DO NOT Make These Europe Packing Mistakes | What Not To Pack & Tips
Summary
TLDRThis video by Nick from 'Away Together' covers common packing mistakes for a trip to Europe and offers practical advice on what to avoid. Nick emphasizes choosing the right bag, such as a lightweight backpack or a carry-on roller bag, and avoiding oversized suitcases. He provides two packing strategies, advises against overpacking clothes, and recommends versatile, wrinkle-resistant clothing. The video also highlights key items not to forget, such as a passport and travel adapter, and stresses the importance of apps and smart packing hacks like using a packable daypack.
Takeaways
- 🎒 Bringing the wrong bag, especially a large roller suitcase, can be a hassle in Europe. Opt for a lightweight, portable bag that meets carry-on requirements and is easy to manage on uneven terrain like cobblestone streets.
- 🧳 Strategy 1: Be a 'one-bag traveler' with a versatile backpack that fits carry-on requirements, allowing for hands-free mobility. Many brands like Tortuga and Osprey offer great options for this.
- 🛅 Strategy 2: Use a 'two-bag' system with a carry-on roller bag and a personal backpack. This setup works well for longer trips, offering more space and flexibility.
- 💡 A useful travel hack is to pack a small, foldable day pack that can be stowed in your main bag until needed for day trips.
- 👕 Avoid packing too much clothing. Focus on versatile, lightweight, and layerable clothes, and consider items like merino wool, which is odor-resistant and can be worn multiple times.
- 👗 Dress stylishly but not overly formal. Avoid looking like a tourist with items like university sweatshirts or socks with sandals, and be mindful of modesty requirements at certain sites.
- 👞 Choose versatile, comfortable walking shoes that work for both daytime outings and casual dinners. Minimize the number of shoes, and wear your bulkiest pair during flights.
- 🛑 Don’t buy unnecessary outdoor gear like hiking shoes unless you're specifically planning outdoor adventures. Stick to practical items you will actually use.
- 📸 Skip expensive camera gear if you're new to photography—modern smartphones are sufficient for capturing high-quality photos during your trip.
- 🔌 Don't forget essential items like your passport, travel adapter (preferably a universal one), and important travel documents. Consider downloading useful travel apps before your trip.
Q & A
What is the main mistake people make when choosing a bag for a trip to Europe?
-The main mistake is bringing a giant roller bag or checked suitcase. These are impractical for navigating multiple cities via rail, bus, or short flights. A lightweight, portable bag is much easier to manage.
What are the ideal dimensions for a carry-on bag when traveling to Europe?
-A common size for a carry-on is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches. However, you should also check for weight restrictions, which can range between 7 to 10 kg (15 to 22 lbs) depending on the airline.
Why is a backpack a preferred option for traveling in Europe?
-A backpack is ideal because it allows you to go hands-free and navigate cobblestones or uneven terrain, which is common in older European cities. It’s also easier to manage when stepping onto train platforms or walking long distances.
What features should you look for in a good travel backpack for Europe?
-A good travel backpack should be durable, water-resistant, offer organizational compartments, and fit your body comfortably. It should also meet carry-on size requirements.
What is the 'two-bag traveler' strategy?
-The 'two-bag traveler' strategy involves carrying a carry-on sized roller bag and a personal item backpack. This setup gives you flexibility, with one bag for essentials and another for extra items, both meeting airline size restrictions.
What is a packable day pack and why is it useful?
-A packable day pack is a small, lightweight backpack that packs down into a small size, often fitting into its own pocket. It’s useful because you can store it in your main bag and use it for day trips during your travels, leaving your larger bag behind.
How can you avoid overpacking clothing for a European trip?
-To avoid overpacking, create a capsule wardrobe of versatile, mix-and-match clothing items. Focus on lightweight, moisture-wicking layers, and choose clothing you can wear multiple times, like Merino wool, which resists odor.
What type of clothing should you avoid packing for Europe?
-Avoid bringing super fancy clothing unless you have specific plans that require it. Similarly, avoid sloppy or touristy outfits like university apparel, sandals with socks, and zip-off pants. These can make you stand out as a tourist and a potential target for scams.
What should you consider when packing shoes for a trip to Europe?
-Choose one good pair of versatile, comfortable walking shoes that work for both daytime sightseeing and evening outings. Wear your largest pair on the plane and pack lighter shoes. Avoid single-use items like heels.
What are some items you don't need to buy for a European trip?
-You don’t need to invest in technical outdoor gear like heavy hiking shoes or expensive camera equipment unless you have specific plans for those activities. Most smartphones are capable of taking excellent photos, and long flights often provide pillows and blankets.
What are some crucial items not to forget when traveling to Europe?
-Don’t forget your passport, travel documents, and a good travel adapter. A universal adapter that works in Europe and has multiple ports for charging devices is highly recommended. Also, download any travel apps you may need ahead of time.
Outlines
🎒 Avoid Common Packing Mistakes for Europe
Nick from Away Together discusses the common packing mistakes when traveling to Europe, drawing from his own experiences. He highlights the importance of packing efficiently and choosing the right luggage, especially when traveling across multiple cities. A large checked suitcase is often unnecessary, and he recommends using a lightweight, portable bag that is easier to manage. Nick explains the importance of understanding carry-on size limits, particularly in Europe, where weight restrictions may differ from the US. He concludes by offering two packing strategies and a travel hack.
🧳 Two Packing Strategies and Travel Hack
Nick introduces two packing strategies for traveling to Europe: the 'one-bag traveler,' which involves packing everything into one lightweight backpack, and the 'two-bag traveler,' where a carry-on roller bag is paired with a personal item backpack. He mentions brands like Osprey, Peak Design, and Monos for both bags and suggests key features such as water resistance, organizational compartments, and trolley sleeves. He also shares a travel hack: bringing a packable day pack, which is convenient for day trips and can be easily stored away when not in use.
👗 Avoid Overpacking and Clothing Mistakes
Nick emphasizes the importance of planning and minimizing clothing when packing for Europe. He advises creating a capsule wardrobe with versatile, lightweight clothing that can be mixed and matched. Using layering strategies and selecting clothes made from moisture-wicking or wrinkle-resistant materials is also recommended. He suggests re-wearing clothes, especially Merino wool items, which resist odors and reduce the need for multiple outfits. Nick also shares tips like using wrinkle release spray and refers to a free packing checklist to avoid overpacking.
👠 Choosing the Right Clothes and Shoes
Nick advises against bringing overly formal or extremely casual clothes for Europe, stressing the need to avoid items that can mark you as a tourist. He suggests avoiding university apparel, sandals with socks, and zip-off pants, as these can make travelers more vulnerable to scams. He also stresses that modesty requirements at some religious sites may require a bit of forethought. On shoes, Nick recommends bringing one pair of versatile, comfortable walking shoes that can suit both day outings and dinners, while leaving bulky or single-use shoes at home.
🛍 Avoid Unnecessary Purchases for Your Trip
Nick highlights the mistake of buying unnecessary items for a trip to Europe, such as heavy-duty hiking gear if there are no plans for actual hiking. He recalls his own experience of buying technical hiking shoes that he never used. Similarly, he discourages over-investing in expensive travel pillows, bulky camera equipment, or other items that can be replaced by simpler, smaller, or less expensive alternatives. He advises sticking to what’s practical for your specific trip.
📋 Essentials You Shouldn’t Forget
Nick discusses key items you should never forget when traveling to Europe, starting with the most obvious: your passport. He also suggests making copies of important documents like your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary. A vital tip is to bring the right travel adapter, recommending the EPICKA Universal Adapter for charging multiple devices across different countries. Finally, Nick advises downloading essential travel apps before the trip, linking to another video that provides a comprehensive review of recommended apps.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Packing Mistakes
💡Giant Roller Bag
💡Onebag Traveler
💡Two Bag Traveler
💡Versatile Clothing
💡Compression Straps
💡Packing Cubes
💡Personal Item Backpack
💡Packable Day Pack
💡Travel Adapter
Highlights
Avoid packing large roller bags, as they are impractical for European trips involving multiple city visits.
Choose a lightweight, portable, and manageable bag, especially for European train and bus travel.
European airlines often have stricter carry-on weight limits, typically between 7 to 10 kg (15 to 22 lbs).
One-bag strategy: opt for a backpack that meets carry-on requirements and allows hands-free travel.
A backpack should be durable, water-resistant, organized, and fit comfortably on your body.
The Osprey Porter 46 is highly recommended for its durability, organization features, and travel compatibility.
Two-bag strategy: carry a roller bag and a personal item-sized backpack for a balance of portability and storage.
Look for a personal item backpack that fits under the airplane seat, has water resistance, and includes a trolley sleeve.
Travel hack: Bring a packable day pack that is compact, lightweight, and useful for daily excursions during your trip.
Avoid overpacking by focusing on versatile clothing that can mix and match, creating a mini capsule wardrobe.
Merino wool is recommended for its antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for reusing clothes during travel.
Bring one versatile pair of shoes suitable for walking and evening wear, and wear your heaviest shoes on the plane.
Avoid buying unnecessary hiking gear if your trip is primarily city-based; prioritize simplicity and comfort.
Don't forget essentials like your passport, travel adapter, and important documents. Make photo copies of critical documents.
Download key travel apps before your trip to enhance your travel experience and stay prepared.
Transcripts
packing for a trip to Europe can be
unexpectedly tricky there are several
key mistakes you want to be sure to
avoid in this video I'll cover some of
the most common packing mistakes I see
people make when traveling to
[Music]
Europe hey guys Nick here from away
together my wife Ally and I have
traveled extensively throughout Europe
and I'll be honest with you I have seen
and made my fair share of packing
mistakes if you're confused or
overwhelmed about what to pack or how to
pack I made this video just for you
we're going to cover things like what
bag not to bring What Not to Wear what
not to buy and what not to forget okay
so diving right in mistake number one is
bringing the wrong bag and the wrong bag
is a giant roller bag AKA a huge checked
suitcase There is almost no reason to
bring a giant suitcase with you on your
trip to Europe most people when they
travel to Europe are planning to visit
multiple cities and typically you do
that VIA Rail or by taking a bus or even
inexpensive short hul flights the right
bag for your European Adventure is going
to be one that makes it easy for you to
do those things the right bag is going
to be lightweight portable and one
that's easy for you to manage picture
walking a mile with that bag if you had
to that's not uncommon picture the bag
that is going to make it easy for you to
step up onto a train platform and that
you are physically capable of managing
when it comes to flights there's not one
international standard when it comes to
carry-on bag sizes however 22 in x 14 in
by 9 in is pretty common so you should
be safe if you're under that one
difference you'll see in Europe though
that is not as common in the USA is
weight restrictions for your carry-on
bag in general that's going to be some
between 7 to 10 kg which is between 15
and 22 lb this varies highly by Airline
so please do your research ahead of time
if you the kind of person that's used to
just throwing your stuff in a bag and
thinking hey as long as it's under 50
lbs I'm good and now you're freaking
out deep breath I'm going to share two
Europe luggage strategies and one of my
favorite travel hacks I recommend you
choose one of these two Europe luggage
strategies and then the travel hack is
something I recommend everyone do
strategy number one is the onebag
traveler if you can pair down your
belongings to fit into one bag which
trust me you can my top recommendation
is always going to be backpack a big
benefit of using a backpack is that you
can go handsfree and in Europe in
particular much of where you will be
walking especially if you're in Old Town
is going to be cobblestones and uneven
terrain that sometimes can be tricky
with with wheels when you hear Europe
and backpack in the same sentence I'm
not sure what comes to mind but I know
for me initially what came to mind was
one of those giant top loader backpacks
that looks like an entire campsite could
fit in there that is not what we're
talking about what I recommend is a
sensible lightweight bag that
comfortably fits what you need for a
trip to Europe and it easily meets the
carry-on requirements there are a lot of
great options out there so many good
brands in this space Tortuga makes a
great one Peak design has a great one
that I almost bought my all-time
personal favorite that I've used several
different times on various trips to
Europe is the Osprey Porter 46 by the
way this is not sponsored in any way but
there are links to several of the items
that I'll mention in this video below
what I love about this Osprey bag is
that it's roomy has a dedicated area for
your laptop and other Tech Works
beautifully with packing cubes and has
this awesome quick access stuff pocket
which is perfect for emptying your
pockets into when you go through
security
it also has these compression straps
that help cinch things down tight now
one thing to watch out for with this bag
in particular and trust me I've learned
from personal experience is don't over
stuff it if you do you may struggle with
the overhead bins on very small planes
but if you don't over stuff it trust me
you'll know when you've over stuffed it
it's not a problem at all ultimately if
you're going the backpack route choose a
bag that is durable offers some level of
water resistance gives you options for
compartmentalization or organization and
very very key fits your body comfortably
okay the next strategy is the two bag
traveler I've done this one as well this
is where you would bring a carry-on size
roller bag and a personal item sized
backpack allly and I actually used this
exact setup for 6 months of full-time
travel so for roller bags on that trip
we both used the monos carryon plus
lately we've been testing out some bags
from level eight cases I'm actually
considering making a comparison video
breaking down the differences between
several of the major carry-on roller
bags out there if you would be
interested in seeing that comment
clamshell below for our personal item
backpacks I used the peak design 20 L
everyday backpack to haul all our camera
gear around in and Ali used the transit
backpack from everlane some key things
to look out for in a personal item bag
are that they fit under the airplane
seat there's a pocket for a water bottle
they offer some level of water
resistance and there's a trolley sleeve
AKA a handle pass through so that they
can sit on top of your roller bag here's
a quick travel hack whether you're a
onebag or a two bag traveler packable
day pack a packable day pack is a small
lightweight and usually inexpensive
backpack that packs down really small
usually into an inner pocket and can be
stored in your main bag until you need
it then when you're in the middle of
your trip you can leave your big bag in
the room and take this little one out
with you for the day and you can store
things in there that you would need you
know like your sunglasses your rain
jacket water bottle Etc I've had this
Osprey one for years it's really
inexpensive and it packs down smaller
than the palm of your hand okay the next
mistakes revolve around clothing and the
biggest clothing related mistake is
simply bringing too much clothing and
the best way to avoid bringing too much
clothing is by making a plan I I
remember explaining for the first time
to my sister how to pack for a 10-day
European trip and just how daunted she
was by the premise of having to be so
intentional and methodical about exactly
what to bring but she did it and she did
great and so here's a few quick tips for
you focus on clothing that is versatile
and could be used in a variety of
scenarios try to create a mini capsule
wardrobe for your trip so that your tops
and your bottoms could kind of mix and
match and work in a number of different
ways I recommend tending towards
lightweight clothing items and packing
as if you'll dress in layers you could
also seek out items that have moisture
wicking properties in case you're
traveling during summer you should also
consider how many wears you can get out
of a given piece of clothing for example
you probably only need one maybe two
pairs of pants for a week-long trip
maybe that's not such a foreign concept
but what about things like your sock
socks and your shirts right you probably
don't need a different pair of socks for
every single day of your trip as you
begin thinking about items that could be
reworn and reused I highly suggest
Marino wool Marino wool has
antimicrobial properties which will help
your clothing resist odor finally
consider wrinkle resistance if you're
folding or rolling your clothes chances
of wrinkles go way up so consider Maybe
not bringing those things that get
wrinkled really easily and a pro tip is
using Downey wrinkle release spray or
something similar we always have a
travel siiz bottle of this with us and
it works it is super clutch the best way
not to overpack is to use a packing
checklist and we made one for you you
can get it for free at the link below
and hey while you're at it if you're
getting value out of this video please
give it a thumbs up so YouTube will know
to suggest it to other Travelers like
you a big mistake when traveling to
Europe is bringing the wrong kind of
clothing unless you're going to some
very fancy places you don't need to
bring anything super duper nice now I'm
not saying ladies don't bring a dress or
guys don't bring a nice button-up shirt
don't get me wrong we love going out to
a nice dinner and you know I'll bring
something like this or usually with
sleeves leave the evening gown and the
suit jacket at home on the complete
opposite end don't dress like a slob
Europeans are in general pretty stylish
and look I'm not trying to to say you
got to blend in but there are certain
things you wear that will identify you
as a tourist AKA a target for scams
pickpockets Etc these are some things
you may want to consider avoiding and
look I'm no fashion expert I mean look
at me come on but I've seen this a lot
university apparel you know those big
university sweatshirts sandals with
socks uh I mean come on these look kind
of silly anywhere and those dorky zip
off pants you know the ones that are
like they're pants no they're shorts and
just a note certain sites like churches
may have modesty requirements now I've
been to several that are honestly pretty
LAX about this but some of them are kind
of weird about guys wearing shorts or
ladies having their shoulders exposed
before you go just do your research
ahead of time you would hate to not be
able to visit a site that you really
want to because of what you're wearing
okay while we're on this topic here's a
couple of comments about shoes when it
comes to shoes less is better ideally
one pair of shoes man I know this is
tough this was really really tough for
Ali but in the end you need one good
pair of versatile comfortable walking
shoes that could work in a variety of
situations ones that look fine as you're
out and about walking around for the day
or ones that would look good with
whatever you're going to wear to dinner
I recommend you wear your biggest pair
on the plane and you pack your smaller
pair of shoes leave items like heels and
other things that are just in general
single use at home the next big mistake
is buying things you don't really need
my first trip to Europe I went all out
on the walking and Hiking aesthetic if
you're not planning on doing a lot of
hiking or outdoor stuff there's just no
need to invest in all those fancy
technical Fabrics like gortex and all
that stuff I'm not saying don't get a
rain jacket or whatever but man you
probably don't need the shoes and the
hiking poles and the technical shirt and
the vest like you just don't I invested
in these heavy hiking shoes and didn't
go for a single hike I mean we walked a
lot but 100% of our trip was in cities I
have no idea what I was thinking there
there was just no reason for that level
of technical armor on my feet they were
bulky and heavy and I could have gotten
away with something a lot smaller
smaller simpler and cheaper okay this is
a hot take but I would not invest in one
of those travel neck pillows they can be
comfortable for sure don't get me wrong
most flights are going to offer you a
pillow and a blanket on your long flight
just remember you've got to carry what
you bring with you everywhere I would
not spend money on expensive camera
equipment use what you have most
smartphones today are amazing especially
if you're new to photography or filming
video Just choose what you have and I
wouldn't
overinvestment your knowledge a huge
mistake when traveling Europe is for
getting something important that you
need so here's a few crucial things you
want to be sure not to forget first and
foremost don't forget your passport you
probably expected me to say that but you
know you're not going to get far without
it I always recommend making photo
copies of your important documents like
your passport your driver's license
maybe uh your travel insurance your
itinerate just certain things like that
and keeping a copy buried deep somewhere
in your bag a huge thing you don't want
to forget when you travel to Europe is
the right travel adapter there's a ton
of options out there but my all-time
favorite is the universal adapter by EPA
I've reviewed it before and it works on
a number of continents and countries it
definitely works in Europe and it's got
enough ports to charge six devices it's
incredibly highly reviewed on Amazon and
it's right around 20 USD another thing
you definitely don't want to forget is
to download The Right apps before your
trip and in this video I I give a
comprehensive review of eight musthave
travel apps you need to download before
your next international trip thanks so
much for watching see you
[Music]
تصفح المزيد من مقاطع الفيديو ذات الصلة
12 Things Experienced Travelers No Longer Pack (Minimalist Packing Tips)
Travel Secrets: Unlock Flight Comfort with Genius Carry-On Hacks
GUIDA all'ELEFANTENTREFFEN: il RADUNO INVERNALE di MOTO più ASSURDO d'EUROPA
Things To Bring/Pack For USA! USA Packing List When Coming For Masters or Bachelors
8 Things to Bring & NOT to Bring to Germany! (& Europe)
Packing Guide for International Students moving to UK | UK Student Visa 2024
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)