We generally spend a couple weeks a year in Europe, for about 10 days per visit. I don't know about you, but doing laundry isn't my idea of a good vacation - and I don't love paying the exorbitant fees that hotels charge for basic laundry.
So what should you pack for 10 days in Europe?
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**Originally posted 2018. Updated, September, 2023. It's time to start packing your favorite clothes for a trip to Europe!
Packing is one of the best ways to get excited for a trip (that, and of course, reading travel blogs!). I love to be prepared enough to look nice during my entire trip, all the way from the minute I step on the plane, to throughout my experience trudging all around those winding European streets.
After many, many mistakes, I've compiled all the tips and tricks I can possibly come up with, to help you pack for Europe! What to wear on the plane? Check. How to pack the perfect carry on? Check. The best shoes for Europe? Got 'em. Make-up and hair styles? You betcha. So let's do it! Packing for 10 days in Europe, here we go!
Ready to cut to the chase? Check out a few of my Europe travel essentials:![]() One last thing before we get started...Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
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My secret weapon to packing for a trip to Europe is a set of handy, budget-friendly packing cubes, to keep my luggage more organized over a long trip. |
Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
How to pack the perfect carry-on for a long flight
The way I approach the carry-on packing is to ensure that, should I lose my bag, I can shower and put on a reasonable outfit, and then backfill for anything else I need until my bag arrives, which could be a while.
With knowledge of packing restrictions for liquids, sharp objects, etc., to me, this translates into:
- one shirt,
- one pair of pants,
- two pairs of underwear,
- two pairs of socks that work with the shoes I wore on the plane,
- some form of jacket that's suitable for rain (if I didn't bring one onto the plane). I usually opt for some of that Eileen Fisher in the bag - then I just shake it out and hang it up at the hotel.
For other essentials to include in your carry-on and your purse, check out my Travel Essentials.
Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
Packing outerwear
One of my biggest regrets on my first few trips was spending a huge amount of time, money, and suitcase space on frilly blouses that were too sheer for the Highlands of Scotland and stayed packed while I sported turtlenecks. In the U.K., you can’t go wrong with a Barbour waxed jacket. Relaxed and casual, but definitely makes a statement! And, of course, those lovely, giant pockets that mean you don't have to carry a purse in places where you aren't worried about pickpockets.
I like to always bring a couple of light jackets with me, even if I end up taking them off while I'm walking around (unless it's July). I find that Europeans tend to wear more layers than Americans, so I like to fit in, as best I can.

Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
Finding the right walking shoes
- one pair of "booties"/ankle boots;
- two pairs of flats (I like Sam Edelman);
- one pair of sandals, if it's summer, for popping out for coffee and letting my feet catch a breather from my other shoes. Leave the beach flip flops at home.
A note on wearing sneakers in Europe: Sneakers are undoubtedly in style right now. I love rocking athleisure everyday when I'm here in the States. That said, while you will see Europeans/Brits in sneakers going about their everyday lives, you will not see them wearing "work out shoes" unless they're on their way to the gym. Additionally, there are dress code restrictions at theatres and nice restaurants that disallow "trainers." So be sure you have some non-tennis shoes as well.

Packing tip: Leave room in your suitcase for new purchases
There’s nothing better than getting to a city, seeing that all the young cool people are wearing something, and running straight to a store and buying it. I also love clothes and purses as souvenirs, though of course my husband doesn’t get the same amount of enjoyment out of those souvenirs! And, that's in addition to all of the "normal" souvenirs - coffee mugs, etc. So, don't fill that bag so full that you can't bring anything home with you!
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Be sure to check out my post on buying souvenirs on vacation, before you go!
Packing tip:
Bring items that don't need to come home
Generally, I do this with shoes - I bring an old pair of boots and then, when we leave the hotel, I leave them behind to make room for my new treasures. The same applies to cosmetics - If possible, I try to bring cosmetics that are running out, so that I can recycle the containers and leave them behind. Sometimes this means that I weirdly stop using face lotion a week before the trip and buy a new one so I can take the almost empty one, but it’s worth it in the end.
Don't forget: leave a note behind for the cleaners that you left these items intentionally and that, depending on what the item was, they can have them if they want them. That said, if you forget something, they’ll surely apply the same approach, so check carefully for pieces that do need to come home with you.
Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
Country-Specific Packing Tips
Thanks for stopping by!
If you're a first timer and worried about that long haul flight, check out How to Enjoy a Long Haul Flight.
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Happy Travels! xx
Grab my Europe outfit essentials below

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I agree - packing multiple shoes and boots is a must! I'm glad to read I'm not the only one who packs lots of pairs. It's nice not to have to wear the same pair two days in a row if there is unpredictable weather and/or lots of walking from day to day. PS: Love the shoes that you got in Montreal!
Thank you so much!! I appreciate it! xx
Love the blog and love the outfits you have laid out on bed. Any links for exact items? Thank you!
Thank you so much! I'll add a section at the bottom of the picture with a few links! (It won't let me add them in the comment :)) xx
Thanks! Let me know when you are able to post. If you did I can’t see them 😖
Thanks for publishing! I found the blanket scarf in your pic that I fell in love with - yay! Best styling tips for a larger scarf like this? I find sometimes it seems too bulky wrapping it around my neck. I’d love any tips you have!!
Perfect timing! I just finished. A few of these items are a couple years old, so sometimes they didn't make the exact one anymore, but I found similar versions where I could! Thanks again for asking! Made my day xx
I *love* big scarves! Hermes has a few awesome YouTube Videos on how to wear big scarves. I also wear them as wraps pretty often! xx
I do the exact same thing… piles on the guest bed! Just dismantled now for our trip. Thank you for the tips, it has been a long time since I have been on a long flight so I found the tips to be good reminders.
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