The 8 best things I packed to save space during my 2-week backpacking trip through Europe

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Packing a suitcase is not my strong suit. If I'm being honest, I'm terrible at it.

I always have efficient, minimalist intentions when I start packing, but eventually add a bunch of things I don't need to my suitcase, like a steamer or four white T-shirts. By the time I get to the airport, my bulging bag is slapped with an overweight fee.

When I booked my two-week backpacking trip through Spain, France, Italy, and the UK, I knew I’d need to pack light. My boyfriend and I were traveling to seven cities by plane, train, and automobile, so my usual 50-pound rolling suitcase wouldn't cut it.

I was able to fit everything I needed for those two weeks into a compact, 35-liter travel backpack — and it significantly improved my time spent abroad. Not only was I able to carry my bag onto my flights, but since I never checked any luggage on this trip, I didn't have to pay a single overweight luggage fee. I was also still able to pack three pairs of shoes, all my electronics, plenty of toiletries, and several dresses, shirts, and shorts.

Call it a small miracle, but it boils down to packing the right products.

Here are the 8 things I used that helped me pack more efficiently. If you're planning a long vacation, they may help you, too. Download a reading app instead of packing magazines and books.

Texture

Once I get through airport security, I like to pick up a magazine for the plane. The problem is magazines are heavy, not to mention expensive. Instead, I now use an app called Texture. For as little as 9.99 per month, Texture offers unlimited access to over 200 digital magazines. It's like having the whole newsstand on your phone or tablet for a lot less.

If you'd rather spend your time in the air with a good book, the Scribd app gives you unlimited access to thousands of digital and audio books.

Texture, from 9.99 per month

Scribd, from 8.99 per month

Buy a travel adapter you can use in many different countries.

Amazon

The UK uses a different outlet than Spain, Italy, and France, so I needed a travel adapter that would work in all four counties. I packed Flight 001's 4-in-1 adapter, and it did not disappoint.

The 2.5-inch block is made up of three smaller chargers and is compatible with over 150 countries' outlets. It got the job done, plus the color-coded design made something as simple as charging your phone feel fun. You can read my full review here.

Flight 001 4-in-1 Adapter, 25

Pack a charger with multiple USB ports instead of separate chargers for all your devices.

Amazon

Instead of packing separate chargers for all my devices, I brought along a mulit-port wall charger and a couple Micro USB and lightning cables, to conserve space and make charging altogether easier and more efficient.

I use this Syncwire wall charger whenever I go on vacation. It can charge up to four devices at once, so I can spend more time exploring and less time worrying about which device I should charge first or how much battery I have left on my phone.

Syncwire 4-Port USB Wall Charger Plug, 17.99

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