Packen für Kinder auf Sommerreisen durch Europa
Focus on lightweight, breathable layers and versatile footwear that can handle miles of city walking and rugged terrain. Pack exactly one week's worth of clothes and use local laundromats to keep your luggage weight manageable.
- Choose your luggage strategy. Use one large rolling suitcase for the family plus one personal-item-sized backpack per child. Kids should be responsible for carrying their own 'entertainment' bag, which keeps them engaged on long train rides.
- Master the capsule wardrobe. Pack 7 shirts, 5 pairs of shorts/pants, 1 light jacket, and 1 set of 'fancy' clothes for dinner. Avoid cotton where possible; choose moisture-wicking fabrics that dry overnight after a sink wash.
- Prioritize footwear. Each child needs two pairs: one solid pair of broken-in walking sneakers and one pair of sturdy, comfortable sandals (like Keens or Teva-style) that can handle both city streets and cobblestones.
- Prepare a pharmacy kit. European pharmacies are excellent but brands differ. Bring a small bag with kid-specific pain relievers, blister bandages, rehydration salts, and any daily prescriptions in their original bottles.
- Do I need to pack diapers or formula?
- No. Major European cities have the same brands (or perfectly good local equivalents) in every pharmacy and supermarket. Only pack enough for the first 24 hours.
- Should I bring a stroller?
- Only if your child is under 4. If you do, bring a 'travel' stroller that folds small enough to fit on a train luggage rack. Cobblestones will destroy cheap plastic wheels, so ensure it has decent suspension.