10 European Carry-on Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Packing for a European getaway is no easy feat, especially if it’s your first time abroad or you only travel a couple of times a year. It requires planning—the right luggage, versatile outfits, comfortable shoes, and smart accessories all have to be considered—and you’ll want to try to pack as lightly as possible. Depending on how you’ve structured your trip, you may be hopping on and off public transportation or climbing seemingly endless stairs, and carrying around a bulky or oversized suitcase can create more issues than it solves.  

I’ve spent the last 15 years traveling between the East Coast and various European countries—you’ll frequently find me in the U.K. or Switzerland—and I’ve made my fair share of packing errors along the way. My own mistakes and learnings were actually what inspired me to start a packing list newsletter. More recently, I’ve witnessed friends and fellow travelers repeat common packing-related blunders, from wearing the wrong shoes to forgetting an adapter. To ensure you don’t follow in their footsteps, I’ve noted the biggest packing mistakes I’ve seen over and over again—and their easy solutions.

Mistake: Not bringing versatile clothes

Solution: Pack mix-and-match outfits

Wearing gym clothes while not at the gym is a decidedly American thing. You’ll stand out like a sore thumb if you’re walking around Paris or Milan in your Nike shorts and Lululemon tank top. Instead, I recommend seeking out more elevated pieces that are just as comfortable—and much more versatile. In warmer months, I gravitate toward drawstring linen pants and breezy button-downs. Not only do these types of styles work for daytime, but they’re also easy to dress up as needed, which means packing less.

Mistake: Bringing brand-new shoes

Solution: Wear reliable, supportive footwear

By far, the biggest packing mistake I’ve ever seen anyone make when traveling to Europe is purchasing brand-new shoes right before they leave. It’s especially egregious when they plan to wear the shoes for most of the trip. To properly see Europe, no matter the country, you’ll be walking quite a bit more than 10,000 steps a day, so your shoes should be comfortable, supportive, and well-worn in. With that in mind, go for a comfortable sneaker like the New Balance Women’s 574s, and try to wear them for at least a week or two before your flight.

Mistake: Overpacking shoes, “just in case”

Solution: Stick to the three-pair rule

This is an error I made a few times when studying abroad in college. I thought big stiletto heels would be necessary for nights out, but I can’t remember a time I actually wore them. The heel would have been dangerous on cobblestones, anyway. Many years and many European adventures later, I now stick to a three-pair rule. One pair of sneakers (the New Balances, which I previously mentioned), one pair of comfortable block heels or slingbacks (for dressier events), and either a pair of sandals (if it’s summer) or a pair of boots (for colder temperatures). Bringing more than three pairs of shoes is simply unnecessary; the shoes will also take up way too much room in your suitcase. 

Mistake: Packing specific outfits

Solution: Go with a neutral color scheme

The exact contents of your suitcase will differ by destination, but I always follow one rule when packing for Europe: Stick to a neutral color scheme. By doing so, you’ll be better able to mix and match your pieces, keeping your lineup of clothes feeling fresh and inspired—even on day 10 of your grand adventure. I’ll typically go with navy and beige, or white and khaki, but you can choose your ideal color scheme based on your preferences and the items you already own. 

Mistake: Forgetting bag weight limits

Solution: Weigh your items with a luggage scale before your trip

Some budget European airlines will weigh your carry-on, which may come as a surprise to American travelers. Wizz Air, for example, notes that cabin bags can weigh up to 10 kilograms (or 22 pounds). So you don’t get stuck with an unexpected baggage fee, weigh your bag with a luggage scale before heading to the airport. And, don’t forget to pack your scale for your journey home—your bag could be heavier if you add a souvenir or two during your journey.

Mistake: Putting clothes directly in your suitcase

Solution: Use packing cubes

I’m a firm believer in using packing cubes for trips, no matter the length or the destination. You might only have a carry-on for your European getaway, but you can still benefit from their organizational and space-saving assistance. For a trip to somewhere warm, like Portugal or Greece, you can use compression packing cubes to sort your belongings by type—bathing suits and coverups in one, dresses in another, etc. And, if you’re headed to a cold destination, the compression will help bulky sweaters and layers take up less space in your suitcase. Plus, the organization will save you from a messy suitcase during your travels.

Mistake: Not bringing the right power adapter

Solution: Bring a universal adapter

Admittedly, this was a mistake I made a few years back. I packed for a last-minute trip to Switzerland, and I accidentally brought a standard European adapter (Switzerland uses Type J and Type C sockets). Now, I no longer worry about repeating this error; I just bring my universal plug adapter, which covers more than 150 countries, including Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the U.K.

Mistake: Using a flimsy carry-on suitcase

Solution: Packing everything in a tried-and-true suitcase

If you’re traveling to Europe for the first time, you’ll need to be prepared to tackle steps, cobblestones, and trains—all of which can take a toll on your luggage. You might think you’re all set with an average carry-on suitcase, but you don’t want to wind up with a broken wheel, handle, or zipper. If that happens, you’ll be stuck either toting your suitcase by hand or buying an entirely new model abroad. I’ve never had any issues with my Away Bigger Carry-on—which has traveled with me all across Scotland, Switzerland, England, and Italy—but Travel + Leisure editors also confirm this Samsonite Freeform model is the “gold standard for a hardside carry-on suitcase.”

Mistake: Not accounting for rain

Solution: Keep a packable raincoat or umbrella in your bag

You do not want to get caught in the rain while sightseeing or traveling between European cities. You’ll end up wet, cold, and uncomfortable. Still, you don’t necessarily want to lug a full-size umbrella or heavy raincoat with you—especially if you’re not headed to a rainy destination. The solution? Tuck either a packable poncho or a travel-sized umbrella into your tote bag or backpack. It might seem unnecessary if there’s no rain in the forecast, but you’ll be grateful for the pre-planning when an unexpected rainstorm rolls in. 

Mistake: Bringing full-size toiletries

Solution: Dispense your products into small travel-sized bottles and capsules

If you’re like me, you prefer to have your own hair and skincare products with you when you travel. And stores abroad may not carry your exact type of face wash or moisturizer. Ahead of your trip, condense your favorite products into smaller containers. I like the Cadence Capsules (they’re magnetic and stick together in my toiletry bag), and they’re incredibly easy to wash and refill between trips. Another T+L-approved option is the Morfone toiletry set with 16 pieces.

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