Packing Tips for Europe Travel: Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid! 🇪🇺 😬 

🛄 Thanks to KITSCH for sponsoring today's video! Use bit.ly/3oZ7Gbs and my code NORA to get 25% off your first order. Shipping in the US and internationally. 👉🏻 This is the smallest & sleekest travel plug adaptor I've found: amzn.to/3IfWzRS 🧳 MY EUROPE PACKING LIST - Merino Wool Travel Capsule Wardrobe! (Fellas: Wool& makes women's clothing, but Wool&Prince is for men! Unbound Merino is mostly menswear). Wool&Prince - shrsl.com/43yrt Unbound Merino - shrsl.com/40u23 👚 Tops Poppy Tank Top - shrsl.com/42o53 Ari Ruched V-Neck Tee - shrsl.com/42o5a Harriet V-Neck Long Sleeve - shrsl.com/42o5g Florence Tunic (for layering over all) - shrsl.com/42o5l 👖 Pants Frame Ponte Culotte - shrsl.com/42o6u Leggings - shrsl.com/40u1r 👗 Dresses Sofia Midi - shrsl.com/42o69 Cora Shift - shrsl.com/42o6l Women's Merino Travel Dress - shrsl.com/43l3r 🧥 Rain Jacket Jack Wolfskin Pack & Go JWP Shell (my video review is below) Buy at JACK WOLFSKIN: Women - prf.hn/l/q3BWRdd Men - prf.hn/l/lQ9lQEA 👟 Shoes Xero Prio (for hiking, exercise, and other active pursuits; available for men & women) - xeroshoes.com/go/ProHobo/1058f43e Vivaia Aria 5 (in a neutral colour that matches the Florence Tunic and goes with everything. Great for walking all day, and also much dressier. These will be my every day shoes) - vivaia.sjv.io/LXDrv0 Here's a video explaining my torrid love affair with Vivaia: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Z2kurZftcUY.html 🩴 And I'll bring these ultralight Z-Trail EV sandals for hikes and other activities that require sandals. xeroshoes.com/go/ProHobo/4c28ff82

A great tip for travel. Bags get lost, so what I do with my significant other is she packs half my items and I pack half of hers. This means if one bag gets lost, we have some cloths to carry us through for a day or so.

I use the Aquaphor solid moisturizer stick for travel. I had the same issues with solid moisturizers not being moisturizing enough or too oily. Aquaphor has never let me down. I actually prefer the solid form when I am at home.

I only travel with carry-on's and a great space saver is packing socks into my extra pair of shoes. It's not like they won't end up in there anyway! 😁

I have a large silk scarf that I always carry - makes a nice blanket, wrap or accessory and takes up no space - it fits in a sandwich bag! I too love merino wool which I first discovered over 20 yrs ago in New Zealand. It is my go-to and I'm so happy it is ubiquitous!

You are spot on with what makes you look like a tourist! Thanks for reminding everyone.

Most people think of layering in terms of layering over, but they forget about layering under. Eg: you could wear your t-shirt+long sleeve shirt under most of your dresses (kinda like a pinafore). I'm also a fan of taking a thermal shirt with me unless I'm going somewhere tropical, just in case there's a cold snap. Doesn't take up much room and very light. (I actually read a blog by a traveller who says he only takes undershirts, never a jumper; that's a bit extreme for me but I can see the logic. I think a lot can be done with an undershirt, t-shirt, thin jumper + thin rain jacket - that'll take me down to around 5°C, at a pinch)

I used to watch a YT channel, that wasn't about travel at all. But this woman had a trip to Ireland coming up and she did a video of what she was bringing on her trip. I was horrified! And worse, she posted the video the day after she left. She had 13 full outfits, complete with coordinating shoes. The majority were spring/summer weight items. She was going to Ireland in MAY and for a week! I asked in the comment section how her wardrobe worked out. Seems that her carry-on held nothing but shoes. She said it was a lot colder than she thought it would be. And she only wore 2 pair of her shoes - flats and sneakers - the entire time she was there.

I just bought a merino wool blend bra from REI and wore it 7 days straight, traveling, hiking, rain - you name it. Smells perfectly clean. I'm a believer!

So far I've never had to use it, but I always take a copy of all my prescriptions with me. Just in case there's any doubt about any of my medications. Here in France, they don't generally give out bottles of pills with the information about the patient and the pharmacy like they do in the US. You get the boxes with blister packs, and if you're lucky the pharmacist will write the dosage and any other critical information on the box. I keep my prescription copy with my passport copy.

I always try to bring as little as possible, and only carry-on. One thing I learned from last year is, put a change of clothes in your personal item bag. I was forced to check my bag, and it ended up in Paris, while I was in Florence. I'm off to the UK in a few days. I really enjoy travelling

In many German supermarkets you can buy cheap USB chargers. So if you only take your USB-powered stuff you just can buy the charger at your destination so you don't need a voltage converter.

I am SO down with the solid toiletries! I got mine at Lush. They also have toothpaste tablets and solid mascara. Forget about hairdryers, if they don't have one, your hair will still dry😅

Loved the wool wardrobe. My sister and I went to Alaska last year in May. We took merino wool tops and they are the best. Thanks for the video.😊

Thanks for the tip about Kitsch, I will try them out

As a male traveller I recommend Bluntstone slip on boots. They are incredibly versatile - I’ve regularly gone to meetings and gone on field trips in them on the same trip. They’re also remarkably simple going through airport security. There’s no metal in the sole and they take seconds to slip on and off.

I've been traveling with merino wool-blend t-shirts for the past 5 years and they have been a game changer! I'm also in love wool thongs for underwear for all the same reasons I love the shirts! I love the combinations you've put together and I can't wait to hear your report on what worked.

Yay for wool and barefoot shoes! I watched another one of your videos and thought your outfit looked like wool. The piece you're wearing in this video looks really nice on you. I just planned my wool capsule wardrobe for our upcoming winter trip. I love how versatile wool pieces are when you layer.🌺Heidi

For shoes I recommend sketchers. Anything sketchers are usually great. Very light weight and are great on the feet. Looking for a good pair of flip flops for my everyday use but brought two pairs one I wore and one packed for my last trip.

I've been watching videos about Europe for months and yours was the first with great tips about not standing out as a US visitor. Thank you! headed to London next month of the first time.

Hi Nora, I’m one of your subscribers living in Germany. Your tips are pretty good, thanks for another informative video! I don’t know when you’ll be visiting Europe but I thought I’d let you know that we’re expecting temps up to 35 degrees Celsius in the coming weeks so maybe consider that when packing all merino wool clothing. I’ve tried the solid shampoo from L‘Occitane which is available everywhere here even at the airport shops. It smells really fresh and leaves your hairy squeaky clean 😁. Have a great trip!!

I bought a lightweight cashmere scarf from Ovcio and took it on a recent trip to Spain. It was wonderful in the plane and paired with dresses. It rolls/folds up very tiny and weighs next to nothing. It will go with me now on all my trips. (I also pack HotHands warming insoles for use in my shoes - a game changer for me as I normally freeze on long flights.) I love your videos!

Shoes are where I overpack the most. I take a pair of running shoes, for running, a pair of casual walking shoes, for walking, a pair of rubbery foam slide-in slippers for hotel showers or the beach/pool if it's warm, a pair of fake leather slippers or warm wool-ish slippers (depending on whether it'll be warm or cold) for lounging indoors wherever I'm staying, and a pair of Teva-like sandals for walking if it'll be warm. Sounds like a lot and it is, but I use all of them and would miss any of them. I make up for it by dressing mostly very casually with maybe one or two nicer items when when it's called for, and have rarely had an issue packing. In fact I usually have room to spare as I learned long ago how little you need to travel comfortably.

I first discovered merino wool in New Zealand in 2001. Your tips are great - I went to Christmas markets in 7 countries over 3 weeks in December (carry-on only, of course). Solid toiletries were very helpful along with your wool recommendations. Love the Aviator sleep hoody - great layer and amazing on the overnight transatlantic flight.

Nora, thank you for your inspiring videos! Found your channel a while back while looking at the Pacsafe bags. You’ve been an inspiration with all your travel and helpful tips and tricks, keep up the good work!💕

You are quickly becoming my favourite travel knowledge source. Thanks again!

I took merino wool tops and a dress to Italy for a month (april -may). They were great! I found that I took more tops than needed because I thought i would want to make more outfits with various colors. Now I say,”who cares.” I’m quite sure you will enjoy the merino. Now, i will go search for merino bottoms 😉

Some great tips! I think you’ve over generalized about clothing choices. I live in Italy and the dress is often very casual here.

2:35 I'm bringing everywhere I travel a hair dryer, you can charge with USB C!

I was wondering if you have walked the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain? If you have I wondered if you had a packing episode for, let’s say a 30 day 300 mile walk on the Camino. I know there are quite a few other RU-vid vids by other travelers on this subject, but I like your quick and efficient way of getting to the essentials. So, just wondering if this is available. And thanks.

Well I also ordered a KITSCH shampoo and conditioner plus the little gloves to use them! And I wanted to tell you that I bought Vivaïa shoes and they are just incredibly comfortable: I have numerous problems with shoes, they hurt in a lot of various places, but not those, I love them! Thanks Nora, I always enjoy your videos although I don't travel all that much!

I feel like this video was speaking to me directly when you said don’t bring too many shoes 😂 good tips!

You look beautiful in each outfit. Thank you for all the information you supply. I totally appreciate it and I take copious notes so I will remember what you said. Again, thank you!😊

We visited cold, high altitude areas of Switzerland, then hot France and Italy. I took a warm shirt and left it behind in a Swiss hotel.

Love your videos :-) Just want to say, that clothing is very different from country to country. In Denmark you could easily wear sport clothes and white socks in sandals (looking like bath sandals) are actually very popular- I don’t know why 😂

Thanks Nora, your tips are smart. I have lived and worked in Europe for years, and traveled back to US all the time (consultant). The carry-on thing is smart, too many stairs, trains, and other barriers, not everything is accessibility-engineered and you want to travel light. For a three-month trip, you will be resupplying your essentials so don't try to carry a 3-m'onth supply of everything. Most everything electronic you buy now is dual-voltage, just bring some plug adapters (UK is different from Continental Europe), plus pick up a light, thin extension cord over there, wall outlets can be sparse in European rooms. I've never heard of the kitsch products, brilliant for getting through TSA and that old 150ml bottle you bring will last a week at most. Hotels from mom-and-pop guesthouses on up usually give you soap and shampoo, but they are not luxury brands. Int'l DL is not enforced too much anymore (Europeans within EU don't need them anymore), but simple to get and is sometimes used as a reason for police to to stop and hustle expats out of a fine. Layering is essential, you can get all four seasons within 24 hours in many European venues. Finally, to all Americans, PLEASE leave the USA, American flag, screaming eagle and college t-shirts HOME, you stand out. A surprise giveaway is college rings! Locals do wear US-sourced items, with perhaps NY Yankees hat or Harley-Davidson shirt, but you know they are locals. You aren't. Low-profile is the key, it's not the 1950's anymore and we are not that popular these days. Together with Nora's other good "don't look tourist-y" tips ...

I thought you did a great job modeling those cute outfits. 😊 thank you for all the info.

Just ordered the shampoo and conditioner with the bags, can't wait to try them!

Came across your channel and watched several, i have been loving all your recommendations and travel tips. I'm an over packer, i will definitely challenge myself to only a small carry on and personal item. Heading to Germany in October.

Just a warning about the so-called universal or worldwide adapters. In Europe there are several different connectors, the chunkier two pin types (type C) work in most countries but you will probably have trouble with them in Switzerland (type J) and Italy (type L). It might cause problems in France too (type E). I never had trouble with the thin two pin plugs (type F) in those countries. If you go to Southern Africa they have a totally different 3 pin socket and very few worldwide adapters work there. Better google the kind of connectors in the different countries before travel.

Thank you for all of the great information! You may not be a model, but you looked great and I loved your presentation of the clothing! ❤

Nora, big thanks for your tips! I’ve learned much. In January, 24 I am going t9 SE Asia for 3 Months. I’ll be much better prepared thanks to you! I’ve sent you some love.💰

Thanks for the info about the Kitsch products, I have ordered some! I am also planning to order some merino clothing for travel. I have a few merino things, but mostly they are base layers (long sleeve and long leggings). As far as waist (or fanny) packs go, I don't know about Europe but they are back in fashion in the U.S. and you see them all over the place! People have them in lots of fun colors and wear them as waist packs or slings. I just ordered a Travelon security crossbody that can also be worn as a waist pack. It might look funny worn with my Pacsafe backpack but it's just so much easier to get your phone/wallet, etc. out from a waist pack or crossbody than to have to take the backpack off every time you want to make a purchase or take a photo. (I'm not sure if I'll be able to wear it as a sling as I am a bit ample in the bustline department.) We will be interested to hear how your trip is going!

Great video. I’m looking forward to hearing about your experience in Europe. I’m feeling challenged about going only carry on for a trip in October that starts in the UK but ends with a cruise in the Mediterranean. I’m one of those people who enjoys dressing up for dinner on the ship. I’m probably sneaking an extra pair of shoes into my husband’s bag.😂

Love the outfits and miss matched them. Awesome look.

Take into account sitting by sunny windows in vehicles. It can be hot even in cold climes. Michigan is very cold in the winter, but in a car, I can have freezing feet and too warm upper body. I packed light shirts for a train tour of Switzerland. Women from California were miserable because they packed warm clothing for the outdoor weather.

Planning on Rome, Florence and Sorrento in Fall of 2024. Already starting to gather tips and gear!

That merino wardrobe is very exciting...Look forward to your follow up video

Nora, you always provide interesting and useful information. Keep up the good work!

I love your channel. The outfits look really cute. I cannot wait to hear your post-trip review. I have been eyeing both Wool& and Unbound for months. I don't know why I am so hesitant. Bon voyage!

Great selection of outfits!

Awesome video! Very helpful links too - I've been planning to create a travel friendly wardrobe based on merino wool items, so this was super helpful. One thing I'll note - the adaptor plug you recommended won't work anywhere in the world (I'm going to India later this year and they require a D type plug which isn't included in this one) - but it's a good one or many other destinations for sure. I highly recommend anyone research the plug type in their place of destination to make sure you pack the right adaptor.

I guess I was under the impression that there were many "sporty" "athletic" "hiking" "skier" types in Europe? I'm hoping I can get away with a refined "mountain sport casual" look in the Alps and blend in, as we wear in the mountain towns in the Colorado rockies... I couldn't hike rocks in those Xeros. My primary walking shoe is an Altra Lone Peak trail runner with a sticky soul and Superfeet insert which enables backpacking on rocky terrain.

So true. Brought a jacket and a scarf. I was fine.

Micropore tape is the best ever blister preventative. Ultralight, easily available anywhere.

I ordered a pair of the Xero Prio last week to try out as my travel gym/hiking/walking shoe! I love their HFS for running, but the soles don’t work for hiking. Fingers crossed they work out for both of us 😊 (PS the Prio and HFS are both 50% off on the US site for the next few days)

Yes, American people, we do have toiletries here! Off to check my adaptor-plug. Good video, Nora, but I'm not convinced about your mountaineering footwear choice.

Love Vivsia (?) Shoes. I have 2 pair and wear them all the time, I have looked at Unbound Merino, and found them to be a little pricey

I will definitely purchase the solid purple shampoo! Thank you for this tip. I have tried Merino wool several times and the majority if the time i regret it since i itch and break out, which is not what you want on a trip ( i usually travel to Europe 2x per year for 4+ weeks each trip) and i just buy something at my destination and donate the itchy piece :( i always bring 3 scarves - a thin short one, lightweight silky one and a cashmere larger one. This upcoming trip only a Carry on backpack, purse and thin crossbody for three weeks primary because i will be on trains and your spot on regarding getting on the train in seconds! LOL

Cool combos of minimum of clothes! That is exactly how I roll too! :-)

I tried bar shampoo but it wouldn’t lather in Italy….it did at home where we have softer water. Carryon only gets easier with every trip! My tip is if you would not use an item 3 times or more, leave it at home. Also, no one in Europe cares what you wear….just make sure you and your clothing are clean and fresh at all times!

Wool& is a terrific company. Love their products.

Not just the airlines, if you're going on a coach tour, they have strict baggage restrictions

All great info!

I love the look of socks with sandels. In a Europe trip in 2022, men were wearing those stretchy yoga pants all over the place. A very unflattering look with phones pulling down at the waist. No dresses, ever, for me.

Thanks!

I'm going to Europe (London and Paris) towards the end of November. I would love to know what you would take for that. I'm hoping to take just a carry-on with me. I didn't know if the vivaia shoes would be warm enough.

Re plasters for blisters: (1) don’t pack/use ordinary plasters, invest in Compeed blister plasters (other makes available!) which provide an immediate ‘cure’ to any blisters, instead of leaving you still hobbling about in pain with ordinary plasters. (2) if you’re skiing, or hiking, and haven’t done so for a long time don’t let your boots cause the blisters and then fix the problem after the damage is done. Put Compeed blister plasters on the vulnerable areas (eg backs of heels) before you get the problem and then your boots are rubbing on the blister plasters and not directly on you. (4) if you just have a small area of a shoe/boot that rubs slightly take a glycerin based product (like some hair products eg Frizzease) rub some of the glycerin on the troublesome part of the inside of the shoe, rub some also on the area of the foot that gets rubbed and … voila, the shoe doesn’t rub. (5) a skiing instructor once recommended for blister protection (particularly on shins) and also ankle support, to bind your ankles/feet with crepe bandages. It also gives the advantage that if you do suffer an accident you have bandages right there! 😊 Using these tips I’ve never suffered blisters since! 😍

I beg to differ regarding Sox and sandals.. it’s a very Northern European style preference, especially amongst the hip young things…

Fantastic Nora! Bravo 👏👏👏😃 Loving your channel. Always such good solid content that’s applicable, useful, and on point for truly upping the travel experience anywhere around the globe. You are a treasure and I for one am very grateful for all that you avail to those who travel. Continue in joy and I’ll be watching from somewhere on planet earth! peace, b ཨོཾ་མ་ཎི་པདྨེ་ཧཱུྃ ✨

Do no see link for travel adapter plug. Could I have missed it?

Wool would make me an itchy mess, even the best Marino. I wear linen and cotton as we do here in the Caribbean. I spent 7 years in Europe, so I'm aware of the 'tourist' look and I avoid it. Great tips though.

Great video What about swimsuit, hat & shorts? did not see anything about these essential items for beach days.

I packed 3 wooland dresses and their lounge pants and cardigan for a 3 week trip, constantly on the go from London (temps in the 50’s), Egypt and Jordan (temps in the upper 90’s) and then Indonesia. Absolutely fabulous with my fellow travelers wanting to know how I looked nice every day, then on the last day asking if my dress was new!!! Scarves/layers totally changed the outfit. I cannot recommend wooland clothing and company more! They are wonderful!

Just wondering since you emphasised not wearing sandals with socks do you actually wear sandals with socks in US?

3 shoes are my max and 2 of them are very light shoes

I really enjoy watching travel tip videos. I do find it funny that most travellers from the US talk about Europe as though it’s one country. 😂

KITSCH sounds like a fabulous company! I'm always looking for more vegan and cruelty free brands. Just my 2 cents, but perhaps wash your hair less. The squeaky clean feeling means the oils are stripped from your hair and remember to clarify your hair 1-2x a month since the shampoo is an amazingly clean product. Thank you for another amazing video!

if i layer, i sweat and then all my clothes become stinky and damp 😢😢😢

How can you afford to travel for three months in Europe or around the world? Please tell us.

Hi Nora… I’ve been binge watching all of your videos it’s completely off topic but I’m just wanted to know if you could help me in this matter? I am planning to go to Spain and maybe Portugal for around six weeks my issue is I’ve only booked one week so far but I don’t want to be tied down to a lot of bookings in case I change my mind I’m going this year between September and October just wondering should I book accommodation ahead not ?Not everything can be changed especially at the last minute should I just book one week and see what takes me ? Things have changed since Covid it seems like everyone’s booking months in the head what are your suggestions I prefer to be a bit more free and see how I feel about the city I have landed in as I go any suggestions please. of course I’m on a budget and also travelling on my own don’t want to be stuck but also like the idea of going with the flow more?🙏💕

What are the brands of the three pair of shoes??

I just used the shampoo the hotel provided.

Marino wool is awesome I have it from dress socks to underwear and T’s , dress shirts , pants etc All I wear is wool or cotton or blend . So comfortable all year around

Hi, do you know if Kitsch uses palm oil as an ingredient? Thanks 😊👍

I will bring my smartwool top

I need 😢shoes with arch support and cushion,,,none of those shoes would work….

I also use merino tops & jackets when I travel. The brand I use is Icebreaker. I love their clothing and have been using it for nearly 20 years, home and abroad.

Why 2 red dresses ?

Just ordered my KITSCH kit! We have a travel B van, and this will be handy for our trips! Thank you! 🇨🇦👍🏻

I just went to order Kitsch shampoo and unless I am mistaken, I can't order without a subscription up front. This is annoying. Great video though.

Have to disagree about the ball caps - they are wearing them everywhere these days. Obviously what’s on them will vary, but they don’t point out a “tourist” anymore.

I apologize just found it!

Great tips. I don’t personally wear animal products, so I would not use Merino wool. Is there anything comparable that is cruelty free?

You look like a model. So pretty!

Overly casual clothing is not a problem in Germany.

Oh no I like my convertible pant

I've read that leggings and fanny-packs make you stand out as a tourist. Seemed you thought either was okay.

👍👍👍

Very informative and you're very pretty to boot