12 Europe Trip Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Europe is one of the world’s most popular continents to visit, and for good reason. It is home to 44 countries, each boasting its own culture, geography, language, traditions and cuisine. This cultural diversity, along with the fact that the continent is generally well-connected and easy to travel to, is why European travel is usually high on most people’s bucket lists.

With so many cultures pushing against each other, it can be difficult to figure out how best to prepare for a trip to the continent. As a travel writer based in Rome, I’m used to seeing tourists making the same mistakes over and over when visiting Italy and other European hot spots. While each European country is unique in its own way, there are a couple of universal faux pas to avoid so you don’t stand out as a tourist. Think: wearing athleisure, relying entirely on cash, and overpacking. To help you prepare for your next European adventure, I’ve compiled a list of 12 things not to pack and 12 things to bring instead. Don’t worry, prices start at a budget-friendly $15. Bon voyage!

Don’t bring: Lots of bags when visiting

Pack instead: A phone crossbody purse

My Friday Small Cross Body Cell Phone Bag

In addition to being uncomfortable, it’s a big no-no when carrying large, bulky bags around Europe for two reasons: It makes you more prone to pickpocketing and it can prevent you from entering some museums and archeological sites. The Vatican Museums in Rome, for example, do not allow visitors to bring in large bags.

Travelers to Europe should consider a phone crossbody purse like this compact but roomy one from Amazon. Available in 18 neutral and vibrant colors, the crossbody purse has received no shortage of rave reviews. One buyer said they “used this bag for international travel” and were able to fit their “passports, boarding passes, all our IDs, and money, and still have room for my chapstick, gum, and phone.”

Don’t Bring: Sweat

Pack instead: A stylish matching set

BTFBM short sleeve top and matching pants set

For the most part, athleisure is still a new concept in Europe, and wearing sweats and leggings out and about will make you look like a tourist. If you want to stay comfortable while still looking stylish, consider investing in a matching set like this one from Amazon. It features a short-sleeve top paired with pockets and loose loungewear-like pants that can be dressed up with a pair of accessories like strappy sandals and jewelry. The comfortable travel dress is available in over 11 colors, including black, dark blue and dark green.

Don’t bring: A heavy water bottle

Pack instead: a reusable water filter travel bottle

Life Straw Water Filter Bottle

A reusable water bottle is my best friend when I travel. It’s great not just for the airport, but also for traveling around Europe, land of many free, public water fountains – Rome alone has over 2,500!

Instead of always buying plastic water bottles while sightseeing, bring a reusable water bottle with you, like this one from LifeStraw. It has the added benefit of filtering the water, so you can drink from fountains and sinks in countries where this may not be advisable. Investing in a lightweight, reusable travel water bottle can help you reduce environmental waste, stay hydrated, pack light and save a few euros. If you want a more compact version, consider this collapsible one from Amazon. It can easily fold into a personal item when not in use.

Don’t bring: High-heeled shoes

Pack instead: Comfortable, versatile shoes

Dr. Scholl’s Medicine Lace Up Shoes

Many streets in Europe are simply not conducive to wearing high heels. In the historic center of Rome, for example, they will be eaten by it Sympatrinior cobblestones. Also, they are only banned at certain sites, including ancient monuments in Greece, for conservation reasons. Alternatively, consider packing a pair of strappy sandals, velvet ballet flats, leather-heeled booties, or a comfortable pair of sneakers like the podiatrist-approved and tech-savvy Dr. Scholl. Not only are they sleek, but they’re also very supportive and perfect for walking 10,000 steps a day. The lightweight shoe features anti-odor insole technology and a plush algae-infused sole for added support and cushioning.

Don’t bring: One small personal item

Pack instead: A carry-on bag

Matinee carry-on bag

When traveling to Europe, opt for a large, expandable personal item to make the most of your limited luggage real estate. Expandable backpacks like this one from Amazon are a great option for keeping all your valuables while leaving extra room for a couple pairs, a few more shirts, or any gifts you might buy during your trip. This mitten bag opens and packs like a suitcase. It features a trolley pass-through sleeve for ease of use, offers plenty of organizational pockets for all your gear, and can easily fit under the seat in front of you. It is available in large, extra large, and 2xl.

Don’t bring: more than you’ll wear

Pack instead: Compression packing cubes

Gonix 4 Piece Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes are every traveler’s best friend. I use these gonks whenever I travel to Europe, and love how I can fit at least a week’s worth of clothes in this pack of four small, medium, and large cubes. They’re easy to use and feel pretty durable, even when stuffed, so they should be able to withstand the wear and tear of travel for years to come. Grab them while they’re still on sale for $19 with a coupon on the site.

Don’t bring: Your passport without protection

Pack instead: A secure, RFID-blocking passport case

Zero Grid RFID Blocking Passport Wallet

Savvy travelers know it pays to be prepared, which is why you should take extra care in storing your passport. While this may sound obvious, carelessly storing your passport in your personal item while out and about can be dangerous. To keep all your belongings safe in one easy-to-reach place, consider investing in a wallet that can do it all, like this travel-sized one from Zero Grid.

Crafted from water-resistant and durable ripstop nylon material, it’s designed with RFID blocking technology and is small enough to fit in a crossbody bag or jacket pocket. Not only can it hold your wallet, but it can also fit four to ten credit cards, tickets, additional forms of identification, plus bills and loose change. It also comes with a micro travel pen for filling customs forms. If you want a more stylish option, consider this leather version from Laterology.

Don’t bring: One checked bag

Pack instead: A large carry-on

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Carry-on

With airlines raising their checked baggage fees to near-expert levels, it’s never been a better time to travel with just one. While checked luggage lets you pack more clothing options, it can be quite bulky to travel with, especially on the winding, narrow roads many European countries are known for. It goes without saying that many streets in Europe are pedestrian only, so if you’re admiring a taxi from the airport to your accommodation, you’ll need to walk quite a bit to get there.

Consider investing in an expandable carry-on suitcase like this Samsonite Hardside Spinner Suitcase to maximize your luggage’s real estate. It features TSA-approved locks, internal compression straps, and a microdiamond polycarbonate exterior that’s durable and scratch-resistant. If that’s not enough to convince you, consider that Carry On has over 19,700 five-star ratings on Amazon.

Don’t bring: A phone without Wi-Fi

Pack it instead: A portable hotspot

Netgear Nighthawk M6 5G Mobile Hotspot

If you need service to stay in touch with friends and family or to navigate the city you’re visiting, I recommend investing in a portable hotspot. Netgear is one of T+L’s favorite portable hotspots we’ve tested for several reasons: It’s compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the US, and it works in more than 125 countries when swapped in with a new SIM card, with support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6E. This M6 version lets you connect up to 32 devices simultaneously.

Phone plans in Europe are generally much cheaper than in the United States, and depending on the company, you can buy a temporary SIM card with 100 gigabytes of data for as little as 100 gigabytes. Portable SIM card hotspots are therefore one of the most reliable and affordable ways to guarantee connectivity on the go. While a good portable hotspot isn’t known for being cheap, you can snag it for 20 percent off its regular price of $479.

Don’t bring: A wallet that doesn’t zip

Pack instead: A secure, anti-theft bag

Bagglini Small Security Anti-Theft Crossbody

Unfortunately, pickpocketing is common in major European cities like Paris and Barcelona, ​​but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to avoid it. Investing in a secure, anti-theft bag is the only way to keep your belongings safe while on the go. This crossbody bag from Travel + LeisureA great choice is the Lido brand Bagglini. It features RFID blocking technology, an anti-theft zip-pull sleeve, a cut-resistant strap, locking zippers, and interior slash-resistant panels.

Don’t bring: Clothing inappropriate for holy places

Pack instead: A lightweight shawl

Jello Lightweight Shawl

While this may sound obvious, you’d be surprised how many tourists I’ve seen get kicked out of churches in Italy for entering with inappropriate clothing. This means exposing shoulders, showing too much leg above the knee, or wearing clothes with crude or inappropriate imagery.

As many countries in Europe are home to very important holy sites that are hundreds of years old, many of which boast amazing pieces of art and architecture, it is always best to dress respectfully when entering. This is why I always recommend packing a compact, lightweight shawl, especially when it’s hot enough to wear more than shorts, dresses and tank tops in the summer. This handy one from Amazon is made of soft cotton and easily folds into a purse.

Don’t bring: Credit cards only

Pack instead: A secure wallet with cash

Falan mule small purse

Cash is still king in many European countries. Although credit cards and contactless payments are becoming more and more common, it is always best practice to carry some cash, including some banknotes and euro coins. These are especially useful for taking public transportation, grabbing a quick coffee, or leaving a small tip at a restaurant. This is why before your European trip, it is important to invest in a wallet with a designated coin purse, as coins are used more frequently in Europe than in the United States.

This compact RFID blocking wallet from Amazon, available in a variety of vibrant colors, including light green, antique yellow and bright red, is a great choice thanks to its large capacity. It features 14 credit card slots, four clear ID windows, two cash compartments, and a zippered coin pocket. If you need another reason to check it out, it has 7,400 five-star ratings.

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