Family Packing List for European Summer Camps (What We Actually Bring)

Packing light is non-negotiable for our type of summer travel. We're a family of five hopping between cities — trains, budget airlines, rental cars — and dragging four suitcases through a Barcelona train station with three kids is a nightmare I've lived exactly once.

Now we use one medium suitcase for the whole family (this is my favorite luggage), and anything missing gets purchased locally. It sounds extreme, but it works. Here's exactly what we pack.

Pro tip: Each child should carry their own backpack with one spare set of clothes (shirt, shorts, underwear). This saved us during a 6-hour flight delay last summer.

For the Kids

• 3 T-shirts (2 cotton, 1 moisture-wicking)
• 3 shorts
• 1 pair pants/joggers (worn on the plane)
• 1 swimsuit
• 2 pajamas
• 5 underwear
• 3 socks
• 1 pair Keens (DSW often has them on sale)
• 1 pair flip flops or easy slip-ons
• 1 long sleeve / fleece / packable jacket
• 1 hat
• 1 pair sunglasses
• Backpack + water bottle

See all my kids' product recommendations here.

For Him

• 3 T-shirts (use code MADDY61120 for 20% off Cuts Clothing)
• 1 linen button-up
• 2 shorts
• 1 waterproof pants (my husband LOVES these — they look normal but handle anything)
• 1 swim trunks
• 2 workout sets
• 1 lounge shorts
• Sunglasses + hat
• 1 sneakers
• 1 flip flops / sandals
• 1 sweatshirt / long sleeve
• 3 socks, 5 boxers

See all his product recommendations here.

For Me

• 2 black tank tops or shirts
• 1 linen button-up (doubles as beach cover-up)
• 1 denim shorts, 1 linen shorts
• 1 swimsuit (Johnny Was are my favorite!)
• 1 linen vest/tank + pant set
• 1 white t-shirt or striped shirt
• 1 summer dress or jumpsuit
• 1 Birkenstocks, 1 sneakers
• 1 gym outfit
• 3 socks, 5 undergarments, 2 bras
• 2 pajamas
• Sunhat + sunglasses
• Long sleeves / pants worn on plane (doubles as lounge set)
• Breathable shawl (evenings + beach cover-up)

More outfit inspo can be found here.

Want a printable version? Click here for the Google Doc.

Packing Philosophy

The key insight that changed everything for us: you can buy things in Europe. Sunscreen, diapers, snacks, toiletries — they have all of it. You don't need to pack "just in case" items when there's a pharmacy around the corner from your Airbnb.

What you can't easily replace: good walking shoes that are already broken in, your kid's favorite comfort item, and any specific medication. Prioritize those. Everything else is replaceable.

What My Subscribers Get

In my newsletter, I share updated packing lists each season, detailed toiletry and accessory lists, my favorite travel bags, and first-hand reports from whatever camp trip we just finished. I also share exclusive promo codes from brands I partner with — like the Cuts Clothing code above. If you want the full toolkit for planning a European camp summer, that's where it all lives.