{2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for 10 Days in Europe

We generally spend a couple weeks each 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 all do you need to pack for 10 days in Europe?

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. ​*Originally posted 2018. Updated, August, 2024

Packing for 10 Days in Europe?

Lucky you! Strolling along the Seine, sipping a spritz next to the Duomo, admiring The Crown Jewels in the Tower of London...

Planning a trip to Europe can be overwhelming, From all of the scheduling and organizing and getting everyone on the same page, to finally committing and making bookings, and next thing you know...it's time to pack!

Well you've come to the right place. Your favorite Europe travel expert will walk you through everything you need to know to pack for 10 days in Europe.

View of Les Invalides across the Seine (SPC)

In my humble opinion, packing is one of the best ways to get excited for a long-awaited trip (that, and of course, reading excellent, helpful travel blogs!).

I research the weather at my destination, try to get my itinerary nailed down, and think through the logistics of how many suitcases I can bring and whether we'll be moving hotels.

The goal of the entire packing process is to have enough polished outfits to look nice during my entire trip, all the way from the minute I step onto the plane, all the way throughout my experience trudging all around those winding, cobblestone streets. If you're here looking for tips on how to "pack light" I might not be your girl. I also don't overpack - I try, like Goldilocks, to find that perfect sweet spot! ​

It's time to start selecting your favorite clothes

I pack really far in advance and greatly enjoy making lovely little piles of clothes all over the guest room. Good thing we never have guests, or they'd have nowhere to sleep.

After many, many mistakes, I've compiled all the tips and tricks I can possibly come up with, to help you pack perfectly for Europe! What to wear on the plane? Check. How to pack the perfect carry-on bag? Check. The best shoes for Europe? Got 'em. Make-up and hair styles? You betcha. So let's do it! If this is your first trip to Europe, be sure to check out my First Timer's Guide to Europe, for everything from power adapters to where you'll find coffee!

Ready to cut to the chase?
​Check out a few of my Europe travel essentials, below:

New Europe travel post!
​American Travel Mistakes in Europe

Packing for 10 Days in Europe...first things first

FAQ: How many suitcases will I need for 10 days in Europe?

In order to have enough clothes for your week and a half in Europe, you're likely going to need one large, checked back, one carry-on bag, and one purse/tote for the plane.The reality is, you're likely going to need one large, checked back, one carry-on bag, and one purse/tote for the plane.


The best tip I can give you about selecting luggage for a trip to Europe is to remember how small European hotel rooms are, even at nice hotels.

If at all possible, avoid suitcases that unzip down the middle and flop open, in favor of the more traditional style, where a flap unzips to reveal the contents (like this carry-on from TravelPro). These are significantly easier to open in tight quarters.

On a standard transatlantic flight on a non-budget airline, you can check 2 bags at no extra cost. (You'll want to confirm this with your ticket).

My husband generally does not bring a carry-on, so we combine all of our things into one carry-on, so he is able to help manage getting all the bags into cabs and through the train station.

Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
​What to wear on a plane
​for a long haul flight

First things first. A lot of people just throw on clothes and run to the airport to hop on that transatlantic flight to Europe. Honestly, this is the first, and perhaps the most critical, Europe *packing* mistake.

By not thinking through what you wear on the flight to Europe, you're absolutely missing an opportunity get your clothes to Europe efficiently and make yourself feel more comfortable during and after your long haul flight!

You should absolutely plan your airplane outfit when you are packing and lay it out along with everything else. This way, you won't get into a rush and end up making a bad, last-minute clothing decision.​

Ok, so how do I use my airplane outfit to my...advantage on a long haul fight?

Your airplane outfit should:

• be comfortable on the plane,  
• look nice enough that you'll feel comfortable arriving at your hotel wearing it. I think people often forget that this outfit isn't just for the plane; you're going to be wearing it during your first bit of time in the city you're so excited to visit.
• not wrinkle easily.
• include the heaviest shoes you want to have on the trip that you feel comfortable wearing on the plane. I generally wear booties if it's fall or winter.
• include socks! Even if you have TSA Precheck and aren't worried about taking off your shoes in airport security, be sure to wear socks. I promise, your bare feet will be absolutely freezing at 2 AM over the Atlantic. It gets surprisingly chilly in the plane, especially near the walls.
• include layers, such as a light trench coat that you'll want to wear in the city where you're going, or, depending on the season a light cashmere wrap. 

Your airplane outfit should NOT include:

• pants/shirt you’ll want to wear again because they’ll be airplane filthy and you won't even be able to look at them again,
• super-tight leggings, which can be uncomfortable over a long period. Personally, I love these crepe pants from Eileen Fisher- they're machine washable, don't wrinkle during the long flight, and have a comfortable waistband. They feel like leggings, but they don't squish you all over during a long flight. For a more budget-friendly option, try joggers, from Athleta.

Also, I always, always, always opt for long pants on a transatlantic flight. 

FAQ: What should I do with my coat on a flight to Europe?

Bringing your big winter coat onto the plane may see like a great idea, but it’s a giant pain. You may have to put the coat under the seat in front of you if the overhead bin is crowded, and holding a coat through all of the customs lines is a massive bother. 

Unless you're going somewhere with really cold weather where you'll need that coat upon arrival, just pack your coat in your checked bag. If it's so cold where you live that you must have a winter coat during your time to and from your home/airport, then put it into the checked bag before you check the bag at the airport.

If you’re lucky enough to be in First Class, go for it and bring whatever coat you want!! They'll even hang up your coat for you so you don't have to deal with it during the flight.

Now is a good time to double check...do you need a thick winter coat at all? I have hauled coats across the Atlantic Ocean several times, only to have them sit in my suitcase for the entire 10-day trip.

For example, if you're heading to Spain, I promise the chances you'll actually wear a large winter coat are pretty slim.

Want to know more? Check out: What to Wear in Spain in Winter.

Accessing your bag during the flight

Depending on your packing approach, remember, anything you want to access on the plane needs to be in your purse or your carry-on. BUT, your carry-on might get stowed under the plane if it's big or if they run out of overhead space.

I'd recommend bringing a small tote bag to accompany you on the trip. You're not going to use the tote bag while you're actually walking around in Europe, but I find it helpful for all of the airport necessities. I use my Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

Pro tip: Remember to keep anything you may need urgently, such as car keys and prescription medications, in your purse/tote that you will keep with you at all times. Don't even put them in your carry-on or be sure to remove them from your carry-on if you're asked to check it at boarding. Getting a prescription in Europe is not like getting something filled at a CVS in Phoenix.

How to do hair for a long flight

Styling my hair for a flight to Europe took a few instances of trial and error. I *hated* getting off the plane and having just the greasiest looking hair upon arrival at my hotel. But, I didn't want to wear anything too elaborate because I also had to try to sleep on the plane.

So, a compromise: I shower right before going to the airport for the flight, dry and curl my hair, and pin the front up with bobby pins. I wear this "do" until the plane lands and then take the pins out. My hair doesn't look greasy since I'm prevented from touching it by the bobby pins, and is still reasonably "done" since I had styled it not too terribly long before!

Best make-up for long flights

I wear extremely light, if any, make-up. Even the longest-lasting eye make-up often ends up in my eyes by the end of a long travel day. If you want to wear it during the flight itself, I'd recommend something light, such as a tinted moisturizer and eye brow pencil, but I'd hold off on the mascara until arrival at your destination, so you don't end up with a mess after weird airplane half-sleep!

That said, I do tend to drop a few make-up essentials in my purse (as long as they're small enough to come with me on the plane), so that I can pop on some quick make-up to arrive at the hotel looking fresh!

Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
Let's pack those bags!

​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 cubes in action

Packing cubes make it easier to unpack at the hotel as well - just plop them into the drawers! Or, if you do have to leave them in your suitcase because of space restraints, you can easily find what you need in the mornings. As the trip to Europe wears on, I use the larger one to start to hold dirty clothes.

Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
​Color Palettes and Outfit Ideas

They key to packing the perfect line-up of outfits for over a week in Europe? Keep it simple with neutral colors and items that are easily interchangeable and wearable with multiple other pieces. The goal is to be able to create different outfits, and to be able to shake things up if, say, a waiter drops a tray full of red wine on you at a serene cafe on the Seine in Paris.

Don't waste what limited space you have in your small suitcase jamming it full of outfits you can't mix-and-match.

Similarly, think through the different activities you'll actually be doing while you're 'across the pond.' If you're a dedicated enough runner that you're actually going to hit the gym, then great, pack workout gear. For the rest of us? Leave the gym clothes at home. With such limited space, it's best to stick to the basics.

Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
​How to pack the perfect carry-on for a long flight

Losing your luggage is always stressful, and it’s that much worse when you’ve just arrived in a foreign country, super sweaty, and have to show-up at the hotel and ask them where you can buy a toothbrush.

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), 
• toiletry bag. 

For other essentials to include in your carry-on and your purse, check out my Travel Essentials.

Pro tip: Include an *empty* reusable water bottle in your tote for the trip. Once you're through airport security, you can start using it in the airport to cut down on plastic waste, not to mention save a fortune in small water bottle purchases during your travels! There are many places to refill a water bottle, including the quaint public fountains scattered throughout Rome.

FAQ: Will my European hotel room have a washing machine?

It is very unlikely that your hotel will have a washing machine for guest use. An apartment rental or hostel may have a washing machine, but do you really want to spend your time using it and likely even paying for the privilege? I've never done laundry in Europe on a 10-day trip.

Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
Packing outerwear

A "light," "water resistant" jacket is the name of the game for non-summer months

We tend to travel in Fall/Spring, so often all anyone sees of me on a daily basis while touring are my shoes and my light, waterproof jacket.I find that Europeans tend to wear more layers than Americans, so I like to fit in, as best I can. In general, I'd suggest a light jacket or "topper" that can go with all of the outfits you'll be bringing.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.

In France, I'd suggest a classic trench coat for any season aside from the height of summer.

If you're going to be doing a fair amount of evening activities, I'd also throw in a leather jacket.

Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
​Basic Shirts

I'd include several pretty basic, long-sleeved shirts (or short-sleeved shirts for summer) for winter/spring/fall. Don't do anything too fancy for everyday walking around. Regardless of the time of year, I'd leave the silk blouse and tank tops at home.

Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
​Finding the Perfect Pants

For everyday wear, 2 pairs of dark wash jeans or black joggers that look like slacks should be fine.

I generally wear jeans during the day, and don't waste my limited space on pants I can only wear once before they wrinkle.

If you'll be visiting in the height of summer, shorts are acceptable for everyday touring, BUT I wouldn't wear anything too short, athletic shorts, or cut-off jeans. 

A note on dress codes...

Be mindful of dress codes at nicer restaurants and religious sites. I would not wear shorts out to dinner in Paris at night, and in Italy and Spain, some of the churches ask that you cover shoulders, or even don't wear shorts or flip flops.

Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
Finding the right walking shoes

If there’s one thing you don’t want to skimp on for a trip to Europe, it’s shoes. Comfortable shoes as a must. If you haven't started breaking in the shoes you intend to wear in Europe, go put them on right now.

My personal approach to packing shoes for my trips to Europe:

• one pair of "booties"/ankle boots;
• one pair of stylish sneakers for everyday
• two pairs of flats (I adore these classics from Sam Edelman. I've had several pairs over the years);
• 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.

Now about those sneakers...

Sneakers are undoubtedly in style right now. While, you will see Europeans/Brits in sneakers going about their everyday lives (even Kate Middleton wears them), you will not see them wearing "workout shoes" unless they're on their way to the gym.

Additionally, there are dress code restrictions at theaters and nice restaurants that disallow "trainers." So be sure you have some loafers as well as that trusty pair of tennis shoes.

Packing for 10 Days in Europe: 
Finding the perfect purse for a trip to Europe

The purse you'll use in Europe should be light-weight and able to close fully. Don't bring anything heavy - you'll regret it immediately and the reality is, you don't need most of the stuff you're contemplating carrying around all day. If you really feel that you need to bring a travel backpack, there are many to choose from. But remember, you will have to check a backpack at almost every major museum, which is a huge hassle and will take up valuable touring time.


Second, your purse must close fully. No ifs, ands, or butts about it. In touristy areas, there are going to be pickpockets. A leather cross-body bag that zips is the perfect protection - they can't get in and they can't snatch the purse out of your hand. I don't want to make you paranoid, but trust me, you'd rather not deal with it. Not to mention, you want your hands free to shop, etc., not carrying a bag around. A few years ago, I'd have said "the days of the fanny pack are over, " and yet, fanny packs are very much back. If you want to rock one as a crossbody, please feel free!

Pro tip: Bring only the absolute essentials in your purse on an average tourism day. A couple credit cards, ID, and some cash. Be sure to get your cash converted at your bank in the US before you go. "Currency change" stations in Europe often charge tourists a ridiculous fee. And don't forget to tell your bank that you're going abroad! Nothing ruins a trip like getting your credit card locked by the bank who thinks it's been stolen and is being used abroad by the thief!

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. 

A vacation purchase from Montreal

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!

Packing tip:
​Bring items that don't need to come home

I learned this one from my mother-in-law, who is a seasoned traveler. We all have some clothes that are ready to ride into the sunset: worn-out boots, undershirts that are getting replaced, end-of-season attire that you don’t want for next year.

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

• What to Wear in Paris
• What to Wear in Scotland
• What to Wear in Italy
• What to Wear in London
• What to Wear in Spain

Thanks for stopping by!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate you stopping by my little blog to prepare for your trip to Europe.

I hope you have a phenomenal trip! There's nothing I love more than helping Americans plan their vacations across the pond. I hope you'll take a minute to check out the many free resources I've created. And please consider signing up for my blog newsletter, for travel tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Another post I find readers of this post always enjoy: 
How to Look Chic in Europe: 20 Tips Every Traveler Needs.
​
Happy Travels! xx

Grab my Europe outfit essentials below

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