10 Things to Skip Packing for Europe

Before I became a Travel + Leisure editor, I worked as a travel agent for five years. Along with planning dream vacations, I would also offer packing advice to clients who were unsure about what to bring along on their European getaways. Summer is high season in Europe—in fact, I just returned from a trip to Paris myself. As an overpacker, I know the struggle of packing light, but it’s better to curate your suitcase space ahead of time to avoid wasting space on things you won’t use. 

I’ve thought about what my clients used to ask me as we planned every step of their journey, from what size baggage they would need on their international flight to voltage standards abroad to how to dress in different European cities. Here are some tips from a former travel agent on what to pack for your next trip to Europe, along with what to leave behind, all available at Amazon from $8.

Smart Packing Swaps for Europe

Don’t: Pack a carry-on that’s too large

Instead: Bring a hybrid bag that will fit in smaller overhead bins

Small flights between European cities or on budget airlines often have more limited overhead bin space for carry-ons. Airlines will sometimes even measure your bag to enforce the size restrictions. I’ve had many clients who try to avoid checking a bag at all costs, so I would recommend getting a compact, malleable bag like this Osprey hybrid, which you can wear as a duffel or a backpack. I personally find it easier to wear a backpack when traveling to Europe to avoid lugging heavy suitcases onto trains or over bumpy cobblestone alleyways.

Don’t: Pack a bulky wallet

Instead: Bring a slim travel pouch

Even if you carry a brick of a wallet at home, it’s best to pare it down to just the essentials when traveling, and get a slim travel wallet to slip into your purse or front pocket. I think the minimalistic design of this pouch is perfect for holding a few credit cards, cash, and even coins. If your hotel has a physical key, you can attach it to the key ring or use that to secure it to a key leash inside a travel bag to keep it secure. The fabric is also waterproof and has RFID protection. It comes in more than 40 colors; I personally love a bright color, so you can find it quickly inside your bag.

Don’t: Pack heavy books

Instead: Bring an e-reader

I’ll admit I usually prefer a hard copy of a book over an e-reader, but there have been many times when I’ve regretted packing multiple books. I never know exactly how many I’ll need, and they end up getting ripped and bent in my luggage. Plus, I hate to be that person on a plane who has their overhead light on when everyone else is trying to sleep. It’s much more convenient to bring a Kindle while traveling because of the slim design, adjustable light settings, and access to a library full of books.

Don’t: Pack jean shorts or frumpy sweatpants

Instead: Bring a versatile maxi dress

My clients traveling abroad for the first time would ask me about what to wear in major European cities like Paris or Rome, and I would recommend leaving the short shorts or frumpy sweatpants at home, as locals tend to dress a bit more formally. There’s no need to buy a whole new wardrobe, but it’s worth it to stock up on a few versatile pieces. You can’t go wrong with this easy-to-wear dress that will keep you cool but still covers your knees and shoulders in case you plan to visit any old churches.

Don’t: Pack an open-top purse

Instead: Bring a crossbody with a secure zipper

While you may not think twice about using an open-top bag at home, you should be more cautious about traveling with this type of purse in any big city because it’s too risky for potential thieves to reach right into your bag in crowded spaces. Instead, opt for a more secure purse like this anti-theft messenger bag, which has a zipper at the top, locking compartments, slash-resistant material, and RFID-blocking panels. I also love the mesh water bottle pockets so you can stay hydrated while on the go.

Don’t: Pack heels (you won’t wear them)

Instead: Bring comfortable flats

Many European cities have cobblestone streets, which are charming and beautiful but also difficult to walk on. Any time I pack heels, I never wear them, and I always wish I had flats instead. Stilettos are going to slow you down, and they’re inevitably going to get stuck in the street cracks, so look for a pair of versatile flats that you can walk for miles in and then wear to dinner at the end of the day. These chic Vivaia flats are made from a breathable knit material, and they have an adjustable strap. They come in more than a dozen colors, and they’re machine washable.

Don’t: Pack a heavy tumbler

Instead: Bring a collapsible water bottle

As much as I love my emotional support water bottle, it’s way too big to travel with and would probably garner some stares if I carried it with me around Europe. Leave the Stanleys at home, and opt for a collapsible water bottle that you can compress when not in use. This LifeStraw bottle is a game-changer because it has a built-in water filter for added protection against bacteria, parasites, and other miscellaneous objects that no one wants to find floating around inside their water. The screw-top helps prevent spills, and there’s a side loop that you can attach to a carabiner if you want to hook the bottle onto a bag or backpack.

Don’t: Pack a travel steamer

Instead: Bring a wrinkle-release spray

Most travel steamers in the U.S. won’t work in Europe because of the different voltage standards. You could consider investing in a universal adapter and voltage converter, or you could leave the heavy steamer at home in favor of a fabric wrinkle-release spray like this two-pack from Downy. At 3 fluid ounces each, they’re much easier to pack, and all you have to do is spray onto your clothing and tug to see the wrinkles vanish while giving the fabric a fresh scent. 

Don’t: Pack a curling iron

Instead: Bring heatless curlers

Like travel steamers, if you plug in your hair dryer with mismatched voltage, it’s possible to ruin your device or even start a fire. Go the safer route with easy heatless curlers like this affordable set from Kitsch. Simply wrap your hair around the flexible rod, go to sleep, and wake up with a head full of curls without wasting time getting ready. The curling rod is made from satin to reduce frizz, and the set also includes two satin scrunchies.

Don’t: Pack an entire tube of disinfecting wipes

Instead: Bring a travel-size pack of wipes

As a travel agent, I used to get questions about whether you can bring disinfecting wipes on a plane or if that qualifies as a liquid, since the large containers have a fair amount of liquid at the bottom. You can totally bring them—I fly with them all the time. However, instead of wasting space with a cylindrical tube, I’d recommend a more manageable two-pack that you can use to wipe down not only your airplane seat, but also rental cars, hotel rooms, or your suitcase.

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