We just got back from Copenhagen and Norway, and I wanted to share what worked—and what didn’t—when it came to packing clothes for the trip. Overall, we were lucky with the weather; it didn’t rain much, but I’d still recommend bringing a lightweight raincoat just in case.
One surprise for me? My sandals. I had talked myself out of thinking they were a good idea, but they ended up being the only shoes I really needed. The tennis shoes I bought seemed like a good idea too. I had worn them a little before the trip, but they started turning inward, so I barely wore them and ended up throwing them away on the last day. In hindsight, I probably should have done that sooner.
We didn’t do any serious hiking, so my hiking boots stayed in the suitcase. But if we had encountered more rain or planned longer walks, they would have been useful.
For comfort, I loved my brown GAP sweater and the matching brown sweater pants for the airplane. The sweater got a lot of use, but the pants? Not so much outside of the flight.
A big hit for me was the Amazon t-shirts. They were versatile, dried quickly, and easy to layer. Similarly, my beige pants with a black stripe were a great choice—comfortable, quick-drying, and easy to mix and match. Even when places had dryers, we often had to air-dry our clothes, so lightweight fabrics were a must.
Layering was key. A cardigan was perfect for taking on or off depending on how much walking we did or the weather. I also brought my old parachute pants from Anthropologie, which were another great choice. Sunglasses were essential, and water bottles were a constant companion. My cousin had a collapsible water bottle, which would have been a smart addition for convenience.
Other favorites:
- Purple joggers—easy to pack and comfortable. These are Athleta, they don’t have them anymore if they did, I’d buy them.
- Plaid pants—super comfortable and very “me,” though not ideal for long days of walking. I did wear them repeatedly while exploring Norway.
- Striped dress—only worn on the last day, but it was special! My daughter was excited to dress up, and I’m glad she encouraged it.
Packing lightly was tricky. My son and husband just brought backpacks, which worked for them, but I don’t know how I could have fit everything into a backpack. My own backpack was stuffed, and my suitcase was full.
Overall, comfort, versatility, and lightweight fabrics were the winners. Quick-drying clothes, layers, and good shoes made our trip easier and more enjoyable.
Other Blog Links: My first packing list, My Second Packing list, Travel Purses, 15 Stylish & Practical Outfits for Norway & Denmark This Summer – Carry-On Packing Guide
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