Invest In A Quality Suitcase

I'm a huge advocate for investing in quality suitcases - especially for international travel! They end up going through so much wear and tear, so it's important to get a sturdy, well-made suitcase that can withstand that. It would be a real bummer if you were midway through your European adventure and your suitcase busted open.  

A few of my go-to brands are Rimowa and Steamline, however, you cannot beat the quality and price of Away suitcases. 

Put Back, Before You Pack

Before you pack up all your clothes, accessories and toiletries, lay out everything you'd want to take, then put a quarter to a half of those things back in their drawers. This is especially crucial for longer trips as suitcase space is at a premium.  

Doing this has helped me from overpacking so many times. You never need, wear or use half of the things you want to bring. If a piece can't be incorporated into 2 or more outfits, leave it behind.

Try It On

Try things on before putting them in your suitcase. You may not know exactly what outfits you'll be wearing each day as it may be weather or activity dependent. But, by ensuring that each piece you're bringing fits and doesn't have any rips or stains, you will help make sure that it will be worth its wear on your trip.   

It's All About Those Versatile Layers

Packing classic pieces and easy layers on a European trip is key. Even if you think you have a pretty good idea of what the weather is going to be like, ultimately it can easily change and I always like to be prepared. Especially on a multi-city trip. You'll want a suitcase full of versatile basics that you can layer and take off and put on throughout the trip.  

When in doubt, take notes from a Parisian inspired wardrobe. If you feel bored of your pieces on the trip, you can always purchase a cool scarf or piece of jewelry to jazz up your outfit - and serve as a souvenir.

Wear Your Heaviest Coat or Layer

Wear your heaviest coat or layer on the flight. It might sound like a pain, but it will save you a ton of space - especially in the Fall and Winter months. You can also use the layer as a blanket on the flight, because I don't know about you, but I always get cold on planes. The same principal goes for bulky shoes, like sneakers and boots. 

Limit Your Shoes

Speaking of footwear, you don't need as many pairs of shoes as you think you need. Trust me. Shoes take up so much room in your bag, so limiting them is important. After this trip, my rule of thumb is that you only need a maximum of 2 pairs of heels.  

Packing Cubes

It has taken me awhile to come around to packing cubes, but they seriously make all the difference when it comes to packing for your trip and staying organized throughout its duration!

Purchase Shampoo & Other Toiletries Locally

I've been using this shampoo from Klorane. It has quickly become my new favorite European shampoo because the water here is very different {you can read more about different kinds of water and how it affects your hair here}.    

In an effort to save space in your suitcase and make sure you have products that are going to work with your hair and skin, head to a local pharmacy when you get to your destination and pick up some products, like shampoo, that are likely to work better with the water you will be using. It's also helpful to ask a local for recommendations.

Bring Masks

Another beauty packing tip is to make sure to bring masks with you. Similarly to your hair, your skin will be affected by traveling, different climates and the local water. If you are worried about space and liquids, I recommend bringing a few of your favorite sheet masks!

Keep Tech Together

When it comes to your technological gadgets and their cords, chargers, etc., keep everything together in one spot that you can easily access - especially on the go. I like to keep mine in a pouch. I never have to worry about digging through my bags - or get worried that my phone is going to die and leave me stranded somewhere.