Packing for Europe in the summer… whew. It sounds easy until you’re staring at an open suitcase, wondering if you really need three pairs of shoes or if you can somehow survive with just one. I’ve been there—sitting on the floor, surrounded by clothes, already stressed about carrying a heavy bag through train stations.
After a few trips (and a lot of rookie mistakes), I finally figured out the sweet spot: you don’t need a giant suitcase. You just need a carry-on, a little discipline, and pieces that actually work together. Ten days, one bag. Yes, it’s possible. And honestly? It makes traveling so much better.
Let me break it down—what I always pack, what I skip, and the little tricks that save me every single time.
Clothing: Keep It Light, Keep It Versatile
Europe in summer is funny—it can be blazing hot in the afternoon and then weirdly chilly once the sun goes down, especially near the coast. So layers are your best friend.
Here’s what usually makes it into my bag:
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3 basic tops (lightweight, neutral colors—white, beige, black—because they go with everything)
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2 “nicer” tops or blouses for dinners or nights out
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1 easy dress (I’m a fan of midi dresses because they can swing both casual and dressed up)
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1 skirt (flowy, comfortable, works with sneakers or sandals)
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1 pair of shorts (tailored, not gym shorts, so they work in the city too)
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1 pair of lightweight trousers or linen pants (lifesaver on cooler nights or modest places)
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1 light jacket or cardigan (denim jacket = classic, goes with everything)
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1 pair of jeans (controversial, but I love them for travel days or chill evenings)
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Undergarments + pajamas (obviously)
The trick? I stick to a palette. If I pack random colors, nothing matches and I end up overstuffing my bag. Neutrals with one pop color (like a bright scarf or skirt) keep it simple but not boring.
Shoes: The Hardest Part (But Keep It to Three)
Shoes take up space, and yet… they can ruin your trip if you choose wrong. (Ask me about the time I wore cheap sandals in Rome and had blisters by day two. Never again.)
Here’s my golden rule:
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1 pair of comfy sneakers (for walking tours, cobblestones, basically 70% of your trip)
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1 pair of sandals (flat but supportive—Birkenstocks or something similar work)
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1 pair of dressier flats or low-heeled sandals (for evenings out)
That’s it. Three pairs. If you try to pack more, your bag will hate you.
Accessories: Small But Magic
This is where you can actually switch things up without packing a ton.
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A crossbody bag (keeps your stuff safe, hands-free)
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A foldable tote or backpack (for markets, day trips, or beach days)
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Sunglasses (non-negotiable)
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A lightweight scarf or shawl (seriously versatile—churches, chilly trains, beach cover-up)
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Minimal jewelry (I bring one pair of hoops, one pair of studs, and a necklace)
The beauty of accessories? They take up no space but totally change your vibe.
Toiletries: Don’t Overthink It
You don’t need your entire bathroom. Most stuff can be bought there if you really need it.
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Mini shampoo & conditioner (solid bars are amazing for this)
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Face wash + moisturizer with SPF
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Toothbrush + paste
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Deodorant
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Razor
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A little makeup (I keep it super minimal—tinted moisturizer, mascara, lip balm)
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Hand sanitizer + wipes
Pro tip: get refillable travel bottles. Saves so much stress.
Tech & Travel Essentials
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Phone + charger (obvious, but I’ve definitely almost forgotten a charger before—don’t be me)
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Portable power bank (life-saver on 12-hour sightseeing days)
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Universal travel adapter (Europe has different plugs depending on the country, so don’t assume one type fits all)
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Headphones
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Kindle or one paperback book (if you’re a reader)
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Travel insurance info (seriously, just do it)
Money & Documents
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Passport + copies (digital + paper)
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Debit/credit card (no foreign transaction fee = more gelato money)
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A small wallet (don’t carry everything at once)
The Extras That Save the Day
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Reusable water bottle (you’ll thank yourself on hot walking days)
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Tiny laundry kit (detergent sheets + sink stopper = magic when you need to wash a top)
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Compact umbrella or rain jacket (because summer storms come out of nowhere)
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Packing cubes (I used to think these were silly until I tried them—game changer)
10 Days, One Bag: How It Plays Out
Here’s how I usually mix and match:
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Day 1: Trousers + tank + sneakers (plane day = comfy)
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Day 2: Dress + sandals
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Day 3: Skirt + blouse + flats
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Day 4: Shorts + tee + sneakers
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Day 5: Jeans + blouse + sandals
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Day 6: Dress again (layer jacket for evening)
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Day 7: Skirt + casual top + sneakers
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Day 8: Trousers + blouse + flats
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Day 9: Shorts + tank + sandals
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Day 10: Jeans + tee (travel home outfit)
I swear it feels like more than 10 outfits because accessories keep things fresh.
Why Carry-On Only?
Let me paint a picture: you’re dragging a giant suitcase across cobblestone streets in Florence, sweating, wheels clunking, wishing you’d just packed less. I’ve lived that nightmare. With a carry-on, you glide past baggage claim, hop on trains without stress, and actually enjoy your trip.
And bonus—you’ve got space left for souvenirs (because yes, you will buy something, even if you swear you won’t).
Final Thoughts
Packing for Europe isn’t about cramming your entire closet. It’s about being intentional—choosing pieces that pull double-duty, staying comfortable, and leaving space for spontaneity.
At the end of the day, nobody’s going to remember if you wore the same dress twice. They’ll remember you laughing with locals in a piazza, climbing those endless steps in Santorini, or sipping coffee in Paris with your sunglasses on.
So pack light. Wear what makes you feel good. And give yourself the freedom to focus on the memories, not the luggage.
Europe is waiting—and trust me, your carry-on can handle it.
