15 Things to Never Pack in a Carry-on for Europe — and What an American Living Abroad Says to Bring Instead

Don’t make these common mistakes.

By Kristy Alpert

Even before moving to Paris last year, I visited Europe as often as possible, thanks in part to my stand-by privileges from my dad’s job as an airline pilotand, later on, to my job as a travel writer. I’ve camped in the Black Forest, made wine in Georgia, road-tripped solo from Lithuania to Estonia, and rode the rails from Serbia to Montenegro. I’ve visited every country in the European Union (I’ve even lived in two of them), and on every trip, I take within the continent, I always carry the same essentials with me in my carry-on bags. 

Growing up flying stand-by engrained in me a need to fly with carry-on bags only, and over the years, I’ve learned, often through trial and error, which items are necessary for Europe, and which ones are going to be left wasting space in my suitcase. For instance, I’ll always make space for a travel umbrella and lightweight jacket because you never know when a surprise rain shower may pop up. And, I’m all about making space for a few luxuriesthat keep me comfortable on the go. As for the things I won’t bring with me, keep scrolling to discover my top 15 packing mistakes for European travels and what to pack instead.