How to Stay Organized While Traveling Internationally

TRAVELCLOTHING AND LAUNDRY

11/17/20259 min read

Smart Packing, Light Luggage & Stress-Free Comfort for Long Flights

International travel—especially in winter brings its own mix of magical holiday charm and logistical challenges. From chilly weather to full airports, multiple city itineraries, and the mix of planes, trains, and cars, staying organized becomes the key to enjoying your trip instead of stressing through it. I'm sharing my top tips and the things that I have tested and can't travel without!

Whether you're navigating London’s bustling markets, catching a train to Paris, visiting Christmas festivals in Germany, or hopping between European cities, packing light and staying organized will help you move comfortably and efficiently. This guide covers smart long-flight essentials, luggage-organization must-haves, and packing tips to keep you comfortable, warm, and clutter-free throughout your adventure.

1. Why Packing Light Matters Most for a Multi-City European Itinerary

Traveling through Europe in December usually means:

Tight connections
Weather delays
Crowded stations
Narrow hotel rooms
Extra layers and winter accessories

Packing heavy quickly becomes inconvenient—and exhausting.

With trains that move fast, carry-ons that must be lifted into overhead racks, and small hotel rooms with limited closet space, packing light saves time, energy, and stress. Instead of struggling with bulky luggage, focus on a streamlined travel system using lightweight, quality pieces like the Tumi International carry-on luggage, Tumi duffle bag, and Tumi backpack. These three pieces offer durability, easy access, and efficient organization perfect for a busy December travel itinerary.

2. Start With the Right Luggage System

Tumi International Carry-On Luggage

This carry-on is ideal for European travel because it fits most international airline size requirements and provides structured organization. It keeps your items secure, visible, and accessible, minimizing the chances of overpacking.

I love my Tumi luggage! I have had the medium check-in size for many years and a couple of years ago I got the Carry-on size for a muti-city trip. My boyfriend challenged me to not check and luggage for a three week trip-I succeed! With the Carry-On luggage and a backpack. (We did have access to a washer and dryer-very helpful.)

Tumi Duffle Bags

Use this as your personal item on flights. It’s perfect for storing essentials you want within reach—electronics, snacks, passport pouch, toiletries, and items for comfort. My last trip to the Netherlands in February I carried the expandable duffle- It fits nicely under the seat even when expanded.

I also like to pack the Just in Case Tote Bag incase I have purchased too many things.

Tumi Backpack

This becomes essential during day trips and train travel. The organizational pockets keep your passport, wallet, small tech, and water bottle secure and easy to grab. What I really love about these bags is the fabric and how light the backpack is. Some backpacks are just too heavy for me to carry on my back for all day adventures.

Together, this trio creates a simplified system that lets you travel light while keeping your items organized and easy to manage.

3. Organize Your Clothing With Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes are a game changer for packing light—especially in December when bulky sweaters and layers take up space. They allow you to pack more without overpacking, keeping you organized throughout the trip. These Eagle Creek Compression cubes are my favorite -the fabric is so thin making the cube almost weightless.

Use them like this:

Cube #1: Tops (long sleeves, blouses, sweaters)
Cube #2: Bottoms (jeans, trousers)
Cube #3: Undergarments, thermal layers, socks
Cube #4: Nightwear, lounge pieces
Cube #5: Outerwear accessories (scarves, gloves, hats)

Compression cubes also help you repack quickly when hopping from one city to the next. No more rummaging through your luggage looking for one item—you’ll know exactly where everything is.

4. Number One Rule for December Europe Travel: Layers Over Bulk

December weather in Europe and England ranges from chilly to very cold, depending on the region. Instead of bringing thick, heavy pieces, pack thin, insulating layers that mix and match.

Bring:

A warm, down jacket preferably water proof
Merino wool base layers
Neutral sweaters
Weather-proof boots
A compact scarf and lightweight gloves

This strategy lets you adjust comfortably whether you're indoors at a café, outside at a Christmas market, or on a long train ride between cities.

Laundry Hack - Laundry sheets* are great for travel! I pre-cut the sheet into 4 pieces before my trip and wash my undergarments as needed in the sink if I don't have access to a washer. (*paid link)

5. Keep Your Toiletries Organized & Travel-Friendly

Europe’s dry winter air, heaters, and long travel days mean your skin will need support. Many of these items are included in my daily routine and not just for travel but I do like the small travel friendly sizes that they come in.

Your toiletry essentials should include compact items that hydrate, refresh, and simplify your routine:

Face Mist

Perfect for mid-flight hydration and keeping your skin fresh after long transport days.

Tarte Travel-Size Waterproof Mascara

Cold winter weather means watery eyes—waterproof mascara prevents smudging during windy days or snow flurries.

Makeup Illuminating Primer Cream

Keeps makeup smooth and glowing even during harsh winter air. I always get compliments when I wear this Illuminating Primer, it has just the right amount of shimmer in it without looking sparkly.

Urban Decay Makeup Primer Spray

This Setting Spray helps set makeup in the morning and refreshes throughout long travel days. For long travel days I spray my face before and after each makeup layer.

Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar

A solid shampoo saves space, is eco-friendly, and travels better than liquids—no leaks, no TSA issues. Just store in a soap bar case so your other toiletries don't get wet when checking out of hotels and traveling to a different city.

Venus Travel-Size Razor with Case

This travel razor Compact, protected, and easy to pack!. This is honestly one of the best travel items I have ever bought. I like how it has a little case so you don't cut your fingers when reaching for it in your toiletry bag.

Simplehuman Magnify Makeup Mirror

European bathrooms often have dim lighting—this 10X magnifying mirror helps you get ready quickly and confidently. Unless you are saying at a hotels I have found that places don't have mirrors above the sinks in bathrooms like here in America. I use this mirror every day! It folds up nicely and comes with a travel case.

Lay & Go

When your trying to get ready for the day of tours and site seeing, not being able to find what you need when you need it is the most frustrating thing when traveling. The Lay & go is great for seining ever makeup item you packed and it stays contained easily. (*Paid link)

6. Tech & Electronics Organization for International Travel

Travel Power Adapter

Europe uses different plug types (C, E, F, G). Bring a Epicka universal adapter so all of your electronics work wherever you go. I really like this one with multiple USB-A & USB-C plug ins for charging multiple phones and other devices. (*paid link)

Apple AirTag

Place one Air Tag in each checked bag—or even your carry-on—so you can track your luggage throughout airports and train stations. During December, when travel is busy, this adds peace of mind.

Beats Noise-Canceling Headphones

A must-have for long flights, loud train rides, and busy holiday travel hubs. Noise-canceling technology helps you sleep, relax, or focus on a movie without distractions. I can't live with out these headphones! These are a life saver on flights or train rides with loud people or noises, these help me get some sleep.

Keep all your chargers and cables tangled free with these handy silicone Cable Organizers. (*paid link)

7. Comfort Essentials for Long Flights & Train Rides

Long flights to Europe require smart comfort planning. To arrive refreshed and organized, include these essentials in your personal item:

Electrolytes Drink Mix

Flights dehydrate you quickly. An electrolyte mix helps prevent headaches, fatigue, and jet lag symptoms. I am prone to headaches and altitude sickness so these really help me, I find if I drink one-a-day while traveling I'm less likely to suffer. The Cure brand offers a better-for you coconut base vs. other brands.

Face Mist

Refresh your skin mid-flight and maintain hydration.

Beats Noise Canceling Headphones

Perfect for sleeping, meditating, or blocking out ambient sounds.

Pill Case Organizer

Keep medications, vitamins, supplements, or melatonin organized in a FYY Pill organizer with multiple compartments and keep it in your carry-on. Keep at an arms length under the seat just in case you start feeling unwell during flights. A lot of pain meds look alike - so labeling is key. (*paid link)

Small Toiletries

Most times you don't need a full 3oz. Container of that face cream, foundation or conditioner. Thats why I love a set of toiletries bottles that have a range of sizes like the Cadence Travel Set. From .5oz. to 1.3 oz its easy to find the perfect amount of product for a 1-3 week trip, or even more!

Small Jewelry Case

Prevents necklaces, rings, and earrings from tangling during travel—and fits easily in your backpack or duffle. Keep your jewelry packed away and near you at all times.

Keep these items in your Tumi duffle bag or Tumi backpack for easy access during the flight. Always keep your jewelry with you! I have traveled with friends that checked their jewelry and did not make it to the destination with it- its unfortunate but it happens.

8. How to Keep Your Bag Organized Throughout Your Trip

Staying organized isn’t just about packing well—it’s also about staying organized as you move from city to city.

Quick Daily Tips:

Always return items to the same pocket or pouch.
Consistency keeps you sane during busy travel days.
Use your compression packing cubes even during the trip.
They prevent your suitcase from becoming messy as you move.
Keep toiletries in a single zip pouch.
This keeps bathrooms tidy and makes repacking fast.
Use your Tumi backpack as your “day hub.”
Store essentials like your wallet, phone charger, water bottle, lip balm, gloves, and passport.
Keep an Nanobag expandable tote in your bag for all of the goodies and treasures you shop for while on your trip. This one is perfect for travel because it folds up to a tiny ball the size of your palm.

(*pail link)

Create a Europe-safe storage plan.
Keep your passport in an interior zip pocket, not an exterior one. Don't walk down the street with your phone out, look at your directions before you leave. Phone snatching as become a big problem in the bigger city's especially in London.

9. Packing Checklist for winter in Europe

Clothing

1–2 sweaters
2–3 long/short sleeves- I recommend thin warm layers like the Hettech from Uniqlo
1–2 trousers/jeans
Merino wool base layers
Comfortable walking waterproof boots
Waterproof down jacket
Gloves, scarf, warm hat or ear muffs

Beauty + Toiletries

Face mist
Tarte travel-size waterproof mascara
Makeup illuminating primer cream
Urban Decay primer spray
Ethique solid shampoo bar
Venus travel-size razor with case
Travel-size skincare + body care
Lip balm and hand cream

Tech

Travel power adapter
Beats noise-canceling headphones
Apple AirTag - one in your checked bag and one with your passport
Phone + chargers
Portable power bank

Organization

Compression packing cubes
Jewelry case
Pill case organizer
Magnify makeup mirror
Passport pouch
Foldable tote

Wellness

Electrolytes drink mix
Supplements/medications-Be sure to check to see if you need any doctors note for prescriptions
Eye mask + ear plugs

10. Final Thoughts: Stay Light, Organized & Comfortable

Traveling to Europe and England in December is an unforgettable experience—twinkling holiday lights, festive markets, cozy cafés, and beautiful winter landscapes. With smart packing strategies and the right organizational tools, you can travel effortlessly between cities without feeling weighed down.

Focus on:

✔ Packing light
✔ Being organized
✔ Prioritizing comfort during long flights
✔ Using high-quality travel gear
✔ Keeping essentials accessible during transitions

By using smart tools like compression packing cubes, Apple AirTags, Tumi luggage, a travel adapter*, and compact beauty essentials, you’ll enjoy a seamless, comfortable, and beautifully organized December adventure.

(*paid link)

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