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When packing for a trip to Europe you need to consider the weather, as well as the activities you are planning to participate in.

One important thing to keep in mind for all air travel (not only to Europe) is not to over-pack. Most carriers allow only 20 kilo or 45 lb if you're traveling economy. Furthermore you want to travel as light as possible in case you have to drag your luggage around with you.

I travel for business and private reasons at least 30 times a year and here are my most important recommendations:

1. Don't pack last minute. This will give you the chance to buy some things you need before your departure.

2. Start with the things you need for every vacation
Toiletries, underwear, socks, medicine. Always take sunscreen: As a working person you probably spend most of your time indoors and aren't used to the sun.

3. Chose your main colors
In order to be able to combine all the pieces, try to stick to three main colors. Black and white are always two of my main colors, because they go wit everything. Add your favorite color like red, pink, green or blue.

4. Chose the basic everyday outfits
For short journeys (up to one week) pack one complete outfit for every day. For longer journeys, take one complete outfit for every day of the first week. Afterwards you'll have to repeat clothes or go to a laundry.

You'll probably spend most of your time outdoors and walking around, visiting the different sights. Therefore your basic outfit could consist in jeans and T-shirt. Don't forget to pack a set of underwear and socks for each day.

5. Pack to evening outfits
If you plan to go to a fancy restaurant, the opera or a discotheque, you'll need an evening outfit. Don't take more than two or three of them and make them simple yet stunning: black pants/skirts and a glamorous top.

6. Don't forget bad weather gear
Always take at least two sweaters, if the weather gets cold. An umbrella or rain jacket will be suitable as well.

7. What about sports?
Never go anywhere without a bathing suit! It's so tiny and you never know when you can use it. Maybe the weather is really hot and you want to go to the beach (at a lake) or the weather is really bad and you want to enjoy tropical feeling in an indoors swimming pool.

8. Chose three pairs of shoes
Take one or two comfortable shoes or sneakers for the everyday activities and one nice pair for the evening and maybe some really glitzy high heels for the occasional night life event.

9. Take as little jewelry as possible
Carrying your fine jewelry all across the world and taking it in and out the hotel safe might make yourself a target for theft. Don't ruin your vacation! Chose some basic pieces of jewelry and travel with those.

10. Spread out all clothes to consider onto your bed
Once everything is spread out on your bed, start packing your suitcase. Count the number of pieces and ask yourself:

Do I really need 20 T-shirts for a 2 week vacation? Then start putting half of the pieces back into the closet.