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Wondering what to bring on your trip to Europe? Your favorite Europe travel guide will walk you through everything you need to pack, and how to avoid the most common Europe travel packing mistakes Americans make!
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{2025} 7+ Europe Travel Packing Mistakes Everyone Makes
Filling up...the wrong suitcase (SPC)
1. Bringing the wrong suitcase
European hotel rooms are small. You've been told this, or you may think you have often stayed in "small" hotel rooms here in the USA. Well, let me tell you: Europeans and Americans define "small" very differently. The average European hotel room in a mid-range hotel is 215 square feet (Viqal, 2024). You read that correctly. In the US, a comparable room would average 325 square feet.
And that small size means you need to think strategically about the suitcase (whether carry-on bag or checked luggage) that you bring with you to Europe. The hard-sided suitcases that dominate the market right now - and zip down the middle so that they flop open like a butterflied steak - take up far too much valuable floor space in your average European hotel room. And some hotel rooms won't have closets or under-bed space for you to store your bag away. Grab a soft-sided bag with a flap that unzips to expose the contents. You'll thank me. 2. Not being strategic about your airport outfit
After doing all the research, buying the perfect suitcase, laying out ideal outfits, zipping it all into that aforementioned great suitcase, many people make a mad dash to the airport in whatever clothes they happen to be wearing, maybe even stuffing their feet into the shoes they find by the backdoor.
This is a critical Europe travel packing mistake. A carefully curated airplane outfit not only keeps you comfortable & classy on your flight, but also allows you to bring important items on your trip, free of charge. Think of yourself as an additional suitcase. Good news for you: I've written extensively on the topic of dressing for long flights: 3. Relying on the wrong shoes
Now let's fast forward, past your flight, to the mechanics of your actual time in Europe. To see everything you want to see on a day in Europe, even using that excellent European public transit, I find I'm usually walking upwards of 20,000 steps per day in European cities. You want to put some serious thought into the comfortable shoes you trust to carry you all of that distance, day after day!
4. Wearing 'athleisure'
While the athleisure craze has swept the USA and shows no signs of ending soon (or ever), the same cannot be said for Europe. While a few elements of our style trends do seem to always travel across the Atlantic (hello, Kate Middleton in the cleanest white sneakers anyone's ever seen), Europeans are not running around in gym clothes unless they are -- you guessed it -- going to the gym. So while there are a few athleisure pieces you can bring, don't rely on spandex for your trip.
Acceptable athleisure in Europe:
Unacceptable athleisure in Europe:
Wait...I can't wear baseball cap!? That's right. European women don't wear baseball caps unless they're hungover or on their way to the hair salon. Need sun protection? Wear a fedora or small straw hat. A quick note on dress codes in Europe
You are significantly more likely to encounter a dress code on your Europe trip than you are in the United States. At religious cites, particularly in Southern or Eastern Europe, you may see basic modesty requirements, usually forbidding very short shorts or tank tops. Additionally, at high-end restaurants/clubs/bars, you may see dress codes forbidding trainers (sneakers), denim, and sometimes track suits. You'll see this even in the UK. So just be sure you include some "real" shoes, some non-denim pants, and pants or a longer dress even in hot summer months in Spain/Italy.
5. Packing "outfits" not "clothes"
Packing carefully curated outfits sounds like the perfect way to look great while exploring Europe. And it's a good place to start...if you follow some guidelines.
Remember - travel is all about flexibility. If you spill something or tear a pair of pants, you may need to switch up your attire plan on the go. So stick to neutral colors and items that are interchangeable, so you can create several outfits, as needed. It's hard to pack light if you need specific x for a specific outfit. Make sure your coat and shoes can go with whatever you'll be putting underneath them. It's a good idea to try on your shoes with your jeans to confirm the length is right. Don't bring anything too "fancy" because you won't wear it. Don't assume your hotel or hostel will have a washing machine. As we've discussed, hotels and hotel rooms in European countries aren't as big/new as they tend to be here in the US, so especially less expensive hotels may not have all of the amenities you're used to. If you're planning to do laundry, confirm this in advance. 6. Trying to carry all of your possessions
When selecting a purse or bag for your day-to-day tourism in Europe, think small. Carry as little as possible with you on a daily basis. When traveling, I find that first time American visitors to Europe, worried that they won't have access to the items they want or need on their travels, assume that bringing it all with them will solve the problem. You can buy really anything in Western Europe at a pharmacy or grocery store that you can buy in the USA, if you encounter an unexpected problem, with the exception of certain prescription medications, so obviously bring those. I'd encourage you to leave things in your hotel/the hotel safe, and carry as little with you as possible.
What should you carry with you on a daily basis in Europe?
What purse should I use in Europe? For me, you can't beat a leather, crossbody purse for time spent in Europe. It's classy, you'll fit in, and it's hands-free so you don't feel encumbered by a big, burdensome bag. Play it safe and make sure your purse zips fully, as pickpockets are an issue in any tourist-heavy area. If I know I'll be going somewhere particularly fancy for dinner, I may bring another purse that better suits my evening wear, but if not, I just bring the one. Should I bring a travel backpack to Europe? While you are obviously welcome to bring a travel backpack with you as you explore Europe, I'd discourage you from doing so, unless you are traveling with a child. You'll look extremely touristy, your back won't thank you, and you'll be asked to check your backpack frequently at museums. If you're planning to grab a train later in the day, see if you can find a convenient place to check the bag for the day. Hotels will almost always keep items for you, even after you check out and many train stations have places to check suitcases, usually for a small fee. 7. Not layering up
While travel tips *always* include wearing layers, the advice normally comes from a place of concern for maintaining a comfortable temperature. While this is obviously important, I suggest layering up in Europe additionally to fit in. Europeans are much more likely to add a jacket or scarf, regardless of the time of year, and honestly they look classy AF. Why not try to fit in? You'll thank me. Wondering what to add? Chunky scarf or a classic trench coat. Simple as that. Feels too hot for a light jacket? Try it anyway. You may find you like it.
Want to know more about packing for a trip to Europe in winter? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Europe in Winter (including a Europe in winter packing list). Thanks for Stopping By!
As always, I so appreciate you dropping by the blog to let me help you plan your European trip!
International travel is my passion and my first trip to London was truly the trip of a lifetime. It opened up a whole continent to explore and I'm not sure I'll ever get enough. So, while you're here, I hope you'll take some time to poke around and discover the many free resources I've created over the years to help Americans plan their first (or tenth!) trip "across the pond." And let's connect through my newsletter (I'll send you a Europe packing list and other travel essentials information) and social media - I'll always keep you up to date! Bon voyage! {2025} Europe Travel Essentials
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