How to Pack for a 5-Day Trip to Europe with Minimal Luggage and Maximal Preparedness

After traveling all over Europe for different purposes, trips, and settings with the smallest squished suitcase, I decided to create a little guide that has served me well to help set parameters for packing.

Europe has a varied climate, lots of walking, and you’ll fit right in if you decide to go a little dressier in shoes, trousers, shirts, and jewelry — contrary to the ethos of most backpackers. While I do believe that the experience is more important than the clothing, I recently finished Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, and there are several paragraphs dedicated to the feeling of not fitting in because her clothes were for camping, not socializing. I know that timid look I feel at my own shoes sometimes when I’ve been to Italy or Spain, and I’d like to address how to work with limitations. A wardrobe for traveling is a mutable, multi-sensory thing and can make you feel comfortable doing new things.

Getting Started: Some Adjustments

Research Local Fashion

Before you pack, take some time to research what people typically wear in the areas you’ll be visiting. This helps you blend in and feel more comfortable. Websites like Pinterest or Instagram, as well as travel blogs, can give you a good sense of the local style. Here’s my Pinterest of local styles in Italy, France, Germany, UK.

Washing Clothes in the Sink

Packing minimally means you might need to wash your clothes during your trip. Bring a dry sheets of travel detergent or use hotel shampoo in a pinch! Wash your clothes in the sink and hang them to dry overnight with a bungee cable. Quick-dry fabrics are especially handy for this.

Day-to-Night Outfits

Pack versatile pieces that can transition from day to night. A nice pair of dark jeans or a simple dress can be dressed up with a scarf or jewelry for an evening out. Layering is key; bring a light sweater or jacket that can be added or removed as needed.

Travel Backpacks

Choose a travel backpack that doesn’t scream “camping gear.” Look for sleek, stylish designs that are also functional. Brands like Osprey, Patagonia, and Away offer backpacks that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Hanging and Steaming Tips

As soon as you arrive at your destination, hang up your clothes to reduce wrinkles. If your hotel or Airbnb provides an iron, use it to press your clothes. Alternatively, a portable garment steamer can be a lifesaver for quickly refreshing your outfits.

Packing Cubes

Use packing cubes to organize your luggage. They help compress your clothes, making it easier to fit more into a smaller space. Plus, they keep your items neatly separated, so you don’t have to rummage through your suitcase to find what you need. While I love stuff sacks, they often create wrinkles that seem to never leave! Not great for a weekend in a city.

Some Parameters for Packing Light

Suitcase / Bag Size Style

Choose one that will work with your airline. Be careful because cheap city trips can turn into something more expensive if your luggage doesn’t accommodate! If you’re walking a lot, opt for a backpack.

Color

I tend to prioritize color matching so I have things that are all likely to match. Before I got to that stage with my wardrobe, I wore a lot of black and neutrals with a splash of military green. Color can say “I am a tourist” or it can serve to protect you and help you blend in a bit.

Packability

Consider if the item will wrinkle, if it’s fussy, or if it needs to be ironed. If it rains, will it take ages to dry? Packability isn’t just about the space something takes up but also the ability for an item to remain practical in various conditions.

Types of Clothes and Fabrics

City Attire: When I’m hitting up cities, I always bring a polyester black dress with multiple pockets. It is something like a Hungarian housewife dress, and I adore it. Not dressed up, but not not dressed up. With the change of shoes and jewelry, the outfit morphs.

Quick Dry is King: To pack minimally, you might have to wash your clothes in the sink sometimes, let things dry overnight, and wear them again. This favors darker-colored clothes with matte finishes. These can scrub out, dry, or be slightly damp without detection.

Hiking Gear: For hiking, quick-dry pants and shorts are essential. You can take something that is equally ready for the mountains to dinner in crisp pleated trousers or a more floaty cut. Sometimes joggers work, but I find most brands include too much embellishment for them to truly be activity-club ready.

Quick-Dry Towel: Always pack a quick-dry towel. In between all these clothing non-changes, you will need to shower. Airbnb sometimes provides them and sometimes doesn’t. Plus, who wants to skinny dip and use their t-shirt to dry? You never know!

Weather Considerations

Of course, you checked the weather, but did you know that weather forecasting is calculated differently in different parts of the world? In the UK, the baseline is that it will ALWAYS rain. In the desert, it can be hot during the day, freezing at night. Therefore, it’s important to pack bases, mid-layers, and warm things. This doesn’t have to just be sweatshirts and camping jackets — wool and base layers can be done classically too.

Types of Shoes and Styles

• Versatile Boots: Light lace-up boots that assist you when walking terrain but are also suitable for a night out, especially if they aren’t just hiking boots!
• Dryness Matters : If you’re going to a country where it’s likely to rain, waterproof shoes will save your trip. If you’re going to the desert, sandals are not actually the best choice usually. Sand, dirt, and debris are hard on your feet and add an extra step to getting clean at night.
• Cleanability: Choose shoes and clothing items that are easy to clean and maintain. This will save you time and effort during your trip.

Additional Tips for Packing Light

Use a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe consists of a few essential items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Choose a color scheme and stick to it. This way, everything coordinates, and you have a variety of outfit options with fewer pieces.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items

Save space in your luggage by wearing your bulkiest items on the plane. This might include your heaviest shoes, a jacket, or a bulky sweater. You can always take these items off and store them in the overhead bin during the flight.

Roll Your Clothes

Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles. This method also makes it easier to see all your items at a glance when you open your suitcase.

Multi-Use Items

Look for items that can serve more than one purpose. For example, a sarong can be used as a beach cover-up, a scarf, or a blanket. A pair of leggings can be worn for workouts, as pajamas, or under a dress for extra warmth.

Compact Toiletries

Opt for travel-sized toiletries or transfer your favorite products into small, reusable containers. Solid toiletries like bar shampoo and soap can also save space and prevent spills.

Digital Copies of Important Documents

Keep digital copies of important documents such as your passport, travel insurance, and reservation confirmations on your phone or in cloud storage. This reduces the need to carry paper copies and provides a backup in case of loss or theft.

Minimalist Makeup and Accessories

Streamline your makeup and accessories. Choose a few versatile pieces of jewelry that can dress up any outfit and pack a minimal makeup kit with just the essentials.

Use a Personal Item Wisely

Most airlines allow a carry-on and a personal item. Use your personal item, like a backpack or large tote, to carry items you’ll need during the flight and any overflow from your main luggage. This can include a change of clothes, snacks, and electronics.

Portable Laundry Solutions

Bring a small, portable clothesline or travel laundry soap sheets. This can make it easier to wash and dry clothes in your hotel room, extending the life of your wardrobe without needing to pack more items.

Plan Your Outfits

Plan each day’s outfit ahead of time to avoid over-packing. Consider the activities you’ll be doing and the weather forecast. This way, you only bring what you’ll actually wear.

Pack Dual-Voltage Electronics

Europe uses different electrical outlets and voltages than many other parts of the world. Make sure your electronics are dual-voltage or bring a voltage converter and appropriate plug adapters.

Use Empty Space Wisely

Stuff socks, underwear, or small items inside shoes to utilize every inch of space in your luggage. This helps to keep your bag organized and maximizes packing efficiency.

Consider Local Purchases

If you’re unsure about certain items, consider purchasing them once you arrive. This can include toiletries, snacks, or even clothing. Shopping locally can also be a fun part of your travel experience.

Final Thoughts

Packing light for a trip to Europe doesn’t mean sacrificing style or preparedness. By carefully selecting versatile, quick-dry, and color-coordinated items, you can fit everything you need into the smallest luggage possible. This approach not only makes your travel experience more convenient but also ensures you feel comfortable and stylish wherever your European adventure takes you. Happy travels!

Before you leave

1. Did you know the clap counter goes up to 50?
2. You can follow me for more articles on astrology, soul mates, spiritual matters! I’d love to hear your experiences too.