So you’re planning a trip to Europe and staring at your suitcase like it’s about to swallow you whole? I’ve been there. The dreaded overpacking struggle is real, and trust me, dragging a 50-pound bag up four flights of stairs in a Parisian walk-up will make you question every life choice. After several trips across the pond, I’ve learned that less really is more when it comes to packing for Europe. Let me share the packing tips that’ll save your back, your sanity, and maybe even some baggage fees.

1. Stick to a Carry-On Only Rule

Here’s the deal: traveling with just a carry-on changes everything. You’ll skip baggage claim, avoid lost luggage nightmares, and actually be able to navigate those narrow European train aisles without knocking into every passenger. Plus, those cobblestone streets weren’t designed for wheeling massive suitcases around.

A good carry-on forces you to think critically about what you actually need versus what you think you might possibly need in some hypothetical scenario. If you can’t fit it in a carry-on, you probably don’t need it. Start with a quality carry-on that maximizes space, and you’ll thank yourself later.

2. Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Stop trying to pack your entire closet. A capsule wardrobe is your best friend for European travel. Pick a color scheme (black, navy, and neutrals work perfectly) and choose pieces that all work together. This way, you can mix and match everything.

For a 10-day trip, you really only need about 5-7 tops and 2-3 bottoms. I know it sounds crazy, but when everything coordinates, you can create tons of different outfits. Plus, you’re traveling, not attending a fashion show every day 🙂

Building Your Capsule

Focus on versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes. Here’s what actually works:

• 2-3 pairs of pants or jeans that are comfortable for all-day walking
• 5-6 tops that can be dressed up or down
• 1-2 dresses that work for both sightseeing and dinner
• 1 lightweight cardigan or jacket for layering
• Minimal accessories like one scarf to change up your look

3. Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane

This trick is a total game-changer. Wear your heaviest shoes, thickest jacket, and bulkiest clothing on travel days. That chunky sweater and those boots take up precious suitcase space, but they don’t count against your baggage weight when you’re wearing them.

Yes, you might feel a bit warm in the airport, but airports have AC for a reason. Layer up on the plane, and you’ll have so much more room in your bag. Plus, airplane cabins get cold anyway, so that extra layer comes in handy.

4. Invest in Packing Cubes

If you haven’t tried packing cubes yet, you’re missing out. These organizational lifesavers compress your clothes and keep everything neat. You can separate outfits by day, or organize by clothing type. Either way, you’ll never have to dig through a messy suitcase again.

I use different colored cubes for different categories: one for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and socks. When you’re hopping between hotels every few nights, packing cubes mean you’re not living out of a chaotic explosion of clothes. FYI, compression packing cubes are even better because they squeeze out extra air.

5. Choose Lightweight, Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics

Ever wonder why some travelers always look put-together while you’re walking around looking like you slept in your clothes? The secret is in the fabric. Materials like merino wool, synthetic blends, and jersey fabrics resist wrinkles and dry quickly.

Merino wool especially is a traveler’s dream. It’s naturally odor-resistant, so you can wear the same shirt multiple times without it getting funky. It also regulates temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Skip the cotton tees that wrinkle instantly and take forever to dry.

6. Limit Your Shoe Collection

Shoes are bulky space-hogs, and you don’t need five pairs for one trip. Pack a maximum of three pairs: comfortable walking shoes, dressier shoes for evenings, and flip-flops or sandals. That’s it. Trust me on this one.

Your main walking shoes should be well broken-in before your trip because you’ll be logging serious miles. Europeans walk everywhere. I’m talking 20,000 steps a day minimum. Leave the heels at home unless you enjoy torturing yourself.

The Right Footwear Matters

Choose shoes that are versatile and comfortable:

• Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes for daily sightseeing
• Ballet flats or loafers that work for casual dinners
• Sandals for warmer months or hostel showers

7. Minimize Toiletries and Use Travel Sizes

You don’t need full-size bottles of everything. Decant your favorite products into travel-sized containers or buy travel versions. Most European hotels provide basic toiletries anyway, so you might not even need to pack shampoo and conditioner.

Here’s a reality check: you can buy toiletries in Europe. If you run out of something, literally every city has drugstores. You’re not trekking through the Amazon rainforest. Pack the essentials and know that you can replenish anything if needed.

8. Skip the “Just in Case” Items

That fancy dress for a formal dinner that might happen? Leave it. The hair dryer “just in case” the hotel doesn’t have one? Hotels have them. The biggest overpacking mistake is bringing things for scenarios that probably won’t happen.

Every time you pick up an item and think “just in case,” put it back down. Pack for the trip you’re actually taking, not the hypothetical trip in your head. This mindset alone will cut your packing list in half.

9. Do Laundry During Your Trip

This is the ultimate overpacking solution: plan to do laundry midway through your trip. Many hotels offer laundry services, or you can find local laundromats. Even hand-washing a few items in your hotel sink works in a pinch.

When you know you can wash clothes, you suddenly don’t need to pack a fresh outfit for every single day. Quick-dry fabrics mean you can wash items at night and have them ready by morning. Game changer, seriously.

10. Leave the Bulky Towel at Home

Don’t pack a beach towel. Just don’t. Hotels and accommodations provide towels, and if you’re hitting the beach, you can buy a cheap lightweight one there. A full-size towel takes up ridiculous space and adds unnecessary weight.

If you absolutely must have your own towel, get a quick-dry microfiber travel towel. They compress down to almost nothing and dry super fast. But honestly, for most trips, you won’t need to pack any towel at all.

11. Use a Digital Packing List

Make a packing list on your phone and check things off as you pack. This prevents the panicked “did I forget something?” spiral. You can reuse the same list for future trips, refining it each time based on what you actually used.

I keep a notes app with my tried-and-true packing list. It includes essentials I always need and helps me avoid overpacking because I’m not randomly throwing things in last minute. Plus, you can share lists with travel companions to avoid duplicate items.

12. Forget the Bulky Layers

Heavy scarves and thick sweaters eat up suitcase space like nobody’s business. Instead of bulky layers, pack multiple thin layers that you can combine. Thermal underlayers, lightweight cardigans, and a good rain jacket work better than one chunky sweater.

Layering is key for European weather anyway since temperatures can vary throughout the day. You want flexibility, not bulk. A packable down jacket or windbreaker takes up minimal space but provides serious warmth when needed.

Smart Layering Strategy

Build your layering system wisely:

• Base layer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking top
• Mid layer: Thin sweater or fleece
• Outer layer: Waterproof, windproof jacket
• Accessories: One compact scarf that doubles as a blanket on flights

13. Pack a Small Day Bag

Here’s something people don’t think about: bring a lightweight, foldable daypack that fits inside your main luggage. You’ll want something small to carry during daily excursions without lugging your entire suitcase around.

A compact backpack holds your water bottle, snacks, camera, and a light jacket while you’re out exploring. Many museums and attractions don’t allow large bags anyway, so having a small daypack is essential. Get one that folds flat so it doesn’t take up space until you need it.

Final Thoughts

Packing light for Europe isn’t about deprivation. It’s about freedom. The freedom to hop on trains without wrestling your luggage, the freedom to walk up those charming but steep European staircases, and the freedom to actually enjoy your trip instead of playing Tetris with your suitcase every night.

These 13 tips have saved me countless headaches (and baggage fees) over the years. Start with a capsule wardrobe, embrace packing cubes, and remember that you can always buy what you forgot. Europe has stores too :/ The key is being ruthless about what you actually need versus what your anxious brain thinks you might need.

Your shoulders will thank you, your travel companions won’t hate you for holding everyone up, and you’ll have way more energy to focus on what matters: exploring incredible cities, eating amazing food, and making memories. So lay out everything you think you need, then put half of it back. Happy travels!