Looking for some Europe travel tips for packing? Stop searching, here are the best packing tips to become more efficient and save a ton of time and space!
Packing can become such a nightmare if you are not organized, and you are wondering “What to pack for a trip to Europe?”. But hey! Don’t worry! Check out these Europe Travel Tips for Packing like a pro and stop worrying about forgetting something for your next vacation!
Don’t forget to download my Packing Check List at the end of this post… Once you start using it, you can never go back!
This post highlights the best Europe travel tips for packing for your next vacation!
Mind the weather
When it comes to packing for a trip to Europe, it’s crucial to consider the weather. Most European countries experience significant temperature differences between summer and winter, and fall can be particularly rainy…
So, what do you need to know to pack properly?
- European Summer: During the summer in Europe, temperatures can easily reach 40 °C. So I’d suggest you avoid thick fabrics and opt for lighter clothes. However, don’t be surprised if it starts raining, so be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella and suitable shoes.
- Winter in Europe: On the other hand, winter in Europe can be freezing, especially in northern countries or away from the southern coasts. Bring layers, hats, gloves, and a scarf to stay warm. Nothing ruins a trip like being cold!
- Spring and Fall: These seasons can be unpredictable in terms of weather… Temperatures may fluctuate, and forecasts can change unexpectedly. Pack a variety of clothing options, but avoid overpacking. The goal is to travel light and efficiently!
Think of The activities You are going to Do
One of the best travel tips for packing efficiently is to think about what you’ll actually be doing at your destination, whether it’s Europe or elsewhere!
If you’re planning to spend your vacation tanning on the beach, pack multiple swimsuits, light clothes, and sandals for the day. Maybe throw in a pair of heels if you want to go out at night. But gym wear and hiking boots will probably be useless!
But if you’re headed to the European Alps for a week of mountain adventures, leave the cute dresses and heels behind and opt for comfy clothes. You’ll be way more comfortable exploring the mountains and their lovely towns if you are dressed accordingly!
And if you’re city-hopping through European capitals, bring stylish outfits, but remember, comfort is key! Unless you’re used to walking miles in heels every day, stick to comfy sneakers.
Once again, packing efficiently for a European trip is all about organization! So, think about what you’ll actually be doing on your dream vacation and use your common sense to pack!
The importance of capsule wardrobes
In the world of travel and packing, you’ve probably heard of capsule wardrobes! If not, it’s a simple concept: you pack items that all go well together, allowing you to mix and match your outfits without bringing too many clothes.
But how do you create one? Don’t worry, I’m here to help!
Now that you know the weather and activities planned for your European vacation, it’s time to choose your items.
My top Europe travel tip for packing your capsule wardrobe is to stick to plain colors as much as possible. Of course, you can still bring pretty patterned items.
Here’s an example:
- Bottoms: One printed trousers, one plain skirt, and one pair of jeans.
- Tops: One or two printed tops (that match your plain bottoms), and some plain tops that go well with all your bottoms.
- Shoes: One comfy pair for the day and one pair for going out at night.
Obviously, the amount of clothing you pack depends on the duration of your trip… But you’ve got the idea!
Travel Size Hygiene products
As traveling has become more popular over the last few decades, your favorite cosmetics and hygiene products companies have adapted! Luckily for us, they now offer travel-size versions of their products.
By bringing travel-size products instead of regular ones, you’ll save a ton of space in your luggage. And let’s be honest… You probably won’t use a whole bottle of shampoo on a one or two-week trip to Europe!
If you can’t find your favorite products in travel-size versions, don’t worry, I have a trick for you!
You can buy travel-size containers in almost every beauty shop or local chain store and fill them up with your shampoo, face cream, and makeup. If you’re too busy to go to the store before your trip, check out Amazon for some great options! These are the ones I got a while ago, and I absolutely love them!
Electronics and documents
Between your phone, your computer, your camera, your drone, and even your Kindle, packing electronics and all the corresponding chargers is, to me, the worst thing ever! Adding to that, the fact that they are valuable and that you don’t want to lose them or damaged them… It can be a bit stressful. And the same goes for your personal documents.
To keep yourself organized and not lose your mind, here are my best travel packing tips:
- Separate your chargers in one bag and electronic items in another. You can use a special backpack or packing cubes for this. Packing cubes are great for organizing not just electronics, but also clothes… Plus, they will save you a ton of space!
- Keep this bag with you at all times, whether traveling by bus, train, or plane. You will feel at peace if you can keep an eye on them and won’t have to worry about losing them or someone stealing them.
- Don’t bring everything you own! Think about what you’ll actually need. If you don’t have to work, leave the computer behind. Consider bringing a tablet instead. Be organized and realistic when packing electronics and documents, just like you would with clothes for your vacation.
Keep some room for souvenirs
I’m not sure if this counts as a travel tip for packing or just advice from my experience… But either way, it’s something to consider when packing for your next trip to Europe.
Many of us want to bring back souvenirs from our vacations, so when packing, be sure to leave some space for them.
Some souvenirs are small and won’t take up much room in your luggage. Personally, I’m team magnet… They’re cute, small, and make me happy every time I open my fridge. But what you bring back home from your trip is entirely up to you!
Just remember that they’ll need to fit in your suitcase along with everything else you’ve brought on your European vacation!