10 Best Europe Packing Tips for Travelers, According to Seniors

As world travelers at 77 and 76 years old, Harvey and Trudi Feinman prove that retirement doesn’t mean slowing down—you just need a smart approach. When my grandparents returned from their two-week European adventure—Lisbon to London, with cruise ports in Porto, Bordeaux, and beyond, I expected stories about castles and cobblestones. Instead, they gave me a masterclass in packing.

Their secret? Lightweight luggage, versatile clothing, and clever carry-on strategies that anticipate the little headaches most travelers overlook. Harvey knows the pitfalls of international travel firsthand: lost luggage, strict airline regulations, and the challenge of staying polished across multiple destinations. Trudi complements this with a comfort-first approach, and packs travel essentials like pashminas and expandable totes to cover every situation. 

Together, they’ve perfected a system that keeps suitcases organized, days seamless, and feet happy—and it’s packed with tips you can borrow for your own European adventure. Keep reading to discover their must-have packing items and travel-tested lessons from decades on the road.

My Grandparents’ Favorite Packing Essentials

Bric’s 30-inch Checked Luggage

Amazon

Harvey’s packing philosophy starts with the suitcase itself: lightweight first, durability second. “Weight matters most,” he says. He swears by the Bric Softside Spinner, which he says clocks in around 50 pounds when fully packed and still maneuvers easily on cobblestones and cruise piers. A lighter case equals more room for clothes and souvenirs, and fewer scale-side surprises. 

Mrsdry Travel Bottles

Amazon

Lost luggage survivors know: essentials belong in your personal item. These leakproof minis let you keep your go-to skincare and hair products with you—and avoid scrambling for hotel samples. “On a business trip to Korea, my luggage was lost,” Harvey shares, “so I always carry extra underwear, a shirt, and small toiletries in my overnight bag.” A tiny kit, major peace of mind.

Tessan 2-pack European Adapters

Amazon

Never be the traveler hunting for a converter in a foreign airport again. This compact two-pack will help keep devices fully charged without adding bulk to your luggage, and each adapter offers four outlets, two USB ports, and one USB-C port, so you can power everything at once. “I always pack all my power cords and adapters—and I never put electronics in checked bags,” Harvey advises. 

Auvon Pill Organizer

Amazon

Trudi and Harvey agree: always have medications close. “I carry my medicines in my carry-on —it’s absolutely necessary,” Harvey says. Trudi adds a crucial tip for longer trips: “Being on the older side, I always make sure I have enough medication for the time away.” A compact pill organizer keeps prescriptions and daily vitamins sorted and easy to access, whether flights are delayed or luggage goes missing.

“Sometimes bringing medication abroad means getting special clearance from your insurance company. Don’t wait until the last minute because they can’t rush the medication,” Trudi shares.

Jahomieo Foldable Travel Bag

Amazon

Trudi has a rule for extra purchases and unexpected needs: “If we’re planning on shopping, I pack an expandable bag so we don’t overstuff our suitcases.” This foldable tote bag packs flat, expands instantly, and can carry souvenirs, beach gear, or laundry. It’s an elegant solution for bringing home more than you came with: simply take the expandable bag out of your suitcase and use it as a carry-on bag. 

Bagail Packing Cubes

Amazon

Packing cubes are a travel game-changer. Trudi explains, “They help me pack efficiently and keep everything contained, especially for multi-stop trips.” By compressing clothing and organizing by day or category, cubes make unpacking and re-packing seamless—essential when hopping between cities, cruises, and hotels. Especially with the size of cruise rooms, it’s important to stay organized. 

Hoka Clifton Sneakers

Amazon

Comfort is key, but style matters too. Trudi’s mantra: “If your feet aren’t happy, none of you is happy.” Harvey agrees: “Hokas are lightweight and versatile—they took me across Europe and through London’s West End.” These cushioned sneakers are easy to pack, wear day and night, and keep feet happy on cobblestones, museum tours, and long flights.

Peter Millar Crown Crafted Polo Shirt

Nordstrom

Smart packers know wrinkle-prone pieces are dead weight. This polo holds its shape beautifully and makes unpacking easy—just take it out of your bag and it’s ready to wear. Minimal ironing is preferred on any trip, and these shirts provide that, plus maximum polish. They’d also make an excellent holiday gift.

Packable Water Shoes

Amazon

Protect sneakers from sand, spas, and rocky shores with fold-flat water shoes. Trudi says, “Bring pool shoes—don’t ruin good shoes with sand.” Lightweight and quick-dry, they slide easily into your suitcase and are a lifesaver for beach stops or thermal pools—without adding weight.

Vimate Pashmina Wrap

Amazon

Trudi never travels without a pashmina—it’s her airplane blanket, church-cover shawl, theater wrap, chilly-deck layer, and emergency scarf. If your suitcase has room for one “elevated security blanket,” make it this. Lightweight and versatile, it folds down easily, adding warmth, style, and comfort without taking up valuable luggage space.

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