Next week, we leave to spend four weeks in Europe. It’s exciting but takes some planning. I’d like to share my practical tips for packing for an extended European vacation in Autumn.
Here is what I am packing to make the most of it. It includes time in cities, Madrid, Paris, Lyon and in the country in Provence. Fortunately, we will have a washing machine in some places.
The Weather In Early Fall
The weather should be nice with highs in the low 70’s and low’s in the 50’s. However, I will bring a small umbrella and trench coat. Layering is key as it will start to get colder as we move into October.
Luggage and Equipment To Pack For A Four Week European Vacation
For four weeks, I will do my best to make it into the medium-sized Quince lightweight expandable hard shell, along with the Longchamp expandable tote (I will start out with it smaller and then have space to expand when I need it). And I am also bringing:
- pack with Eco Compression Packing Cubes (6-pack)
- Cal pak large see-through toiletry bag,
- travel plug adapter, Clutch – Pro USB-C Portable Charger (these are great as often you can wear down your phone battery with navigation, etc), reusable water bottle
- pack relatively lightly. Limit accessories and expensive jewelry.
- pack for the weather forecast
- stick to a color scheme involving neutrals, as mentioned above for a capsule wardrobe
You can see three recommended Fall outfits for Paris here.
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Footwear
- Walking Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Choose stylish sneakers or comfortable flats for sightseeing.
- Dressier Option: Pack a pair of block heeled booties or kitten heels for dinners out.
Accessories
- Scarf or Shawl: A versatile scarf or shawl can add warmth and style to your outfits.
- Day Bag: A crossbody bag or backpack is ideal for carrying essentials during daytime explorations.
- Evening Clutch: Pack a small clutch for evenings out.
Toiletries and Personal Care
- Travel-sized Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries to save space
- Pack medications and one set of clothes in your carry-on
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Documentation
- Passport and Documents: Keep your passport, and any necessary visas in a secure travel wallet.
- Have a photo of your passport in your phone in case it gets lost to make it easier to get another.
- Limit the number of credit cards you bring.
You may also like My Perfect Packing List For Autumn 2024 In Europe.
To Sum It Up
Review and Edit: Lay out all your items before packing to ensure you have everything you need without overpacking. This is when I remove what doesn’t fit.
Packing for a four-week European vacation in September/October requires thoughtful planning and versatile choices. By packing smartly and focusing on essentials, you can enjoy a comfortable and stylish journey across Europe.
Next week I am joining four other bloggers for Fall Fashion tips. I will be shopping my closet for the current trends, some of which will be going into my suitcase for Europe next week!
In addition to your tips (all of which I heartily concur), I would add just a few more–
1) In addition to maintaining a computer list of packing items, when I lay out the items to pack, I also take of photo of them. If your suitcase goes astray (hopefully not), you’ll also have a visual record of the contents if you have to make a claim.
2) I take a file folder with printed copies of all my reservations (i.e. hotels/apartments/airlines/trains/concerts or exhibitions). While I have digital copies of most everything on my phone, one only needs to lose access to them for whatever reason to find yourself in a bind.
3) Buy travel insurance from a reputable program–especially for coverage of medical emergencies as almost no US medical insurance, nor Medicare, covers you while overseas. I blew out my right knee on an overnight flight overseas several years ago. I was traveling solo but was fortunate to receive great medical care upon arrival–saw two docs–one an orthopedic specialist (who gave me his private mobile number to call him if I had any problems while in country–can you imagine that happening in the US?), had an MRI, was fitted for a full leg brace and provided necessary medications. Total cost $2,000 which I paid with my credit card (so much less than it would have been in US). I submitted the paperwork to the insurer online when I returned and the money was in my bank account the next day. Had ACL surgery when I returned home (at age 72).
Heading overseas shortly myself–five weeks in Scottish Highlands–solo (carry-on and backpack, no special events to attend, so all casual, easily repeatable clothing). Fully insured. 🙂
Safe travels for you and your family.
Thanks, Mary for this helpful info. I will take photos before I load the suitcase…and Howard usually carries all the printed travel documentation.
Have a fabulous time Mary Ann!! So many great tips! Can’t wait to travel vicariously with you and Annie!
Sounds like an amazing trip, MA! So impressed with your packing plan and I adore the expandable tote. I have room for improvement in the packing department. Mostly around adding things to my suitcase rather than removing them. Have a wonderful adventure! xo
We returned on Tuesday from Paris and Normandy. Announcements about pickpockets were made on the tram and in CDG. I did pack neutrals and it was easy to pack. I had a great step count throughout the week. I didn’t get a souvenir because we were so busy. I was hoping to get a barometer, but we didn’t go to an antique store/flea market. I hope you enjoy great weather
Sounds like you have a good solid packing plan. I travel vicariously now with you and your pictures. I love Annie’s pictures too. When we traveled it was ski trips or long distance bicycle trips so I kept a pack list especially when camping out in a tent that we carried on the back of our tandem bike. When we did the Banff to Jasper in Alberta Canada on the Icefields Parkway, we also had to carry our food. It was a week long ride with three adult children and was a difficult but amazing bike trip. All of our trips traveling were active, hiking, camping, biking so of course the bikes were on top of our vehicle. We rented cabins or condos when skiing out here in Colorado. My pack list on the computer was essential to a happy trip. I’ve never been to EU. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Mary Anne, how are you planning for the wedding? A combination of clothing from your travel wardrobe or something special? Are you including separate shoes for that occasion or using a pair from the four pairs. Does your husband take a suit and dress shoes along or is it casual enough for dress casual attire? My brother and his partner attended her son’s chateau wedding in France. Also needed slightly more elevated than dress casual for the rehearsal dinner held at a well known vineyard. Again glad he brought all the apparel.! Oh then they lost his suitcase but arrived an hour before the rehearsal dinner…most sincerely hope you don’t have that happen!!
I am bringing a dress and using the one dressier pair (kitten heels). I’m also taking a slip skirt that can be dressed up or down. So lucky that your brother got his suitcase back!
4 PAIRS OF SHOES? !!!! I take 2. Three at most. So I’m guessing you check your luggage? It does look fantastic. Definitely wishing you a memorable adventure.
Ha! For four weeks away…four pairs is pretty good for me. I will wear the sneakers on the airplane. I can do three pairs for shorter trips. Yes, that medium Quince bag is checked only.
Hi Mary Ann,
What a wonderful trip you have planned, I can’t wait to see photos from all the places you go. You always have the best packing tips and though we don’t travel for extended holidays, I can use your tips for short excursions.
Wishing you an amazing trip filled with so much fun and seeing many beautiful places.
Happy travels,
Gail
Thanks, Gail. You take wonderful trips, too.
This post is perfect timing, as I am packing for a trip to Paris and Lyon in late September with 3 college friends. Looking forward to celebrating 50 years of friendships AND my bday in Paris! Definitely packing in layers for unpredictable weather. Have a great trip. Sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing, Mary Ann.
Happy birthday. We may be in Lyon at the same time! Did you read Annie’s post: https://mostlovelythings.com/five-top-things-lyon-france/ ?
When I went to Europe, I wore a pair of jeans that I was going to dispose of. Wore them three times, left them in the waste can!!! Had room for a fun purchase.
I may be doing that with an older pair of shoes!
Perfect timing… leaving for 10 days in Cornwall and London. TY
Love these tips Mary Ann! This sounds like a great trip. I can’t wait to follow along. I think fall is the best time to travel.
Last time I was in Provence I went to Isle Sur La Sorgue thanks to you! It was wonderful! Have. a super time . xo
Thanks, Kim…loved following your recent adventures.
Good morning Mary Ann! Sounds like you will have a wonderful trip. Hope to see some beautiful pics! Enjoy, safe travels!
Thanks so much, Cheryl!