What to Pack for Your Trip to Europe

Headed to Europe and not sure what to pack? We’re here to help, with a list of things to consider before you even open that carry-on or, heaven forbid, go off to buy a larger suitcase.

What kind of traveler are you?

First of all, let’s talk about you and what kind of a traveler you are. This has a lot to do with what you’ll be packing.

• Backpackers and super-budget travelers: If you’re a no-frills, backpack-trekking budget traveler, you are, by necessity, going to need to pack lighter, cut back on clothes, and be more flexible with what you bring (and what you leave at home). Our correspondent Alex recently posted a great guide to what no-fuss budget travelers should pack for a two-week trip in Europe.

• Budget-savvy “comfort” travelers: While I’m a true Cheapo, I enjoy a bit more comfort when traveling. I steer clear of hostels, and enjoy a fresh shirt every day of my journey. (I always plan to stop and do laundry when I run out.) I’m willing to check a bag, if it means that I’ll be more comfortable, and I happily make room for my important toiletries. But, and this is important, I want to be smart about packing to make sure I don’t add extra charges, unmerited weight or unnecessary hassles to my trip.

With this distinction in mind, I’m writing the following advice mostly for the latter — budget-minded travelers looking for smart packing advice for a comfortable trip.

Check one bag, max.

Check your baggage allowance. Are you allowed to check one bag for free?

These days, most transatlantic airlines allow one checked bag for free, but have introduced ridiculous fees for checking a second, third or overweight bag. For flights from the US to Europe, these fees can be as high as $200 per bag. One way. (Ouch.)

Check out this updated list of baggage fees for US to Europe airlines in this post from our blog. Some key points:

• All major airlines (including all “legacy” carriers”) allow one checked bag (to 50 lbs/23 kgs) for free on flights from the US to Europe. A second checked bag, however, can get very expensive. (Lufthansa and Swiss Airlines both charge $200 for that second bag… each way!)

• The new “budget carriers” from the US to Europe (Norwegian Air and Wow! Air) charge to check even one bag. (However, they quite often also provide substantial savings on ticket prices.)

Pack lightly: You’ll be hauling that suitcase around.

You’re going to be lugging your suitcases all over Europe. Take it easy on yourself.

Imagine your suitcase packed neatly with everything you think that you need to bring with you on this trip. Got it? Now, imagine yourself at the airport upon arrival (and possibly no sleep). Imagine rolling along the city streets, up and down stairs. Imagine taking trains (let’s see, where shall we stow this?), or packing it into the back of a small European car.

Your suitcase is going to be your travel companion on this trip. Packing lightly can relieve stress (and exhaustion).

Pack. Breathe. Repack.

First pack your suitcase. And then pack it again.

I’m a chronic over-packer. Even after two decades of Euro-trips, my impulse is still to bring along everything in my closet. But at least I’m aware of this and know to catch it before I take off for the airport. Here’s how I handle it:

I place all of my “wish list” clothes on my bed, making sure that I have enough of my essentials to get me through a week of traveling. (I usually do laundry on day seven.) Just go for it. I then place all the items that I plan to check as neatly as possible into my suitcase. I include my toiletries, adapters, and other items to check. I zip it all up (if possible), lift it (if possible), and then stand back and take a hard look at it.

Without exception that suitcase will be too heavy. It’s probably already bulging. I consider the weeks ahead, the flights, the trains, the stairs. I consider my sanity. It’s time to re-open it, and start the purge. Try to be realistic.

• Shoes. How many pairs do you really need? I give myself two — one for dressy occasions, and one for long days of walking. (Goodbye jogging shoes, I wasn’t going to use you anyhow.)

• Underwear and socks. I make sure I have enough for one week, at which point I’ll do a load of laundry. Others take fewer because they wash in their hotel sinks. (I’ve never gotten into that.)

• Jeans and pants. People will disagree, but I go for three pair max. Yes, this means wearing the same jeans over and over. But your traveling companions will be doing the same, and nobody will notice anyhow. And toss aside that uncomfortable pair that you’ve been meaning to wear more often. There’s no room to pack anything that you’re not going to realistically wear.

• Shirts and sweaters. I give myself a week’s worth of shirts, and a couple of thin sweaters. Big, bulky sweaters are suitcase-busters. Go for lightweight fabrics that allow for layering.

• Coats and jackets. One bulky overcoat can quickly max out your suitcase. Try to simplify your wardrobe: Take one coat, if possible, that’s versatile enough to work for sightseeing, trips in trains, and a restaurant situation. It’s a good idea to pack some sort of light rain-resistant jacket, as well. And don’t forget an umbrella.

Let’s talk toiletries

Try not to go overboard on packing toiletries.

Given limits and regulations on bringing toiletries, fluids and gels with you onto a plane, most Europe-bound Transatlantic passengers will be packing some toiletries. But watch out, because it’s easy to overdo it here. Take what items you require on a daily basis, and don’t forget to pack your medications.

If possible, buy travel-size portions or empty containers that you can fill up with your favorite products. When I pack, for example, I squeeze my shampoo into a refillable travel-size container. And like that, I’ve avoided the need to bring along a bulky bottle of shampoo.

Above all, remember that Europe is packed with drug stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and cosmetic shops. If you run out of soap, shampoo or hair tonic, it’s quite a bit of fun to go shopping with the locals. You might just find a new favorite product!

Other items

Some other, occasionally overlooked, items that should be packed into either your luggage or carry-on include:

• Plugs and chargers: Line up every electrical gadget that you’re bringing along: phone, camera, laptop, shaver, etc. Don’t forget to pack their cords, plugs, and battery chargers.

• Adapters: North American travelers to Europe will need an adapter in order plug their electronics into western European outlets. Note that these are adapters (which physically make it possible to plug into the outlet), not “converters” (which convert the electricity from 220 volts to 110 volts). Most modern electronics (like smartphones, cameras and laptops) have converters built in (check to make sure the item says that it can handle 110/220). Adapters are small and inexpensive, and can be purchased from electronics stores. I usually travel with three our four, just to make sure I’m covered.

• Old money: Have any money sitting around the house from previous European trips? Be sure to bring it!

• Guidebooks: Call me old fashioned, but I can’t imagine not bringing along a guidebook when I travel. Yes, you obviously should do research online before you go and during the trip (like, say, on EuroCheapo!), but there’s no substitution for whipping out a guide as you trek across a country or even just across a town. Yes, apps and ebooks can offer guidance, but they can also be very hard to read in the sun, require electricity, and can break.

• Passport: Enough said. Triple check. Make sure that it’s valid at least six months following your return date.

About that laptop

If possible, lighten your load by leaving it at home and using your smartphone.

Laptops are heavy. Are you really sure that you need to bring it along? Unless you’re on a work trip, chances are you could do most of your computing on your (much, much lighter) smartphone.

When you pack your laptop, you’re not just bringing it along, but also the power cord (and adapter), and the padded protection necessary for transport. It might not be particularly heavy by itself, but it’ll add significantly to your ever-expanding luggage load. Plus, it’s a drag and will remind you of work. Leave it at home!

Give yourself room for your souvenirs.

You will be picking things up along the way.

Another classic mistake travelers make is to arrive in Europe with their suitcase already bursting at the seams, allowing them no room to bring home souvenirs and gifts. Trust us, you’re going to need a little extra space for some tasty bottles of wine, novelty aprons, and chocolates. Sure, you could buy another suitcase to hold your purchases, but this is a costly solution.