The Philosophy of Light Travel
There is no correct way to pack for Europe — only the way that works for your trip. Pack a checked bag if it makes your life easier; gate agents are not the enemy. That said, packing less tends to mean moving more freely: faster through airports, easier on trains, and more room for what you bring home. European cities have cobblestones, metro stairs, and tight corridors in equal measure, and whatever you carry, you carry it yourself. Know what you actually need — then decide how you want to carry it.
Know Your Airline Before You Pack
In 2026 this matters more than it used to. Budget carriers have tightened what counts as a free allowance. On Ryanair, the free bag is 16 x 12 x 8 inches — underseat only. Anything larger requires Priority boarding (around €6–10 extra), which gets you a 22 lb cabin bag at 22 x 16 x 8 inches in the overhead locker. easyJet’s free personal item is 18 x 14 x 8 inches; an overhead bag costs extra. If you are flying Ryanair or Wizz Air between cities, the 40-litre carry-on you use on a full-service airline will not fit in their sizer without paying. Check the specific dimensions before you buy a bag, not after.
The One-Bag Rule
A 40-litre carry-on holds everything you need for two weeks in Europe on any full-service carrier, provided you are willing to do a small laundry every three or four days. Merino wool is your ally: it resists odour, dries overnight, compresses well, and looks presentable in a restaurant. Two shirts, one trousers, one dress or smart alternative, one mid-layer, one waterproof shell. Wear the heaviest items on travel days. If you are hopping between cities on budget carriers, size down to a 20–25 litre bag and pack accordingly — or pay for the upgrade and stop worrying about it.
Shoes: The Critical Decision
Pack two pairs, maximum. One must be genuinely comfortable for walking on uneven stone — not trainers, but something with real sole support that can handle five to eight miles per day. The second is for evenings: a leather shoe or smart flat that takes you from a museum to a dinner table. Everything else can be solved with socks.
The New Border Reality in 2026
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is the most significant practical change for European travel in years. Since October 2025, non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area are required to have their fingerprints and facial biometrics scanned at the border — replacing the old passport stamp. The first crossing takes longer. At several airports, including major Spanish and Portuguese hubs, the system caused multi-hour queues during its early rollout. Full implementation is confirmed for April 2026. Allow at least 90 extra minutes at border control on your first entry, and more during peak summer. This applies to arrivals from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and all other non-EU visa-exempt countries. Separately, ETIAS — a pre-authorisation system costing €7 for most travellers — is expected to launch later in 2026. It is not yet required, but worth monitoring before you book.
What to Leave at Home
A hairdryer (hotels and apartments always have one). Full-size toiletries — decant into 2-ounce bottles or buy on arrival, Italian and Greek pharmacies are well-stocked and cheaper than airports. More than one book (buy and trade as you go). The “just in case” items that never leave their compartment. A useful rule: if you haven’t unpacked it in three days, post it home.
On Buying Along the Way
One of the quiet pleasures of light travel is the permission it grants to acquire things. A ceramic bowl from a Sicilian market, a bottle of olive oil from Provence, a linen shirt from a shop in Seville — these become the luggage that actually matters. Pack light going out. Arrive home weighted with things worth keeping.