest TrustedHousesitters Review + Tips & Discount Code
• An Honest Suri Toothbrush Review
• Can I Bring A Water Bottle On A Plane? Bring a Reusable One!
• Can You Take an Electric Toothbrush on a Plane? Yes!

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