What to pack for a Europe trip
This is the packing list we use for two-to-four week trips across Europe — multiple cities, mixed train and budget-airline travel, and the kind of walkable days where you regret every extra kilogram by lunch. The whole manifest fits inside a 40L carry-on backpack and a single under-seat personal item, which keeps you clear of Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air's restrictive cabin policies.
The principle is fewer, better items in repeatable outfits: merino layers that dry overnight, one neutral palette so everything mixes, and a single pair of walking shoes you wear on travel days. Laundry once a week is part of the plan, not a failure of it.
Carry-on backpack (40L max)
Sized for Ryanair / easyJet / Wizz Air priority limits. Keep it under 10kg.
- 3× merino or technical t-shirts
- 1× long-sleeve layer
- 1× light sweater or fleece
- 1× packable rain shell
- 2× lightweight trousers (1 darker for evenings)
- 1× shorts (summer) or thermal base (shoulder season)
- 5× underwear (quick-dry)
- 5× socks (merino blend)
- 1× sleepwear set
- 1× swimwear
- 1× walking shoes (worn on travel day)
- 1× minimalist sandals or smart sneakers
- Toothbrush + paste
- Solid shampoo / conditioner bar
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Razor + travel shave gel
- Small first-aid kit
- Prescription meds + copy of prescription
Personal item (under-seat)
Everything you want in reach on trains, planes, and walking days.
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- ETIAS / visa printout if required
- Travel insurance card
- Backup debit/credit card (separate from wallet)
- Printed accommodation + train confirmations
- Phone + Type-C cable
- EU plug adapter (Type C / F)
- 20,000mAh power bank (carry-on only)
- Noise-isolating earbuds
- Kindle or paperback
- Slim wallet with two card slots
- Reusable water bottle (empty through security)
- Compact day bag or packable tote
- Sunglasses
- Snack + transit-day lunch
Europe-specific notes
- Power bank in carry-on only — lithium batteries are banned from checked bags across the EU.
- Plug type C/F covers nearly every country. The UK and Ireland use type G — pack a second adapter if you're crossing the Channel.
- Trains beat short-haul flights for any leg under ~600km once you factor in airport time and baggage limits.
- Tap water is potable almost everywhere in Western and Central Europe — a refillable bottle pays for itself in the first afternoon.