How I Pack for Europe

Rick Steves: Pack light. One bag. Carry on. This is your mantra. (And no, you can't hear and repeat this enough times.)

10.27.09 | 12:00 PM ET

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Wearing a green T-shirt under a blue work shirt, I’m about to depart for Europe. At my farewell breakfast—one last eggs-any-style—my stylish, college-aged daughter says to me, “You look like a scrub. OK if you’re painting a house.”

Scrub or not, my bag is light. As compartmentalized as a TV dinner, it includes a folding board with four shirts and an extra pair of pants; bags for small garments, such as underwear and five pairs of socks (wear for two days, wash every ten days); a tiny toiletries kit; electronics (iPod, cell phone, camera, laptop, flash drive, chargers, adapters, and batteries); and that miscellaneous bag filled with security-blanket extras I probably won’t need (spot remover, sewing kit, extra glasses, and so on). I also throw in a sweater, light jacket, and day bag. All my shoes are on my feet. That’s it.

Even when traveling in winter, I pack just about as light. I wear heavier, warmer, high-top, waterproof shoes. I add a warm coat, long johns (quick-drying Capilene or super-light silk), scarf, gloves, hat, and an extra pair of socks and underwear since things dry more slowly. I layer my clothing for warmth, knowing I’ll be outside in the cold for hours at a time.

Don’t pack for the worst-case scenario. For a spring or fall trip, risk shivering for a day rather than taking a heavy coat (or buy a sweater in Europe for a useful, fun souvenir to layer under your jacket). Whatever time of year you go, minimize the amount of clothing you pack, choose dark clothes that dry quickly, and plan to spend 10 minutes every few nights doing some wash.

I bring my luggage onboard, by limiting my load to 20 pounds in a carry-on-size bag (a soft 9-by-22-by-14-inch bag will fit in the overhead bins and under most airplane seats). With some airlines charging a fee to check even one suitcase, bringing just one carry-on bag can save you money and time. Quick, last-minute changes in flight plans become simpler. When I land in London, I’m on my way downtown while everyone else stares anxiously at the luggage carousel. When I fly home, I’m the first guy the dog sniffs.

If you’re traveling with only a carry-on, remember not to pack liquids (unless in bottles of 3 ounces or less). Check www.tsa.gov/travelers for the latest on what you can or can’t bring on the plane.

Packing light helps me be mobile in Europe. I use a convertible backpack/suitcase with zip-away shoulder straps, giving me the best of both worlds—a suitcase when in town and a backpack when I’m on the move. I live out of this bag for three months each year—and I absolutely love it. If you prefer to not have a bag on your back, consider a carry-on-sized suitcase with wheels (this is what my wife and daughter travel with). Base your decision on the strength of your back.

Another advantage of packing light is that you’re unlikely to leave something behind in a hotel. Packing up to check out of a room is a kind of ritual for me. Putting on my socks, I wonder if I really need to wear them again, considering my laundry level like checking a battery or a gas tank. I spread out the cover of my bed so nothing gets lost in a big wrinkle, then corral stuff scattered around the room onto the bed before tucking everything into my bag. For a one- or two-night stop, I don’t use the closet or drawers, so they don’t need to be checked. I carefully survey the electrical outlets to be sure I didn’t forget some recharging cord.

Most importantly, I physically feel my money belt to confirm that my passport—the only item easy to feel without opening it—is in there. With a money belt, all of your can’t-lose items (such as your passport, railpass, credit/debit card, and cash) are on you as securely and thoughtlessly as your underpants. Ever thought about that with underpants? You put them on in the morning, don’t think about them all day long, and every night they’re exactly where you put them. Wearing a money belt, all my essentials are just as securely out of sight and out of mind. It’s luxurious peace of mind.

Remember, packing light isn’t just about the flight; it’s about your traveling lifestyle. With only one bag, you’ll feel lean and in control. After you enjoy that sweet mobility and freedom, you’ll never go any other way.


Rick Steves

Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. He is the author of Travel as a Political Act.


6 Comments for How I Pack for Europe

Mick 10.27.09 | 10:03 PM ET

One thing to be wary of when flying within Europe is that airlines, especially budget ones such as Easyjet and Ryanair, are far stricter than US airlines when it comes to hand luggage. In general, it’s one bag only, and in some cases that includes ladies handbags or your duty free shopping. If you arrive at the gate with more than one bag, or your bag exceeds the specified dimensions (and these vary between airlines) it will be placed in the hold - but unless the US, you will pay handsomely for this. So read the T+Cs on your flight confirmation carefully to ensure your carry on bag meets the criteria. And try to save space in it by packing as few clothes as possible, and take smaller items like travel size toiletries (which you’ll need anyway to meet the liquid regulations). It’s worth it though, as most airlines charge for all checked luggage, and these charges are on the increase as the recession bites.

Nike Jordan 10.28.09 | 5:21 AM ET

One thing to be wary of when flying within Europe is that airlines, especially budget ones such as Easyjet and Ryanair, are far stricter than US airlines when it comes to hand luggage. In general, it’s one bag only, and in some cases that includes ladies handbags or your duty free shopping. If you arrive at the gate with more than one bag, or your bag exceeds the specified dimensions (and these vary between airlines) it will be placed in the hold - but unless the US, you will pay handsomely for this. So read the T+Cs on your flight confirmation carefully to ensure your carry on bag meets the criteria. And try to save space in it by packing as few clothes as possible, and take smaller items like travel size toiletries (which you’ll need anyway to meet the liquid regulations). It’s worth it though, as most airlines charge for all checked luggage, and these charges are on the increase as the recession bites.

Jaqlynn 10.28.09 | 9:28 AM ET

Question - When it comes to a money belt, how the heck do you get money and/or tickets, etc. out of it when you need them in public?

Jeff 10.28.09 | 9:59 AM ET

That’s how I pack too - had a combined rolling/backpack case for years and love it.
I also take a small empty water bottle that I fill with tapwater (in selected countries) after passing security; saves me a few hotel night’s worth on mineral water, plus I don’t need to be thirsty till the stewardesses start strolling the aisle or if there’s a delay.
To my girlfriends’ annoyance I also take condemned items of clothing that are at the end of their lives that I throw away as I travel along, so I come back lighter.

Jaqlynn - I’ve used the the amazing hanging wallet for years now (see http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/security_id/UnderCover-Hidden-Pocket-40024). Much better than the around-the-waist versions, it dangles from your belt from 1-2 sturdy straps between your trousers and your underweat, against your thigh. If you don’t wear a belt I guess a few study safety pins will do the trick. In hot climates, you sweat least there, and you don’t feel it at all after a while. The wallet is easy to fish out in a secluded corner for quick access - in practice only in banks or at ATMs. I keep 2 passports (me + GF), driving license, cr/db cards and most cash there, keeping only day money, transport tickets etc in a wallet. I put the passports in plastic bags first to avoid humidity damage. In countries like India where you need to show ID at every hotel check-in, I take a plastified colour copy of my passport that fits in the wallet.

Emma Tom 10.29.09 | 12:00 PM ET

What type of luggage do you use? I’ve had Briggs & Riley’s 20” Wide-Body Expandable Upright for a few years, and I’m always amazed at how many items I’m able to fit in it! Do you think it’s the type of luggage you use (extra room, expandable features) or your packing style that allows you to pack the way you do?

Greenhousecarol 10.29.09 | 6:40 PM ET

Excellent travel advice. Other ideas: try all clothes and shoes out for comfort and versatility before you go. (Don’t take anything you won’t wear). Get a haircut that doesn’t require styling or maintenance (absolutely no hairdryers or curling irons). All clothes should ‘match’.  Take no-wrinkle, light in weight, quick dry fabrics. If you are travelling with someone, don’t duplicate things - like nail clippers (oh, yes -  I am militant about travelling light).

My partners’ golden rule: Pack everything you think you need and then take half of it out.

Thanks Rick, for more excellent ideas.

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