One of the most stressful things about taking a trip is figuring out what to pack. You don’t want to leave anything out that you might need along the way, but you also don’t want to bring stuff that you don’t need. What to do?!
I’m an overplanner (can you tell?) and I used to pack everything I could possibly need for every emergency on all my trips. I would pack my luggage full of stuff until it practically exploded. But the more trips I took, the more I realized that I never even unpacked some of those things- so why bother bringing them? So I stopped.
And now I’m sharing foolproof packing list for Europe full of all the things you might need on your trip- and nothing you don’t- so you too can pack in just a carry-on + personal item. Now you can spend your time planning all the fun things you’re going to do on vacay instead of stressing about what to bring.
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Why Pack Carry-on Only?
There are many reasons but the main one, for me, is just that it’s easier. Travel in Europe involves lugging your bags across cobblestone streets to and from the train station and believe me you don’t want to have to haul some thousand-pound behemoth along behind you.
Yes, you can take a taxi or Uber from the station but even then, they can’t always get you to the door of your hotel. If you are staying in the old town (and you should), quite often you’ll have to walk the last block or two while schlepping your suitcase.
And once you get to your hotel, there will be a tiny elevator- if you’re lucky. Believe me when I say that packing in just a carry-on + personal item makes it way easier to travel from place to place without breaking your back.
Cost is another consideration. Airlines charge so much for checked luggage these days and who wants to pay it? Not me- I’d rather eat a fancy dinner or stay an extra day than pay for a bag full of stuff I mostly likely won’t use anyway.
Packing in a carry-on also saves you time. You don’t have to wait in line to check your bag before your flight or wait around at baggage claim afterwards. You can just breeze right on through the airport.
And can we just talk about the anxiety of having your checked suitcase get lost or damaged along the way? Mine got lost on the way to the winter Olympics- with all my winter gear packed in it. It was, uh, decidedly not convenient.
So just do yourself a favor and pack light. Don’t worry, I’ll show you how. 😁
Figuring Out What to Pack
Figuring out what to bring seems overwhelming but I promise you that if you just take it step-by-step, you’ll find it’s not so hard.
Clothes
I know, we all want to look cute while we’re traveling- especially for photos. This leads to a lot of people thinking they need to pack a completely new outfit for every day, but I promise you don’t need to. You can pack for any length of trip in just a carry-on + personal item and STILL LOOK GREAT.
>> I walk you through the whole process of creating a list of clothes to pack in my Capsule Wardrobe series. Check it out!
The absolute key to packing light is getting on board with a capsule wardrobe. That means, you bring clothes that you can mix and match. It doesn’t mean you have to bring all black and white though. Take a look at some of the capsule wardrobes I’ve put together to see what I mean.
For every trip, bring these clothes:
- Dresses
- Tops
- Bottoms
- Toppers
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Bras
- Socks
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Toiletries
I am a big believer in transferring stuff into tiny bottles. It takes time, yes, but it also saves sooo much room. My favorite trick is to put stuff I don’t need much of (eye cream) into a contact lens container. The rest goes into these tiny little bottles or these little tubs. I figured out I need much less of my self-care stuff than I thought, and you probably do too.
Do a little trial run- put as much face moisturizer or shampoo as you think you’ll need for 1 week into a little container and use only what’s there for the week. Did you have enough? Thought so.
Going for multiple weeks? Bring multiple tiny containers and since you did a trial run, you’ll know exactly how many you need. And a bonus reason for bringing tiny containers? You won’t leave your big tub of super expensive eye cream on the bathroom counter in Copenhagen. Oops.
If you want to cut down on liquids (darn airport rules) even more, there are a few things you can do. Use solid shampoo and conditioner, makeup remover wipes, and of course bring travel or sample sizes of toothpaste, perfume, makeup, and anything else you can think of.
For every trip, bring these self care items:
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Face Moisturizer
- Eye Cream
- Body Moisturizer
- Hairbrush
- Hair Bands & Clips
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Styling Products
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- Makeup (face, eyes, lips, cheeks)
- Makeup Remover Wipes
Shoes
One of the things that takes up the absolute most room in your luggage is shoes. They just won’t smush down! So just limit yourself to what you actually, really need to bring (hint: not heels).
No matter the trip, I swear you can get by with 2 pair of shoes (3 if you want to be really fancy). Make sure to bring shoes that are waterproof if there might be bad weather or you’re going to be at the beach.
Some of my favorite shoe brands for travel are Born (they have waterproof boots that don’t look like waterproof boots), Birkenstock (I mean, you can’t go wrong with their foot support), New Balance (so many colors- I like the 515 ones), Aquatalia (pricey but absolutely gorgeous waterproof boots- I have a pair I’ve replaced the zipper on 3 times over 12 years because I love them so much), and Tevas or Chacos (my Z Classics are still going strong after 20 years)- especially if you’ll be at the beach or doing water activities).
For every trip, bring these shoes:
- 1 pair of tennis shoes
- 1 sandal in hot weather or boot in cold weather
- Optional-1 pair of flats, loafers, or small heel
Miscellaneous Things to Pack
AirTags
These will give you peace of mind if you have to check your suitcase or leave your backpack somewhere. I keep one in every bag just in case.
Plug Adapter
If traveling overseas, you’ll need an electrical plug adapter. Be sure to check information for the country where you’re traveling to see which type.
Portable Charger
I am always afraid of the battery running out on my phone so I carry a portable charger. Anker makes great products and I like this magnetic one that sticks to the back of my phone.
Light Scarf
If you’re going to a Catholic church, it’s respectful to cover your shoulders (and knees, just FYI). And it’s respectful to cover your head in mosques if you’re headed to a Muslim country. So even in hot weather, I make sure to bring one.
Laundry Bag
Once you get home from your trip, you can just grab it and toss everything in the wash. Not only that, but you can also keep your shoes in the laundry bag while you travel so they won’t get your clean clothes dirty- another double duty item.
Binder Clips
Weird I know but toss a couple in and you can use them to hang up wet clothing, hold curtains closed, or any number of things.
Emergency Cash
You don’t need to change it to the local currency in advance, just have it on hand (divide up and stash in different bags after you get there).
Ziploc Bags
Large ones for wet clothes, small ones for snacks or trash.
Deck of Cards
Sometimes you’ll need something to do on the train, plane, boat to pass the time and they don’t take up much room. It’s better than doomscrolling on your phone.
Extra Bag
OK, if you’re big on buying souvenirs on your travels, you can bring one of these to carry all your treasures home. I put all my dirty clothes in it and check it at the end of the trip then use my carry-on suitcase for the things that shouldn’t get smushed or tossed around.
Copies of Info
Copies of important information- either you can take photos and add them to a LOCKED note on your phone- or you can bring paper copies. I keep photos of my passport and credit/debit cards including the phone numbers to call in case they get lost or stolen.
Contact Info
In case of emergency, I print out contact info for the local emergency number, friends & family back home (because who knows anyone’s number by heart anymore?), insurance information, and the nearest embassy. You can also print out numbers/addresses of your hotels.
Things You Do NOT Need to Pack
A hair dryer
In my experience, pretty much every hotel or apartment rental has a hair dryer. Even if they don’t have one in the room, they’ll have one you can borrow from the front desk. And if you’re coming from the U.S. to Europe, your hairdryer won’t be the right voltage anyway. This is also true of your straightener/curling iron.
Your entire face care system
You can do without retinol for a week, I swear. And maybe this will give you the chance to check out a new product. While I was in Spain my skin was super dry, so I wandered into a pharmacy and bought this Nuxe Oil and it’s fabulous.
An umbrella (unless you’re 110% positive you’ll use it)
I have never ever used an umbrella that I brought on a trip. They’re bulky and annoying and if you need an umbrella, I promise that a million people will suddenly appear on every street corner dying to sell you one. But fine, if you must bring one, here’s a great travel umbrella option.
I’m much more likely to bring a packable rain jacket instead because it will both keep you dry and also keep you warm- I love a double duty item. But usually, I just use a couple hours of rain to relax and sleep in or see a museum or church.
Your computer
Do you really want to do work on your trip? Really? I do bring my iPad plus a Bluetooth keyboard but leave the big behemoth at home.
Uncomfortable or bulky shoes
Cobblestone and heels don’t play nice. Neither do shoes that pinch your feet, give you blisters, have no cushion, or take up tons of room in your luggage. Pack shoes that you won’t regret bringing.
A million medications
Aside from prescriptions, you can generally buy what you need where you’re going.
I do bring a couple things with me though. Aleve (or some other pain reliever) is useful for sunburns, twisted ankles, or fever. I bring waterproof tape for blisters. It’s better than Band-Aids and stays on for days- through showering and everything. I also tend to get motion sick so I bring Sea Bands to help. And I’ll generally toss in a Benadryl or two in case I have an allergic reaction to something. But of course, bring what you need for you.
Some optional meds and self-care items: Imodium, Neosporin, Band-Aids, Liquid IV, Antibiotics, Benadryl, Melatonin, Q-Tip’s, nail file, tweezers, scissors
How to Fit Everything in Your Luggage
The key to fitting it all and making sure you can find what you need when you need it is organizing it. I bring several bags and treat them like those Russian nesting dolls to keep it all straight.
Bags to Pack
Small Handbag
You can use this when you head out to dinner or if you’re out for just a short while during the day. Or you can tuck it inside your medium bag or personal item while sightseeing during the day.
To keep pickpockets from seeing you as a target, make sure it zips closed and I suggest using a crossbody or a belt bag.
Rebecca Minkoff has some cute small leather bags. If you want something casual, I love this belt bag with two sections and interior pockets (people are always asking if it’s Lulu Lemon). And Baggallini has tons of options- some of which have RFID (antitheft) to keep your credit cards safe.
Medium Handbag
You’ll use this during the day while you’re out sightseeing. Make sure it’s big enough to hold a water bottle and a snack as well as money and lip balm.
I like hobo bag that I can wear across my body to deter pickpockets, but you could also use a tote (make sure it zips closed).
My favorite handbags are Baggallini because they’re lightweight (my old lady back likes that) and aren’t obnoxious looking. Some people prefer bags that are antitheft like Tavelon or PacSafe for peace of mind.
Personal Item
This is, of course, what you carry on the plane. Different airlines have different size limits on what constitutes a “personal item” so be sure you check- especially if you’re flying a budget airline as they’re a bit more strict.
After arriving at your destination, you can carry this during the day if you anticipate taking off a bulky jacket as it warms up, if you want to pack a picnic lunch, of if you’re going shopping.
I like to use a backpack for my personal item, but you could also use a larger tote. Again, a zipper is essential. You don’t want all your stuff to fall out on the plane!
The backpack I use is by Baggallini (my fave, can you tell?) and it has a separate computer compartment where I put my iPad and important document so I can grab them easily as I go through the airport. Sherpani has options with antitheft tech which is great. And if you have dollars to spend and want something that will last forever, Tumi is a great option.
Toiletry bag
I like one that doesn’t have structure so I can smush it between stuff. And it’s smart to get one you can hang in the bathroom so you don’t leave anything behind by accident.
Carry-On Bag
Be sure you check the airline regulations to make sure you know what size qualifies as carry-on. Be sure to ALSO check the weight limits (you can use this luggage scale).
I just had to gate-check my carry-on when I flew with TAP (Air Portugal) because it was overweight. They didn’t charge me for it but I’m glad that I didn’t have anything valuable in there since they didn’t give me time to make sure.
I personally like a soft sided suitcase so that when it bangs against my shins it doesn’t hurt too much. 🤣 Also, I had a hard sided one that shattered on a trip to Vermont so I’m sticking with soft. But get what works for you of course.
Some people love a clamshell design (it has equal room on each half). If you go with a duffel, I’d suggest one that converts to a backpack in case you have to carry it longer distances.
Some great options are TravelPro (hard and soft sided), Tumi (again, pricey but worth it), and this backpack.
For every trip, pack these bags:
- Small Handbag
- Medium Handbag
- Personal Item
- Toiletry Bag
- Carry-On Bag
How to Organize it All
Now that you have your bags, what’s the best way to pack them? I’m going to lay it all out for you below…
What to Pack in Your Small Handbag
Use this bag to pack your ID, cash, credit cards, and jewelry. This can then go either in your medium bag or your personal item for the flight.
What to Pack in Your Medium Handbag
This is where you put items that you’ll want access to on the plane- your phone, lip balm, a book or Kindle, reading glasses, iPad, AirPods, tissues, medications, and snacks. Once seated, you will pull it out of your personal item and… presto! You have everything you need to keep you entertained for the flight.
What to Pack in your Personal Item
The two main things are the small bag with all its contents and the medium bag with all its contents.
Next up, you’ll add your refillable water bottle (fill it after going through security), chargers for all your electronics, an portable charger, and an adapter for the country where you’ll be traveling.
If you’re bringing a camera, you’ll put this in your personal item too, as well as any hard drives, SD cards, chargers, and batteries for it.
Now’s where I’m going to get crazy and tell you that I don’t bring a pillow. I know, I know. It just always irked me that I had to haul it a dumb neck pillow around my entire trip but only used it on the plane. So, I figured out a work-around.
If I’m heading on a trip when it’s cold, I bring a blanket scarf. I then tie it around my neck and use that to support my head as I sleep. It’s cozy and comfy and can also be used throughout my trip to stay warm. In summer, I bring a Turkish towel and do the same thing. It can be used a million ways- a beach towel, picnic blanket, sarong, tablecloth… The options are endless.
But ok, if you’re going to bring one anyway, the Trtl Neck Pillow is the one people swear by.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag
The most important thing is to NOT pack anything in your carry-on that you don’t want to get lost or stolen. Although I always pack carry-on only, sometimes I have to gate-check my bag because it’s overweight or there’s limited room on the plane.
>> Do NOT pack cash, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, cameras, or anything else you’d be devastated to lose in your carry-on.
So now that I’ve told you what NOT to pack, here’s what you SHOULD pack.
Clothes and Shoes
First, put aside the outfit you’ll wear on the plane. You should pick your bulkiest shoes, tops, and outerwear so you can save room in your suitcase. Great! Now let’s pack the rest.
The shoes that you’re not wearing on the plane go into your laundry bag so they don’t get everything dirty. Be sure to make use of your empty shoes by storing your socks inside them.
Next, fold up the bulkiest items like jeans and sweaters and put them in. Then dresses and tops. Work from the bulkiest/largest to the smallest items.
>> Some people swear by compression cubes to fit more (just in case you couldn’t help yourself and packed a few extra things- I don’t judge).
Toiletries
Now you’re going to remove any liquids from your pile of toiletries and add them to a Ziploc bag. Then add the non-liquids to your carry-on.
Finally, put the Ziploc in at the very top so you can whip it out at security then shove it right back in without having to dig around. Zip it closed and you’re done!
I know that packing anxiety is real, but I promise, you can do this. And know that whatever it is you need when traveling, you can most likely find it there.
Happy travels…
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Questions about Packing Carry-on Only for Europe
How big is a carry-on bag?
Each airline has different rules for what size is allowed. You should be able to find this information on their website.
How big is a personal item?
See above 👆
Can I pack everything in a carry-on?
Yes, absolutely! I believe in you! Just follow my foolproof plan. You got this 🙂
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