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Nathan with luggage

Packing cab be an overwhelming part of a family vacation especially if it’s your first time to Europe. You’re not sure what to expect weather-wise or culturally, plus you have kids to pack for. You don’t want to be over burdened with too many bags, but you want to make sure everyone has everything they need. Here’s a couple of tips and some lists to help you pack for your family vacation to Europe.

1. Pack what you think you will need, then cut it in half.
2. Pack one week’s worth of clothes and find launderettes along the way.
3. Cotton/synthetic blends don’t wrinkle as much and dry faster than 100% cotton. Many synthetic material clothes also have moisture wicking advantages and sometimes have sun protection built into them.
4. Various climates mean you need the utmost of flexibility. Think layers, layers layers!!

Packing for one-week in Ireland, England, Scotland and Northern Europe

Check out our Packing Ideas for Family Vacation in Europe for a better description of the below items.

• 3 pairs pants (or shorts depending on your heat tolerance level..convertible pants that zip off to shorts offers the greatest flexibility) (Women/girls can also add a pair of leggings)
• 6 t-shirts/tank tops
• 2 button down layering shirts (or long sleeve t-shirts)
• 1 – 2 dresses/skirts for women/girls (if desired) depending on your planned activities
• 1 lightweight sweater/sweatshirt
• 1 lightweight fleece
• 1 lightweight rain jacket
• 1 travel umbrella
• 7 pairs underwear and 3 bras
• 6 pairs socks
• 1 pair pajamas (can also use athletic shorts/pants to sleep in)
• 2 pairs shoes – 1 good walking/hiking shoe, 1 sturdy sandal
• 1 – 2 lightweight scarves – great for covering eyes on plane as well
• 1 hat (you may want a beanie for cooler mornings and a sun hat for warmer days)
• 1 belt
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• Prescription medications and glasses

Packing list for Mediterranean/Southern Europe

• 3 pairs pants (shorts can be substituted, but you will have to cover up in churches…convertible pants that zip off to shorts offers the greatest flexibility)
• 6 t-shirts/tank tops
• 1 lightweight button down for layering
• 1 – 2 dresses/skirts for women/girls (if desired) depending on your planned activities
• 1 lightweight sweater (very lightweight for the south!)
• 7 pairs underwear and 3 bras
• 5 pairs socks
• 1 pair pajamas (can also use athletic shorts/pants to sleep in)
• 2 pairs shoes – 1 good walking/hiking shoe, 1 sturdy sandal (can also throw in a good pair of flip flops)
• 1 – 2 lightweight scarves – great for covering eyes on plane as well
• 1 sun hat
• 1 belt
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• Prescription medications and glasses

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