My insider secrets to pack for six weeks in Europe are really just common sense.

Don’t be tempted to add something “just in case” (that’s what shops are for)

Carry on only or check a bag?

Personally … unless it’s a long weekend …. I will check a bag and take a small carry on.

I know myself and I can’t/don’t want to do carry on only for six weeks.

If you can get away with packing light, bravo!

How to Pack for Six Weeks in Europe

Step 1: Choose Your Luggage

Take a backpack or small duffel for weekend and day trips. Use it for daily stuff like laptop, passport, phone and chargers.

Then, choose the right luggage for your travel plans.  Which option is yours?

1. Stay in one location and rent a car. If you’re booked into an Airbnb and have a car, take one large suitcase and one carry onto use for short weekend trips from your rental.
2. Travel between multiple hotels or by train.  I recommend using a medium suitcase with small shoulder tote bag or backpack.
3. Travel by train. Use a small to medium suitcase like a soft sided luggage with pockets. Long distance trains have dedicated luggage space but city to city trains may have small overhead spaces. You could end up standing, holding or watching your bags.

I Recommend

I use a medium size roller bag (25-26″) plus a backpack or small duffel to fit under the seat. The medium size bag gets checked and I carry on my personal item bag. Yes, you have to wait for the baggage carousel but it’s worth it to me!

Step 2: Choose What to Wear

Make up each outfit you plan to take.

1. Take anything out of your closet you’re thinking of packing
2. Is it clean, comfortable and have you worn it in the last year? Next.
3. Decide on THREE main coordinating colors such as blue, green and white
4. Pick 3-4 bottoms (pants or skirt)
5. Pick 1-3 coordinating tops for each bottom
6. The goal is to make THREE outfits for each bottom
   
7. If you can’t make a least THREE outfits from a pair of pants or a skirt, leave it at home.
8. Do this in daylight to see if colors work together!
9. Try your outfits on
10. Pick 1-3 outer pieces – cardigan, jacket, shawl – and make sure each “jacket” works with an outfit

I Recommend

Pack a few warmer layers in case the weather turns chilly or rainy! I like a wool poncho or large scarf and something warm at night at the hotel. In a pinch, I’ll pack my lightweight down vest/gilet from Uniqlo.

Step 3: Add Extras to Outfits

Once you’ve gone through your closet you ideally have 9 color coordinated outfits (with 4-6 tops and 3-4 bottoms)

Add these extras space permitting

1. 1 or 2 dresses
2. 2 -3 pairs of shoes or sandals
3. a lightweight coat
4. a lightweight poncho or throw
5. 1-2 sweaters or hoodies
6. 7 days of undies | bra | hose
7. 3-4 pair socks
8. 1-2 lightweight scarves
9. straw fedora & baseball hat for bad hair or windy days

Step 4: Pack for Makeup & Hair

Most hotels supply hairdryers, so you can skip packing one unless you’re picky. Most European bathrooms won’t have electric outlets for a hairdryer (unless it’s built in) so pack a small travel mirror to put on makeup or style your hair in the room.

1. Carry on size toiletries
2. Travel makeup
3. Travel hairdryer (dual voltage)
4. Brush | Comb |  Rollers or curling iron
5. Small travel mirror

Step 5: Pack for Comfort

Pack your favorite small pillow and a comforting wrap to keep you warm.

1. Pillow – small 12 x 16 “baby pillow” 
2. Lightweight robe or caftan
3. Slipper or flip flops for room or to the pool
4. Poncho for warmth on plane or as a quick wrap

Step 6: Pack Your Technology

I usually travel with a tablet for email and researching. I’m also packing tripods and a smart watch these days!

1. Pocket Camera
2. Phone | Phone Charger
3. Kindle | Charger
4. Laptop or Tablet | Charger
5. Travel Converter | Adapter
6. Selfie stick | Tripod
7. Airtag for luggage ID
8. Smart watch

Travel Tips:  UK & European Charging

• Electronics like laptops and phones are dual voltage, meaning they adapt on demand to use 110 (US) OR 220 (UK/EU) voltage.
• Amazon doesn’t state on its product page whether Kindle is dual voltage. I charge mine using a USB port without any problem.
• To charge your electronics you’ll need an adapter plug – this adapts your US plug to the UK/EU wall socket (it doesn’t convert voltage). The UK and Europe use different size plugs, so you may need a UK and EU adapter.
• Electronics with USB connectors can be charged at wall mounted USB ports found in some hotels, trains and buses. But also take a dedicated plug with multiple USB ports.
• If you aren’t sure if your device is dual voltage, you’ll need a converter. A converter converts one voltage to another, for example 110v (US) to 220v (UK). You’ll still need the plug adapter. This converter worked well for travel in Europe although it’s a little bulky to pack. I don’t recommend packing anything that needs a converter as it may sometimes ruin the appliance.

Have you booked your accommodation yet?

I’ve started using Booking.com because I like being able to book anything from a hotel to an Airbnb type rental without paying upfront to reserve it! Just use the filter “Free Cancellation” when searching.

PACKING BOTTOM LINE:

When I travel I want a certain degree of comfort. It’s fun to buy clothes once you’ve reached your destination, but technology is harder to replace.  I pack essentials like tech or toiletries that may not be easy to replace or sourced locally. It’s amazing how hard it can be to find what you want in a different language!

I recently traveled to Portugal in the winter and was unprepared for how warm it was and I had to buy some warm weather pieces (and discovered a great designer outlet mall near Faro!)

For more of my favorite travel and outfit resources get them here!

For some unusual packing hacks watch this video.