What to Pack for a 3-Week Trip to Europe [2023]: The Ultimate Guide

Don’t stress about packing for your 3-week trip to Europe! We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide on what to pack. Whether you’re traveling light with just a carry-on or bringing a larger suitcase, we’ll help you pack efficiently and stylishly. So, let’s dive in and get you ready for your European adventure!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

  • What to pack for a 3-week trip to Europe:
    • Clothing: Pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Include layers for varying weather conditions.
    • Toiletries: Bring travel-sized toiletries and consider purchasing items like shampoo and conditioner upon arrival.
    • Electronics: Don’t forget your phone, charger, and any other necessary electronics.
    • Travel documents: Carry your passport, ID, travel insurance, and any other necessary documents.
    • Money: Bring a mix of cash and cards, and notify your bank of your travel plans.
    • Miscellaneous: Pack a reusable water bottle, a day bag, and any other personal items you may need.

Quick Tips and Facts

  • Pack light: Europe is known for its cobblestone streets and narrow staircases, so traveling with a lighter load will make your trip much easier.
  • Check the weather: Research the weather for your destination and pack accordingly. Be prepared for varying temperatures and pack layers that can be easily added or removed.
  • Consider laundry facilities: If you have access to laundry facilities during your trip, you can pack fewer clothes and do laundry as needed.
  • Versatile clothing: Choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. This will help you pack lighter and make the most of your wardrobe.
  • Leave room for souvenirs: Keep in mind that you may want to bring back souvenirs or purchase items during your trip, so leave some space in your luggage.

Our Itinerary to Pack For

Before we dive into the specifics of what to pack, let’s take a look at a sample itinerary for a 3-week trip to Europe. This will give you an idea of the types of activities and destinations you may encounter:

Week Destination Activities
1 Paris Sightseeing, museums, shopping
2 Rome Historical sites, exploring the city
3 Barcelona Beaches, nightlife, cultural experiences

Now that we have an idea of the destinations and activities, let’s move on to the packing essentials.

Plane Outfit

Your plane outfit should be comfortable and practical. Here are some key items to consider:

  • Comfortable clothing: Opt for loose-fitting pants or leggings and a cozy sweater or hoodie.
  • Layers: Bring a lightweight jacket or cardigan that can be easily removed or added depending on the temperature.
  • Comfortable shoes: Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you’ll need to remove them during security checks.
  • Travel accessories: Don’t forget essentials like a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs to make your flight more comfortable.

What to Pack In Your Suitcase

When it comes to packing your suitcase, it’s important to be strategic and pack items that can be mixed and matched. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:

Clothing

  • Tops: Pack a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts that can be layered.
  • Bottoms: Bring a few pairs of pants or jeans, as well as a skirt or dress for dressier occasions.
  • Outerwear: Depending on the weather, pack a lightweight jacket, a sweater, and a raincoat.
  • Undergarments: Don’t forget underwear, socks, and bras.
  • Sleepwear: Bring comfortable pajamas or loungewear for a good night’s sleep.
  • Swimwear: If you’ll be visiting beaches or pools, pack a swimsuit.
  • Shoes: Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes, as well as a dressier pair for evenings out.

Toiletries

  • Travel-sized toiletries: Opt for travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste to save space in your luggage.
  • Medications: If you take any prescription medications, be sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip.
  • First aid kit: Include essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and any other medications you may need.
  • Personal care items: Don’t forget items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other personal care items you use daily.

Electronics

  • Phone and charger: Your phone will be your lifeline during your trip, so don’t forget to pack it along with a charger.
  • Adapter: Depending on the countries you’ll be visiting, you may need a travel adapter to charge your electronics.
  • Camera: If you prefer a separate camera for capturing memories, be sure to pack it along with any necessary accessories.
  • Portable charger: Keep your devices charged on the go with a portable charger.

Miscellaneous

  • Travel documents: Carry your passport, ID, travel insurance documents, and any other necessary paperwork.
  • Money: Bring a mix of cash and cards, and notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.
  • Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring by bringing a reusable water bottle.
  • Day bag: Pack a small backpack or crossbody bag for day trips and excursions.
  • Entertainment: Bring a book, magazine, or other forms of entertainment for long flights or downtime during your trip.

What You Might Forget To Pack & What to Buy There

Even the most experienced travelers can forget to pack certain items. Here are a few things you might forget and what you can buy at your destination:

  • Umbrella: If you forget to pack an umbrella, you can easily purchase one at a local convenience store or souvenir shop.
  • Toiletries: If you run out of toiletries or forget to pack something, most destinations in Europe will have pharmacies or supermarkets where you can purchase what you need.
  • Adapters: If you forget to pack a travel adapter, you can usually find one at electronics stores or even some hotels.
  • Clothing: If you find that you didn’t pack enough clothing or need something specific, Europe is known for its fashion and shopping. Take the opportunity to explore local boutiques and shops.

FAQ

This is taken after passing through a severe storm in a plane. This being one of my first flights, I felt lucky to make it out safely and even luckier to capture such a beautiful sunset.

How much money should I bring to Europe for 3 weeks?

The amount of money you should bring to Europe for a 3-week trip will vary depending on your travel style and destination. It’s a good idea to have a mix of cash and cards. As a general guideline, budget around €100-€150 per day for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. This can vary depending on the countries you’ll be visiting and your personal preferences.

How much clothes do I need for a 3-week trip?

Packing enough clothes for a 3-week trip can be a challenge, but it’s doable. Aim to pack around 7-10 days worth of clothing and plan to do laundry during your trip if possible. Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Don’t forget to pack layers for varying weather conditions.

Read more about “… Ultimate Packing Checklist: What to Pack for a 3-Week Trip”

Can you pack for 3 weeks in a carry-on?

Yes, it is possible to pack for a 3-week trip to Europe in a carry-on. The key is to pack light and choose versatile clothing items. Use packing cubes to maximize space and stay organized. Consider doing laundry during your trip to minimize the amount of clothing you need to pack.

Read more about “… How Do You Pack Light for a 3-Week Trip? Your Ultimate Guide”

What to pack for backpacking Europe 3 weeks?

If you’ll be backpacking through Europe for 3 weeks, it’s important to pack light and choose items that are practical and versatile. In addition to the essentials mentioned earlier, here are a few more items to consider:

  • Backpack: Invest in a comfortable and durable backpack that fits your needs.
  • Travel towel: Pack a lightweight and quick-drying travel towel.
  • Sleeping bag liner: If you’ll be staying in hostels, a sleeping bag liner can provide an extra layer of cleanliness and comfort.
  • Travel-sized toiletries: Opt for travel-sized toiletries to save space in your backpack.
  • Laundry detergent: Bring a small container of laundry detergent to wash your clothes on the go.

Conclusion

This photo was shot with my DJI Phantom 3 in Thailand, Krabi in 2016. It’s possible to get to the Sirithan Beach (sandy island) walking from the mainland (more right) in the water. The maximum depth in the most shallow path is waist-high. A little inconvenience totally worth it because the beach is almost empty and feels like a paradise.

Packing for a 3-week trip to Europe doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following our guide and packing strategically, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Remember to pack light, choose versatile clothing, and leave room for souvenirs. Bon voyage!

Now that you’re fully equipped with our ultimate packing guide, you’re ready to embark on your 3-week European adventure. Safe travels and enjoy every moment!

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