Rick Steves’ Advice on Packing Clothes for All Weather Conditions in Europe

Writer and television host Rick Steves knows a thing or two about traveling. For nearly 50 years, Steves has been guiding tourists through some of the best destinations Europe has to offer. From the perfect Irish itinerary to how to avoid eating like a tourist in Italy, Steves is full of tips for anyone looking to explore the European continent. However, when it comes to what clothes to pack, Steves advises packing light by carrying layered clothes.

In one of his videos, Steves says: “Packing light is essential for happy travel … For travelers, Europe is casual. For warmth, layer it. In the summertime, I’ve got a light sweater and a light jacket. That works great. In the winter, of course, you’ll want to check climate charts and pack for rain and cold.”

You don’t need lots of clothes in order to successfully enjoy a European trip. As Steves says, you can get creative with what you choose to bring. And, if you end up needing a specific item, you can always purchase it while traveling. But what kind of basic layers should you be bringing with you on your European journey? Let’s see what else Steves has to say.

Steves has a list of essential items he packs for a European journey. There are a few basic layering items you should always pack, even if you’re someone like Steves who believes in packing as light as possible. An intelligent system of layered clothing is going to help you adapt to various temperatures, reduce weight in your travel pack, and provide unmatched versatility for a wide range of situations.

Here is what Steves recommends: “Warm and dark is best for layering and dressing up. Vests and cardigans can be mixed-and-matched to give you several different looks as well as layers. Art museums can be surprisingly chilly — a good reason to include a sweater in your day pack, even in summer.” Having a few pairs of quick-drying socks made out of merino wool or bamboo are also helpful to have.

What essential layering items you bring will depend greatly on what time of year you visit Europe. If you’re traveling in the summer, having a pair of zip-off pants can come in handy if you need to switch to shorts. In the winter, layering is perhaps the most important to keep you warm while outside. Steves recommends long underwear, heavy shoes, a good jacket, and thick warm socks to keep yourself dry and warm.