So you’re getting ready for a trip? Congratulations — and welcome to the wonderful world of packing anxiety. The truth is, the more you travel, the less you pack. Why? Because dragging two oversized suitcases through cobblestone streets is the fastest way to regret every single pair of “just in case” shoes you brought.
Here’s how to pack smart, avoid fees, and (hopefully) return home with everything you left with.
Flying with Luggage
Pack Less, Stress Less
Let’s face it: half the stuff you pack will never see daylight during your trip. Hotels, Airbnbs, and even laundromats exist in Europe, so you don’t need 14 outfits for a 10-day holiday. And yes, you can buy toothpaste in Paris. Save space for souvenirs (or emergency chocolate).
The All-Important Suitcase
- Durability matters: baggage handlers treat suitcases like Olympic shot put events. Get one that won’t explode on impact.
- Wheels: bigger is better. Small plastic wheels + cobblestones = disaster.
- Check the size rules: every airline has their own exact (and sometimes ridiculous) cabin bag measurements. If your bag is 1 cm too big, they’ll happily charge you more than the cost of your flight.
- Weight counts too: don’t overpack unless you want to pay a fee that feels like a fine for optimism.
Packing Like a Pro
- Balance your bag: heavy stuff at the bottom, lighter stuff on top.
- Use pouches or packing cubes: separate underwear, shoes, and electronics. Makes unpacking less like an archaeological dig.
- Make a list: so you don’t forget essentials like your toothbrush or charger. Pro tip: use the same list when repacking — hotel rooms are black holes for lost items.
- Think layers: weather in Europe changes faster than airline rules. Dressing like an onion (layers!) works from Iceland to Italy.
Carry-On = Your Lifeboat
Always pack the essentials in your cabin bag:
- Passport, money/cards, phone, medication, chargers, insurance papers.
- A change of clothes (at least underwear + T-shirt). If your checked bag goes on its own holiday, you won’t have to shop in the airport gift store.
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle (fill it after security).
- Copies of bookings and passport, just in case.
Oversized Items
Ski equipment? Golf clubs? A cello? Call your airline ahead. Special luggage rules apply, and you don’t want to argue about it at check-in.
Mark Your Territory
- Add a luggage tag with your name and number outside. Bonus: put a paper with your details inside the bag too.
- Make your suitcase stand out — ribbon, sticker, or neon strap. Trying to spot your plain black suitcase on the carousel is like playing bingo with 300 other people.
- Take a photo of your bag — much easier to show lost luggage staff than saying “uhh… it’s black… rectangular… with wheels?”
Know the Rules
- Liquids: under 100 ml, all in one clear 1-liter bag. Yes, even your fancy shampoo.
- Restricted items: No meat, cheese, or fruit from outside the EU (sorry, mom’s homemade sausage). Alcohol and tobacco have limits, medicines are fine for personal use (but narcotics may require paperwork). Firearms = big no.
- Carrying more than €10,000? Declare it. Unless you like awkward conversations with customs officers.
Always check restrictions and limits with the airline your using and the destination country (embassy web site is good place to start)!
Traveling by Train
Train travel is blissfully simpler than flying:
- No liquid restrictions. Bring that bottle of wine and jam jar, nobody cares.
- No weight limits. Pack your wardrobe if you must — just remember you’ll carry it yourself.
But beware:
- Large bags often go into racks at the end of the carriage, sometimes out of sight. While theft isn’t common, keep valuables (passport, laptop, etc.) in a smaller bag with you.
- Bonus tip: trains don’t usually care about luggage sizes, but you will if you try to haul three giant suitcases through a narrow aisle.
The Bottom Line
- Pack light, pack smart: future you will thank you.
- Essentials in your carry-on: passports don’t magically reappear.
- Know the rules: airlines love charging fees, and customs officers love rules.
- On trains: enjoy the freedom, but keep your valuables close.
Travel light, travel smart, and remember: the less you pack, the more excuses you have to shop once you get there.
In nutshell
Top 10 Packing Rules for Europe
- Less is more – you’ll regret every extra pair of “just in case” shoes.
- Suitcase matters – durable, with big wheels (cobblestones will test you).
- Check airline rules – size & weight limits are stricter than in-laws.
- Roll, don’t fold – saves space and keeps clothes wrinkle-free.
- Essentials in carry-on – passport, money, meds, chargers, and 1-day clothing backup.
- Make it stand out – ribbon, strap, sticker. Black bags all look alike.
- List it, then check it twice – chargers, toothbrush, socks (don’t laugh, it happens).
- Liquids under 100 ml – unless you want your shampoo confiscated.
- Food & booze rules – no meat/cheese/fruit from outside EU, alcohol/tobacco limited.
- Trains = freedom – no liquid/weight limits, but keep valuables with you.
Quick mantra: Pack light, pack smart, and leave room for souvenirs
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