3 Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Europe: The Packing Dilemma
Oh, the packing dilemma!
What should you take?
What should you leave behind?
If you’re like me and tend to be an overpacker then you need to read this quick tips post on packing for Europe.
Because I’ve gone from taking way too much to being an efficient packer.
I’m not quite where I want to be yet.
But with every trip I take, I do get better.
So read on to get 3 simple tips that will help you to not be an overpacker for your trip to Europe.
Pack for the best case scenario
Not the worst.
Seriously.
If you absolutely need something, you can probably buy it.
It’s Europe.
If you need a nice dress or a pair of dress pants, you can buy it there.
We tend to think, “What if I …” go to a fancy restaurant or go hiking (and you’re really not a hiker).
Think about the fact that you’ll be carrying these items around with you.
Will you use it once?
Then leave it.
If you know it’s something you’ll wear or use a lot, then take it.
If it’s a big fat maybe, DO NOT PUT IT IN YOUR SUITCASE!!
Ask yourself these questions as you’re packing for Europe.
Use packing cubes
If you’ve been reading this blog, then you know I absolutely freakin’ love these!
Packing cubes are the best thing since sliced bread.
I have Eagle Creek packing cubes — old ones at that — that are still in good shape.
They’ve gone through some redesigns over the years, but are still good ones to use.
There are lots of other brands on the market so choose what works best for you.
Because I know you’ll NEVER go back to packing for Europe — or anywhere else — without these.
They keep you organized and keep you from over packing.
I roll my clothes and put them in these cubes.
The cubes keep things packed tightly.
And, because I have different colors of packing cubes, I know which color packing cube has which items so I stay very organized when I travel.
Compression cubes are perfect for a fleece or a sweater since they squish these bulky items so they take up less space.
In using packing cubes you don’t necessarily have to roll your clothes.
There’s a debate over rolling versus traditional folding and laying items on top of each other.
I personally think rolling is the better option because it takes up less space and you can see each item easily in the cube.
But you may have to try each way to see what you like best, and what works for you.
Take 1 suitcase
Please take 1 bag.
And please be sure you can lift it.
If you can’t lift it or it’s bigger than you, then it’s too much.
And you’ve overdone it in packing for Europe.
Seriously.
You don’t need it all.
You are going to have to lug that bag up stairs because not all places will have elevators/lifts.
Taking a train?
Then you’ll be carrying that bag up the a couple of steps to get on the train.
Trust me.
I’ve had bags that were too heavy and struggled lifting them onto trains and up stairs.
NOT WORTH IT!
One bag.
It can be a backpack, a wheelie bag or a duffel bag.
Wheels or a backpack are the best options in my opinion.
And keep it a reasonable size and reasonable weight.
You will thank me.
Take that small backpack or shoulder/tote bag as your carry on or personal item.
Please don’t have 5 bags for 1 person for a 2 week trip.
You. Do. Not. Need. It. All.
Personally, I’m a 1 medium sized wheelie bag, 1 carry on (my tech backpack) and a small messenger bag (personal item) gal.
And I travel for several months.
I’ll say it again so it sinks in, YOU DO NOT NEED IT ALL!
So there you have 3 tips for packing for Europe
I hope this has been helpful.
I am going to say this again — do not take all those things laying out on your bed right now!!
You don’t need it all.
I remind my travel clients to pack light.
And I’ve had some that didn’t take this advice.
Well, when they returned from their trip to Europe, do you know what they said?
That’s right.
They told me they packed too much.
Let that be a lesson.
Take it from someone who was a chronic over packer.
Life on the road is much easier when your bag is manageable and organized.
Please note that Wander Your Way is only recommending international travel to those who are vaccinated and feel comfortable doing so. This is because travel to Europe is complicated.
If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.
I am continuing to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go.
And if you are ready to go soon, please contact Lynne for any assistance you may need.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Wander Your Way, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Like it? Pin it!
