We generally spend several weeks a year in Europe, for about 10 days per visit. 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 do I recommend packing 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, February, 2020. It's time to start packing for Europe!
I find packing to be one of the best ways to get excited for a trip (that, and of course, reading blogs about what I'll be seeing once I get there!). While not going over-the-top, I do like to look nice on the plane and even while trudging all around Europe.
I pack really far in advance and greatly enjoy making lovely little piles of clothes everywhere. Below, you'll see my lovely staging area - good thing we never have guests, or they'd have nowhere to sleep.
I've received a request for links to the items in the picture above! So if you're curious, here they are/this year's version, from left to right:
Of course, packing isn't just about clothes. 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!
Packing for 10 Days in Europe:
|
First things first!! My most recent discovery was these handy packing cubes, to keep my luggage more organized over a long trip.
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 wears on, I use the larger one to start to hold dirty clothes. |
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 knee-high riding boots (or one black, one brown, depending on the season - one of these two must be appropriate for rain. I like these knee-high boots from Blondo because they're waterproof, but look like leather);
- 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.
A note on tennis shoes: I would recommend only bringing them if there’s hiking or sports specifically on the docket. You’ll walk so much that you won’t need the gym unless you’re super fit. Don’t waste space with them unless you’ll use them and bring corresponding workout gear.
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!
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
Happy Travels! xx
Love it? Pin it!
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
Leave a Reply.
Archives
September 2020
May 2020
March 2020
February 2020
Categories
All
Dining
Europe
Flights
Hotels
Packing
Road Trips
Shopping
Train Travel
Travel Blogging
Travel Planning
This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.
Opt Out of Cookies