The Golden Rule: Pack Less Than You Think You Need

Almost every experienced traveller will tell you the same thing: you will pack too much on your first European trip. The cobblestoned streets of Prague, the Metro staircases of Paris, and the ferry queues of the Greek islands will quickly teach you that heavy luggage is the enemy of a good holiday. This guide will help you pack smarter from the start.

Carry-On vs. Checked Bag: Which Is Right for You?

For trips up to two weeks, most travellers can manage with carry-on luggage only. The benefits are significant:

  • No baggage fees on budget carriers like Ryanair or easyJet
  • No waiting at baggage carousels
  • No risk of lost luggage
  • Easier to move between cities and hop on trains

If you're travelling for three weeks or more, or through multiple climate zones, a checked bag may make more sense. But challenge yourself to try carry-on first.

The Core Packing List for Europe

Clothing

Base your wardrobe on a colour-coordinated capsule — neutrals like navy, grey, and white mix and match easily. A sample week's clothing:

  • 5 tops (mix of casual and slightly smart)
  • 2 bottoms (trousers or jeans + one lighter option)
  • 1 dress or smart outfit (for nicer dinners)
  • 1 lightweight jacket or layer
  • Comfortable walking shoes (broken in before you travel)
  • 1 pair of sandals or shoes for evenings
  • Underwear and socks for each day

Toiletries

  • Stick to travel-sized containers (under 100ml for carry-on)
  • Solid toiletries (shampoo bars, solid moisturiser) save space and comply with liquid rules
  • Remember: most European hotels and apartments provide basics like shampoo and soap

Documents & Money

  • Passport (check validity — many countries require 6 months beyond travel dates)
  • Travel insurance documents (digital and paper copy)
  • Booking confirmations (download offline in case of no signal)
  • A small amount of local currency for arrival
  • A fee-free travel debit card (e.g., Wise or Revolut)

Tech & Accessories

  • Universal power adapter (Europe uses Type C plugs in most countries)
  • Portable charger/power bank
  • Headphones for trains and flights
  • Downloaded offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)

What to Leave at Home

These common packing mistakes add weight without adding value:

  • Multiple guidebooks — use a single app or download PDFs
  • "Just in case" outfits — if you haven't worn it in a month, you won't wear it in Europe
  • Full-size toiletries — buy anything you run out of locally
  • Hair dryers and straighteners — most hotels provide them
  • Excessive electronics — one phone is almost always enough

Packing Organisation Tips

  1. Use packing cubes to compress clothing and stay organised across multiple destinations.
  2. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your bag (closest to your back for backpacks).
  3. Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel days.
  4. Leave a small amount of space for souvenirs or items you buy on the trip.

Smart packing is a skill that improves with every trip. The less you carry, the more freedom you have — and freedom is what European travel is all about.