How to Pack Light for Europe, travel tips, packing list
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How to Pack Light for Europe: My Carry-On Packing List

Amy French the Roaming Historian

Over the decades that I’ve been traveling, I’ve found myself packing fewer things every year. Who wants to feel like a pack mule while on vacation? Not this woman.

For the past couple of years, I’ve traveled to Europe for 2½ months with only a 20-inch carry-on suitcase and a personal item. My husband has his own carry-on and personal item, so we can share some things, but that still means I’m carrying everything I need for a long trip in a remarkably small amount of luggage.

And I’m not packing for one particular type of trip. My clothes need to work for casual, active, and more formal occasions, with temperatures ranging from chilly 50-degree days to 100+ degree heat. I also wear makeup, use plenty of skincare products, and travel with medications.

So how do you pack light for Europe? The secret is being deliberate about what you take, choosing versatile items, and leaving behind the things you can live without—or can buy when you arrive.

Start With the Right Luggage and a Packing List

  • Roller bag: The easiest way to pack light is to start with lightweight luggage. I prefer a hard-sided carry-on that is approximately 20 inches without wheels, weighs less than ten pounds empty, and has separate compartments for clothing and everything else. A compression compartment is particularly useful. I choose a size that fits most airline requirements for carryon luggage (please note that European carriers generally have a bit smaller dimensions than US). A smaller suitcase is also practical in Europe. You may be navigating train stations, cobblestone streets, small elevators, and hotels where stairs are sometimes easier than waiting for a tiny lift. A giant suitcase can quickly become a burden.
  • Personal Item: Your personal item should fit comfortably over your roller bag and have enough space for the things you want accessible during travel. I carry a purse, so I make sure there is room to put it inside if an airline is strict about the number of items. I like a weekender style bag (15x13x9”) with a top that opens wide and more structured sides
  • Before you put anything in your suitcase, make a detailed packing list. I list individual pieces of clothing, toiletries, makeup, medications, electronics, and miscellaneous items rather than simply writing “tops” or “toiletries.” This makes me think about whether I actually need each item and prevents those last-minute additions that mysteriously find their way into the suitcase. I have a free downloadable packing list you can use as a starting point: Packing List for Traveling Light. Your list doesn’t have to look like mine. The point is to create a system that works for your trip.

Build a Versatile Travel Wardrobe

Clothing is where many travelers get into trouble. It’s easy to look at a two-week or two-month trip and think you need a lot of clothes. You don’t. You need clothes that work together. I use a relatively simple color palette of darker neutrals so that everything mixes and matches. Every top should work with multiple bottoms, and layers should work with several outfits.

For a 2½-month trip, I typically take or wear: 1 pair of jeans, 1 pairs of pants, 2 skirts, 2 dresses, 1 pair shorts, 2 shrugs—one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved, 7 tops, 2 sleepshirts, 1 sleep shorts, 1 pair yoga pants, 1 jacket, 1 hoodie, 1 scarf, 1 pair sneakers, 1 pair sandals, 1 pair dressier shoes, and underwear (including compression socks).

That’s enough because I can wash clothes and wear them in different combinations. I doubt anyone is keeping track of whether I wore the same cardigan three days in a row and if they are…I don’t care. A few other clothing rules make a big difference:

  • Wear your bulkiest clothing on the plane. Jeans, tennis shoes, jackets, and sweaters take up valuable suitcase space.
  • Choose lightweight clothing that coordinates, whenever possible. It takes less room and makes layering easier. Select darker-colored, light-weight clothes for versatility.
  • Pack for the activities you actually have planned. Don’t bring an entirely separate wardrobe for every hypothetical situation. If you do get invited to a black tie event, buy the outfit there (Europe has great fashion).
  • Use layers instead of packing for every temperature. A sleeveless top with a cardigan, shrug, or lightweight jacket can give you several options without requiring a suitcase full of clothes.
  • Follow my 90% rule: If there isn’t at least a 90% chance I’ll wear something, I don’t pack it.
  • Bring clothes you enjoy wearing. If something doesn’t make you feel good at home, you’re unlikely to want to wear it while traveling. Repeating clothes is much easier when you like what you’re wearing.
  • Bring a cross-body bag that can hold your necessities (passport, RFID protected wallet, phone, small cosmetics bag, etc.) but doesn’t weigh you down or invite theft. I also carry a lightweight cloth shopping bag to hold a travel umbrella, snacks, bottles of water, scarves, souvenirs I purchase, etc.
  • Jewelry—like my clothes, shoes, and other items, I pack just a few pieces other than what I wear on the flight. I use a small jewelry holder (no bigger than a small wallet) for organization, ease of finding, and to help keep my baubles at a minimum.

How Many Shoes Should You Pack?

I recommend two pairs of shoes: one comfortable pair that you wear on the plane and one dressier—but still comfortable—pair that you pack. If you have an exceptionally small pair of sandals, you might be able to justify a third pair. Shoes are heavy, so choose carefully.

I pack my shoes in disposable shower caps to keep the soles away from my clothing, and I use the inside of the shoes for small items such as socks and underwear.

Minimize Toiletries, Makeup, and Medications

Toiletries can consume a surprising amount of suitcase space, especially if you have a skincare routine like mine. My solution isn’t to abandon everything I use. It’s to downsize it.

  • Don’t pack what your accommodations provide. I generally don’t bring shampoo, conditioner, soap, or a hairdryer when I’m staying somewhere that provides them.
  • Buy some things when you arrive. For products such as toothpaste, lotion, contact solution, etc., I often bring enough for the first day or two and purchase a larger container at my destination.
  • Use small containers or consider miniature products. I transfer skincare products such as face cream, cleanser, sunscreen, and serums into small jars. Samples from products you already use can also be excellent for travel. A contact case can also be a great way to carry eye creams and serums. For liquids, I like the squishy, silicone containers that allow you to squeeze out every last drop of shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, lotion, etc. If a product has alcohol or acids in it though, I recommend getting regular plastic 3-ounce bottles, so the toner doesn’t make the silicone gummy.
  • Choose multitasking products. A product that serves two purposes takes up less room than two separate products. I look for hair styling products that do several things in one or tinted moisturizer that also has a sunscreen.
  • Downsize your makeup. I love makeup, but I don’t need my entire collection on vacation. I bring all the other makeup essentials (foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, brow gel, lipstick) I need, but only one of each product. For a makeup diva like me, it’s difficult but I’ve done it for years now and survived…even through a professional photo shoot.
  • Bring a washcloth if you prefer one. I’ve found that many European accommodations don’t provide washcloths in the same way American hotels do. Since they take almost no room, I bring one for myself and one for my husband.
  • Medications deserve a little more thought. You don’t need to pack an entire pharmacy, but I do bring prescription medications, common over-the-counter medications, and basic first-aid supplies that I know I may need and that could be inconvenient (or expensive) to replace while traveling. For instance, it’s expensive to get OTC pain relievers in Europe. I also pack triple antibiotic cream for blisters since I’ve had difficulty finding this abroad. I don’t bring a giant first-aid kit. Important: Medication requirements vary by destination and medication. Check the current rules for the countries you are visiting and make sure prescription medications are packed and documented appropriately. I have my pharmacist print out my prescription on separate labels, so that I can remove my medicine from its pharmacy packaging and put it in much smaller bags. I then affix the new label to the smaller bag and my meds pack much easier.

Pack Only the Electronics and Extras You Need

  • Electronics can quickly turn into a tangled collection of cords, chargers, adapters, and gadgets. I keep mine together in a small electronics case about the size of a paperback book. Mine holds earbuds, charging cords, a power bank, an external microphone, wall chargers, and other small electronic necessities. I also bring a tablet, laptop, and Bluetooth mouse.
  • Adapters: Make sure your electronics are dual voltage and bring travel adapters for the European country you’re traveling to (different countries have different adapter plugs). The only electrical tool I bring, is a tiny travel straightener for my hair that is less than eight inches long that converts from 110 volts to the European standard of 220 volts. I can’t stress enough that you need to make sure your electronics are dual voltage before just using an adapter or you risk frying them.
  • Other essential (for me) items: portable sound machine, mini travel umbrella, journal and pen, sunglasses and case, Tide pen and laundry detergent sheets, lint roller, several Ziploc bags in different sizes, small travel-sized cribbage board and deck of cards, zippered envelope for receipts and travel documents, and foldable backpack or tote bag. My foldable backpack weighs only a few ounces and folds into a package about eight inches square. I use it for day trips and sometimes as an extra bag when I’ve inevitably purchased more souvenirs than I intended.
  • Safety matters. You may want to a bring a travel lock or travel belt to secure your belongings. Having a travel lock ensures that your valuables will be kept safe if you have to check your carry-on bag…and it can be used on your bag in your hotel as a makeshift lock box. I have a RFID cards to put in my wallet or passport holder. Lastly, for travel abroad, I recommend taking two debit cards (from two different banks) and two credit cards (from two different accounts). Have one set for day-to-day activities and leave one set in the hotel safe. Make sure all cards are free from foreign transaction fees. If you’re robbed, you will lose the cash on you, but still have a backup set of cards, so you can freeze the accounts with stolen cards and use the non-compromised cards. You can learn more details from my blog, How Much Euro to Bring to Europe.

What Should You Leave at Home When Traveling to Europe?

Packing light isn’t just about deciding what to take. It’s also about deciding what not to take. Before putting something in your suitcase, ask yourself: Will I actually use this? If the answer is probably not, leave it home. Here are some of the things I routinely skip:

  • Worst-case-scenario supplies. A few bandages make sense. An entire emergency room doesn’t.
  • Bulky travel gadgets. Travel pillows, coffee mugs, oversized water bottles, and other gadgets can take up a surprising amount of space. If something is genuinely useful to you, bring it. Otherwise, leave it home.
  • Full-size toiletries. If you can buy it at your destination, you probably don’t need to carry it across an ocean.
  • Extra clothing. Don’t pack five outfits for “just-in-case” activities you may never do. Also, avoid clothes that can’t be worn frequently.
  • Extra shoes. Shoes are heavy and rarely worth the suitcase space.
  • Things you already know you’ll never use. This sounds obvious, but it’s amazing how many “just in case” items end up in a suitcase.

That doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself. Bring the things that will genuinely make your trip better. My tiny umbrella, journal, laundry supplies, and packable bag earn their space every time.

How to Pack a Carry-On Suitcase

Once you’ve decided what you’re taking, packing strategically makes it easier to fit everything into a carry-on. I recommend packing cubes because they keep clothing organized and make it easy to separate clean clothes from dirty ones as your trip progresses.

For clothing, I use a hybrid approach:

  • Roll most tops because I find they tend to wrinkle less.
  • Fold pants and bulkier fabrics.
  • Use the inside of shoes for socks and underwear.
  • Pack shoes in shower caps to keep them away from your clothing.
  • Put liquids in a quart-sized clear plastic bag so they’re easy to access and spills don’t ruin the rest of your luggage.
  • Put anything that might leak inside a plastic bag.
  • Keep essential documents, expensive items, and medications in your personal item, not in a bag that could be gate-checked.
  • Leave a little room. You don’t want to start your trip with a suitcase packed so tightly that there is nowhere to put anything you acquire along the way.

The exact arrangement of your suitcase isn’t nearly as important as what you put into it in the first place.

My 10 Rules for Packing Light

After years of traveling, my approach can be boiled down to ten rules:

  1. Start with lightweight luggage.
  2. Make a detailed packing list.
  3. Build a wardrobe where everything mixes and matches.
  4. Limit yourself to two (three max) pairs of shoes whenever possible.
  5. Wear your bulkiest clothing on the plane.
  6. Minimize your toiletries.
  7. Don’t pack for worst-case scenarios.
  8. Leave unnecessary travel gadgets at home.
  9. Use packing cubes and small bags to stay organized.
  10. Leave a little room for souvenirs.

Final Thoughts: Pack Less and Enjoy Europe More

I have never uttered the words, “I should have packed more.” In fact, it’s usually the opposite. I get home and realize there was something in my suitcase that I didn’t even wear. Over the years, I’ve streamlined my packing list and learned that I don’t need a huge suitcase to travel comfortably. Packing light isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about being thoughtful about what you bring.

Choose clothing that works together. Bring comfortable shoes. Downsize your toiletries. Leave the “just in case” items at home. Buy some things when you arrive. Today, I travel the globe comfortably with a carry-on suitcase. And, yes, I usually manage to bring home a few souvenirs, too.

Happy travels—and happy packing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Europe

What Should I Pack for Tours in Europe?

When you’re taking tours in Europe, pack for walking, changing weather, and the specific activities included in your itinerary. Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight layers, a cross-body bag, and a small day bag or foldable backpack are particularly useful. I also recommend checking the tour description before you leave so you know whether you’ll need anything specific.

For European tours, I use LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, and GetYourGuide to find small-group, private, and other guided experiences. Checking the details before booking can help you know what you’ll need to carry with you during the tour—and prevents you from packing equipment or supplies you won’t actually use. If taking a cruise, I always look at Shore Excursions Group.

What Should I Pack for a Trip to Europe?

Pack versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, comfortable walking shoes, essential toiletries and medications, necessary electronics, travel documents, and a few useful extras. The key to packing light is choosing items that serve multiple purposes and leaving behind things you can easily buy or don’t expect to use.

How Do I Book Train Tickets in Europe?

You can book European train tickets directly through individual train operators, such as Trenitalia in Italy, or use a booking platform such as Omio to search and compare trains from multiple operators in one place. This can be particularly convenient if your trip includes several European countries because you don’t have to navigate multiple railway websites. Omio allows you to compare routes, departure times, and prices and book trains, buses, flights, and ferries through its website or app. It also provides mobile tickets and travel updates, which can be useful when you’re traveling between countries.

And there’s another reason I like using trains when you’re packing light: you may have to carry your suitcase through train stations, onto platforms, up stairs, and through the city after you arrive. A smaller suitcase is considerably easier to manage than a giant piece of luggage.

Can You Really Travel Europe With Only a Carry-On?

Yes. I regularly travel in Europe for 2½ months with a 20-inch carry-on roller bag and a personal item. The key is to pack a versatile wardrobe, do laundry along the way, limit shoes and toiletries, and avoid “just in case” items. I also recommend checking the baggage requirements for each airline you will use because European carriers can have smaller carry-on limits than many U.S. airlines.

Do You Roll or Fold Clothes When Packing?

I use a combination of both. I find that rolling tends to leave my clothes with fewer wrinkles, but it can use more space, so I roll most tops and fold pants and bulkier fabrics. I also use the inside of my shoes for socks and underwear.

Should I Use Packing Cubes?

I think so. Packing cubes are an essential part of how I organize a carry-on. They keep clothing organized, make it easier to find what you need, and allow you to separate clean clothes from dirty clothes as your trip progresses. I also pack my shoes in a cloth bag or disposable shower caps to keep them away from my clothing.

How Do You Pack All Your Toiletries in a Carry-On?

Use small containers and bring only the amount you need for the beginning of your trip. If you run out, you can find most basic toiletries in grocery stores, beauty-supply stores, and pharmacies. Pharmacies are convenient but can be more expensive, so I generally look elsewhere first.

I use small containers for my skincare products and often save samples that come with purchases specifically for travel. Despite bringing quite a few skincare and makeup products, I can fit everything into two small toiletry bags because I don’t carry full-size containers.

What Should I Pack for Italy?

If Italy is part of your European trip, focus on versatile clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and lightweight layers. Pack only the toiletries you really need and plan to buy basic products such as shampoo and lotion once you arrive. Most importantly, leave room in your suitcase for the things you inevitably find while traveling.

Should I Buy Travel Insurance for a Trip to Europe?

Travel insurance can help protect you from certain unexpected expenses before and during your trip, including covered trip cancellations, interruptions, medical expenses, and other travel problems depending on the policy you choose. Coverage varies considerably, so read the policy details rather than assuming every situation is covered. I recommend comparing policies based on your actual trip and needs rather than simply choosing the cheapest option. TravelInsurance.com makes it easy to compare travel insurance policies from multiple providers in one place.

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

Looking for an Easy Way to Book Transportation in Europe?

Omio is a convenient option for travelers who want to compare and book trains, buses, and flights across Europe in one place. Instead of navigating multiple transportation websites, you can compare routes, schedules, prices, and travel options through one platform and book with a credit card in a familiar currency, including U.S. and Canadian dollars. Your Omio booking also gives you access to customer support in English, booking management, and updates about disruptions such as delays, cancellations, and strikes. Compare transportation options with Omio: https://omio.sjv.io/PzgOVY

A Favorite European Tour Partner: LivTours

LivTours is a boutique, family-owned company specializing in high-quality, semi-private (maximum 6 people) and private tours, primarily in Italy, as well as Spain, France, England, Austria, and other parts of Europe. They are highly regarded for skip-the-line access to major sites, expert, English-speaking guides, and curated, immersive experiences designed to avoid “cookie-cutter” travel. We’ve had amazing experiences with them and enjoy that they hire local guides exclusively. LivTours offers Roaming Historian readers 10% off two or more tours! Save on your next favorite European memory by using our coupon code “AMYRH10.” Book with LivTours here: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61

Tours, Tickets, & Experiences: Viator and Get Your Guide

If you’re planning tours, attraction tickets, or local experiences during your trip, Viator and Get Your Guide are two of the most widely used platforms for discovering and booking activities around the world. Both allow travelers to compare itineraries, prices, reviews, and ratings for thousands of experiences ranging from guided historical tours and museum tickets to day trips and unique local activities. Many listings on both platforms include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds flexibility when travel plans change. Pro tip: because these platforms host experiences from many different tour operators, always check recent reviews and overall ratings before booking to ensure a high-quality experience.

Browse tours and experiences here:
Viator: https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
GetYourGuide: https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher

Our Favorite Travel Insurance Site

Protect your vacation with Travel Insurance dot com. This awesome travel site provides quotes from numerous travel insurance agencies and allows you to purchase them with no added increase to you: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44

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Going on a Cruise? Try Shore Excursions Group

If you’re visiting ports during a cruise, Shore Excursions Group is a reliable alternative to booking excursions through the cruise line. Their tours are often smaller, more affordable (sometimes up to 40% less than ship excursions), and led by knowledgeable local guides. They offer carefully designed shore excursions in ports around the world. Even better, they provide a guaranteed on-time return to the ship, giving cruisers peace of mind when exploring independently. Just plug in your cruise ship and sail date and your ports will automatically populate, so you can browse excursions for your cruise ports here:
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com

Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners

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Affiliate Disclosure Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.

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