What to Pack for Europe and How to Pack It

Don’t know what to pack for Europe?

Or how to pack it all in one bag?

I feel ya.

I’ve been such an over packer most of my life — filling my bag up until it could hold no more.

I’d curse as I tried to lift my bag, asking myself, “Why did I pack so much?”

When I’d return home I’d vow not take so much the next time.

And then I simply did it all over again.

But no more!

The more I’ve traveled, the more I’ve gotten better and better at packing for a trip to Europe.

Now don’t get me wrong.

I’m probably never going to be a traveler who only takes a carry on.

This is mostly due to the fact that I need my laptop and DSLR camera since I’m working as I travel and need my tech tools to do so.

But it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you are taking only what you need.

So now that I’m a reformed over packer, I want to offer up some tips to help you learn to be an efficient packer for that trip to Europe.

Ready?

 

How to pack for Europe

Let’s cover the how first.

Then we’ll get to the what.

Because the how you pack can also help you add or subtract the what from your suitcase.

 

Lay out all of your clothes…

Now take half the clothes and twice the money!

Okay, this is some silly travel quote someone once said.

But there is an element of truth to it.

Lay out those clothes.

And seriously — only take about half the amount of clothes you have set out.

We’ll get to specifics later in the post.

I will add this — I don’t think you need twice the money.

 

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.

 

Speaking of suitcases…

Please take one 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.

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 few 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.

And 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.

 

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.

The Eagle Creek packing cubes are the best, in my opinion, which is why I promote them on my site.

But even if you choose a different brand, 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.

Now in using packing cubes you don’t 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.

 

 

 

What to pack for Europe

First of all I want to emphasize that this is going to be a general idea of what to pack for Europe.

So much of what you pack depends on where in Europe you are traveling and when you are going.

A few tips:

• What will the weather be like where and when you are going? Do some homework before you pack.
• What kind of activities will you definitely be doing on your trip? Do you need certain clothing or gear with you? For example, If you are hiking, then you need hiking shoes and your backpack.
• Are you visiting religious buildings? Often you need to be more covered up so be sure you have the appropriate clothing for this.

Okay.

So now that we have some ground rules established, let’s dive into what to pack for Europe.

And I’m going to cover the basis for both women and men.

I am not going to go into electronics or money and documents as I’ll cover these in separate posts.

Needless to say, you need your passport!

 

The bottom half

While Europeans are definitely wearing more denim and more shorts, I’d still not take much of either.

Casual, lightweight pants that don’t wrinkle are the best option for men and women.

If you are traveling in winter or to colder climates, then make sure to take slightly heavier pants.

Usually 2-3 pairs of pants will do for a 2 week trip.

Think about packing pants that are comfortable and multi purpose.

In other words, pants that are casual and comfortable for walking about a city or town or even out on a trail, yet look nice enough to wear to dinner.

Avoid pants like cargo pants and choose pants that fit and that don’t look sloppy.

Ladies, you may want to take a skirt instead of a pair of pants for warmer climates.

I do tend to take a pair of jeans, but it depends on where I’m going and what I’m doing.

Keep in mind that denim takes forever to dry should you have to wash them.

And they take up more space and weigh more.

As for shorts…

Yes.

I have seen more and more Europeans wearing nice shorts in summer.

And if you’re going to be out hiking or are a runner, by all means take the appropriate shorts.

But, be aware that you are not allowed — for the most part — to wear shorts into religious buildings.

What about leggings or yoga pants for you gals?

Well, I am seeing the Europeans wear some of this “athleisure” wear more.

However, I’d still leave it at home, unless you are going to be on an active vacation.

These pants from Prana, are great pants for travel.

 

The top half

So the next question is what to pack for Europe for the upper half of your body?

Think in layers.

If it’s going to be hot where you’re going, this won’t be as important.

But most of the year, layers are going to be beneficial.

Depending exactly on the season you’ll want to take 4 short sleeve shirts and 4 long sleeve shirts.

Nice fitted t-shirts or collared “golf” shirts are good options.

Button down shirts/blouses are good only if they are made of wrinkle-free materials.

If it’s going to be warmer, then you may want to pack a tank top or sleeveless shirt, but mainly if you’re going to be active on your trip or at the beach.

I recommend packing a sweater and/or a fleece top if you know it will be cooler.

Again, if you are traveling during cooler times of the year or to countries further north, then you may want to take 2-3 sweaters and fewer short sleeve tops.

The idea is to layer up as you need to or take off layers if it warms up.

Also, know yourself.

Some people get cold easily, like me.

So I tend to take tops to keep me warm, especially when I travel in spring or autumn and when I travel to places like Ireland where it never gets that warm.

Other people are always warm, so they don’t need the warmer layers.

The last bit of advice is to take tops that mix and match.

Make sure all those tops look good with your bottoms.

And for gosh sakes, take tops that you love wearing.

If you don’t wear a top much at home but think, “Oh this is so cute. It will look great when I’m in Rome!”

Yeah, right.

Chances are you won’t wear it in Rome.

Your most worn and loved tops (and bottoms) will be the ones you’ll happily put on while you are traveling in Europe.

 

Jackets and coats

Unless you are going in the dead of winter, you probably don’t need a heavy winter coat.

I just returned from Paris.

And yes it was winter and I did have a warm winter coat — which I definitely needed.

But typically you can get by with 1 jacket in spring and autumn.

Choose something that looks nice, yet practical in that it actually provides some warmth and some protection against the elements (wind, rain).

Make sure you can layer a sweater or fleece under it.

Depending on when and where you are going, a rain jacket may be the best choice, especially when traveling in spring or autumn OR if you are traveling to Ireland and/or the United Kingdom — at any time of year.

Ladies, leave those cute jackets that look stylish but provide no warmth or protection at home.

And if you’re traveling in summer to Southern Europe, you may not need a jacket at all.

A lightweight sweater may be enough for the evenings.

The North Face Venture 2 Rain Jacket is a great choice for a jacket to keep you dry and it also blocks the wind.

 

Your feet

Personally, I have had some foot issues over the past 15 years.

So what I put on my feet matters.

And if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking in a city or town or out in the gorgeous nature of Europe, then please put your comfort first.

Function over fashion.

I do see more and more Europeans wearing sneakers of all kinds.

Typically these sneakers are bit more stylish than some of the running shoes I have.

But not always.

For a 2 week trip to Europe I think you can get by with 2 pairs of shoes.

One über comfortable pair and one pair of something that looks a bit nicer.

I tend to pack a pair of trail running shoes (because typically I’ll get out to hike or run on a regular basis) and a pair of slip on shoes, such as the Oofos OOMG Low Shoe.

These look nice with pants or with a dress or skirt.

If it’s summer, you can replace that shoe with a sandal.

And if you’re going to the beach then feel free to add some flip flops.

Whatever you do, don’t pack shoes that you haven’t tested out for comfort.

And ladies, leave those cute heels at home.

Cobblestone streets and heels don’t go together.

Trust me.

I tried!

As for socks?

Take 5 pairs of socks that are NOT 100% cotton.

Choose fabrics that wick moisture and that will dry quickly.

If you’re going to be partaking in physical activities — hiking, cycling, running — then you may need an extra pair or 2.

Remember: socks are easy to wash out in the bathroom sink.

So no need to take too many pairs with you.

These slip on lightweight shoes from Oofos come in women’s and men’s versions.

While they are a bit on the expensive side, they are sooooo comfortable and they hold up well.

They’re a great choice for spring, summer and early autumn trips.

 

The little things

When it comes to under things, like socks, they are easy to wash out.

So no need to pack a pair of underwear for every day.

For a 2 week trip, you can take 5-7 pair and wash them out as you go along.

Ladies, pack 2-3 bras.

Because I’m active and hike and/or run as I travel, I always have 1 sports bra with me.

Often 2 bras can be enough.

And, again, this is something that is easy to wash out in the bathroom sink.

If you are going to the beach or into a thermal bath (like in Budapest) you may need a swimsuit.

 

 

Sleep/lounge wear

If your pajamas or lounge-around clothing can double as athletic gear or vice versa, then this is the best option when determining what to pack for Europe.

So ladies, maybe those yoga pants or leggings work for practicing some yoga while you travel but also serve as you lounge-around-your-guesthouse in the evening after dinner pants.

Guys, maybe those shorts work for your run as well as sitting around in your room in the middle of the day when you need a break from sightseeing.

Make sure these items are lightweight and pack up easily.

 

Accessories

Guys, you probably aren’t going to need a tie unless you are going to some formal event or if you plan to eat at a very nice restaurant.

So don’t bother taking one.

Scarves are a wonderful accessory for you ladies, as it will dress up a simple outfit.

Many men in Europe will wear scarves too.

But, dude, if you don’t feel the scarf thing, then don’t.

Keep your precious jewelry at home.

But feel free to pack a fun pair of earrings or a couple of necklaces that dress you up for a nice dinner out.

 

The toiletry kit

First of all, I highly recommend using one of these.

So if you don’t have a dedicated toiletry kit, please get one.

Don’t use a big plastic Ziplock baggie.

It’s messy.

Next, be practical as you’re packing for Europe.

If you know you’ll get shampoo, conditioner and soap at your accommodation, then don’t take your own.

Unless you’re a bit picky like me.

Then, by all means take your own shampoo and conditioner.

I typically don’t take soap unless I know my accommodation won’t have it.

Please use travel sized bottles.

And if you can, buy some reusable bottles.

Nalgene makes some great ones in different shapes and sizes.

You can fill up your bottles with your products from home and use these containers over and over again.

And you’ll be surprised that you don’t need as much shampoo or lotion as you think.

So what should you take?

• Shampoo and conditioner (if your’e picky like me)
• Anti-perspirant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Face cleanser (if you are picky like me)

Ladies, if you can live without some hair care products or makeup for a couple of weeks, then do so.

I definitely scale back on the makeup and take a minimal amount.

For you gals, also take tampons or pads if you know you’ll need them.

While you can buy these products easily in Europe, you may not want to be bothered finding a pharmacy or super market.

 

 

First aid kit

I do recommend taking a few items in your first aid kit.

This can be part of your toiletry kit or it can be a separate small packing cube or pouch.

If you are checking a bag, do make sure that you have any medications with you in your carry on.

Never pack those meds in your checked bag.

And you should always take a bit more than what you need just in case something happens and you get stuck for an extra day or 2.

It’s a good idea to have a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to refill it or lose your meds.

As for over the counter items my list includes the following:

• Ibuprofen/Tylenol
• Antacid tablets
• A few band aids
• 1 or 2 of Benadryl tablets (for allergic reactions)
• Small tube of antibiotic ointment for cuts, scrapes or burns

You don’t need to take much.

Chances are you’ll never be far away from a pharmacy so you can get what you need for what ails you.

If you are a vitamin taker, then by all means pack those too.

But if you can live without taking these vitamins and supplements every day for 2 weeks, then think about packing just enough for every other day.

This way you free up a wee bit of space.

 

Other personal items

So what else should you pack for Europe?

Here are list of some personal items that may or may not apply to you that you’ll want to bring:

• Eyeglasses
• Contacts and any cleaning solutions
• Eye drops
• Sunglasses
• Earplugs
• Sleep mask
• Laundry soap

I highly recommend taking the laundry soap.

You can fill a small reusable plastic bottle with just a little bit to wash out your underthings as you go along.

 

Odds and ends

There are a few other items that you might need or want to bring.

• Pocket knife/utility tool (if you are checking a bag)
• water bottle
• day pack (if not part of your carry on)
• bag for dirty clothes (or just turn one packing cube into the dirty laundry cube)

 

 

What NOT to pack for Europe

I want to also mention a few things you don’t need to pack for Europe.

And these items cover clothing and other personal items.

First is a hair dryer.

Most accommodation will provide one in your room.

You can ask when you make your reservation.

Secondly, don’t bring t shirts or sweatshirts from your college or favorite professional sports team or any other tacky clothing.

Think basic shirts in solid colors.

These look nicer and they’ll mix and match easier.

Next on the list are high heels — which I kind of already covered.

Just…NO!

Also do not pack any fancy dress clothes — fancy dresses or suits can stay at home.

The exception is if you have an event such as a wedding to attend.

Lastly, as I mentioned above, don’t pack anything really valuable like expensive jewelry.

Don’t take the risk.

 

So are less confused about packing for your trip to Europe?

I am going to say this one more time — 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 they did tell me that they had 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.

 

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