DO NOT Make These Europe Packing Mistakes | What Not To Pack & Tips

Summary

This 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

00:00

🎒 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.

05:01

🧳 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.

10:02

👗 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.

Keywords

💡Packing Mistakes

Packing mistakes refer to common errors travelers make when preparing for a trip. In the video, the presenter highlights various packing errors, such as bringing the wrong type of bag or too much clothing, which can make travel more difficult. The video aims to help viewers avoid these mistakes by offering practical advice based on personal experience.

💡Giant Roller Bag

A giant roller bag refers to a large suitcase with wheels that many people use when traveling. The video advises against using this type of bag for European trips, especially if one plans to visit multiple cities, because it can be cumbersome and difficult to manage on public transportation or cobblestone streets. A smaller, more portable bag is recommended instead.

💡Onebag Traveler

The onebag traveler strategy involves packing all your belongings into a single bag, usually a backpack. This approach is ideal for those who want to travel light and move easily through different cities. The video suggests using a lightweight, durable backpack that fits carry-on size requirements for easier mobility.

💡Two Bag Traveler

The two bag traveler strategy includes bringing a carry-on sized roller bag and a personal item-sized backpack. This method provides a balance between packing more items while still maintaining mobility. The video explains how this strategy worked for the presenter during six months of full-time travel, offering specific product recommendations.

💡Versatile Clothing

Versatile clothing refers to clothing items that can be worn in a variety of settings and easily mixed and matched. The video emphasizes the importance of packing versatile pieces to avoid overpacking. For example, packing items that can be layered and reused helps travelers pack lighter while being prepared for different weather or occasions.

💡Compression Straps

Compression straps are adjustable straps on a bag that help tighten and compress the contents to make the bag more compact. The presenter mentions compression straps as a key feature of the Osprey Porter 46 backpack, helping to keep items secure and allowing the traveler to manage space more effectively.

💡Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are small compartments used to organize and compress clothing and other items within a suitcase or backpack. In the video, the presenter mentions using packing cubes to maximize space and maintain organization, especially when using a backpack for travel.

💡Personal Item Backpack

A personal item backpack refers to a small backpack that fits under the airplane seat and carries essentials like electronics, snacks, and documents. The video recommends choosing a backpack that is water-resistant, has compartments for organization, and fits well with a roller bag for easy travel.

💡Packable Day Pack

A packable day pack is a lightweight, foldable backpack that can be carried inside a larger bag and taken out for day trips. The presenter advises using a packable day pack to store items like a rain jacket or water bottle when exploring cities, as it offers convenience without taking up much space in the main luggage.

💡Travel Adapter

A travel adapter is a device that allows travelers to use their electronic devices in foreign countries with different electrical outlets. The video stresses the importance of bringing the correct travel adapter for Europe, specifically recommending a universal adapter with multiple ports to charge several devices at once.

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]