Packing Light for Europe: Backpack or Small Carry-on?
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I think I am evolving. I was a dedicated backpack traveler, but on recent trips I have found the backpack to be cumbersome. I learned a lot about backpack traveling: for one, I managed to fit my belongings into my Cotopaxi 28L Clamshell Backpack, including a wedding dress. Paul and I eloped in Portugal back in 2023. I had several pairs of shoes, a curling iron (which I never bring otherwise), and a safe. More on that later. I learned how to really think through what is necessary and what is not. The point is if I can get to Portugal and back with a wedding dress, you, too, can pack light!
Our gorgeous day! And the wedding dress made it over the Atlantic! Photo by Miguél Rodriguez
I am still a committed carry-on traveler. I have had my luggage get lost, and I am still traumatized over it. That happened YEARS ago, but that experience means I never want to have the situation again. I prefer zipping through the airport and not having to deal with the baggage claim. I am now asking myself which travels better: backpack or wheeled luggage? I prefer the wheels because they put a lot less strain on my back. Carrying everything on your body is taxing, not to mention uncomfortable.
Before we jump into the packing lists, it helps to know what kind of traveler you actually are. Are you the free-spirited camper-van type, happy with the basics and a good view? Or are you more of a sleek-hotel-and-cocktail traveler who likes a little polish and predictability? Most of us are somewhere in between those extremes. Your travel personality influences not only what you pack, but what you absolutely do not need to bring.
Of course, packing light starts with the flight you book. Aviasales lets you compare flights and check baggage allowances before you buy..
Minimalism versus Bringing What You Truly Need
It is pretty funny that I actually brought a tiny safe. I’d read about pickpockets, which made me worry about our passports. I had some passport trauma already: Paul once asked me to hold his passport just as I was running to the bathroom. When I came back, he was freaking out because he had no idea where I was, but more importantly, he had no idea where his passport was. So yes, passport security was definitely on my mind. I also had two credit cards and some cash. We were mostly staying in short-term rentals, so a safe “in the hotel room” wasn’t going to be there. Despite those concerns, I realized that you do not need to bring a safe.
You do need enough clothing, hair care products and styling items to satisfy your desire to get ready normally in the morning. I personally don’t use a blow dryer or a curling iron, but on this trip I did manage to bring the curling iron, with the wedding and all. But minimalist strategies can help anyone. I notice that when I travel closer to home, I bring more and think less because I can. But traveling to Europe also means the less-is-more idea can help you. It means you need a system, and a way to keep the clothes down to a minimum. I employ a capsule wardrobe as well as a pared-down sensibility as a way to think through everything I bring.
It might be a good idea to read How to Travel without Killing Your Partner.
Beware the Urge to Overpack
Before I give you the packing lists, think about what you’re bringing because you’re worried something might happen. That tiny safe sounded like a great idea when I read about it on a blog, but I never leave money, passports, or anything important in the room anyway. If something is so valuable that you’re worried about leaving it behind, keep it with you or leave it at home. When I know I’ll be somewhere crowded with tourists, I bring a purse or backpack with locking zippers and keep my valuables close.
If you’re trying to sort out sensible precautions from the things that just add weight to your bag, I talk more about that in Safe Travels Without Paranoia.
My Big Four: The Best Go-To’s for Traveling Light
For our Portugal trip, I had four key components: my crossbody purse, the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L clamshell backpack, compression packing cubes (I once fit my wedding dress in these!), and a packable tote. Together, they made it possible to bring clothes for a week, a laptop, chargers, cosmetics, toiletries, and a small laundry kit while staying organized and mobile. I still use that basic system, but after more travel, I’m wondering whether a small wheeled suitcase would work better for me than the backpack.
The Cotopaxi 28L goes hiking, too! Photo by Wendy Stieg Model: Paul Lampe
What to Bring
It’s more important to focus on what you really need. I bought a crossbody purse with locking zippers. It sits on the front of my body, has a tough, thick strap, and is large enough for my phone, wallet, money, passport, and other valuables I don’t want to lose. Anything I need to reach quickly goes in the purse, where I can keep it in sight. After I get through security, I put the purse in my smaller backpack, along with my toiletries. The backpack has locking zippers, too, and fits under the seat.
I am in search of a new small suitcase with wheels. One that is small enough to fit overhead. That means I would have only two pieces of luggage and less wear and tear on my body during transatlantic flights.
So what goes into the two bags? In addition to toiletries, I also pack a capsule wardrobe. I bring only two pairs of shoes. In summer, I bring my Birkenstocks and my running shoes. I wear running shoes on the plane, and my Birkenstocks are fine with dresses. Keep in mind that Europe is dressier, so have at least one outfit for a fancy restaurant, if you plan to go to one.
Let’s also talk about what you are not going to put in your luggage
Your jeans, running shoes, jacket, heavier shirt or sweater, and anything else you could wear instead of packing it. That leaves you more room to pack everything else.
How you plan to get around once you land matters, too. Trains, city transit, walking, and rental cars can all change how appealing that wheeled suitcase feels. I walk through these options in Europe Transportation Options, Part 1.
Tech in Europe
A word about traveling to Europe with American devices: check the voltage before you pack.
Most people only need a travel plug adapter for their phones and computers, but check the label on each charger to make sure it can handle European voltage. A plug adapter changes the shape of the plug; it does not change the voltage. If you bring a device that isn’t dual-voltage, such as a curling iron, check its wattage and the converter’s instructions before using them together. I’ve taken a step-down converter to Europe and it worked well for what we brought, but it’s heavier than a simple adapter. I would only pack it if something I planned to use actually needed it.
The same less-is-more thinking applies to the rest of my tech. In What about technology in travel? I look at which tools actually make a trip easier and which ones I can leave behind.
Example of Women’s Packing List for Europe:
Packing is only one part of getting ready. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, my Bon Voyage™ travel books give you a place to work through the decisions, keep your plans together, and make the trip your own. You can explore the various editions in my Bon Voyage Shop.
Clothes:
One dress: purchase something that shakes wrinkles free when you unpack it
Two pairs of pants (wear one pair on the plane)
Running shoes, Birkenstocks (or summer shoes of your choice)
5 pairs of underwear
Two regular bras, one exercise bra
5 pairs of socks
Two pairs of shorts
One tank top and four cotton T-shirts
A sweater
Marmot rip-stop rain jacket
Toiletries/Cosmetics:
Toothbrush
Floss
Toothpaste
Shampoo and Conditioner, small bottles
Lotion, deodorant
Medications
Tylenol
Cosmetics
Tech:
Computer
Phone
Watch
Chargers for each device
Travel plug adapter
eSIM on your cell phone
Step-down converter, only if you’re bringing a device that needs one
Before I leave, I also make sure I’ll have phone service when I land. An eSIM lets you set up a travel data plan on a compatible, unlocked phone without swapping out a physical SIM card. Airalo is one place to look at plans for Europe.
Miscellaneous:
Hairbrush
Glasses
Sunglasses
