A practical packing list for a Europe trip

Europe's mix of walking-heavy cities, variable weather, and older buildings without elevators makes packing light genuinely useful, not just a nice idea. A capsule wardrobe in neutral colors that layers well handles both a chilly morning and a warmer afternoon.

A few often-forgotten essentials: a universal power adapter (most of continental Europe uses type C/E/F plugs, the UK/Ireland uses type G), comfortable broken-in walking shoes for cobblestones, a portable charger for long sightseeing days, and a compact rain layer regardless of season — European weather changes fast, especially in the UK and Ireland.