In 2024, my family decided to spend Christmas in Europe exploring the magic of the holiday markets. There were seven adults, four kids, and a whole lot of excitement.
Planning a multi-city trip across Europe with kids is so much fun — but it takes serious strategy. Between trains, cobblestone streets, and cozy little hotel rooms, the key to traveling stress-free is one simple thing:
✨ Pack light. ✨
I know that sounds impossible with kids, but trust me — it can be done. Here’s how we made it work, with only carry-ons and happy travelers all around.
1. Purchase Baby Essentials in Europe
Europe has diapers, wipes, and formula — promise! In fact, many of their baby products are held to even higher standards than in the U.S.
Before your trip, do a quick search for local supermarkets near your accommodations. Pack just enough to last through travel and a day or two after you arrive. Once you land, stock up for the rest of your stay. Easy, breezy, and way less bulk in your luggage.
2. Bring One Outerwear and Capsule Pieces
It will be chilly, but you don’t need a giant suitcase to stay warm. Stick to capsule-style packing:
• A few undershirts
• 3-4 sweaters
• Two pair of jeans, one pair of slacks, and one long skirt
• One pair of sneakers
• One pair of boots
The secret? Layer — don’t bulk. Choose thin, warm base layers instead of heavy sweaters.
For babies, pack full-body onesies and long-sleeve layers with a cozy puffer as outerwear. And if you forget something? Shopping in Europe is half the fun anyway!
💫 Style tip: Accessories make the same outfit feel brand new. Think hats, scarves, and jewelry — small pieces that pack a punch.
3. Use a Space Saver
Invest in space-saver bags with a mini travel vacuum. They seriously work wonders. You’ll fit so much more into your carry-on while keeping everything neatly organized.
4. Go Travel-Size Everything
Makeup, skincare, lotion — if it’s not travel-size, it’s not coming. You’ll save space and avoid spills. Plus, it makes unpacking in small hotel bathrooms way easier.
5. Wear Your Heaviest Items on Travel Days
Your coat, boots, and chunky sweater should be on you, not in your suitcase. It’s the easiest way to free up space and stay warm when you’re hopping between cities.
6. Packing Cubes for the Win
Packing cubes = sanity. Use them to separate outfits by person or by city. It’s especially helpful when you’re traveling with kids — no more digging through everyone’s clothes just to find one pair of socks.
7. Fanny Pack for Explore Days
When you’re out exploring, ditch the big purse. A fanny pack is perfect for essentials — passports, tickets, cash, and lip balm. Then save your backpack for travel days.
Final Thoughts
Packing light with kids isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about traveling smarter. With a solid plan (and a few space-saving hacks), you can move from train to train with ease, explore markets hands-free, and still look stylish in every city.
Because at the end of the day, the best souvenirs from a European Christmas aren’t what you buy — they’re the memories you make together.
Happy Travels
