Americans tend to stick out when we travel. It doesn’t matter what brands we wear, how comfortable we are walking long distances, or how well we think we’re pronouncing the local language.
Europeans can spot us in a crowd just as quickly as we could spot them in the Mall of America. (Probably having a meltdown in the corner.)
And that’s okay. If you’re heading to Europe for the first time, you have much bigger things to focus on than blending in. When it comes to packing, specifically, you need to focus on things like space, weight, luggability, and shoes. Those who don’t pack the right way tend to learn hard lessons.
Let’s get your first trip to Europe off to a great start with the ultimate packing guide. My suggestions are based on my experience as an American living in Europe—one who has received many visitors over the years.
The Luggage
Luggage is the most important element of your travel arsenal. Whether you’re hitting the road with a single carry-on or with a checked back, you need to focus on two features: hard shell covers and weight. The shell cover doesn’t need to be military-grade—it just needs to provide a frame.
Your primary focus should be on finding lightweight luggage. Scenic and lovely as it is, Europe doesn’t have nearly as many elevators as the US. On top of that, many older buildings have narrow hallways. Very narrow hallways, many of which twist around like medieval hedgemazes.
The more lightweight your luggage is, the easier it is to haul up to your fifth-floor Airbnb. The more rigid its shell is, the less likely you are to damage your goods while ramming into every wall on the way up. You might even look graceful while you do it.
The Shoes
Prepare to walk like you’re on the Oregon Trail back in the pioneer days. Once again, weight matters. The lighter the shoe, the freer the walker.
Unfortunately for me, my favorite shoes tend to be things like wooden clogs (they’re back in style), clunky boots, and other highly impractical and heavy styles. I have learned the hard way, and many times, that these shoes are simply a burden.
For your first trip to Europe, you should have closed-toe shoes that will survive city filth. I also recommend lightweight sandals for warmer days. As with elevators, Europeans are really light on the air conditioning. There’s no worse way to start off your day than with foot sweat.
Find a pair of lightweight shoes that you enjoy. I recommend avoiding new purchases—your shoes should be well broken-in by the time you touch down in Spain, Poland, or wherever.
If you’re wondering how many pairs to bring, then I’d recommend one pair per week of travel. If you’re traveling for over one month, cap yourself at three.
The Clothes
The clothes you bring on your first trip to Europe will be guided by the season. However, I’d like to point out that most of us Americans wear a lot of loungewear. There’s nothing wrong with that—but if you like to look nice, here’s your time to shine.
A casual outfit in Europe is more or less business casual to the average American. Baggy tee shirts, jogging pants, leggings, Uggs, and similar US basics aren’t as popular in Europe. I wear these out when I run errands, so don’t feel shy about being yourself (and being comfortable).
But again, if you’ve been wanting to get a little daring with your style, don’t be afraid to pack a more experimental look. (Just make sure it pairs with a realistic choice of shoes.)
The Accessories
The less you bring, the better. European shops offer all the creature comforts that tourists need, including travel-sized vials of just about every concoction. That being said, there are a few electronic accessories I recommend looking into.
- Portable chargers. Keep your electronics charged throughout long day trips. I also recommend you avoid using public Wi-Fi and opt for a personal hotspot. (Public Wi-Fi exposes you to scammers.)
- Travel belts. Strap your duffel or backpack to your carry-on for seamless walking—or easy running if you’re late for your train.
- Mini handheld fan. Like I mentioned up-top, Europe has a tenuous relationship with air conditioning—even in places where the temperature will rise into the 90s. Don’t feel awkward about using these. Just stay alive.
- Travel garment steamer. This accessory isn’t absolutely necessary, as many hotels and rentals in Europe offer irons or steamers. But if you’re a stickler about wrinkles, having one on-hand is probably important. (Especially if you want to show off a swanky new fit.)
Your first trip to Europe: things you didn’t think of
You’ve heard of pickpockets in Europe for good reason. Do you need to bring a safety belt? I don’t think so.
The easiest way to keep them at bay is to avoid using bags and purses that don’t close, along with keeping your pockets empty. If you have an open bag, wear it in reverse to keep it in front of you. And keep most of your valuables at your lodging.
I also recommend bringing your favorite over-the-counter medications. Every time someone visits me from the US, I ask them to bring Nyquil and Dayquil. If you’ve got any go-tos, take them on the road.
Though you’ll be well taken care of at a pharmacy here, they probably don’t carry a lot of US brands. If you’ve got any allergies to certain medications, it’s also worthwhile to have your own supplies on-hand.