Exactly What to Pack for a Month in Europe: My Real Packing List + Mistakes to Avoid

Packing for a month-long trip to Europe can feel completely overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling multiple climates, limited suitcase space, and the pressure to “get it right.” I get it, because I just did exactly that.

In my original post on how to pack for a month in Europe, I shared what I planned to bring. But packing for three very different climates (Italy, Norway, and England) was no easy feat. Now that the trip’s over, I’m back with the truth: what I wore, what flopped, what I wish I’d skipped, and how I’ll tweak my packing list next time. If you’re trying to pack smarter, not heavier, this post is for you.

I promised to follow up with my actual results, and here they are!

What to Pack (and Skip) for a 30-Day Europe Trip: My Real Experience

In the picture below, I’ve added numbers to indicate approximately how many times I wore each item.

Here’s how each item performed across three very different destinations—and what I’d do differently next time.

Raincoat

Wore: Once (in Norway)
Verdict: Functional, but too bulky. I’ll pack a lighter one next time.

Tip for you: Opt for a compressible rain layer you can shove in a tote—you’ll thank yourself.

Black Cardigan

Wore: Constantly
Verdict: Total MVP. Lightweight, stylish, and perfect for chilly museums or flights.

Note: Always pack one go-with-everything layer. This one saved me more times than I can count.

Short-Sleeved Tops

• Black v-neck + black flutter top: Wore often. So versatile.
• Green ruffle-sleeve tee: A surprise fave—paired well with everything.
• Blue-grey v-neck: RIP—ruined by olive oil in Italy.
• Maroon print blouse: Wore once. Didn’t love it, shouldn’t have packed it.
• Blue latern sleeve linen blouse: Surprisingly chic and comfy.

Lesson learned: Stick with things you already love and test outfits beforehand.

Long-Sleeved Shirts: Lessons in Layering

White Linen Button-Up (Oversized)

Wore: Multiple times as a swimsuit cover-up
Verdict: Great for beach and cruise pool—too sloppy for jeans.

Next time: I’ll size down so it can pull double duty as a casual top and beachwear.

Black Button-Down Blouse

Wore: Once (fancy dinner on the cruise)
Verdict: Didn’t earn its keep. Too limited in versatility.

Better bet: A lightweight black or white linen shirt that works day-to-night—and beach-to-bistro.

Dresses: One Would’ve Done It

Wore: Only the one I loved—and only twice
Verdict: Should have brought just one.

Packing tip: If you’re not excited to wear it multiple ways, leave it home.

Shorts & Skirts: Comfort Wins

White Lined Linen Shorts

Wore: Frequently
Verdict: Loved them—cool, stylish, and functional.

Next time: Bring a second pair (maybe in a darker tone to mix it up).

Short Wrap Skirt (RipSkirt)

Wore: Occasionally
Verdict: Lightweight and a fun change of pace.

Nice-to-have item: But not essential unless you crave variety.

Pants: The Good, the Bad, and the “Gilligan”

White Pedal Pushers

Wore: Once
Verdict: Total fail—ditched them on the road.

Lesson: Always try everything on before packing.

Bone-Colored Wide-Leg Linen Pants

Wore: Constantly until they got a hole
Verdict: Loved them—until they fell apart.

Upgrade needed: Thicker quality next time. Have a rec? Drop it in the comments!

Black Linen Cropped Pants

Wore: Frequently (especially after the white ones died)
Verdict: Comfy but felt a little… Gilligan-esque.

Comfort won this round, even if the style wasn’t perfect.

Jeans (2 Pairs)

Wore: Both regularly in England and Norway
Verdict: Worth it for cooler climates, but one pair would suffice next time.

Pro tip: Always fly in your heaviest pair of pants/jeans!

Shoes: Every Pair Earned Their Place—Almost

Brought: 4 pairs + flip-flops
Wore: All of them
Verdict: They each had their moment, but…

Next time: I’d skip the duplicate sandals. One versatile neutral pair (like the tan) + black flats = enough. Flip-flops were lightweight and essential for the beach/cruise pool.

Packing trick: Wear the bulkiest pair (like sneakers or boots) on the plane to save space.

My Perfect Airplane Outfit for Long-Haul Europe Flights

Wore: Jeans, sweater, scarf, and bulkiest shoes
Verdict: Nailed it. Layered, comfy, and strategic.

Why it worked: Easy to adjust for temps, and it saved major suitcase space.

Compression Cubes vs Rolling: My Real Packing Cube Results

Tried: Compression cubes with stacked folding
Switched to: Rolling clothes mid-trip
Verdict: Rolling wins for visibility, especially on short hotel stays.

Biggest win: Compression cubes saved room (hello, souvenirs!). Wrinkles were a trade-off I was willing to make.

Next test: I might combine both next time—roll lighter items, compress bulkier ones.

Suitcase Choice: Upsize for Sanity

Started with: 24″ suitcase
Ended up with: 28″
Verdict: The smaller case didn’t leave room for bringing new stuff home.

Packing reflection: Even with careful planning, managing three climates takes space. I’d still try to streamline further, but for this type of trip, the larger suitcase was worth it for ease.

FAQ: Packing for a Month in Europe

• Can I pack for a month in Europe with just a carry-on? Yes, but only if you’re extremely strategic about layering, re-wearing, and doing laundry. Since I was traveling through multiple climates, I opted for a checked bag for flexibility and comfort.
• How many outfits do I need for a 30-day Europe trip? I packed about 10 mix-and-match tops and bottoms that worked across climates and activities. The key is versatile layers that can dress up or down, and sticking to a coordinated color palette.
• What shoes are best for a month in Europe? Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. I packed sneakers, sandals, flats, and flip-flops for different needs — but would streamline next time.
• Is it better to roll or fold clothes for long trips? Both! I used compression cubes for bulkier items and rolled lighter clothes to keep them visible and organized during hotel stays.
• What should I avoid packing for a Europe trip? Anything you feel “meh” about wearing. I learned to leave behind pieces I didn’t love or that didn’t serve multiple purposes.

Final Thoughts & Future Adjustments

Despite my best pre-trip planning, this adventure taught me a lot about what’s actually worth bringing for a month in Europe. I’m still refining my strategy, and I’ll keep sharing what I learn.

Got a favorite item or smart packing hack? I’d love to hear it! Drop it in the comments!

Click here to download the entire Woman’s 30 Days in Europe Packing List!

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