How To Pack For One Month In Europe

 

A lot can happen in a month. It’s enough time to visit many countries, learn the ins and outs of one new city, to cross the whole continent, or end up in a commune somewhere in deep nature.

Packing for such a trip can be a stressful experience, when you don’t know where to start! However, with this article to help you, you may actually come to enjoy it!

 

We’ve put together a detailed packing strategy for a whole month in Europe, including tips on how to pack for a month in a carry on (yes, it is possible!). So, relax, think about all the adventures you are going to embark on, and pack with ease.

 

Everyone is different, so you may have some needs that aren’t included in this article, so make sure to add whatever items you must have with you at all times to this list, such as any prescription drugs, or an inhalator for those who have asthma. Just be honest with yourself, only take what is necessary to avoid overpacking.

 

We often overestimate the amount of clothes and other things we will need for a certain period, which in turn clutters not only our suitcase, but also our minds.

Ideally, we want to help you leave all the stress behind, so that you can remain present during your travels, and enjoy every moment.

A good start to a good trip is choosing the right bag.

 

Some Of The Best Tours Around Europe At A Glance

• Check out G Adventures for curated trips around Iceland, exploring the best of Eastern Europe, Paris to Rome, Turkey, Greek Islands and so much more.
• Contiki offers 18-35-year-olds travel adventures from around the world and includes many of the top destinations around Europe.
• Pacific Holidays focus on North Europe with curated trip itineraries for Greece’s Athens, Mykonos and Santorini to Baltics, Spain, France and many other cities.

 

   

 

Things To Considering Packing For A Month In Europe

 

The right bag – the best companion

It is a traveler’s best friend. A tireless companion, it carries the things that are important to us, and makes sure we bring the important things back.

It is the thing that provides safety and comfort, wherever we choose to go. There is no “best” backpack that is perfect for every traveler in every scenario.

However, it is possible for everyone to find a bag that’s perfect for their unique needs. Therefore, when choosing your bag, make your needs a priority.

I also shared tips on the best luggage to use for a trip to Europe. In addition, here are some other factors to consider:

 

 

Size

Before your trip, it’s important to make sure you know your airline’s hand luggage size and weight restrictions as they vary from airline to airline. Decide whether you want to travel only with a carry on, a bag pack, or a bigger suitcase.

Travelling with a smaller bag is highly recommended though, for many reasons, which we will list below. There are plenty of amazing carry-on suitcases on Amazon at every price point.

 

Compartment

You can look for backpacks that give you additional back support or a piece of luggage with many interior compartments. You might want a separate laptop space or separate space to hold liquids. You can also get backpacks with wheels.

 

 

Material and quality

Make sure the material of your bag is waterproof, durable and lightweight.  Nowadays, both hard-shell and soft-sided luggage bags are made of high-grade material.

Now, if you still aren’t sure about the size of a bag that you want to bring with you, here are some thoughts.

 

One month in a carry on – avoid stress, heaviness and unnecessary burden

Packing relatively few things allows you to be more flexible during your travels, which makes the whole experience a lot less stressful.

By only carrying a small suitcase or backpack, you never have to worry at check-in, you are in complete control of your belongings, you can keep all of them with you on trains and buses and planes which provides a feeling of safety at all times.

 

 

It’s easier to pick out outfits since you have fewer choices, you can weave through foot traffic at busy areas with greater ease, you’re better able to lock up everything in hostel lockers, you save money, don’t have to worry about not finding an elevator somewhere and having to drag a huge load of weight up the stairs. 

In general, you feel happier, because you don’t can focus on the experience itself, rather than taking care of your big suitcase. To help you organise the items you are packing I highly recommend getting packing cubes.

Now that we got all that out the way, let’s look at what to actually pack.

 

 

 

 

What to pack – Fabric, Colour, Style

 

It is important to be practical. So perhaps leave any pieces that will show stains, sweat or wrinkles after the first wear. Consider rejecting anything that you wouldn’t be happy to wear four or five times over the month.

Favor prints, which camouflage a multitude of sins. Synthetics, thin wool and cotton/synthetic blends are all good travel fabrics.

 

Start off with a unified, simple colour scheme so that you can mix and match across your items. Stick to a few basics that you can liven up with accessories, either packed or purchased along the way. Think of it like creating a capsule wardrobe, so you don’t end up with many clothes that can’t even make a single outfit, let alone several.

 

Lay all clothing out on a bed before making the final choice to make sure that the tops and bottoms you choose will go well together. By having all the things you are planning to pack in front of you, you’re less likely to forget any essentials.

 

For a one-month trip, pack a one or two-week supply of underwear and socks. Choose five or six pairs of shorts and/or pants, depending on the climate of your destination. (Even for hot places, it’s wise to pack at least one pair of pants.)

Pick out six or seven tops, including at least one long-sleeved shirt that can be worn with the sleeves rolled up. For a sightseeing trip, this can mean three T-shirts, two neutral polo shirts or blouses and one or two patterned button-downs.

 

Add at least one sweatshirt or sweater. Pack two pairs of pajamas and consider whether the trip will involve any dressy dinners, shows or religious/holiday services.

If so, consider bringing a simple skirt or a dress, which doesn’t require a lot of care. For those chilly days, bring a windbreaker or any other quality fabric jacket, which you can easily carry with you.

 

Pack a couple of extra plastic bags for dirty laundry and shoes. Plus, don’t forget any electronics, toiletries, and accessories to liven up your outfits. Although, rather than carry a whole trip’s supply of toiletries, take enough to get started and look forward to running out of toothpaste elsewhere.

 

Packing Strategy For One Month In Europe

When it comes to how to pack for a month trip to Europe. Having a clear strategy helps so you to not overpack so you can save money on luggage fees. 

 

Make a list

Think about what will go well together, what kind of outfits you will wear on various occasions, what kind of shoes you will need, and so on.

Bring layers rather than a heavy coat. Think in terms of what you can do without — not what will be handy on your trip.

When in doubt, leave it out. For additional help, I have also shared a post on the blog on tips on putting together the perfect outfits for Europe.

 

Roll clothes and pack them first

The best way to prevent creases and make the most of your space is to use the roll method. Lay tops facedown, fold in the sleeves and roll from the bottom up.

For pants, put the legs together and roll from the waist down. Once you’ve rolled everything, place pants and tops in your suitcase before shoes and accessories; then, fit in other oddly shaped items like hair tools.

 

Pack the first outfit you’ll want to wear on top

For example, if you know that you will land somewhere really warm, you probably want to have a T-shirt on top, which you can reach and put on quickly before you leave the airport. It helps to check the weather and make sure you are prepared for the weather at the destination.

 

Place heavy items at the base

This placement helps your bag stay stable when upright, and stops other items from getting mushed.

 

Get an extra tote for souvenirs (if the airlines permit it)

A foldable, or any other bag that takes up a minimal amount of space will do.

 

Keep important medication in your purse

Even if you plan to carry on your bag, there’s still a risk you could have to check it at the gate.

 

Packing List For A Month In Europe

Just a few essential items to consider when it comes to how to pack a suitcase for a month in Europe.

• Basic T-shirts – You can wear with a skirt, jeans or leggings.
• Little Black Dress – Needs no explanation. Perfect for a little lunch or dinner.
• Maxi Dresses – 
• Skirt – Pack something versatile the can be matched with a variety of t-shirts.
• Leggings 
• Sandals – If you are travelling for a month it helps to make sure you have comfortable walking sandals for travels.
• Walking Shoes – Also read tips on the perfect shoes to pack for travel.
• A pair of jeans or jeggings

 

 

Final Tips On Packing For Europe

 

• If you are still struggling to fit everything in, there are ways to maximize the space even more. Consider purchasing airless baggies or a clothes compressor (look for heavy-duty ones made to withstand everyday use) or packing cubes.

• Mesh bags also come in handy. You can bring one for underwear and socks, another for miscellaneous stuff such as a first-aid kit, earplugs, clothesline, sewing kit, and gadgets.

• Pack the right apps into your phone, for the following reasons:

• • So that you don’t have to carry around many maps and leaflets, and purchase a portable charger, so that you don’t get lost in the middle of anywhere with no way of looking at a map.
  • To avoid Wi-Fi problems. Even in the most populated and seemingly connected places, fluid connectivity can be an obstacle. If you’re going somewhere new, pre-download a city or area map with HERE WeGo, which allows access to addresses and maps without the internet.

 

Also See:

 

• Amazing 20 Summer Destinations In Europe
• Essential Accessories For A Trip To Europe
• What To Pack For A Month In Europe In Summer
• How To Visit Paris London And Amsterdam
• Packing List For Europe In Spring

 

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