Should I bring a rain jacket?

Yes. European weather is unpredictable. Choose a lightweight, packable, water-resistant shell that can be layered over your sweater.

How do I deal with laundry?

Plan to wash clothes at a laundromat every 7 days. Most cities have 'lavanderias' or 'wash-and-fold' services. Carry a small mesh bag for dirty items to keep them separate.

How to pack for a multi-city European trip

Stick to a single 40-liter carry-on backpack to navigate cobblestone streets and crowded trains with ease. Prioritize versatile, layered clothing in neutral tones to maximize outfit combinations while keeping your total weight under 15 pounds.

Select your luggage. Use a 40L backpack with hip straps. Avoid suitcases with wheels if possible; they are a nightmare on uneven European pavements and difficult to maneuver on buses or older metro systems.
Limit your footwear. Bring exactly two pairs of shoes. One pair of broken-in, stylish walking sneakers for the day, and one pair of lightweight, flats or loafers for the evening. Wear the heavier sneakers on the plane.
Follow the '5-4-3-2-1' rule. Pack 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of socks/underwear, 2 outer layers (a light jacket and a sweater), and 1 accessory (like a scarf or hat). This ensures you have enough for a week and can wash as you go.
Utilize compression cubes. Use packing cubes to compress your clothes. Organize them by category (tops in one, bottoms in another) so you don't have to unpack your entire bag at each hostel or hotel.

Should I bring a rain jacket?: Yes. European weather is unpredictable. Choose a lightweight, packable, water-resistant shell that can be layered over your sweater.
How do I deal with laundry?: Plan to wash clothes at a laundromat every 7 days. Most cities have 'lavanderias' or 'wash-and-fold' services. Carry a small mesh bag for dirty items to keep them separate.