Let’s Get Packing
How to Pack Light for Europe: Planes, Trains & a 10-Day Adventure
Traveling through Europe is an experience like no other, shaped by history, movement, and the ease of traveling between cities and countries. Doing it with multiple pieces of luggage, however, can quickly turn that experience into unnecessary stress for you and your travel companions. If your itinerary includes planes, trains, and several countries, the way you pack can determine whether your trip feels smooth and enjoyable—or exhausting and stressful.
Most travelers choose their destination first and pack according to what they want to do. But what many don’t think about is how easily they want to move. Dragging heavy bags up staircases, onto trains, across platforms, and over cobblestone streets quickly takes the joy out of travel. After traveling through Europe multiple times, I’ve learned one important lesson: Packing light and smart adds to the enjoyment of your trip.
When you can lift your bag into an overhead bin with ease or hop on and off a train without help, travel feels effortless—and that’s exactly how it should feel. Why packing is just as important as your destination? Because, Europe is designed for walking, trains, and compact spaces—not oversized suitcases.
Packing with movement in mind allows you to:
• Board trains & planes quickly
• Navigate stations & airports with ease
• Walk comfortably between hotels
• Travel independently and confidently
The goal isn’t to pack less for the sake of it—it’s to pack intentionally and remain hands free.
Step 1: Choose the Right Luggage
Before you pack anything, start with your luggage.
What to check before your trip:
• Wheels are in good condition
• Zippers open and close smoothly
• Handles are sturdy
• The bag itself is lightweight
If your luggage struggles before the trip begins, it will struggle even more on your vacay.
My recommendation:
If you’re traveling through multiple European countries by train, a travel backpack (up to 40 lbs) is often the best option—if you’re comfortable carrying it. When choosing a backpack, pay close attention to the quality of the straps and support system. Look for sturdy, well-padded straps that help distribute the weight evenly across your back and shoulders. A well-designed backpack keeps the weight balanced so when you bend, turn, or move quickly through airports or train stations, the contents don’t shift inside the bag. This balance makes a noticeable difference as you navigate Europe—it keeps your movement smooth, reduces strain, and prevents your bag from disrupting your flow as you move from planes to trains. Backpacks give you flexibility, freedom, and speed—especially in stations, staircases, and older cities where elevators are limited or nonexistent.
Step 2: Let’s Get Packing (What You Actually Need)
Pack only what you know you will wear.
Clothing essentials:
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of dark-colored slacks
(easy to dress up or down)
• 4–6 shirts (depending on trip length)
• Lightweight pajamas
• Shorts and an undershirt for men
• Thin, breathable sleepwear for women
Shoes:
• Comfortable walking sneakers
• Flip-flops (perfect for hotel showers)
Extras:
Socks (quick-dry if possible)
Carabiner clips (good for hanging things on backpack & luggage)
Toiletries: Keep It Simple
Compact toiletry bag
Bar soap instead of liquid
Shampoo bars
Many European hotels provide basic toiletries, so there’s no need to overpack.
Final Thought:
Pack for Ease, Not Just Style. Packing isn’t just about clothing—it’s about freedom and avoiding unnecessary luggage fees. When you pack with ease and movement in mind, you spend less time worrying about luggage and more time enjoying the experience—whether you’re boarding a train in Italy, flying between countries, or strolling through historic streets. Travel smart, pack light, and keep moo-ving forward.
Planning a European adventure? At Vanilla Cow Travel Company, we can curate your next travel experience for you and your friends. Book with us today!
“This Cool Cow Travels”
Vanilla Cow Travel Company
