The key to packing well for two weeks in Europe is to bring a versatile capsule wardrobe that is practical, stylish, and comfortable — regardless of the season! Trafalgar’s European tours will have you walking through the cobblestone streets of Paris one minute and walking alongside the canals of Venice the next. Some of the essential for Europe tour are as follows:
Why travel with a capsule wardrobe?
Visiting a new place is always exciting, but the hassle of getting there isn’t always enjoyable. Airlines frequently change baggage rules and weight limits; it’s all part of the journey, but it can make travel a little stressful at times. A capsule wardrobe will allow you to pack light and efficiently. You won’t have to wonder if you’re taking too little or too much. Some capsule wardrobes can even fit into a carry-on, eliminating the need to check luggage!
Top tips for creating a capsule wardrobe for Europe:
Sponsered6
- Choose basic separates in neutral colors.
- Pack things that you will wear more than once in a number of ways. For example, a tank top could be worn during the day but also in the evening with a nice pair of shoes and an accessory.
- Nail the basic wardrobe and then add a few other seasonal items. For example, shorts or sundresses for the summer, a scarf for layering during autumn or sprucing up an outfit in the evening.
Clothing
Europe enjoys the seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter! While the summers can be scorching, the winters can be bitterly cold, but autumn and spring are mild and pleasant. If you’re visiting in the winter, bring a warm coat; if you’re visiting in the summer, leave your fleece-lined boots at home.
The essential all-season capsule wardrobe for European city explorations
T-shirts or tops in neutral colors: Perfect for daytime sightseeing and tucking into a pair of jeans at night with some nice accessories and a smart jacket for a chic and casual look that’s ideal for a relaxed dinner or cocktail bars. Pack both short and long sleeves.
A buttoned denim shirt or white shirt: Choose clothing that is easy to mix and match! A simple shirt is extremely versatile, and it can be worn with jeans, shorts, or nice trousers, or it can be tied over a sundress for the ideal day outfit in Europe.
Sponsered6
Jeans and/or black slacks: Make room in your suitcase for several pairs of jeans and/or black slacks – they’re super comfortable and an essential piece of clothing to travel with. Take one or the other if you’re traveling light or trying to fit everything into your carry-on. Check your tour to see what activities you’ll be doing because some evening venues may have strict dress codes, in which case black slacks are the most comfortable option because they can be dressed up or down depending on what you’re doing.
Comfortable shoes: You’ll be on your feet for the majority of the day, wandering through the charming streets and exploring famous historical sites, so bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes! A nice pair of sneakers or soft-soled shoes may be the height of practicality, but they are also a very stylish way to navigate Europe’s cobblestone lanes these days.
A pair of smart-casual shoes: You only really need to travel with two pairs of shoes. The second pair you choose will depend upon the time of year, during the summer, a nice pair of sandals will suffice and during the colder months a pair of boots is ideal. For spring or fall, a pair of slip-on shoes or ballet pumps are a good choice.
Sponsered6
Something dressy: Pack a fabulous outfit in case you end up on a fancy night out!
Something colorful: Bring a favorite item to serve as your signature piece for the trip! It could be a pair of bright shorts or pants, a scarf or shirt, a dress or a handbag, but your European capsule wardrobe needs at least one item that stands out and adds a little sparkle.
A classic, long or waterfall blazer: A sophisticated blazer instantly elevates any outfit, day or night. It’s worth packing a blazer for a cool European summer evening or as a casual layer during the day in autumn.
Sponsered6
Moisture-wicking socks: Don’t undervalue the importance of having cool, dry socks (especially in the summer)! You’ll be on your feet all day, and nothing is worse than feeling uneasy in your socks. Pack a few extra pairs; they take up little space and may come in handy!
Other key things: PJs, underwear, and toiletries that are suitable for travel.
Essential summer items
Summers in Europe can vary from hot and humid to cold and dry. However, for the majority of countries, keep the following packing tips in mind!
Sponsered6
Comfortable walking sandals: Just as cold feet can make it difficult to enjoy sightseeing, so can hot feet. Bring along a pair of walking sandals for added comfort and style!
Hat: It’s the best way to protect your head and face from the sun while also channeling some glam, from a classic baseball cap to a fabulous wide-brimmed hat.
Sunglasses: Keep the rays at bay with some stylish and protective sunglasses.
Sponsered6
Essential autumn items
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit. As the weather begins to cool, it remains very pleasant, and because it is no longer peak season, it is a less expensive time to visit.
Layering sweaters: The key to packing for autumn is to add some layers to your basic capsule wardrobe, which only requires a couple of sweaters.
A comfortable pair of boots: Ideal for wearing during the day and dressing up at night.
Sponsered6
A lightweight waterproof coat: Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so keep a light waterproof jacket on top of a couple of layers to stay warm and dry!
Essential winter items
If you’re visiting Europe during the colder months, bring these items with you to ensure your comfort and warmth. Depending on where you go, some countries and regions can have negative temperatures, which you will not enjoy if you are not used to! However, dressing the part and exploring Europe in the winter is enchanting. There’s plenty to see and do, from beautiful holiday markets to frosted towns and festivals.
Layers: Thermal socks and top and bottom thermal layers are required if visiting in the negative temperatures.
Sponsered6
Warm water-resistant jacket: It is unbearable to have cold toes and feet while exploring or sightseeing, so bring a pair of warm shoes or boots!
Hats, gloves, and scarves: Perfect for bundling up!
Essential spring items
Spring is an excellent time to travel to Europe. You’ll get some great travel deals because the weather is mild and it may rain.
Sponsered6
A lightweight waterproof coat: Showers are common in most European countries during spring; check the weather before you leave, but a light foldaway jacket or rain-resistant trench will not take up much space and will be useful during your trip if it does decide to rain. You can also wear it as a layer in case it gets chilly in the evening.
Toiletries: Traveling is the ideal time to revamp your skincare routine and ditch the full face of makeup.
Sunscreen: You should apply sunscreen regardless of the season, especially when traveling, because we spend more time outside in harmful UV rays.
Sponsered6
Portable Beauty and shampoo bars : Everyone has their travel skincare essentials, but shampoo bars and cleansing bars are our favorites. Never deal with nasty leaks again; keep them in your carry-on and reduce your use of plastic.
Sheet masks: Travel can be rough on your skin because of the dry air on planes and jet lag, which can leave your face feeling dry and uncomfortable. Sheet masks are easy to use and take up very little space. Pack a couple of hydrating or balancing sheet masks to keep your skin feeling hydrated and fresh.
Other essential items
With these extras, you can travel in style!
Sponsered6
Reusable water bottle: Make sure to stay hydrated while traveling through Europe, but purchasing plastic water bottles is both expensive and harmful to the environment. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at water fountains.
Adapter (universal): It’s always a good idea to bring one of these with you to keep your electronics charged while you’re on the go.
Medication: It’s a good idea to keep pain relievers and travel sickness tablets or medication on hand, so you don’t have to go looking for them if the need arises.
Sponsered6
An umbrella: Bring a small compact umbrella that fits in your backpack, handbag, or pocket.
Passport and travel document photocopies: It is always better to be safe than sorry! Carry a photocopied copy of your passport or other travel documents with you at all times.
How about taking that vacation now that you don’t have to worry about what to pack? Visit Trafalgar to find your ideal European tour.
Sponsered6
