How to Pack for Europe Using Only One Suitcase

For the past three years, my husband and I have traveled to Europe, and each time we have only packed one carry-on per person. "Impossible!" you say. To quote my favorite Europe travel expert, Rick Steves, "If you shove everything you own into a suitcase, you are only packing your fear." There is no need to bring the entire contents of your closet to Europe. If you forget something, Europe has drugstores, clothing stores and food stores.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pack only half the clothes that you will need. If you are staying for a week, pack four outfits. Stick to one color scheme so that each top will coordinate with each bottom and your shoes. If you are a shopper, bring one less outfit than you need and plan to purchase the extra outfit in your destination country. Halfway through your trip, go to a local laundromat and do your laundry. This is a fun adventure! Sit at a nearby pub while your laundry is washing and enjoy the local brew.

2. Bring one pair of shoes; two at the absolute most. Men can get away with wearing a nice pair of dark leather walking shoes that double as dress shoes when going somewhere nice. Women have it a little harder; wearing tennis shoes while traveling and packing the thinnest pair of dress sandals you own in your suitcase is usually the best option.

3. Stay at a hotel that offers toiletries. With the new carry-on baggage restrictions, you probably will not be able to pack enough shampoo and conditioner to last for your whole trip. If your hotel does not provide toiletries, purchase them at a local drugstore. It is actually quite fun to see the different cosmetics and health items available in foreign countries.

4. Bring a translation guide that tells you how to say helpful phrases in the local language. Finding necessary items at the local store is a lot easier if you know how to ask for them.

5. Avoid buying a ton of souvenirs. Let your experiences be your souvenirs. Remember, whatever you buy must fit into the suitcase when you fly back home!

Resources

• For more information about packing one suitcase to Europe and traveling to Europe in general visit Rick Steve's' website.