How to Pack for Ten Days in Europe

You might find this handy if you’re trying to figure out how to pack on your first solo trip abroad.

4 Preliminary Things to Consider

First, make a list. Start about a week before you leave and make a list.

Add to your list throughout the week.

Second, take 1 carry-on bag and one backpack. You don’t have to take a bunch of stuff as a guy.

Remember to buy a bag that will fit the requirements of European Airlines, which are a bit smaller than in the U.S.

Also, make sure you buy a good bag, so it doesn’t rip, the strap doesn’t break, or the zipper breaks.

Third, remember, if you need more clothes, you can always buy them when you reach your destination.

For example, I flew to Montreal from Phoenix one October, and for some reason, I didn’t realize it would be freezing cold in Montreal. So when I got there, I had to buy a scarf, beanie, and gloves at H&M. These items all cost about $25.

Fourth, lay out the Essentials on a kitchen counter. These are all the things you’ll put in your pockets.

• Passport. I know it seems obvious, but I had a friend who had a trip planned for months, then on the morning of leaving, she got to the airport and forgot her passport.

• Wallet
• Phone
• A few dollars. You’ll need a little cash for U.S. airports when flying out and for tipping the airport shuttle drivers.

What to Pack in Your Bag for 10 Days in Europe

Note: Many travel experts suggest wearing all your bulky clothes on the plane. You don’t have to do this. The reason is that you want to be comfortable while traveling. You’re going to be traveling for 10, 20, or sometimes 30 hours through airports, planes, trains, and buses. It’s better to be comfortable.

• 7 shirts. (T-shirts, button-ups, 1 or 2 nice shirts)

• 1 pair of jeans and/or dress pants. You can wear another pair of jeans/pants on the plane. For two reasons, jeans are best for travel b/c you can spill stuff, and two, planes are always cold.

• Gym shorts. Tip: I use gym shorts as swim trunks if necessary.

• 5 pairs of underwear. Tip, just take your normal ones. Don’t buy special quick dry underwear for travelers because they are uncomfortable.)

• 5 pairs of socks

• Suit or sports jacket

• 1 pair of shoes. Note: Shoes are the biggest dilemma. Pack one pair, and wear the other pair on the plane. All of my friends have ignored me on this and regretted it. One of my friends lugged around 4 pairs of shoes on a trip to Europe – and he didn’t even wear 2 of them!)

Note: You might pack smaller tennis shoes in the bag and then wear boots on the plane to make room in your bag, but again, I’m not saying wear all your bulky stuff on the plane.

Tip: I seem to save space in my bag by rolling my shirts, and I put a couple of pairs of socks in the shoes.

FINAL TIP: Just because you’re putting all of your stuff in 1 bag doesn’t mean you have to fill it to the brim. I used to make this mistake. The problem is that it gets too heavy. Just keep that in mind.

What Electronics to Take for International Flight

• Computer
• Chargers
• Ipad/Kindle for reading. You might prefer physical books but don’t bring them.
• Audible App for listening to books
• Noise-canceling headphones (for crying babies on the plane). Bose Headphones is the best travel purchase I’ve ever made.
• Earbuds. Also, bring wire headphones because they are easier to sleep with against the side of the plane if you have a window seat.
• hair clippers if necessary
• Plug adapters.

Bose Headphones here if you’re interested: Bose Quiet Comfort 45

Medication 

Note: Make sure your meds are legal in the country you’re going to. Don’t be Brittany Griner in Russia. If anything is questionable, bring your prescription.

Note: If you really need a medication, don’t put it in your carry-on because it might get checked in if the overhead bins get full.

I always keep my Inhaler in my backpack.

• Asprin or Tylenol Sleep (for sleeping on the plane)
• Allergy medication
• Asthma Inhaler

Backpack – What goes in it

• Computer
• Hoodie (use as a pillow on the plane) (don’t bring a neck supporter!)
• Chargers
• Ipad
• Toothbrush toothpaste (one less item to put in the little bag for liquids) and you can brush your teeth when you land, or after you wake up on the plane.
• Headphones
• Adapters. You’ll need those in the airports in Europe for layovers and charging your phone, Ipad, etc.
• A Pen! You always have to fill out forms.

Have fun!

Derron

P.S. If you want to know how to find cheap flights (for real) go here: Cheap Flights

P.S.S. If you haven’t already checked out my social media, you can do so here:

Instagram @solomaletravel  I send out daily travel tips on Instagram Reels.

Please take a listen to my podcast, Solo Travel with Derron, available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere else you listen to podcasts.