After making over 100 trips, Nancy and I (The Gurus) have become true experts in packing for travel, and we want to share this valuable knowledge with you because it’s what we do best. We make things simple and stress-free for our travelers. Packing for a 10-day adventure in Europe can seem overwhelming, especially with Europe’s diverse climates, bustling cities, and charming countryside. But trust us—packing doesn’t have to be daunting.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first European journey, packing smart is the key to a hassle-free experience. By choosing versatile clothing, staying organized, and embracing the “less is more” approach, you’ll find that packing is much more manageable. These packing tips, developed through our extensive travels, will help you pack efficiently, stay organized, and be prepared for anything Europe throws your way, from navigating busy airports to enjoying a relaxed café in Paris.
With some planning and the right strategies, you’ll discover that packing light doesn’t mea
1. Luggage Selection: Finding the Perfect Balance
The ideal luggage combination for a 10-day trip is a 24-inch checked suitcase paired with a 21-inch carry-on. This setup provides ample space for essentials while remaining manageable. The 24-inch suitcase fits your main wardrobe, and the 21-inch carry-on keeps valuables, toiletries, and a change of clothes accessible. Choose pieces you can carry independently; self-sufficiency is crucial.
Check out our luggage we use. Luggage Set like Nancy on Amazon or Luggage Set like Sandra on Amazon
Key Tip: Opt for lightweight luggage with 360-degree spinner wheels instead of traditional two-wheel options. They glide through airports and uneven streets, reducing travel fatigue.
You don’t need expensive luggage; a quality set under $200 from Amazon often includes 28, 24, and 21-inch sizes. Brands with insurance or warranties will replace damaged luggage, offering peace of mind. By choosing the right luggage, you’ll travel comfortably with belongings safe and organized.
Important: The art of the proper Luggage Selection is key. We use the backpack as your personal item you bring on the plane; just temporarily put your small purse in the backpack when you board the plane. Its the perfect piece to keep all your travel documents in the front zipper, your laptop, chargers, snacks, etc. I don’t use the backpack when traveling during the day, I just use it when traveling through the airports for additional space.
2. Packing Cubes: Your Secret Weapon for Staying Organized
Compression Packing cubes are a game-changer, helping you compartmentalize your clothing and maximize suitcase space. They keep your clothes neat, organized, and easily accessible. The best part is they packing cubes come in a variety of colors to match your luggage.
Cube Organization:
- Cube 1: Pants
- Cube 2: Tops
- Cube 3: Underwear and socks
- Cube 4: Sleep ware and undershirts
Label each packing cube to find items quickly. This not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkles.
Expert Tip: Place one complete outfit (including underwear and socks) in your carry-on for emergencies, ensuring you’re prepared for any unexpected delays or lost luggage.
3. Create a Capsule Wardrobe: Pack Light & Smart for 10 Days
Packing light means choosing versatile clothing that you can mix and match, even if it feels like you’re not bringing enough. I understand the temptation to pack more—I’ve been there myself, and 100% of the time, I end up returning with clothes I never wore.
Trust me on this: after going on over 50 trips, I’ve perfected this technique, and I can assure you that you won’t regret packing light. By sticking to a carefully planned wardrobe, you’ll travel more comfortably and efficiently. Here’s how to create the perfect 10-day travel wardrobe:
Packing List for Women:
- 4 Pairs of Pants, Shorts, or Capris for Women – Select comfortable and versatile bottoms that can be easily mixed and matched with a variety of tops. A well-rounded wardrobe might include:
- Jeans: A classic staple that pairs well with both casual and dressier tops.
- Lightweight Trousers: Perfect for warmer days or more polished outfits.
- Skirts or Shorts: Choose styles that suit your comfort and the activities you plan to enjoy.
- Capris: Great for transitional weather and offer a stylish alternative to longer or shorter bottoms.
Personally, I typically pack black slacks along with one other color to maximize outfit combinations and ensure versatility.
Additional Tips for Warm to Hot Climates:
If you’re traveling to warm or hot destinations, consider bringing more pairs of bottoms. In hotter climates, wearing the same pants or shorts multiple times without washing can become uncomfortable due to increased sweating. Packing extra items ensures you stay fresh and comfortable throughout your trip.
- Fabrics: Opt for breathable materials like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool.
- Styles: Consider lightweight and loose-fitting styles to enhance comfort in the heat.
- Versatility: Choose neutral colors that can easily be paired with different tops, allowing for multiple outfit options without overpacking.
By thoughtfully selecting your bottoms, you can create a flexible and comfortable wardrobe that suits various activities and climates during your travels.
- 5-6 Tops: Select tops that can be dressed up or down and layer easily. Stick to neutral colors to maximize mix-and-match options. Add a scarf or coverup top and bam! you’ve transformed your outfit for night time. For hotter climates, bring more if you do not want to wash.
- Maxi Dresses: Perfect for traveling and packs easily
- 1 Lightweight Jacket: Ideal for cooler evenings or sudden weather changes.
- 1 Sweater or Cardigan: Perfect for layering and staying warm.
- 1 Dress or Dressy Outfit: Women can transform daytime outfits into evening wear by adding a scarf and swapping shoes.
- Underwear & Sleepwear: Pack 4 pairs of underwear and 2 sleepwear set, washing as needed during the trip.
Packing List for Men:
- 4 Pairs of Pants or Shorts: Choose comfortable pants or shorts that match multiple shirts. Jeans, lightweight trousers. If on a cruise, bring one pair of nicer slacks like Dockers. Bring more if you are in hotter climates and you do not want to wash.
- 5-6 Shirts: Select shirts that can be dressed up or down and layer easily. Stick to neutral colors to maximize mix-and-match options. Bring more if hotter climates if you do not want to wash. Bring at least one nice long sleeve shirt for dinner if you are on a cruise.
- 1 Lightweight Jacket: Ideal for cooler evenings or sudden weather changes.
Pro Tip: Turn pants inside out and hang them for a few hours to freshen them up when wearing them multiple times.
4. Shoes: The Golden Rule – Less Is More
Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Opt for a pair that’s already broken in. Tennis shoes is my go to and works great for me.
- Dressier Shoes: A lightweight pair of flats or sandals for evenings that can be worm with any wardrobe.
Tip: Store your shoes in a separate packing cube or bag to keep your clothes clean.
5. Toiletries & Medication: Streamline Your Essentials
Stick to travel-sized toiletries to comply with airline liquid restrictions (3.4 ounces/100ml per item) and consider using solid shampoo and conditioner bars to save both space and avoid spills. For storing liquids, I recommend using an airline-approved toiletry bag that offers more room than the traditional ziplock bag. You can find a spacious, TSA-approved option on Amazon that’s perfect for fitting all your 3-ounce bottles efficiently: Amazon TSA Approved Toiletry Bag.
Personally, For the rest of my items, I prefer an expandable hanging toiletry bag that accommodates all my essentials—brushes, makeup, hair products, and jewelry. This bag can be easily hung on a bathroom hook, keeping everything organized and leaving the countertop clutter-free. On the other hand, Nancy prefers using smaller, separate bags for each category of items. This method allows her to pack efficiently by tucking these smaller bags into available spaces in her carry-on, making it easy to fit everything in without wasting space.
Toiletries Checklist:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Minimal makeup essentials
- Sunscreen and moisturizer
- Deodorant, razor, and any necessary medications
Tip: Carry a Febreze or a scented garbage bag to store dirty clothes. This helps keep your suitcase smelling fresh throughout your journey.
6. Organize Your Purse or Day Bag: Keep It Functional and Secure
Your travel purse should be functional, organized, and secure, allowing you to keep all your essentials within easy reach. I recommend a crossbody purse, while Nancy (The other Guru) prefers a sling purse for quick access and added safety. The goal is to travel simply and efficiently, ensuring that you’re never digging around when you need something important. Ideally, you should be able to reach for your room key, passport, receipts, money, and credit cards as if you were wearing a blindfold—without any fuss or searching. If you find yourself digging around to locate these items, you’re making the process harder than it needs to be.
Nancy’s Purse: Ladies Cross Body Sling Purses on Amazon Sandra’s Purse: Ladies Cross Body Purses on Amazon
Shop Men’s Sling Chest Bags on Amazon
Your travel purse should be your go-to spot for essentials, not a catch-all for everything you brought on your trip. Overstuffing it only makes it cumbersome and prevents you from accessing what you need with ease, which can be frustrating when you’re on the go. Keep it simple, organized, and well-curated, and you’ll find that traveling becomes much smoother and more enjoyable. Remember: the less clutter, the more effective your purse will be as a travel tool.
- 2 Zippers in the Front:
- Zipper 1: Room key/card or cruise card
- Zipper 2: Receipts from the day, luggage tags
- 1 Zipper in the Back:
- Charging brick and cables
Inside Your Purse:
- One Zipper: Passport (only while going through airports)
- Main Compartment: Daily essentials like your wallet, small snacks, and travel documents
Money Tip: Never store all your money and credit cards in one place. Use a money belt to carry the bulk of your cash, credit cards, and your passport when not in airports.
Important Reminder: Don’t overstuff your purse; this ensures you can find items quickly and avoid losing valuables.
7. Protect Your Belongings: Crossbody Bags vs. Backpacks
When traveling, always keep your personal belongings in front of you. Backpacks can make you vulnerable to theft, while crossbody or sling bags offer better security.
Tip for Men: Invest in a men’s sling bag to carry essentials like water, paperwork, and travel documents securely.
8. Create a Personalized Packing List
A personalized packing list ensures you never forget anything and makes packing stress-free. Start with our comprehensive packing list template: Packing List. Copy it into a Word document and customize it with your unique items, like medications or favorite travel accessories. Save it for future trips.
Before each journey, print your list and use it as a checklist when packing, marking off items to ensure nothing’s forgotten. Include last-minute tasks like charging your phone or packing your toothbrush. This personalized list takes the stress out of packing, making it organized, efficient, and worry-free every time you travel.
9. Pack for Half the Time
For a 10-day trip, pack as if you’re traveling for just 5 days. Washing and re-wearing items saves luggage space and keeps your bags light. This is how Nancy and I travel (The Gurus)—packing smartly to remain self-sufficient, with extra room for essentials like a CPAP machine.
Pro Tip: Many hotels and Airbnbs in Europe offer laundry services, or you can pack travel detergent sheets to wash clothes in your hotel sink. On a cruise, hang washed items on your balcony chairs to air dry. Expandable travel hangers are handy and take up minimal space.
For cruise laundry services, you can request they return delicate items wet to dry them yourself. Magnetic hooks from Amazon are great for hanging clothes around your cabin or on balcony chairs. When staying in European hotels, use the balcony or window area to air dry clothes quickly.
By following these tips, you’ll avoid overpacking while keeping clothes fresh, making packing light practical and stress-free!
10. Important: Stay Self-Sufficient & Manage Your Luggage
Ensure you can handle your luggage independently, as this not only encourages thoughtful packing but also prevents you from overburdening your travel partner. When you’re able to manage your own bags, you’ll have greater freedom to navigate airports, train stations, and hotel check-ins with ease. Traveling light truly makes the entire journey more manageable, less stressful, and far more enjoyable.
Remember to label your carry-on with a special tag that says “Medical Equipment” if you’re carrying essential medical devices. This small but crucial step will ensure that airline staff do not take your carry-on away when boarding, especially during those instances when overhead bin space is limited. With the frequent practice of gate-checking carry-ons, having that medical equipment label can make all the difference, ensuring your critical items stay with you throughout your travels.
To maximize efficiency, we also place our small purse inside a backpack before boarding. This backpack then serves as our personal item, leaving us with plenty of room for other essentials like a laptop, trip paperwork, chargers, snacks, and any other important travel accessories. This method keeps everything organized and easily accessible during the flight, allowing us to have all our necessary items close by without overstuffing our carry-on. By packing thoughtfully and efficiently, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way, just like the travel experts do!
Luggage Strategy Recap:
- 24-inch checked suitcase for your main items
- 21-inch carry-on for essentials, toiletries, medications, and one complete outfit
11. Essential Extras to Include
- Universal Adapter: Travel the world and never worry if you have the right adapter.
- Phone Lanyards on Amazon – Keep your phone safe while traveling.
- Money Belts on Amazon – Don’t put all your money in one place
- Laundry Detergent Sheets on Amazon: Detergent sheets, magnetic hooks for cruising and a travel clothesline make washing clothes easy.
- Find Travel Clothes Hangers on Amazon – Hand wash clothes.
- AirTags on Amazon – Use for money clips, luggage, purses
- Buy Compression Socks on Amazon – Use these socks when you travel for long periods.
- Clip on Hand Sanitizer Bottles or Hand Sanitizer Packs
Tip: Keep a Febreze bag to freshen clothes between washes.
12. Follow the “Two-Thirds Rule” for Souvenirs
Don’t fill your suitcase to the brim—pack only two-thirds of your luggage space. This leaves room for souvenirs and ensures you’re not struggling with overweight baggage.
13. The Final Check: Use Your Packing List
Once you’ve finished packing, pull out your personalized packing list and begin checking off each item as you place it in your suitcase. This simple but crucial step ensures that nothing is overlooked, giving you peace of mind that you’re fully prepared for your trip. If you notice that you’ve forgotten something, circle it so you can address it right away before you leave. This proactive approach not only prevents last-minute scrambling but also guarantees you’ll travel with confidence, knowing everything you need is accounted for.
Tip: Don’t forget to update and refine your packing list after each trip! As you gain more travel experience, you’ll discover items that are essential and others you can do without. By continuously fine-tuning your list, you’ll create a truly personalized, foolproof guide that makes packing effortless every time. This evolving list will turn packing into a stress-free, no-brainer task, ensuring that you’re always ready for your next adventure without missing a beat.
Traveling Light with Confidence: Quick Recap
- Choose versatile, mix-and-match clothing to maximize outfit options.
- Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes: comfortable walking shoes and a dressier pair.
- Use packing cubes to stay organized and maximize space.
- Carry a scented garbage bag for dirty clothes.
- Universal Adapter for traveling the world.
- Keep your purse light, organized, and secure.
- Create and use a personalized packing list to avoid any last-minute stress.
In Closing:
At Two Travel Gurus, we’re committed to making your travel experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. By following these packing tips and tricks, you’ll be well-prepared for your next adventure, whether it’s a European getaway, a relaxing cruise, or a quick weekend escape. We invite you to explore more travel tips and expert advice to help you on your journey: check out our full list of Packing Tips & Travel Advice here and don’t forget to customize your own packing list with our Sample Packing List here. Ready to embark on your next adventure? Visit our home page to start planning your dream trip with Two Travel Gurus today. We’re here to help make every journey a memorable one!
