Summer Packing 

When traveling on a budget, you’re often very limited in how much luggage you can bring. On flights from the US to Europe with basic economy, you can usually take a backpack and a carry-on, but within the US, you’re often restricted to just a backpack or personal item. Packing strategically in these scenarios is key, especially when you’re planning to explore so much.

Luckily, packing for summer is one of the easiest things to manage thanks to lighter layers and minimal clothing. That said, your packing list can vary depending on the landscapes you’re exploring. Whether you’re roaming cities, lounging along the coast, or hiking mountain trails (or doing all three in one trip), it’s totally doable with the right approach.

One summer, I had plans to do just that: beach days, hikes, and city exploring. The good news? Packing for a trip like this is way more manageable than it sounds. A lot of pieces double up, for example, what I wear in the city can easily work as a beach cover-up, and swimsuits take up almost no space.

Here are some packing tips if you’re limited on space and traveling with just a backpack and a carry-on:

Travel tip: Rolling carry-ons aren’t always ideal when navigating cobblestone streets or hopping on and off public transport. I recommend investing in a spacious travel backpack. My friends used the Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L while exploring Europe and loved it.

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Beach Essentials

Bring a light, foldable beach bag that can squeeze into your main backpack. I use a Free People reusable shopping bag, example here, that rolls up into a ball but expands to hold everything I need:

• A book
• Sunscreen
• Two towels – Nabaji towels will be your best friend
• Sunglasses
  

Beach Packing List:

• 3–4 bathing suits
• 2 button-downs
• 2 lounge shorts
• Face sunscreen (buy bigger body sunscreen once at destination)
• Flip flops (beach shoes)
• Sandals (for dinners)
• Sneakers (for walking when not on the beach)
• 2 linen pants
• 2 nice tops
• 3 t-shirts
• 2 denim shorts
  

Your main backpack should double as your hiking pack, too. 

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City Exploring

City days = a lot of walking. Choose your sneakers wisely. I swear by my Adidas sneakers for city walking, they’re stylish and supportive.

What to wear:

• Linen pants + a mix of tank tops and basic tees (perfect for warm weather)
• Loose or denim shorts paired with button-downs for a casual but polished look
• Avoid heavy denim jeans—trust me, you won’t wear them. Instead, go for long skirts, loose shorts, or flowy linen pants.
• Sandals do not make the perfect city shoe option, cute trendy sneakers complete the look!

Shoe Recommendations:

• adidas VL Court 3.0 Sneakers
• adidas Breaknet Sleek Sneaker

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Hiking & Adventure Days

How much hiking you’re doing will determine how much gear to bring. If hiking is the focus, you may only need a few outfits for dinners or beach dips.

Shoes matter!
I’m not a hardcore hiker, but for light hikes, Adidas NMDs were perfect. For more intense hikes, do your research and get proper hiking shoes.

Cooler altitudes:
Pack a lightweight, comfy sweatshirt. If you’re hiking somewhere like Chamonix and heading up Mont Blanc, you’ll definitely want that extra layer.

What I packed for hiking:

• 1 pair of biker shorts
• 1 pair of leggings
• 2 athletic shorts
• 3 athletic tops (Amazon tank top/tee dupes!)
• Sneakers
  

Packing tip: Water bottles take up a lot of space. Use a foldable one or just grab one from a grocery store once you land. That’s my go-to.

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Clothing Recap (Fits in Carry-On or Backpack)

• Bathing suits (3)
• Denim shorts (2)
• Flowy/lounge shorts (3)
• Linen pants (2)
• Button-downs (3)
• Pajamas (2 sets — t-shirt & shorts)
• Short sleeve tops (3)
• Dress (2)
• Sets (2) —Bringing sets is a bonus to mix and match with other clothing pieces
• Workout outfits (2) — I love the one-piece biker short sets + athletic shorts & tanks
• Towel (1)
• Sunglasses (1)
• Sneakers (2 pairs) — one for hiking, one for everyday
• Sandals or flip-flops (or both—up to you!)

When I traveled for the first time, I had no idea what to pack, or how to pack light without leaving something important behind. It took some trial and error, but now I’ve found a rhythm that works, no matter the destination. I hope this guide gave you some helpful insight on how to pack smart, travel light, and still be prepared for every kind of adventure summer throws your way.

Happy packing and even happier travels.