2025 Euro-Summer Adventure
Hi Friends,
This summer, I packed up my two girls, my husband, and—somehow—my sanity—for a family trip to Europe. We each had just one carry-on and one backpack. Yep, four humans. Three countries. ZERO checked bags. And guess what? We not only survived… we thrived!
Here are my Top 3 Packing Tips (equal parts practical, comical, and heart-soaked):
This summer, I packed up my two girls, my husband, and—somehow—my sanity—for a family trip to Europe. We each had just one carry-on and one backpack. Yep, four humans. Three countries. ZERO checked bags. And guess what? We not only survived… we thrived!
Here are my Top 3 Packing Tips (equal parts practical, comical, and heart-soaked):
🌀 1. Roll, Don’t Fold (Seriously, Trust Me)
Folding clothes is cute… until you realize you can only fit half your wardrobe. Rolling clothes is the secret weapon. Add thin, breathable fabrics and suddenly—magic—you can fit 10-12 outfits without looking like you robbed Target.
And during Europe’s summer heatwave? Those light materials were lifesavers.
(Paris in 100° = sweat equity.)
🎒 2. The Backpack = The Survival Kit
Each backpack became a personal treasure chest:
- Headphones 🎧(for consideration of others & to avoid angry stares)
- Snacks 🍫 (to prevent “hangry” moments)
- A book and/or iPad 📚(for alone time, quiet time, train rides and a read before bed)
- And affirmation cards, because positive vibes belong in transit too ✨
This meant fewer meltdowns—for my kids and for me.
- Headphones 🎧(for consideration of others & to avoid angry stares)
- Snacks 🍫 (to prevent “hangry” moments)
- A book and/or iPad 📚(for alone time, quiet time, train rides and a read before bed)
- And affirmation cards, because positive vibes belong in transit too ✨
This meant fewer meltdowns—for my kids and for me.
👗 3. Outfit Planning = Sanity Saving
Before we left, I pre-planned every OUTFIT—yes, right down to the hair ties and socks.
Result? Less “MOM, I don’t know what to wear!” and more time to enjoy croissants 🥐.
Plus, my girls felt empowered to dress themselves. Confidence in action!
💛 Final Thought:
Traveling light wasn’t just about luggage—it was about letting go of extra “stuff” so we could soak up the joy of being together and exploring new places and cultures. The best souvenirs weren’t things (although those were collected as well AND did not require extra storage), but memories. My daughters saw a mom who was prepared, present, and ready for adventure. And that, to me, is power.
Traveling light wasn’t just about luggage—it was about letting go of extra “stuff” so we could soak up the joy of being together and exploring new places and cultures. The best souvenirs weren’t things (although those were collected as well AND did not require extra storage), but memories. My daughters saw a mom who was prepared, present, and ready for adventure. And that, to me, is power.
✨ Ready to bring this kind of light-travel, big-memory energy home?
Shop Our Affirmation fits → https://2ndcitypsych.com/collections
Travel-ready, kid-approved, and guaranteed to spark confidence wherever life takes you.
Shop Our Affirmation fits → https://2ndcitypsych.com/collections
Travel-ready, kid-approved, and guaranteed to spark confidence wherever life takes you.