Packing for a 2-3 week trip to Europe requires thoughtful planning, especially considering the differences in climate, activities, and transportation options.
Whether you're navigating cobblestone streets in Italy or bundling up for a snowy winter in Switzerland, choosing the right luggage is essential for a smooth and enjoyable holiday.
In this guide, we'll explore the ideal suitcase sizes for summer and winter trips, offer tips for packing efficiently, and highlight essential features to look for in a suitcase for your next European adventure.
Summer European Travel - Light and Easy
Summer trips to Europe call for compact and lightweight suitcases that makes navigating airports, train stations, and cobblestone streets a breeze.
With warm weather, long daylight hours, and a more casual dress code, packing for summer requires less volume and weight compared to colder seasons.
Recommended Suitcase Sizes For Summer European Travel
Expandable Carry-On or Medium Suitcase (22"-24")
This size strikes the perfect balance between being spacious enough for essentials and small enough for easy mobility.
See Our Full Range Carry-On Luggage and Medium-Sized Suitcases
Capacity
Aim for 40–60 litres, which is ample for 7-10 outfits, a few pairs of shoes, and toiletries.
Weight
Keep the suitcase under 7-8 kg (15-18 lbs) to comply with international airline carry-on limits and make it easy to handle during transit.
Why This Size Works
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Mobility - smaller luggage is easier to lift into overhead compartments, carry up stairs, and maneuver through busy city streets.
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Compliance - many European budget airlines have strict carry-on size and weight restrictions. Sticking to these dimensions helps you avoid unexpected baggage fees.
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Efficiency - A smaller suitcase encourages you to pack only what you need, avoiding overpacking and making the trip more comfortable.
Perfect Scenarios for This Size
City-Hopping Trips
Compact luggage makes navigating busy urban areas like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona simpler.
Beach Destinations
Pack light for seaside towns where you’ll spend most of your time in swimwear or casual outfits.
Active Adventures
Small luggage is ideal for trips involving multiple modes of transport, such as train journeys across the Alps or ferry rides in the Greek islands.
By choosing a carry-on or medium suitcase for your summer trip to Europe, you’ll enjoy the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and efficiency, allowing you to focus on making unforgettable memories.
Packing Tips For Summer In Europe
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Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking synthetics.
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Choose mix-and-match outfits in a neutral color palette (e.g., 3-4 short-sleeve tops, 2-3 lightweight bottoms, and 1 casual dress).
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Limit shoes to two pairs: comfortable walking shoes or sneakers and lightweight sandals or flats.
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Use packing cubes and organisers to compress your items.
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Minimise toiletries with travel-sized versions and buy bulky items like sunscreen at your destination.
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Wear bulkier items like sneakers and a light jacket on travel days to save suitcase space.
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Pack a compact laundry kit with detergent and a sink stopper for quick washes.
Winter Travel - Make Room for Layers
Winter travel in Europe brings the charm of snowy streets, cozy cafes, and festive markets, but it also means packing bulkier clothing to stay warm and comfortable. With strategic packing and the right suitcase, you can stay prepared for colder weather while keeping your luggage manageable.
Recommended Suitcase Size For Winter European Holiday
Medium to Large Suitcase (24"-28")
These sizes offer enough space for heavier clothing while remaining practical to maneuver through train stations and city streets.
Shop our range of large suitcases.
Capacity
Aim for 60–80 liters to accommodate winter essentials without overpacking.
Weight
Keep the total weight under 20 kg (44 lbs) to avoid airline fees and ensure you can comfortably lift and carry the suitcase when necessary.
Why This Size Works
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Room for Layers - winter clothing such as coats, sweaters, and boots takes up more space, making a medium to large suitcase the perfect choice.
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Flexibility for Souvenirs - with expandable compartments, this size allows room for purchases during your trip.
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Durability for Weather - larger suitcases often feature reinforced materials to withstand the rigours of winter travel.
Perfect Scenarios for This Size
Festive Trips
Explore Christmas markets and snowy landscapes with enough room for cozy sweaters and gifts.
Multi-City Adventures
Pack efficiently for varying temperatures across destinations like Paris, Vienna, and Prague.
Ski Getaways
Bring gear like ski pants and goggles, with ample space for boots and jackets.
Winter Europe Holiday Packing Tips
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Pack in layers with thermal base layers, warm mid-layers like sweaters, and a waterproof or insulated outer layer.
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Wear your heaviest items, such as a winter coat and boots, on travel days to save suitcase space.
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Use compression bags to save space by compressing bulky items like jackets and knitwear.
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Choose versatile, neutral-colored pieces that mix and match easily, reducing the number of items needed.
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Pack for 7-10 days and plan to do laundry mid-trip, refreshing thermals and essentials as needed.
Packing the right suitcase for a 2-3 week trip to Europe is all about balancing practicality, comfort, and seasonal needs.
Whether you're exploring sun-soaked beaches in the summer or wandering festive markets in the winter, selecting the appropriate luggage size ensures a smoother, more enjoyable journey.
Ready to find the perfect luggage for your trip? Shop Globite’s range of durable and stylish travel bags and suitcases to suit every adventure. Start packing smart with Globite today!
