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The Ultimate Europe Packing List – Printable and Editable

Many say that packing is the most dreaded part of traveling. As you probably know, packing for a trip to Europe is different from traveling in your home country – you have to think about the extra documents, flight regulations, different climates, and the way of transportation. To help you keep everything in order, I created this smart, editable, and printable European Packing List that is easy to use. Read on to find out all of the tips and tricks along the way!

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.  

Packing for Europe – Tips and Tricks

Check visa regulations and documents you need.

Are you going on a study abroad trip to Europe? Or are you going there for a vacation? How long are you planning to stay? This will determine whether or not you will need to apply for a visa. If you are an American citizen and you are planning a short vacation to Europe, you may be in the clear – depending on the country you’re visiting, all you will need is your passport. But, if you have any questions or doubts, better check with the consulate website of the country you are going to – better be safe than sorry.

Leave Some Space in Your Suitcase for Souvenirs

Pack the things you will absolutely need, you will want to buy some things on your trip. I try to buy something unusual and special in each country I go to. Try to avoid magnets and key chains – that’s one of the main travel mistakes I mention in my guide. Look for something you will actually use.

Be Aware of Pickpockets

In most European countries, especially bigger cities like Rome, Barcelona, or London, you may be a target of pickpockets. But, it doesn’t mean that the city is dangerous. Always be aware of your belongings and don’t show your expensive camera, phone, or wallet unless you absolutely need to. Keep your money in several different places in case something does end up stolen. Check out this  Money belt , neck wallet , or Bra Stash to keep your valuables close to your body and away from pickpockets.

Know What You Can and Can’t Pack

Planning ahead will ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked bags by reviewing this TSA page . A good rule to go by is to pack all of your liquids in your checked bag and all of your valuables in the carry-on. For more carry-on and packing, see the Europe Packing List below!

Common question: How to Maximize Space in My Luggage?

To maximize space in your luggage, I usually roll my clothes instead of folding them. This saves space and helps prevent wrinkles. Additionally, using compression bags or packing cubes can help organize and compress your clothes, allowing you to fit more items into your luggage. If you’re really tight on space, try packing versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, reducing the number of garments you need to pack. Finally, make use of any empty spaces within your luggage, such as stuffing socks or underwear inside your shoes, to optimize every inch of space.

Bring all the Travel Essentials

Some things you can do without, others, not so much. I always pack the items below in my suitcase and so should you!

• Good Headphones : Bring a pair of headphones, I always use them on long layovers and on flights, they cancel out the noise and are super comfortable. If I’m traveling with someone, I also grab a headphone jack splitter so that I can watch Netflix together with my travel companion. 
• Daypack or large purse : You’ll need something to carry your phone, camera, and water while you’re out exploring. Here is the one I love , big enough and converts into a backpack.
• Travel Adapter : If you are traveling to Europe, you need a reliable travel adapter, one that won’t burn your expensive electronics at first use. This travel adapter can be used in the USA, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia, so you won’t have to buy a separate adapter for every adventure.
• Band-aids and blister cushions : I ALWAYS use them. Make sure to pack – you’ll thank me later.
• SPF Cream : Grab an SPF moisturizer – and don’t forget to put on sunscreen!
• Water Bottle : Airports, trains, hotels – I always take a water bottle with me. It’s good for the environment, it reminds me to drink more, and water actually costs money in European restaurants and cafes. Get one on Amazon and always take it with you!

How to Pack for a Trip to Europe

Let’s start with the basics – choosing the right type of luggage. That depends on the length of the trip and how many places you are traveling to.

When I go to Europe, I travel for more than a month and usually take one suitcase, a backpack, and a purse (which goes inside the backpack during flights).

I prefer a large soft-shell suitcase with 4 wheels as it’s the easiest to carry and fits more with less weight. Hard-shell suitcases seem to have less space, be heavier, and crack very easily.

I also take this travel backpack for my computer, camera, phone, and documents. You can have them as carry-ons for the flight (usually for free). I also usually pack one day of clothing in case my checked-in luggage gets lost. I prefer spacious backpacks with a lot of pockets to store everything.

A travel purse , big enough for your camera and money is great to use as a daypack when you are exploring. It will also be more comfortable than a backpack – you won’t look as much as a tourist.

Whichever you end up choosing, make sure it will fit your Europe Packing List for the time of your travels. Some other tips – choose a unique color that will stand out from all the black bags. It will be easier to notice and it will decrease the chance of someone taking it.

What to Wear on the Long Flight

With multiple layovers and a long time on the plane, always dress comfortably. Wear jeans and a warm shirt. Also, wear the heaviest shoes you are taking, I usually have tennis shoes or winter boots (depending on the season). That way you will have less to carry and more space in your suitcase.

Ultimate Europe Packing List

What to pack in the carry-on.

• Any Other Valuables or Expensive Items
• About $200 of cash in local currency – you might need cash for a train ticket from the airport and the airport exchange rate is usually horrible.
• Personal ID/Student ID card – If you’re a student, some companies offer discount cards to help you save when you are traveling
• Frequent flyer cards and other loyalty program cards
• Cash and debit/credit cards – Call your bank before you travel to inform them (otherwise they might freeze your account)
• Travel and health insurance documents
• Reservations and itineraries
• Water Bottle – a water bottle is a must when you travel, see the water bottle I recommend above.
• Daily Medications – even when you are traveling, stay on top of your daily medications and have some extras in case of emergency. This year I took melatonin which helped me sleep on the plane and get over jet lag in one day!
• Underwear and One Day of Clothes – great to have in case your checked bag arrives late or is lost.
• Face Wipes – always nice to freshen up when you travel!
• A pen (always grab a pen when you travel, you may need one if you have to fill out customs forms)
• Chapstick and lotion (the air is always so dry in-flights, you’ll be glad you had it!)
• A good snack – as long as it’s wrapped and isn’t liquid, it can go through security in your carry-on. It’s cheaper and better than buying a snack at the airport or in-flight. I take nuts, a protein bar, and Trail Butter , my newest find – it’s 750 calories in one serving and the coffee and dark chocolate flavor is addicting!

Travel Tip: How to manage jet lag?

Managing jet lag during flights to Europe is always a challenge. Normally, it helps to adjust to a new time zone if I’m able to sleep on the plane. To fall asleep on the plane easier, I usually book overnight flights and pack Melatonin , a sleeping mask , and a travel pillow . I also try to stay hydrated before and during the flight and avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption. Once I get to the destination, I drink coffee and have a good breakfast. After, I found it really helpful to take a shower and try to stay out exploring the new place for as long as possible before going to sleep.

Clothes to Pack in the Suitcase for a Trip to Europe

Clothing Tip #1: See the extended weather forecast for your destinations on Accuweather.com .

Check it a couple of days before you leave, too. Your clothing will depend on the season, the weather, your destination, and the length of your stay. Generally, pack a couple of pants and several shirts to match. Also, grab a couple of dresses and comfortable walking shoes. You should be set to go!

Clothing Tip #2: Europeans have a different clothing style.

Cargo shorts, tennis shoes, and baseball caps will make you stand out. Go for loafers like this with thick soles to stay comfortable on cobblestone roads instead of tennis shoes. Or, wear a blouse instead of a T-shirt. That way you will not stand out and will be less likely to be pickpocketed.

Clothing Tip #3: Take some special occasion clothing options.

If you are planning on visiting churches, grab a headscarf you might need to enter. If you are going to a Viennese opera, bring a nice outfit and shoes to wear. Think about the experiences you would enjoy and pack accordingly.

What to Wear – Europe Packing List

• Lightweight clothing that can be layered
• Long-sleeved shirts
• 1 Sweater or jacket (depending on the weather)
• Pants and/or shorts (depending on the season)
• Dresses and/or skirts (depending on the length of stay)
• Walking shoes
• Scarf (in case you visit a church or get cold)
• Rain jacket or umbrella

Toiletry Bag Checklist

If you’re flying, make sure to put your toiletry bag in your checked luggage. You can only bring liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container in your carry-on. If you do, put them in a clear, plastic, ziplock bag.

Instead, take a hanging toiletry bag on your trip – it will help you keep all of your toiletries organized and it’s so easy to pack up and go. If you are planning to invest in something new for your vacation, this toiletry bag is life-changing!

Pack these essentials in your toiletry bag:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Hairbrush, hair ties, and bobby pins
• Conditioner (could be provided in the hotel)
• Sunscreen and face lotion with SPF
• Face wash and/or makeup remover wipes and Q-tips
• Personal hygiene items
• Contacts and solution
• Prescription medicine with the label
• Cologne/perfume
• Personal mini mirror
• Hair products
• Nail clippers and tweezers (also in checked luggage)

Travel First Aid Kit

• First aid kit (bandages, gauze, adhesives, etc.)
• Cold medicines and throat lozenges
• Diarrhea/laxative medicines
• Allergy medicines
• Hydrocortisone cream/antibacterial ointment
• Sunburn relief
• Insect repellent
• Motion sickness pills or bands

What Not to Pack for a Trip to Europe

Here is a list of items you shouldn’t take with you, they will just weigh you down:

• Too many electronics
• Too many clothes – you might want to get something while you are there
• Hair straighteners, blow dryers and other small electronics – they will burn out because of the power differences
• New Shoes – bring your most comfortable shoes, you’ll be doing a lot of walking
• Towels – hotels and hostels usually provide them
• Too much cash
• Expensive jewelry

I recommend taking as little as you can – go through your packing list and take out everything you can live without for a couple of weeks. I included a laptop just in case you need it for school or work, otherwise, keep it at home as well!

Overpacking is one of the Common Travel Mistakes we all make. Keep them in mind!

Access This Free & Smart Printable Europe Packing List

Get this free smart, printable, and editable European Packing List ! You will be able to change the days of stay on your trip and it will tell you exactly how much and what your need to pack for your trip! Pretty handy, huh?

Ready to go? Here is your last-minute checklist:

• Double-check that your passports and IDs aren’t expired.
• Inform your bank about the countries you are visiting so they don’t freeze your credit card.
• Email yourself a copy of your passport, driver’s license, medical cards and itinerary, so that you always have it handy.
• To prevent pick-pocketing and stay safe, keep your valuables underneath your clothing. 
• Save this Printable Europe Packing List to refer to as you are packing.

Traveling to Europe – More Tips and Hacks

The best thing about traveling in Europe is how easy it is to travel from one country to another, going from one unique culture to the next. Once you get there, you can go by plane, train, bus or car and within a few hours you can reach your destination. Here are a few tips for your upcoming trip to save money and enjoy your stay! Do you want to know my secrets about how I travel abroad every year while working full-time? Read my tips on how to travel more and how to travel on a budget !

Use Buses and Trains Between Destinations

Each European country has very easy-to-use and fast bus and train systems. They are usually pretty cheap and you can use them to go on day trips from one place to another without spending your entire day in the airport.

On my latest trip to Europe, I took Flixbus from Prague to Vienna to Budapest. It’s very affordable and easy to hop on and hop off in a new destination.

Do Not Take a Taxi

Don’t even take a taxi from the airport. Most airports have a cheaper way to get from the airport to the city center. Last time, we got from the airport to our hotel in Barcelona for 1 Euro on a train! It would have been over 30 euros if we took a taxi! Do some research about the city you are going to and buy passes. It will save you money while you are using public transport!

One other pro to using public transport in a new country is a new adventure and seeing the way locals commute there. I love comparing public transport in different countries and no one can compete with Europe on that.

Be Picky About the Place You Eat

Millions of tourists visit Europe every year and restaurants have found the best ways to make money on it. There are high chances of falling into a tourist trap if you don’t do research on places to eat in each destination. Use platforms like Likealocal.com or just Google reviews before you decide to eat somewhere. This tip will save you a lot of money and add great food experiences to your trip.

Travel in the Off-Season

Traveling during the off-season is the only way to avoid crowds and save money on tickets and hotels. While most places are open year-round, they are usually booked in the summer. If at all possible, go for a month before everyone else arrives or choose less touristy destinations.

Bring Comfortable Shoes to Walk Everywhere

I’ve mentioned this before and will say again: you will be glad you have comfortable walking shoes. Bring your favorite pair – you won’t regret it.

Don’t Plan on Using Credit Cards Everywhere

Bring a couple hundred euros on hand for tips, public transport, and purchases at local markets.

Order foreign currency at your bank, don’t use the currency exchange at the airport upon arrival. Airport ATMs don’t always have the best exchange rates, so plan ahead if you like to save.

See more of my Europe Travel Tips to enjoy, save money, and stay safe!

Do you have any packing tips let me know in the comments below. .

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21 Comments

This is a really good informative article! Me and my partner were in Europe (Rome) last year, we knew about being aware of pick pockets and held onto our belongings like mad haha! Thanks for the post.

So true about the cargo shorts and clothing style! Thanks for the great list too!

These are great tips. I also like to consolidate my European travel packing. I’d add that think of dressing well. Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, so think of wool pants/skirts, dresses, dress jackets, etc. if you want to blend in.

Also that toiletry bag looks amazing!!

Wow this is so detailed, I absolutely LOVE IT! I seriously will send this to all of my friends who need help packing for their summer Europe trips!

Hahaha, I love how every travel to Europe guide somehow thinks that European’s don’t wear t-shirts. Honestly, we do so most days. Just leave the football shirts at home. A simple black or white t-shirt will however not make you stick out. I totally agree with you though on the credit card. Many small businesses and restaurants in Europe don’t accept cards. As for picking a restaurant, the same rule applies as everywhere else. If they need to pay a person to invite people in: run for your life!

You’re right! About clothing: after living in the United States I can notice the difference in style right away! Thanks for the comment!!

Very detailed insights! I think most of these apply to other destinations as well; thus, really helpful! Thank you for sharing it.

Oh my goodness this is such a great article especially if you are like me and have never been to Europe….this not only makes me want to go but would feel totally confident doing so simply by arming myself with your article! So much amazing information in one spot and I wouldn’t have even thought about dress like they dress so you don’t stand out! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us and maybe one day I’ll have the pleasure of going!!

Very thorough and practical. I love this with the printable included. Greta advice on how not to stand out, and caps tend to be part of my daily uniform:). I will leave them at home.

I wished I read this before my study abroad trip in Spain! These are great tips and I recommend following most/all of them. Can’t wait to read some more!

Thank you! I wish I had known some of these before the trip, too!

Really great article! Love how detailed everything was. You put a lot of time and great info into this and it shows!

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your support!

I really admire your writing!

This post was so helpful and full of information. I really enjoyed the fact that you used your hands on experience to give all these tips. I will be traveling to Europe in January and will definitely be using this list.

Great list! The best advice is to not travel with new shoes. There’s too much walking done to deal with blisters caused by new shoes.

This is such an amazing list and I’m so glad you made it such an easy printable!! Saving this post for later!

I always keep this tip in mind: “Leave Some Space in Your Suitcase for Souvenirs” because I am a shopper at heart. This post was amazing!

I am closing in on retirement and plan to travel more. This is excellent advice that I will be able to put to use next year!

I love your extensive list. I never traveled on a long trip but have family members who are planning a trip to Europe. This will be an awesome resource for them. Thanks for sharing.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Europe packing list | the ultimate packing list for visiting europe.

The ultimate Europe packing list. Advice for choosing clothes, toiletries, shoes, electronics, luggage, and more for Europe.

Packing for your trip to Europe can be stressful so I’ve put together my  Europe packing list . This mega packing list will cover everything from clothes and luggage to electronics and toiletries. I’ve even tried to include specific packing tips for summer travel and winter travel.

Interested in packing tips for backpacking Europe? We’ve created a Backpacking Europe Packing List For Women and Backpacking Europe Packing List For Men . 

Europe Packing List

This Europe packing list is very extensive so here is a quick rundown of what you’ll see in this guide. Keep reading to see everything.

Rolling Luggage

• Travel Backpacks

Packing Cubes

Packing folders.

• Toiletry Bags

Travel Underwear

• Travel Socks
• Shoes For Travel
• Shirts & Tops For Travel
• Jeans, Pants, & Bottoms
• Outerwear For Travel
• Winter Clothing

Travel Towel

• Travel Flashlights
• Eyemask & Earplugs
• Water Bottle
• Sleep Sheets
• Travel Laundry

Travel Utensils

• Electric Plug Adapters

Travel Power Strip

• Phone Chargers

Digital Camera

• Travel Hairdryer & Straightener
• Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash
• Toothpaste & Toothbrush
• Travel Toilet Paper
• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes
• Body Powder
• Pepto Tablets

Europe-Friendly Luggage

The type of luggage you choose will have a major impact on your travel style.

You essentially have two choices — a  wheeled suitcase  or a travel backpack . Either option is perfectly fine but both have their positives and negatives (which we’ll cover in this section).

Before I talk about luggage, I want to reiterate the idea of packing light because traveling light makes moving around easier and more enjoyable.

Rolling luggage is the most popular style of luggage for traveling in Europe. It offers a lot of benefits but it’s not always right for everyone.

Rolling Luggage Benefits

• Weight Isn’t a Huge Concern:  You don’t have to worry about weight as much since you’re pulling your bag. This can lead to overpacking — which will make carrying your bag up and down staircases and into luggage compartments more difficult.
• No Back Pain:  Not everyone can strap on a heavy backpack so rolling luggage is much more ideal in these cases.
• Rugged:  A quality suitcase can take a bit more punishment than a backpack because they’re designed to be thrown around a bit.
• Ideal For Door-to-Door Travel:  If you plan on taking taxis from your hotel to the airport/train station then traveling with a suitcase makes sense.

Disadvantages of Wheeled Luggage

• Cobblestones: Wheeled luggage is great on flat surfaces but becomes unwieldy on stairs and cobblestone streets.
• Stairs: While hotels might have elevators, most rental apartments and hostels might have quite a few stairs.
• Public Transportation:  Not all public transportation in Europe has escalators or elevators. A large suitcase will be unwieldy when you have to lug it up a bunch of stairs. Additionally, public transportation tends to be crowded, so pulling a big suitcase through a mob of people can be difficult.
• Not Hands-Free:  You’ll lose the ability to use both hands when you’re wheeling your suitcase around — which will impact the ease of travel.

Features of Quality Rolling Luggage

• Hard-Shell or Soft-Sided:   Soft-sided bags tend to hold up better than hard-shell bags and they also fit into overhead bins much easier because they’re more flexible. They can be thrown around without much chance of major damage. Hard-shell bags are normally much lighter than soft bags, but there is a larger chance the bag could crack. However, a hard-shell bag will keep the things inside your bag safer since it has more structure — so a hardshell might be best if you’re traveling with a lot of fragile things.
• Two Sturdy Wheels: Those four-wheeled rolling luggage are great on flat smooth surfaces but get eaten up by Europe’s streets. Look for bags with two sturdy wheels.
• Size: If you’re planning to carry on your luggage then you’ll want to ensure it fits those requirements — especially if you’re traveling on Europe’s size-stingy budget airlines. Not carrying-on? Try limiting yourself to a reasonably sized backpack that you can handle without assistance.
• Color:  A non-black bag will help you recognize your bag more quickly at the baggage claim. If you do have a black bag, we suggest using a distinctive luggage tag  or luggage strap  to help prevent other people from accidentally taking your bag (it happens more often than you think).

Travel Backpacks For Europe

I’m a big fan of travel backpacks and it’s my preferred luggage choice. However, they’re certainly not for everyone so I’ll cover what to consider before buying a travel backpack.

Check out my guide to the  Best Travel Backpacks and the Best Carry-On Backpacks . 

Benefits of Travel Backpacks

• Mobility:  Easily navigate crowded streets and public transportation since all your stuff is on your back.
• Hands-Free Travel:  Traveling with two free hands makes your life much easier and more enjoyable.
• Navigate Stairs & Streets:  You won’t have to worry about stairs or cobblestone streets with a backpack.
• Less Stress:  We find that our stress levels go down when we use a backpack since we don’t have to worry about knowing where our stuff is.

Disadvantages of Travel Backpacks

• Uncomfortable If Overloaded:  A travel backpack will be uncomfortable if you overpack.
• Checked Luggage:  If you have to check your backpack when flying, you must be cautious because the conveyor belts can sometimes rip off the straps of the backpack You’ll have to take extra precautions when checking your bag (or get a backpack that has stowable straps).
• Must Fit Well:  It is important to get a backpack that fits your body well. If not, it can quickly become uncomfortable.
• More Difficult to Pack:  Most modern travel backpacks open up like a standard suitcase so they’re easy to pack but some ‘hiking’ style bags only open from the top.
• Back Pain: Even a well-packed can start to cause back pain so it might not be great for people with mobility issues.

Features Of A Great Travel Backpack

I’ve written multiple guides about finding the perfect travel backpack. Here’s my  Guide To Choosing The Perfect Travel Backpack and a list of my favorite backpacks traveling Europe .

Recommended Travel Backpacks and Rolling Luggage

Travel Backpacks We Like:

• Osprey Farpoint  and the  Osprey Fairview
• Osprey Porter
• Tortuga Outbreaker ,  Setout , and  Setout Divide .

Rolling Luggage We Like:

• Osprey Transporter , Osprey Ozone , and Osprey Sojourn
• TLS Mother Lode Wheeled Duffle
• Eagle Creek Expanse Drop Bottom Wheeled Duffel 32

Where To Buy Travel Backpacks and Wheeled Luggage

There are a lot of places to purchase luggage and travel backpacks. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Amazon — Amazon has everything.
• Zappos — Zappos doesn’t always have every brand/model of luggage but they have free shipping and super easy free returns in case your bag doesn’t fit you correctly.
• REI — REI has a decent selection of luggage and their selection of travel backpacks is very solid.

Get Organized For Traveling Europe

Life gets a little more complicated when you’re living out of a bag but worry not… I’m here to help.

Behold the magical packing cubes.

They may not look like much but these simple travel accessories make packing so much easier.

The idea behind packing cubes is simple — you divide your clothing up between different cubes (socks in one cube, underwear in another cube, etc.). This keeps all your clothes compressed and organized.

This way you can quickly grab what you need. And these make repacking all your stuff easy as well since you know where everything goes.

As an added bonus, packing cubes can also help reduce wrinkles by preventing your clothing from shifting around in your bag. And the compression lets you fit more stuff into your luggage.

There are a ton of companies that make packing cubes but here are a few of our favorites:

• Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes  (best overall)
• eBags Packing Cubes  (close second place)
• Eagle Creek Spectre Tech Packing Cubes  (ultra-lightweight favorite)
• AmazonBasics Packing Cubes  (best budget option)

Learn More: Read a more in-depth review of the best packing cubes . 

We don’t personally use packing folders but they’re a popular travel accessory. Basically, packing folders are designed for larger items like dresses, button-up shirts, and pants.

We recommend Eagle Creek Packing Folders — which cost anywhere from $16-$25 depending on size (via Amazon ).

Hanging Toiletry Bag

A toiletry bag is essential for keeping all your toiletries contained.

Do yourself a favor and buy a toiletry bag with a hook so it can be hung up since most European bathrooms have little/no counter space. There are a bunch of different bags available on Amazon but here are a few popular travel toiletry bags:

• The Ogio Doppler Kit (via Amazon ).
• The Lewis N Clark Hanging Toiletry Case (via Amazon ).
• Eagle Creek Toiletry Kits (via Amazon ).
• TANTO Toiletry Bag (via Amazon )

Other Helpful Organization Aides

• Humangear GoToob Travel Bottles are probably the best travel bottles for shampoo and other liquids/gels. They are a little expensive ($17-$25 for a set) but they don’t leak. There are multiple sizes so check Amazon to see what works best for your needs.
• The Grid-It Organizer is a handy way to keep all those electronics and wires in order. They cost about $15-$20 and come in different sizes (via Amazon ).
• A compression stuff sack is nice for keeping dirty clothes away from your clean clothes, and it serves as a good bag for doing laundry. Multiple companies make them and they run about $10-$40 depending on the size (via Amazon ).
• Ziploc bags come in handy for storing multiple things and keeping liquids from spilling over all your stuff (I like to keep my passport in a plastic bag for safekeeping). Ziploc makes multiple sizes of bags, so I like to pack multiple bags just in case I ever need one. There is even a three-gallon bag that works well for storing an extra pair of shoes so you don’t get your clothes dirty.

Travel Clothing Packing List

The majority of the weight in your luggage will come from clothing so it’s important to limit your clothes if you want to travel light. Of course, this is easier said than done.

In this section, we’ll help you choose which types of clothes to pack, some general tips for packing light, and packing tips for all seasons (summer, fall, winter, and spring).

Efficient Clothing Packing Tips

• While it might be a bit boring, it is usually easiest to pack mostly dark colors since they’re the easiest to coordinate. Additionally, dark colors do a better job of hiding stains than light colors.
• Avoid Single Wear Clothing:  Don’t bring anything that you’ll only wear once because it’s not worth lugging around for your entire trip. Choose pieces that can be worn for a variety of occasions.
• High Maintenance is No Good:  You’re going to be wearing your clothes a lot so you want things that can take a bit of punishment and is machine-washable
•   Accessorize:  You’ll probably get tired of wearing the same thing all the time so throwing in a few accessories (hats, scarves, sunglasses, etc.) is a good way to change up your outfit.
• Buy Clothes as You Travel:  We know a lot of travelers who only bring the bare minimum of clothing and then buy new stuff as needed.

I’m a big fan of travel underwear — mainly because you can easily wash them in the sink and they’ll dry in a few hours. They’re also designed to be more comfortable when you’re traveling all day. When you’re searching for travel underwear, look for the following things:

• Furthermore, cotton can take well over 24 hours to air dry — which makes it a pretty poor choice.
• Cotton does the exact opposite — it retains sweat and it leads to that “swampy” feeling we’ve all experienced.
• Odor Control:  The best travel underwear helps manage odors. Cheaper synthetic underwear will start to smell pretty quickly but the higher-quality synthetic fabrics will do a better job. We’ve found that fine Merino wool does the best job of stopping odors.

The number of pairs you bring is a personal preference. We don’t like washing underwear every night so we bring five or six pairs — but you could conceivably get away with two pairs (if you don’t mind washing often

Recommended Women’s Travel Underwear

The most popular travel underwear is made by ExOfficio — they get a ton of great reviews on Amazon . They are ideal for travel because they’re breathable, odor-repellant, and dry in just a few hours. They do tend to be more expensive than normal underwear but most experienced travelers swear by them.

ExOfficio has a fairly wide range of underwear styles available and they’re priced anywhere from $8-$20/pair (depending on style and color):

• ExOfficio Thong
• ExOfficio Lacy Low Rise Bikini

Patagonia also makes some really nice underwear that is great for travel. They get good reviews for being soft and comfortable. The Patagonia underwear won’t dry quite as quickly as ExOfficios but they still dry quickly. Patagonia stuff is always high quality but it also comes at a price — these normally cost about $20/pair.

• Active Hipster Briefs
• Barely Hipster Briefs
• Active Boy Shorts

Bring two or three comfortable bras . You may also want to bring a quality sports bra for those long travel days.

Recommended Men’s Travel Underwear

ExOfficio Give-N-Go underwear is the most popular underwear for travelers ( read our personal review here ) and their boxer briefs have over 5000 reviews on Amazon .

I wear mine even when I’m not traveling because they are pretty damn comfortable. ExOfficios breathe well, inhibit odor, and air dry super quickly. ExOfficio offers a few different styles and they cost between $15-$25/pair ( via Amazon ). They’ve also just released their new Give-N-Go Sport boxer briefs that look really nice. They cost $30 ( via Amazon ).

Under Armour also makes HeatGear underwear that performs similarly to the ExOfficios. They cost around $20/pair ( via Amazon ).

If you prefer wearing natural fibers, we suggest Merino wool. The  Smartwool underwear is nice and will keep you cool and dry. They usually run about $48 so they are on the expensive side. We also have a pair of boxer briefs from Wool & Prince that we really like.

Socks For Travel

It might not be exciting but a quality pair of socks will make a world of difference when you’re traveling. I’m a huge fan of socks made from fine Merino wool.

Lightweight merino wool socks are great in the summer because they’ll actually keep your feet cool and dry. Heavier-weight socks are good for traveling in the winter because they’ll keep your feet warm and dry.

Quality socks are expensive but they’ll last for a long time if you take care of them. Synthetic/wool blends also work well.

Ideal Travel Socks:

• Wick Moisture:  Your feet will sweat but a good pair of socks will draw moisture away from your feet. Keeping your feet dry will help eliminate odor and will also help stop blisters.
• Dry Fast: A lot of good wool and synthetic socks can be washed in the sink and will dry overnight (about 6-8 hours).
• Eliminate Odor:  High-quality wool is naturally odor-resistant. Some synthetic socks have special anti-bacterial features that help eliminate odor but they’re not quite as effective as wool. Synthetic-wool blends also work well.
• Aren’t Cotton:  Cotton is a terrible choice when it comes to socks. Cotton traps moisture and dries very slowly — this will lead to blisters and smelly feet. Additionally, cotton socks take a long time to air dry (24+ hours) so they’re difficult to wash in the sink.

A good pair of socks can be worn 2-3 times before they start to stink (although you’ll want to rotate the days you wear each pair so they can “air out”). For a more in-depth article about the wonderful world of socks, check out our article about the best travel socks . 

Recommended Travel Sock Brands

• Darn Tough Socks: Darn Tough Socks are known for being super durable — in fact, they’re guaranteed for life. Plus they’re made in Vermont.

Shoes For Traveling Europe

Wear. Comfortable. Shoes.

The most important packing tip is to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes when traveling Europe.

Trust me — you’re going to be on your feet way more than usual and your feet are going to take a beating. That’s why you should put comfort over fashion — luckily there are plenty of fashionable and comfortable shoes on the market.

So let’s look at a few tips for ensuring your feet stay happy:

• Here’s a list of what I think are the best travel shoes if you want my top picks.
• Have bad feet? Consider adding a pair of insoles to your shoes.  Superfeet insoles  get a lot of great reviews but there are a lot of other brands available.
• Consider Your Environment: Match your footwear to your environment. For example, you may want to consider a waterproof shoe if you’re traveling to rainy/snowy locations. Conversely, you probably don’t need heavy-duty mountain-hiking boots if you’re spending all your time in cities.
• Break In Your Shoes Early: Even comfortable shoes can take a little while to get broken in. That’s why I recommend wearing your shoes for a few weeks before your trip so you know they won’t give you blisters or foot pain.
• For Winter Travel : I recommend a lightweight pair of waterproof boots for poor weather (snow, rain, cold, etc.) and sneakers for the nicer days. Luckily, boots can often be dressed up a bit they still look nice enough at restaurants, etc. Check out our guides for the  Best Waterproof Boots for Men and Best Waterproof Boots for Women  for some fashionable and functional options.
• For Hostel Travelers:  Don’t forget a cheap pair of sandals for the showers…

Learn More: Take a look at our guides to the Best Travel Shoes For Women  and the Best Travel Shoes For Men —both articles go into much more detail about what you should look for in a pair of travel shoes as well as a selection of footwear perfect for travel.

Shirts and Tops For Travel

Now let’s dive into shirts and tops. To help keep things simple, I’ve split this section up into a women’s section and a men’s section.

Treat these sections as general guidelines on what kind of shirts/tops to pack — don’t forget the general rules of durable fabrics, dark colors to hide stains and wrinkles, and choosing items that can be easily paired with other items.

By the way, if you’re an ultralight traveler, you’ll probably want to pack less than what is listed below.

Tops For Women Packing List

• Shirts   (3 or 4):  A mixture of short and long sleeve tops is ideal. Remember to dress for the weather, but also realize that it can get cool at night during the summer. Bring a mixture of casual and dressy tops so you can mix and match.
• Light Sweater/Cardigan:  Even during the summer, temperatures don’t always get really hot (although they can). In Paris, the average high temperature in June is around 72 degrees and it can drop into the low 60s at night. That’s why it is a good idea to bring a light sweater or a cardigan.
• Dresses (1 or 2):  Look for a versatile lightweight dress that can be worn casually or dressed up.
• T-shirts and Tank Tops:  Sometimes you just want to wear a simple t-shirt so be sure to bring a few. Just pick whatever you’re comfortable wearing. The ExOfficio  Lacy Shelf Bra Cami  is a nice undershirt or sleep shirt — it is super lightweight, breathable, and air-dries overnight if you want to wash hand wash it.

Women’s Travel Clothing Brands

• Athleta : Athleta has really stepped up their travel clothing and they have a lot of solid options.
• Lululemon : Lululemon has a number of good travel clothing options.
• Anatomie : Anatomie has a bunch of higher-end clothing that looks really nice

Tops for Men Packing List

• Bluffworks  Meridian shirt  is a super-tough wrinkle-free travel shirt that can be worn casually or dressed up. It retails for $125.  Available via Bluffworks
• Wool & Prince sells a number of nice 100% merino wool shirts. Their long-sleeve button-ups retail for $128 and their short-sleeve sell for $98.
• Bluffworks recently released its performance t-shirt which sells for $45.
• Wool & Prince sells super nice 100% merino wool t-shirts ($68) and polos ($98).
• Uniqlo makes a number of budget t-shirt options that we always dig. Their inventory changes often but they always have something.
• Sweaters (1 or 2):  A lightweight sweater is nice if you want to dress up a little or if the temperature drops when the sun goes down. Layering a sweater over a button-up shirt looks nice (so make sure all your button-ups match your sweater). Of course, if you’re traveling in the summer, you probably don’t need to pack a sweater but having one or two in the winter is nice.

Jeans, Pants, and Bottoms Packing Guide

I usually only pack two pairs of pants — mainly because they take up a lot of space in your luggage. Also, pants are one of those things that you don’t really need to wash all that often so there’s no real need to pack multiple pairs.

Pants & Bottoms for Women

• For Cold Weather: Throw on a pair of lightweight micro-wool long underwear (i.e. a base layer) under your jeans — SmartWool  and  Icebreaker  are two great brands.
• Capri Pants:  Capri pants are a nice option in warm weather that still looks nice but are also functional.
• Skirts:  Skirts are dressier than shorts and they take up essentially no space in your luggage. Feel free to bring a mixture of shorter and longer skirts.
• Shorts:  Shorts are starting to become more popular in Europe so, contrary to popular belief, you won’t feel out of place wearing them — especially in the south of Europe. That said, we recommend bringing a fashionable and well-fitting pair as opposed to ‘athletic’ shorts.
• Athleta : Athleta has multiple options for pants that work well for travel.
• Lululemon : Lululemon has a few jogger pants and other options that would work well for travel.
• Anatomie : Anatomie has a bunch of higher-end travel items.
• Uniqlo : Uniqlo always has a few pairs of travel pants that are friendly on your bank account.

Pants & Bottoms for Men

• Jeans:  A pair of dark jeans are essential for traveling in Europe. They look great during the day and they can be dressed up for nighttime. Additionally, jeans can go weeks without needing to be washed.
• Bluffworks makes a series of lightweight, durable, and quick-drying travel pants that also look like regular pants. Pairs range from $98-$140. They also make some solid Travel Jeans for $125.
• AT Slim Rivet Pant from Western Rise  and stretchy, stain-proof, and incredibly durable. They retail for $129.
• The Brion Pant from Prana is one of the more fashionable “outdoor” pants and they sell for $79.
• Shorts:  In the past, you wouldn’t find many adult men wearing shorts in Europe but this is changing very quickly. Stick to well-fitting fashionable shorts but stay away from things like athletic shorts or the classic “touristy” khaki shorts.
• Cold Weather:  When the temperature drops, it can be nice to have a lightweight base layer to go under your pants. SmartWool  and  Icebreaker  make some of our favorite high-quality base layers.

Outerwear Guide

It’s a good idea to prepare for the elements so you’ll want to look into a few options — especially in the non-summer months.

• The Marmot Precip is a great lightweight rain jacket that is also pretty affordable.
• Check out REI.com  for a wide range of rain jackets.
• Our top choice is the Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece ( Men’s and Women’s ) but there are plenty of great options at  REI or Amazon .
• We use  Patagonia Nano Puff but for more budget-friendly options check out Uniqlo .

Clothing Accessories

Here are a few handy accessories to round out your outfit.

• Scarf:  Scarves are a handy item that adds style and comfort on cooler days. You can always buy a few as you travel because they make great souvenirs.
• Sunglasses:  Sunglasses are a must-have because they’re both practical and fashionable. After living in Europe, we noticed that Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses were a top choice of the truly fashionable but you might want a cheap pair if you’re on the move all the time.

Europe Winter Weather Packing Guides

Winter travel in Europe poses a few extra packing challenges to consider so we’ve written a few handy guides to help guide you on your way.

• Europe Winter Travel Packing List
• How To Dress For Winter in Europe
• Best Waterproof Boots for Men
• Best Waterproof Boots for Women

Travel Accessories Packing List

We’ve put together a list of our favorite travel accessories to help make traveling in Europe easier and more enjoyable.

SIM CARD FOR CHEAP MOBILE DATA

The cheapest way to get mobile data for your phone is by using a European SIM card — this is much cheaper than using your home carrier’s International Mobile Data plan.

You can read about my  guide to using smartphones and data plans in Europe  but I recommend buying your SIM card from  SimOptions.com or Holafly .

Travel Daypack

A small backpack is essential for carrying around your day-to-day stuff (camera, souvenirs, rain jacket, guidebooks, etc.) as you’re sightseeing. We recommend a small daypack that can be easily packed away in your luggage and that won’t strain your back as you wear it all day. Here’s a list of the best daypacks . — we’ve also included a few anti-theft backpacks which are handy if you’re visiting areas known for pickpockets .

Packing a quick-drying travel towel will come in handy if you’re staying somewhere like a hostel that doesn’t provide towels. That’s because traditional cotton towels, in addition to being very bulky, take hours to dry — which will lead to a musty smell if you pack it before it is dry. Travel towels work well because they are compact but can still absorb plenty of liquid as they dry overnight.

Note: Travel towels are often much smaller than normal towels. We suggest buying the large or XL size—especially if you have long hair (or buy two).

There are a ton of travel towels on the market but these get great reviews:

• PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel
• Biospired Footprint Lightweight Microsuede Towel

Keychain Flashlight

Most people use their phone as a flashlight light but a small keychain flashlight is still a nice accessory — especially in dark dorms and city streets.

We love the  Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight  because it’s super small (it fits on a keychain) but it provides a ton of light. Streamlight also has a ton of other great-quality pen lights if want other compact light options

Padlock &  Retractable Cable Lock

If you’re staying in a hostel, you’ll need a lock so you can secure your stuff in the lockers. We recommend the  Master Lock Set-Your-Own-Combination Padlock because it allows you to create your own combo so it’s easier to remember.

Retractable cable locks  are nice for securing your bag to your bunk or a luggage rack. They will deter a thief from running by and snatching your bag.

Earplugs & Eye Mask

An eye mask is nice for trains/planes/buses or if you stay in hostels (some jerk will turn the lights on at 3 am). Additionally, you’ll be glad you brought earplugs if you stay in hostels because you’ll eventually share a room with someone who snores. These Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs are really nice for sleeping.

Throw in a small notebook like the Moleskine Notebook ,  Field Notes , or  Rhodia notebooks to make notes of things as you travel. We write down directions, phone numbers, addresses, restaurants, spending, etc. At the end of your trip, your notebook will end up being a nice little souvenir.

Water Bottle or Flexible Water Bottle

Stay hydrated with a water bottle. A basic water bottle is perfectly fine but this flexible water bottle by Platypus Soft Bottle  is a great choice because it can be rolled up when empty.

Travel Sleep Sheet

Are your hostel sheets clean… who knows? If you don’t want to take the chance, think about packing a sleep sheet/sleep sack. A cotton Sleep Sheet is cheap but bulky. Silk Sleep Sacks cost but they’re a lot lighter, less bulky, and the silky feeling is nice.

• Sink Stopper: A cheap Travel Sink Stopper is necessary for sink laundry.
• Travel Laundry Soap: Woolite Travel Laundry Soap or Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets are perfect to travel laundry.
• Flexible Travel Clothesline: The best way to dry your clothes is with rubber braided clothesline . Plus, braided clotheslines don’t need clothespins.
• Stain Remover: Toss in a Tide To Go Stain Remover Pens or individually wrapped Shout Wipes for any stains.

Patch up stuff with duct tape. A whole roll because it is too bulky so just wrap some around a pencil. Or buy some travel duct tape .

Digital Luggage Scale

Make sure your bag isn’t too heavy with a digital luggage scale .

Photocopies Of Important Documents

Make copies (physical and electronic) of your passport and other important documents. We email them to ourselves or save them to Google Docs.

Ziploc Bags (Multiple Sizes)

Plastic bags are a great way to store your dirty or wet socks/underwear so they don’t get mixed with your clean clothes. We’ll also put our liquids in a sealable bag in case of a leak. The large 3 gallon bags  are nice for storing shoes so you don’t get your clothes dirty.

One of the best ways to avoid becoming a pickpocketing victim is to wear a money belt ( learn more about avoiding pickpockets here ). Personally, we don’t really like money belts because they’re kind of annoying to wear but a lot of people always wear one — it comes down to personal preference.

Collapsible Umbrella

A travel umbrella  is optional if you’re traveling in the summer. However, the fall, winter, and spring tend to be rainy, so you might want to bring one along.

We eat a lot of meals from the grocery store so we always bring a set of  Plastic Travel Utensils . If you really want to go all out, you should check out this sweet  titanium spork .

Toothbrush Cover

Keep your toothbrush germ-free with the  Steripod Clip-on Toothbrush Sanitizer  cover. It protects the brush and sanitizes it using voodoo science. Yeah, science! Or you can just get a normal  toothbrush cover  if that’s how you roll.

Lint Roller

A  lint roller  is an easy way to help keep your clothes looking presentable. 

Guide Books and Phrase Books

Despite loving internet resources, we are still huge fans of using printed guidebooks to research wherever visit. Learn more about our favorite travel guidebooks & websites .

A small  phrasebook can also come in handy if you’re not familiar with the local language (but most people in big cities will speak a little English).

Electronics Packing List

We travel with more electronics than ever so here’s a list of things you might want to bring along.

IMPORTANT: North America and Europe use different voltages (120v vs 220v) for their electronics. So what does that mean for you? For high-end electronics like phones, cameras, laptops, iPads, etc… it doesn’t matter. All you need is a plug adaptor because these electronics are all designed to work at multiple voltages. However, electronics with heating elements and motors like hairdryers, curlers, straightening irons, hair clippers, etc. aren’t designed for multiple voltages so they’ll fry if you use them in Europe. Read our guide to traveling with electronics  for more in-depth advice about using electronic devices while traveling.

Outlet Plug Adapters

You’ll need a couple of outlet plug adapters for all your electronics. Most of Europe uses the same plug but the UK uses a different configuration. There are dozens of adaptors out there but this affordable plug adaptor set from Ceptics will work fine. They also sell UK, Ireland, and Switzerland-specific versions if you’re traveling there.

Many hostels and hotels may only have one or two power outlets per room. That’s why we often pack a travel power strip to power our various gadgets. The Belkin Travel Power Strip with USB ports is a well-rated option but there are plenty of other travel power strips on Amaz on .

Portable Phone Charger

If you’re anything like us then you’re going to use your phone a ton when you’re traveling so you’re going to drain your battery before noon. That’s why a portable phone charger is a must-have travel item. We use the  Anker PowerCore 10000 because it’s the size of a deck of cards and is affordable.

Dual Voltage Travel Hairdryer

Standard North American hairdryers and straighteners won’t work in Europe — even if you use a voltage adapter. That’s because Europe uses a higher voltage than North America. That’s why you need a dual-voltage hair dryer. The Revlon 1875W Compact Travel Hair Dryer is a top choice for travelers because it is powerful, lightweight, and foldable.

Don’t forget about dual voltage straightening irons  and dual voltage curling irons .

We use our iPhones for a majority of our travel photography but you’ll want a quality digital camera if you want nicer photos. We’ve already written an in-depth article about choosing the best digital camera for trave l. Don’t forget the extras:

• Extra Memory Cards: Pack a few extra memory cards because you don’t want to run out of storage space — it’s better to have too much than not enough. And  memory cards are cheap .
• A portable external hard drive  is great for backing up all your photos. Another great option is to upload all your photos to cloud storage.
• Google Drive is free cloud storage and it gives you 15GB of space. We pay for their premium version to get even more space — especially since we have it synced with Google Photos. The main problem with cloud storage is not having reliable internet access when you travel.
• Extra Battery: I always carry an extra battery. Generic versions are cheap on Amazon (you’ll have to search for the specific battery that your camera uses).

Tablet or Laptop

We love traveling with our iPads — they’re the perfect travel computer. So, unless you really need the full functionality of a laptop, we suggest sticking with an iPad.

Smart Phone

Everyone has a smartphone these days. Here’s our guide to the best travel apps if you’re curious to know our favorite apps.

Be sure to read our guide to using Data Plans Abroad

It’s nice to listen to tunes as you travel. Additionally, there are a lot of downloadable audio guides for cities and museums — which are great ways to learn more about the places you’re visiting. We absolutely love our Apple Airpods (not having wires is so amazing). But we still throw in a cheap pair of headphones for flights. We’ve written more about our favorite travel headphones .

Travel Toiletries for Europe

We suggest minimizing your toiletries since liquids are heavy and you can purchase anything you need once in Europe. That said, here is a list of things you might want:

• Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash:  Pour liquids into these small GoToob travel-sized bottles because they won’t leak.
• Toothpaste & Toothbrush: We travel with a normal toothbrush but add a toothbrush cover . We did find that dental floss was much more expensive in Europe so bring some from home.
• Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo:  Dry shampoo is amazing for getting your hair ready when you don’t have time to jump in the shower.
• Shaving Stuff (Razors & Cream): Razors are more expensive in Europe.
• Deodorant:  For whatever reason, we find that deodorant in Europe didn’t seem to work as well — maybe it was all in my head.
• Chapstick w/Sunscreen : Protect your lips.
• Contact Lenses/Solution/Glasses:  Contact solution can be a pain to purchase since it’s often only sold in pharmacies.
• Lipstick (or something similar): Parisian women seem to never leave the house without sexy lipstick. You can also use lipstick as blush.
• BB Cream:  BB Cream  is a great ‘all-in-one’ product. It’s a moisturizer that contains sunscreen and provides light coverage as a basic foundation — it also evens skin tone.
• Mascara: Mascara should be changed every three months, so this is a great excuse to buy a new bottle.
• Cream Blush: You really don’t want to have makeup brushes in your bag, so a cream blush is a great option.
• Condoms:  You don’t want some souvenirs so we suggest buying some now. Amazon seems to have the best price/selection of condoms .
• Travel Fabric Freshener:  Keep away the funk with travel-sized Febreze To Go.
• Travel Toilet Paper: Travel toilet paper is never a bad thing to have in an emergency.
• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes:   Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Wipes can be a lifesaver and so they’re super easy to pack.
• Hand Sanitizer: Who knows what kind of things you’ll be touching.
• Body Powder: A lot of walking can equal chafing — especially in hot weather. Anti Monkey Butt is great for those hot days.
• Foot Cream:  Take care of your feet because you’ll be walking a lot.  O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Cream  will keep your feet from becoming rough and cracked.
• Pepto Tablets:  Traveling can take a toll on your stomach.  Pepto-Bismol tablets are super easy to throw in your bag.
• Band-Aids:  They’re nice to have on hand. A lot of people will develop blisters on their feet so we recommend Band-Aids for feet .
• Pain Medicine: Over-the-counter pain medicine is normally only sold in pharmacies so it can somethings be hard to find after-hours.
• Prescription Drugs: Ensure you have enough medicine to cover your trip since getting refills can be difficult.

Travel Insurance

We recommend picking up some travel insurance — which will help cover your stuff, flights, hotel, train tickets, rail passes, medical emergencies, and more. World Nomads is our top choice but you can check out our guide to buying travel insurance .

Where to Buy Travel Gear

• Amazon : Our top choice for buying gear is Amazon because they seem to have the best selection and prices.
• Zappos : Zappos has a solid selection of travel gear. Their prices are sometimes a bit higher than other stores, but their free super-fast shipping and dead-simple returns are often worth the extra cost.
• REI : One is the largest outdoor retailer so they have a nice selection of backpacks and clothing.
• Recent Posts

• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

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The ULTIMATE Packing List for Europe – Essentials for 2024

Planning a trip to Europe? Our guide covers the essentials you will need in your packing list for Europe.

This continent is one of our favourites regions of the world to explore.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

Furthermore, if you’re searching for a Europe packing list that will be light enough to carry so you can easily move around from country to country, then you’re in luck. 

Items on the list below are more focused on a packing list for Europe summer. It’s the ideal Europe backpacking packing list too, as it’s light to carry, yet comprehensive.

However, you may need a few extra layers if you’re travelling during winter. We’ve got a few suggestions to complete the ULTIMATE packing list for Europe for any season.

Travelling around Europe is thrilling! Expect your trip to be full of diversity, adventure, warm hospitality, many beaches, world-class cities, and amazing food! You need to read our food map of Europe before you get there.

With so many countries packed into one amazing continent, do you know how many countries are there in Europe? 44, 45 or 49?

The best part about travelling here is if you forget something on your packing list for Europe, you can easily pick it up on the way. 

Our best tip for your packing list in Europe is – Keep it Light!

Our best tip for preparing your packing list for Europe is that less is more! Trust us, a packing list for backpacking Europe or travelling with a suitcase is much easier when your  backpack or luggage  is light. 

When travelling around Europe, believe us, you will use many forms of public transport. We firmly believe that travelling in Europe by train is the best, yet the bus network is fantastic to travel between countries too.

We know that each and every traveller is different. If you’re planning to fit as much in as possible and breeze through many countries, it’s critical that your packing list for Europe is similar to this one.

We’ve prepared our packing list for Europe summer so many times as we used to work as tour guides here for many years. Trust us, everything included in our packing list for Europe below gets used frequently. 

At the same time, if you’re planning to go a little slower and stay a little longer in each country, our packing list for Europe has you covered. 

Table of Contents

Ok, let’s get to it! Your Packing List for Europe for 202 4

Choosing the right travel bag.

Ok, some people are backpack travellers and others are suitcase travellers. The type of luggage to carry items on your packing list for Europe is up to you. To help you out though, we cover the pros and cons of each travel bag in our post  Suitcase Vs Backpack – Which one should you choose?

In saying that, choosing a backpack over a suitcase for your packing list for Europe will give you more flexibility. The reason for this is that you will encounter many cobblestoned streets, countless stairs, super small elevators at hotels, or none at all (so heads up for carrying your own suitcase up four flights of stairs).

It is a little easier to navigate all of this if you have a backpack rather than wheeled luggage. Nowadays, you can buy some awesome travel bags that offer both options, like the Osprey Wheels 36 Bag . You can wear this bag as a backpack and then convert it to a rolling bag too. 

We’ve used many travel bags over the past twenty years. The one we use now is the Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack and we love it! This is the ideal backpack for your packing list for Europe. 

Do you need a small day pack?

Travelling with a small day pack is a personal choice. We travel with one as we prefer to keep our valuables with us at all times. This is especially important when taking overnight train/bus rides.

We carry this small Osprey day pack

We often lock our large 40L backpack to something stationary when we sleep on overnight trains and our small daypack containing our valuables will remain on our person, inside our silk sleeping sheet while we sleep – it feels much more secure to do this to deter any opportunistic thieves.

When we’re on the move, our small Osprey day pack sits on the front of our body with our Osprey 40L backpack on our backs, this makes it easy to quickly access passports or money.

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

Choosing your Travel Clothes

As I mentioned at the beginning, this packing list for Europe is focused on being a packing list for Europe summer. The European summer runs from late June to late September and the majority of European countries receive high temperatures during this time. Temperatures range between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.

The best clothing to choose for your packing list in Europe is light, breathable cotton, clothing you can mix and match, and items that dry quickly.

And, we must admit that our compression packing cubes have been a lifesaver in keeping things organised.

Packing List for Europe: Clothing for WOMEN

• 1 pair of  black skinny jeans
• 1 pair  Columbia zip-off long trekking pants  OR  Lululemon travel pants
• 1 North Face  lightweight jacket/fleece
• 1 Light Rain jacket
• 1 pair of black  loose cotton pants
• 1 light  long-sleeved cotton shirt
• 4  basic t-shirts
• 3 loose  singlets/tanks
• 1  denim shorts  
• 1  cotton shorts  (H&M brand or similar)
• 1  light short  (wear as pyjamas or to the beach)
• 2  nice tops  to wear out
• 1 little  black dress
• 2 pairs of  ankle socks
• 7 pieces  underwear
• 1  bikini   (we love Roxy brand swimsuits)
• 1  Ripcurl cap
• 2 bras  and  1 sports bra
• 1  headscarf   (to visit places of worship)
• Birkenstock Sandals
• Havaianas – Slim Black flip flops
• Merrell Women’s Black Hiking Shoes  or Nike Women’s Black Running Shoes

Packing List for Europe: Clothing for MEN

• 2 pairs of Quiksilver Boardshorts
• 1 pair of Travel/Hiking Shorts
• 1 pair of Long Trousers
• 2 pairs Smart Chino Shorts
• 3 Tank Tops
• 1 Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt
• 1 Smart Shirt
• 1 Casual short-sleeved shirt
• 1 Warm Fleece
• 1 Light NorthFace Waterproof jacket
• Salomon Hiking Shoes  or Mens Nike Black Running Shoes
• Underwear & socks

Toiletries for Women

We’re lucky to be able to share some toiletries on the road – so it gives one of us a little more room in our backpack. If Marty carries the toiletries, I’ll carry our  espresso machine  and fresh coffee to share the load.

We try to keep toiletries to a minimum as they can be heavy. We also travel with carry-on baggage, therefore, all of our toiletries must be 100ml or less. If you plan on staying in hotels (and even some cool hostels) around Europe, small toiletries will usually be provided.

• Hanging Toiletry Bag
• Compression Packing Cubes
• Small containers  (100ml) for refills
• Shampoo/Conditioner  100ml each
• Bar of  soap
• 1  shaver/razor  (we never have a problem at airports with this in our carry-on)
• 1  hairbrush
• Roll-on deodorant
• Toothpaste & toothbrush
• exfoliating shower glove  (we found these in Morocco..love them)
• 100ml sized  sunscreen  – We like Nivea or Neutrogena brands
• Nivea face moisturiser SPF30
• Blistex  and lip balm
• A few pieces of makeup (which we rarely use, but sometimes it feels nice to dress up) 1 tube of  foundation , bronzing powder, and brush,  1 mascara

Toiletries for Men  (as suggested by our male travel buddy)

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Moisturiser
• Shaver/small shaving cream
• Mosquito repellent (with DEET!)

 Accessories/Extras for our packing list for Europe

• A  pouch that holds my passport, different currency, bank cards, passport photos, copy of my passport, driver’s license, and a copy of our Heymondo travel insurance  policy
• Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
• Silk sleeping sheet  – For those overnight trains or airport naps.
• Sarong  (our shower towel, beach towel)
• Frank Green Portable Coffee/Tea Cup
• LifeStraw  filter water bottle (this lives in our small day pack)
• Oakley Sunglasses  & Protective Case
• Travel clothesline
• Travel Sling Bag

Technology/Electronics

If you’re a photographer, digital nomad, or simply can’t live without your MacBook and other electronics, we understand.

We need these things as we work online as we travel the world. Here’s what we take as part of our Europe Packing list, in terms of electronics.

• 13″ Macbook Pro   with charger
• iPhone 13 Smartphone with a USB charger.
• Apple  AirPods  for iPhone
• Old-school  iPhone headphones 
• Sony RX100 Mark III Camera   with leather case
• Sandisk  2TB external hard drive
• Worldwide adapter plug.
• GoPro Camera  – a waterproof stick/few extra clips for it
• Belkin  Powerbank 
• Small portable  USB drive
• Small pouch  that holds all cords for cameras etc
• Gorilla tripod  for our Sony camera

Safety in Europe

Travelling around Europe is regarded to be relatively safe, but it’s best to read our  12 Tips for Safe Travel. The same goes for  travelling anywhere in the world, accidents do happen.

Some cities in Europe (Rome and Barcelona in particular) have a higher rate of pick-pockets and petty thieves, so you need to be a little more cautious of your belongings.

And it goes without saying that common sense is essential to take in your Europe packing list and beyond.

We 100% recommend Travel Insurance 

We highly recommend you sort out some good travel insurance to cover you when things go wrong.

It will be one of the most essential things on your packing list for Europe. We use Heymondo to cover us on our world travels. We recommend adding one of their comprehensive travel insurance policies to your packing list for Europe. Get 5% discount on your travel insurance policy from us!  

Transport and Getting Around Europe

Getting from A to B in Europe is easy. Read our best tips about travelling around Europe by Train , it’s a great way to travel this continent.

The ONLY website we use to make reservations for train tickets is Trainline . They offer the cheapest fares, you get instant confirmation and their booking platform is so easy to use.

The best part about travelling Europe is that you can also find some incredibly cheap flights with low-cost carriers.

We book all our flights around Europe on CheapOair . The prices are unbeatable and you can choose to pay in the currency of your choice. 

The bus network in Europe is wonderful too! The best website for checking buses, and other forms of transport is Omio.  

How to Book Accommodation in Europe

We always use the same websites to book accommodation in Europe.  Booking.com  is our number one choice for booking accommodation in every European country.

Apps to download for Europe

Download these apps on your phone to make your travels in Europe much easier.

• CheapOair (to search flights)
• Booking.com  (to book accommodation on the go)
• XE.com (to check the latest exchange rates)
• Maps. me (the best offline maps to help you navigate around)
• Google Translate (while English is widely spoken in Europe, this app is so useful when you get lost in translation)
• Omio (book buses, ferries and trains on the road)
• Trainline (book train and coach tickets all around the world and save up to 60% discount on average per ticket).

RELATED POST – 20 Best Travel Apps in 2023 (Plus They’re Free)

Staying in Europe long-term?

If you’re considering staying longer in Europe (and you’ve got the right visas to do so), check out the Trusted Housesitters  website for saving loads of money on accommodation. Become a house-sitter in Europe, (and all over the world) if you’re considering staying in one place for a little longer.

Being a house-sitter means free accommodation for you in return for looking after different homes around the globe. This was one of the best things we ever did! Join now with our personal invitation and receive a massive 25% off your membership!

Travelling Beyond Europe?

Travelling beyond Europe or need some suggestions for warmer items to add to your packing list in Europe? Our  Ultimate Packing List for every traveller includes the items we carried as we travelled to every country in the world.

We moved between all types of weather, from very cool temperatures to sweltering hot ones. And, we still manage to travel with carry-on baggage only, often less than 10kg.

We’ve also put together our Complete Packing List for Africa and the Essential Packing List for Travelling in Southeast Asia .

Group Tours in Europe

And, if you don’t have the time to travel slowly in Europe but really want to discover more, then a group tour could be the answer.

We recommend Expat Explore. They offer a variety of coach and rail group tours around Europe to suit everyone, and you’ll have a fantastic crew to take care of all the details. Your only task is to turn up and have an amazing time.

Check out  Expat Explore , and if you see a tour that you want to book, use our promo code  VERYHUNGRYNOMADS  at checkout for an additional  5% discount off your trip !

My other suggestion is GAdventures for awesome small-group adventures in Europe.

Don’t miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES

• ROME 3 Days Itinerary
• VENICE 1-Day Itinerary
• FLORENCE 2 Days Itinerary
• AMSTERDAM 3 Day Itinerary
• PARIS 4 Days Itinerary
• BUDAPEST 2 Days Itinerary
• PRAGUE 2 Days Itinerary
• LONDON 1 Day Itinerary
• ATHENS 1 Day Itinerary
• BERLIN 2 Days Itinerary
• VIENNA 2 Days Itinerary
• LISBON 2 Days Itinerary

Travel Tips & Inspiration

We love to share our knowledge and advice about travelling the world. You may enjoy reading our best-ever travel tips to help your budget to stretch further on the road.

Perhaps you’re travelling on a budget? These  10 cheapest countries in Europe to visit may be just the tool you need to start planning an epic trip. Don’t forget to check out our  Ultimate Food Map of Europe .

And, for all of the food lovers out there, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies! And, if you’re more interested in history, these 30 amazing historical places in the world  will fascinate you!

But, here are  8 things to know about traveling to Eastern Europe  and it’s good to know these  7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe  too.

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Expert travel tips, resources and exclusive discounts worldwide

Or, perhaps these  21 Cheapest Countries to Visit Right Now  is just the thing you’ve been searching for.

We’ve got a bunch of  tips for how you can save money to travel the world , and even when you’re out there travelling, maybe these  20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world  will help you travel longer. It worked for us, and we bet it can work for you too.

Finally, these  top 6 travel hacks to save you money  are great to read when planning your travels.

And, if you’re planning a new trip, whether it’s for a week, a month, or even a few years, consider  buying an eSIM to stay connected . This is our favourite travel product, and you can read more about what is in eSIM and  why eSIM is so convenient for International Travel .

Check out the  travel gear we use on the road, and for the products and websites we recommend to plan new trips, head to our  Travel Resources Page .

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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9 Best Tips for the Big Lap Of Australia 

Visiting the New 7 Wonders of the World

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Your Complete Europe Travel Checklist (+ Printable Packing List!)

By Lisa Wells January 12, 2020 Updated: December 5, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Not sure what to pack for your upcoming trip to Europe? Here’s an easy-to-follow Europe travel checklist that you can use to pack for your upcoming European vacation. You’ll also find tips for planning your Europe travel outfits using a capsule wardrobe and a printable packing list.

Europe is an incredible continent for travel. Whether you're embarking on a European cruise or setting out to explore on land, there's lots to see and do, and oh-so-much history to explore. 

But there's also a lot to know about traveling in Europe, especially if this is your first time. And it's not at all like a US beach vacation or traveling to the Caribbean , where you're much more likely to spend your time shuttling between resort life and planned excursions. From the correct walking shoes to the right size carry-on for European airlines to the perils of dragging a heavy suitcase across those quaint cobblestone roads. Understanding what and how to pack for your European travels can make the difference between an enjoyable vacation and one that's frustrating.

With those frustrating yet avoidable situations in mind, here’s an easy-to-follow checklist that you can use to pack for your next trip to Europe. You’ll also find tips for planning your travel outfits and a printable Europe travel packing list.

Here’s a table of contents for what you’ll find below:

• Luggage & Packing Accessories
• European Capsule Wardrobe
• Toiletries & Makeup Essentials

Must-Have Travel Gadgets

Important travel documents.

• Other Handy Travel Items

Luggage, Travel Containers & Accessories

Just as your European outfit choices might look a little different when compared to domestic or beach travel, so too will your luggage and travel container choices. 

Luggage Fit for European Vacations

If you're traveling carry-on only to Europe, you will want to check carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions for each airline and/or land transportation method you'll be traveling.

Unlike domestic flights in the United States and Canada, European airline carry-on restrictions differ. And they're often much smaller than our domestic airlines. Planning for these restrictions will help you avoid surprise penalty fees from having your luggage checked at the gate.

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing your luggage is the ease of use. Particularly along cobblestone roads. With the incredible European history also comes older road infrastructure. We're talking things like cobblestone roads, buildings without elevators and narrow staircases.

To make getting around easier, the luggage that you travel with should take this into account. Traveling in a backpack carry-on (like this one ) can make it easier to get around, especially if you'll be moving frequently between destinations.

If carry-on only travel is out of the question, consider a lightweight hard-shelled suitcase with four sturdy wheels (like this one ). This will help with mobility across cobblestone roads and should help you avoid overweight charges if you indulge in a little shopping. 

Travel Containers That Make Packing Easy

From a carry-on friendly liquid bag to travel packing cubes , clever travel containers can help make packing for your European vacation much easier.

Ensuring that your carry-on liquids are 3-1-1 compliant  is especially important if you're traveling carry-on only, but this is something to pay attention to even if you're checking luggage. I've seen too many fellow travelers have their expensive, high-end toiletries confiscated at security! 

I like to decant my products into smaller travel-friendly containers. I like these for cosmetics and these for liquid shampoo, conditioner and body wash. 

Create a Capsule Wardrobe for Europe

Planning a capsule wardrobe for European travel can pose an interesting challenge if you're covering a lot of ground while you're away. Unlike planning a capsule wardrobe for a beach vacation , you're more likely to see a wide range of weather across Europe. For example, summer weather in Norway is different compared to the summer weather you'll encounter in Italy.

With this in mind, you'll want to gather weather information about each of the locations you'll be visiting. You'll also want to think a bit about the activities you'll be doing while you're away and whether you have access to laundry facilities. This will help you pack appropriately and help you feel more prepared.

Planning the Core of Your European Capsule Wardrobe

As a general guideline, vacations spanning one to two weeks will require a capsule wardrobe that includes about 10 to 12 core pieces of clothing. With a capsule wardrobe of this size, assuming that all items go together, you would have at least 18 different outfits to choose from during your time away. 

Weather can range widely in Europe, so a summer capsule wardrobe will look different when compared to a winter capsule wardrobe. 

For a summer climate, my European capsule wardrobe would include:

• Short-sleeve tops x 4
• Long-sleeve top x 1
• Dresses x 2
• Bottoms (mix of pants and skirts) x 3
• Lightweight jacket x 1

For a winter climate, my European capsule wardrobe would include:

• Long sleeve tops / lightweight knits x 4
• Thin base layer (long-sleeve top + leggings) x 1
• Wool coat x 1

And if you're traveling through a variety of climates, you might consider a capsule wardrobe that includes:

• Short-sleeve tops x 3
• Long-sleeve top x 3
• Mid-weight jacket x 1

Extra pieces, depending on your vacation activities, might also include:

• Scarf / pashmina x 1
• Versatile bathing suit x 1–I love traveling with this one
• Hat x 1– this one is my favorite travel hat   

And no matter the weather, you'll want to plan your shoes properly. Heels (even low ones) are not overly practical because of the cobblestone roads you're likely to encounter. Your best bet is to opt for a chic little loafer with lots of support (I love these ones from Arcopedico). Versatile and practical, keeping your outfit looking stylish while also protecting your feet and ankles from uneven roads and walkways.

Tips for a Versatile European Capsule Wardrobe

Here are my top three tips for planning a European capsule wardrobe with maximum versatility in mind:

• Choose a cohesive color story. The most versatile capsule wardrobes revolve around one accent color and two supporting neutrals. If you're feeling stuck, try pulling your color story from a patterned scarf. I usually travel with one and love using it as the inspiration for my capsule's color story.
• Make sure each piece goes with all the other pieces.  The only reason to pack a single-use item of clothing is for a specific activity or event you need that item for, like a wedding. 
• Pack multi-use items. For example, use the scarf you wore on the plane as a pashmina for visiting cathedrals and a cover-up if you spend an afternoon beachside.

Toiletries & Makeup Bag

I don't know about you, but I like to keep my toiletry bag light. My motto for vacation toiletries and makeup is: keep it simple. You'll quickly notice that Europeans typically wear less makeup, so the less-is-more approach will probably help you feel more at home among the locals. Plus, who wants to bother lugging around lots of makeup and beauty products on vacation!? 

Here are the must-haves in a keep-it-simple toiletries and makeup bag:

• Eyebrow pencil–defined brows go a long way in pulling together a minimal makeup look!   
• Powder blush
• Tinted moisturizer–with SPF 20 to provide a little extra protection
• Sheer lipstick that works as lip balm (I keep Twig on me at all times)
• Remover wipes for low-effort makeup removal
• Purifying shampoo–perfect for keeping locks feeling clean and hydrated while on the road 
• Body moisturizer
• Face moisturizer
• Sunscreen stick
• Deodorant (the charcoal one is my favorite–use code LISA for 10% off)
• Bar soaps & shampoos –great if you travel carry-on only and want to save space in your 3-1-1 liquids bag   

Simple, right? No need to pack a huge makeup and toiletries kit. Instead, figure out your own version of a five minute face and trust that that's all you need to look your best on the road.

There are a few travel gadgets that I don't leave home without because they make life on vacation easier, more enjoyable and more fun!

Here are the tech items you should pack on your European vacation:

• Phone & phone charger
• DSLR , camera charger, extra battery & memory card if you don't want to rely on your phone cam
• Kindle reader –perfect for long flights and train rides
• Travel adapter  

Proper packing for your upcoming travels goes beyond your wardrobe and travel gear. It's best to prepare for the unexpected–nobody likes to think about the things that could go wrong on a vacation, but the truth is you (or your travel buddies) could get sick or hurt.

Begin by reviewing travel advisories and vaccine and visa requirements for all countries you'll be visiting well before your departure date–at least 14 days. This will give you time to take care of any steps you may need to take to make sure your travel plans proceed as planned.

These are the documents you shouldn't leave home without:

• Passport–aim for six-months validity whenever you're traveling abroad
• Immunization records
• Travel insurance
• Foreign currency–in this case, euros and possibly pounds if you'll be stopping in the UK
• Boarding pass–I save space by using a digital wallet
• Travel itinerary–this also goes in my digital wallet (unless I’m taking a multi-country trip and think I may need to supply it at customs)
• Credit cards
• Driver's license or some other alternative form of personal ID
• Emergency contact info

I know many travelers that travel with a back-up copy of all the above-mentioned travel documents in a hard-copy format, but I prefer to travel with them stored on a  USB thumb drive . I usually tuck it into my first-aid kit and keep it separate from originals (just in case).

Other Handy Travel Items To Pack

And while none of these products are essential for European vacations, they make life a little easier while you're on the road.

• Waterproof bag –great if you'll be catching some beach time in the Mediterranean   
• Microfiber towel –handy if you'll be spending time by a beach or pool   
• Reusable shopping bag –for impromptu shopping trips    
• RFID travel wallet –perfect for keeping all your travel documents organized    
• Collapsible water bottle –water fountains are far and few between in Europe    

Grab Your Travel Checklist & Get Packing!

Now that you know what to pack for your European adventure, it's time to put this knowledge into action! Grab your Europe travel checklist and get started with your packing!

Looking for other travel packing tips? Check these out:

• How to pack for a beach vacation in just a carry-on
• What you need to pack for a cruise vacation
• The essential beach gear you need for a relaxing day at the beach

More Coastal Travel

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The Ultimate Packing List for Europe: What to Pack for Your Trip

Planning a trip to Europe and wondering what to pack? Don’t miss this complete packing list for Europe – with key essentials and seasonal additions to help you plan your trip. 

Packing for Europe is a tough call and getting your packing right is going to depend on a lot of different factors. 

How long are you going for? Are you travelling with checked luggage or carry on only? Which season are you going in? 

That’s a lot of questions right there – I can already feel you starting to give in to the temptation to shove a whole load of stuff in and hope for the best. 

Step away from the luggage. There’s no need to panic, or to pack everything – making your case so heavy that you can barely pick it up. 

This Europe packing list will walk you though:

• What to pack for Europe 
• Additional things to consider when packing for Europe in the Spring/ Summer / Fall and Winter 
• Practical tips to help you ensure you don’t pack too much

In short – everything you need to pack efficiently, conveniently and stylishly for your Europe trip.

What to Pack for Europe

Packing essentials for Europe at any time of the year.

You might think that starting a packing list talking about luggage is a bit of a hot take, but hear me out. Luggage can make or break a trip, so you’ll want to choose carefully. Convenience and durability are two big factors you need to consider before you set off.

So what luggage should you use? I’ll do a quick breeze through the pros and cons of the main options below.

Rolling Suitcase

A rolling suitcase is super convenient to roll around places like the airport, and put way less strain on your back.

The downside of rolling suitcases for Europe is that historic cobbled streets just weren’t made for this modern invention. Anyone who has undergone the mortifying shame of your suitcase clack clack clacking along a street for what feels like eternity knows what I’m talking about.

That said, I tend to travel with rolling suitcases these days because they’re so easy to get around with. Pick a hard-shell case to protect your belongings.

Recommended

• Away Carry On (read my full review here)
• Level8 Textured Carry On ( read my full review here)

Convertible Backpack

I love the convenience of a backpack but really can’t go past the style factor of a nice rolling case. The solution? A convertible backpack.

With these, you can wear them as a backpack or change it up to roll like a suitcase. Options are always good when travelling and I love a smart design like this.

Recommended 

• Osprey Transporter  
• Eastpak Tranverz  

Packing Cubes

I’m not sure how I didn’t discover packing cubes way earlier. I can only imagine how many packing-related frustrations could have been avoided if I had.

Packing cubes are lightweight and keep your suitcase in Marie Kondo organised perfection. You’ll be able to find everything you need in a jiffy, and it helps you to fit more into your suitcase.

Recommended 

• AmazonBasics Packing Cubes 

A good daypack is definitely a must on your Europe trip packing list. This is especially the case if you’re planning on doing any hikes.

A good daypack is light, with straps that are comfortable and distribute weight evenly. You’ll also want to have a peek inside to make sure it’s keeping everything well organised.

• Herschel Retreat Backpack 
• Osprey Daylite

A handbag is definitely on my list of things to pack for Europe. A great bag is the perfect addition to any outfit, and it keeps things stylish.

Consider security when it comes to handbags. Pickpocketing is an issue, especially in large cities, so you’ll want something that can be secured.

Reusable Canvas Bag

Plastic shopping bags are so 2015. Around the world, more and more countries are banning single-useplastic. 

Even where they’re not banned, they can still wreak havoc on the local environment. Do your bit and bring along a canvas bag instead.

I know, I know – this is the part of any travel packing list for Europe that causes the most headaches. You want to look your stylish best, without bringing your entire wardrobe.

Firstly, take a look at the general weather trends so you know what kind of conditions you’ll be dealing with. Then set about putting together a wardrobe.

I’m a big fan of capsule wardrobes, where a small number of pieces go together in many different combinations. It’s a quick and easy way to look super stylish on the road.

I recommend bringing a handful of tops in fairly neutral colours and patterns. While I’m a big fan of loud clothing, you don’t want to waste too much time trying to find things that match.

You’ll also want to bring a selection of short and long sleeves, especially if you’re travelling in spring or fall.

Skirts 

Ahhhh, what says “stylish Europtrip” more than a beautiful, billowy skirt. They’re comfy, stylish and super versatile as well.

I love a maxi or midi skirt, however depending on your style and the length of your trip, you might like to throw a mini in as well.

Dresses 

Like skirts, pretty dresses are a staple of pretty much every packing list for Europe in summer. They’re so easy to wear and look gorgeous as well.

I like to bring at least one casual dress, but it’s ideal if you also bring something that’s easily dressed up or down. 

Trousers and Pants

Trousers and travel pants are definitely a must for your travel list for Europe. Jeans are the perfect addition to any casual outfit, while loose trousers are also ideal for hiking or more active pursuits.

Outerwear is a definite must in Europe. Even if you’re considering heading to Europe in spring or summer, you’ll still want to add in a jacket or two in case of any chilly days.

Be sun smart, kids! Not only are hats important to stop yourself getting burnt (no one wants to look like a lobster in their holiday snaps) but they are also super stylish.

My pick is a wide-brimmed hat. They get maximum marks in the style and the practical departments.

Let’s be honest, hitting the beach or hotel pool is pretty much non-negotiable for a fabulous summer trip. So you won’t want to forget your swimwear.

What you choose is pretty much up to you and your style. Just make sure you’d tried it on beforehand and that it makes you feel fab.

So travel socks are not the sexiest thing you need when travelling to Europe, but they are important. Travel socks can help you stave off baddies like DVT or blisters, while also keeping you warm and comfy.

They’re especially important if you’re planning on doing any hiking or a lot of walking (which is pretty likely). 

Don’t underestimate the importance of some comfy undies for your trip.

I recommend bringing plenty, as they don’t take up much room and you don’t want to be doing your washing every couple of days. There’s way more fun things to do than that.

Footwear can be a difficult one when considering what to pack when travelling to Europe. They’re a definite must, but they can take up a lot of room – so choose wisely.

Comfortable Travel Shoes / Trainers

Nothing ruins a day exploring an amazing city quicker than getting a blister. That’s why I never leave London without a pair of comfy travel shoes or trainers in my bag.

I’m a huge fan of Tropicfeel’s Geyser trainers for cooler months – they’re great for walking around the city but are great hiking trainers for hikes where you don’t need much ankle support. I use the brand’s Canyon trainers during the warmer months.

• Tropicfeel Geyser
• Tropicfeel Canyon
• Allbirds Tree Runners

The Full Lowdown on Tropicfeel’s Geyser Trainers

Stylish Travel Shoes 

Just as important as a comfy option is a pair that make you feel fabulous as soon as you put them on. Whether it’s a pair of gorgeous boots or maybe your fave heels (that you can walk in easily), you can consider adding in a pretty option.

There’s no point in me lying, I do not bring pretty shoes when I travel anymore, I just think they take up too much space for very little use, but I tend to err on the scruffy side of things, so you can make your own decision.

Hiking Boots / Sandals 

If you’re planning on hiking then some proper boots or sandals are a must. They are comfy and help protect you from slipping and hurting yourself. 

Boots are a classic option, but if you’re travelling in summer you might prefer to opt for some lighter hiking sandals.

Merrell Women’s Hiking Boots: Comfortable high rise hiking boots with good ankle support and grip for keeping you safe on those adventures

Useful Items  

There are a whole raft of items that should make it onto the best packing list for Europe, but often don’t. 

We’ve all grumbled as we’ve paid an extortionate amount for something at the airport – so save money and buy it ahead of time if you think you’ll need it.

Travel Towel 

A must-have if you’re camping or staying in hostels where they’re not provided, but super helpful for any trip – particularly if you plan on swinging by a beach or two. They’re lightweight, small and can really help you out if you’re stuck without.

Dock & Bay Sandproof Towel: A cute, bright and beachy sand-proof towel. It folds into a small bag making it perfect for summer travels

Earplugs and Eye Mask 

You’ll be so glad you brought these if there’s a crying baby on your flight or you find your hotel is perched above a nightclub. Plus they take up hardly any room.

Torch 

If you’re camping or hiking then a torch is definitely a travel necessity for Europe. You don’t want to get caught out trying to find the bathroom with only your phone’s flash – so bring a small but powerful torch instead.

Refillable Water Bottle 

Like plastic shopping bags, plastic water bottles are a big environmental no-no. Plus, it gets expensive to keep buying single-use water. 

Instead, bring a decent refillable water bottle – a filtered one is ideal if you’re travelling to places where the tap water isn’t safe to drink.

Money Belt 

The only person who should be spending your money in Europe is YOU. Make sure no dodgy pickpockets get their hands on it by using a discrete money belt. 

Worn under your clothes, it’s the perfect place to store your valuables.

Gadgets + Electronics 

Who doesn’t love a good gadget while travelling? There are heaps that can make your life way easier – but you’ll also want to make sure you’re going to use them enough to make it worth the space they take up.

While some people say a smartphone is enough to take photos for your Euro trip, I’ve got to disagree. Nothing compares to a good quality camera, which will allow you to capture your amazing moments with a little more creativity.

Memory Cards

No packing checklist for travelling to Europe would be complete without some memory cards for your camera. I recommend bringing a few in a durable case, so you don’t need to delete them from the card. 

Spare Batteries 

We’ve all experienced the ultimate travel disaster that is realising our battery is flat in front of a beautiful attraction. Avoid this by bringing spare batteries and keeping them charged (but remember you can’t bring them in your hand luggage).

Travel Adapter 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten this and ended up paying double at the airport. Avoid this and make sure you bring along your universal travel adaptor – a good quality one will last you for years.

All in one travel adapter

External Power Pack

Avoid the disaster that is your phone going flat at an unexpected moment with an external power pack that can give your phone or other devices a boost. It’s especially ideal for long bus or train rides, hiking or overnight camping.

Anker Power Pack 

Toiletries 

While you can purchase anything you’ve forgotten, there are lots of toiletries to pack for Europe. 

This includes;  shampoo / dry shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm with sunscreen moisturiser and for the ladies, don’t forget your feminine hygiene supplies. 

If you take any prescription medication, you’ll definitely want to bring them to Europe as it is difficult (and not always possible) to get refills.

I also recommend bringing a small medical kit with essentials like aspirin and plasters. Although most of these are available in Europe, it’s much easier to bring them yourself rather than 

Avoid looking like a lobster while travelling in Europe, and protect your skin from long term damage. Sunscreen is a definite must for what to bring to Europe, and I recommend going for at least 50+ SPF for fair skin, 30+ for darker skin.

Travel Essentials for Europe 

The ultimate packing list for Europe would not be complete without including all the absolute essentials. Without these items, you really aren’t getting far on your trip.

Passport / Visas 

You aren’t even leaving the airport with these ones, so make sure you’ve got these sorted well before you fly. 

While bringing your passport is pretty obvious, it’s a common travel mistake not to check the visa requirements before you travel. Don’t get caught out.

Travel Insurance 

None of us want to think about anything going wrong on holiday, and hopefully it won’t. However, you’ll get lots of peace of mind knowing you’re covered in the event of lost luggage, cancellations or accident/illness. Insurance is a definite must for travel to Europe.

Cash / Credit Cards 

Sadly, travel is not free so cash and cards are a must. 

It’s worth looking into the best travel cards, especially if you are travelling for a few weeks. Ideally, bring more than one and keep them separate, for security reasons. Another security tip is to alert your bank that you’ll be travelling.

While card / Apple/ Google pay is widely accepted in Europe, I still recommend bringing some cash just in case. The cheapest way to do this is to get it out of the ATM once you arrive (away from the airport). 

You might also like to bring a little bit that you’ve swapped at home – but keep in mind this is an expensive way to do it.

Tickets and Reservations 

It’s common nowadays to just keep these on your phone, but I’ve definitely been caught out without battery or wifi. For that reason, I recommend bringing hard copies of important tickets and reservations just in case.

Emergency Contacts + Addresses 

Like with travel insurance, chances are these will remain in your bag untouched. But it’s still a good idea to keep some information about who to contact in an emergency, just in case.

Copies of Important Documents to Keep Separate from Wallet 

One of my most important packing tips for a Europe trip is to keep your most important documents separate from your wallet. This includes documents like your passport as well as, ideally, a backup credit card.

This way, even if your wallet gets swiped, you aren’t totally stuck and helpless.

Guide Book 

What? A travel blogger recommending an old school guidebook? 

Yep, I totally love a good guidebook. They give you a fab overview of a new place, and can be used even if you’ve got no ‘net. Of course, then you should check out my travel blog for more info.

What to Pack for Europe in the Summer 

Are you wondering what to pack when going to Europe in summer? Overall, things are usually pretty warm, but you’ll still want to bring some options for the odd cool day.

Quick Dry Beach Towel 

I love this invention. Gone are the days of lugging around a damp beach towel in your suitcase for days on end. 

Sunglasses  

Any practical or stylish packing list for Europe in summer should include a pair of sunglasses. They’re important for your eye health (not to sound like your Mum or anything), but they also look great with your outfit too. 

The perfect addition to any summer wardrobe in Europe is a good pair of shorts. They’ll keep you cool and looking great – I’m especially a fan of the classic that is a pair of denim cut-offs.

What to Pack for Europe in Spring and Autumn / Fall 

Layers .

If you’re considering a packing list for Europe in fall or spring, you’ll want to keep in mind the weather can be unpredictable. A great way to get around this is to pack layers like a lightweight jumper, which you can add or remove as necessary.

Rainproof Jacket 

Rain is kind of a given in spring and fall in Europe, so pack accordingly. Like a good Brit, a little rain will never scare me off sightseeing – and a good rainproof jacket certainly helps. 

A good one is light and folds up easily, meaning it won’t take up much room in your luggage.

As above, a little rain is no match for a sturdy umbrella. Make sure that rain doesn’t put a dampener (haha) on your plans by bringing a good brolly.

What to Pack for Europe in Winter

Thick Winter Jacket / Coat  

Europe in winter is beautiful, romantic, and cold. Really cold. It’s therefore a must to bring a thick winter jacket or coat, so you’ll be warm (and stylish) even when it’s frosty outside.

I read once that you lose most of your body heat through your head… so make sure to put a cosy hat on it. It will keep you toasty warm, and they look super cute as well. Bonus points if it covers your ears from the chill.

Another must for your packing list for Europe in winter is a good scarf. I absolutely love scarves – not only do they do a great job in keeping you warm, but they also add some immediate charm and interest to your outfit. 

A colourful one is a great way to instantly add some pizzazz to your clothes.

Gloves  

A good pair of gloves is a must for any men’s or women’s packing list for Europe in winter. Don’t underestimate how much warmer they’ll keep you – you don’t want your fingers going all numb and tingly while wandering around a city. Gloves are a definite must.

Packing Tips for Your Europe Trip

• Versatility is key when choosing what to pack when going to Europe. I love clothes that all wear well together, as well as products with multiple uses.
• Organisation is really key to fitting everything in your suitcase and being able to access it easily. Avoid the nightmare that is having to throw everything out onto the floor, by packing in a sensible way.
• Although it’s tempting to leave packing to the last possible moment, I recommend doing it a day or two before you leave so that you’ll have time to realise if you’ve left anything off your Europe trip packing checklist.

Read More Europe Guides

• The Ultimate Europe Bucket List  
• The Insider’s Guide to Travelling Europe
• The Best Places to Visit in Europe
• Stunning City Breaks in Europe

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Packing List for Europe: Essential Travel Items (+ printable checklist)

Packing… often rather a lot of effort. Therefore I have pulled together my go-to packing list for Europe! And keep reading for my printable packing list for you to download.

After years of travelling around Europe from country to country, I’ve pulled together my ultimate packing list for Europe (with a printable checklist for your own travels). I love the process of packing, but it can be a hard slog, especially if you’re off on a trip which is longer than usual.

I’ve spent weeks pulling together a suitcase before and often start packing way ahead of my trips. (I have also created a Packing List for Europe which is printable for you!)

The list below is an example of a Europe packing list based around a trip consisting of two weeks of travel, to around five countries. Of course, the printable packing list for Europe will change as per the seasons and it’s important to bear this in mind when pulling together your items for the trip. 

The idea is to break down the essential items for your trip and give you an idea of what you should carry in your suitcase or backpack for example. Here is my ultimate packing list for Europe!

Packing List for Europe

Sustainable fashion.

A topic really close to my heart is sustainable fashion. After years of travelling the world, it’s made me realise how much clothing is worn once and thrown into a landfill.

We should all be doing more to protect our planet and ensure we are putting as much back into the planet as we are taking out. But there are brands already setting the standard.

A brand which I love, and whose ethics around sustainability are second to none is GANT . 

Their vision is to make the world a more beautiful place and they believe that we should Never Stop Learning. Sustainability breathes throughout the GANT brand, promoting effortless style, but also long-lasting clothing, which is timeless and high-quality. 

And to celebrate their heritage of being a bio-based business, they continue to source traceable and sustainable plant-based materials globally. This is both beneficial to the brand, but also the planet. As a heritage brand being around since 1949 it’s really great to see that an older brand can be taught new tricks and aren’t afraid of necessary changes for a better world and future for us all. 

At the moment, going on holiday somewhere more than an hour away from your house seems like a very long way away.

However, as we look ahead at the coming year, one of the best treats we can give ourselves is to start thinking about where we want to go and what we want to do once the restrictions start to be lifted and we can treat ourselves to a good, proper, relaxing holiday.

It may be a little while before things are properly back to normal but we are all going to deserve a real break after all of this, so why not start thinking about the useful items you’re going to need?

There is a lot of uncertainty about when exactly we’ll be able to go on holiday and where we’ll be able to go, but some essentials remain the same no matter the season and no matter the location. Here are a few things you will always need in your travel bag.

Backpack or Suitcase

Whether you’re backpacking around Europe, skiing in the Alps, or travelling for business you will be need something to keep some form of luggage. I often travel with hand luggage only, as it makes for a quick exit when I arrive in a country – however, if you are off on a trip that lasts more than a few days I’d recommend buying a light-weight mid-size suitcase with wheels, or a flexible backpack.

I’ve tried many suitcases and backpacks over the years and I am yet to decide on my favourite. I have tried Eastpak, Osprey, Caribee, Mountain Warehouse and many more. I use my Eastpak suitcase the most, and love how light it is and flexible.

GANT is best known for their shirts and has been the original shirtmakers since 1949. They’ve always played a large role in British fashion, and they know a thing or two about how to design a seriously stylish shirt. GANT shirts are designed in order to flatter every body type and are the essence of any wardrobe and come in an array of shirt sizes .

GANT see the shirt as perhaps the most versatile item in every wardrobe and it’s certainly an item I recommend for you to take when travelling around Europe. The shirt is an essential item for any European trip, offering luxury, style but also comfort. A shirt can be worn with shorts, open on top of a floral dress or layered as part of a more formal outfit for the evening. Whatever the occasion, a GANT shirt always has you covered.

Bathing Suit

If you’re heading off to Europe over the summer you’ll going to want to take your swimming costume. Whether you are paddleboarding in Greece, cliff jumping in Cyprus or sailing in the Mediterranean – you’ll want to pack some beach essentials in your packing list for Europe. Even if it’s not summertime in Europe it never hurts to have a swimsuit in your suitcase. I travel with two one piece swimsuits, one active costume and one nicer one for the beach.

Rain Jacket

No matter the season a rain jacket is always an essential for travelling to Europe (and the rest of the world). I have a rain jacket by FatFace which I take with me everywhere and it’s yellow!

A formal outfit

Even if you plan on roughing it, you never know when you might get invited out for drinks at a nice bar or to a family event. I would suggest bringing a more formal outfit such as a black dress for the ladies and a shirt and chinos for the men. Most Europeans are pretty stylish, especially in the cities so make sure you’ve got one outfit that’s more formal.

Active Wear

I love to travel in active wear so end up bringing a kit with me anyway, but even if you don’t I would bring a pair of leggings and sports bra for those more adventurous activities on your travels through Europe. They’re also useful if you plan to go hiking or skiing for example and remember to also bring a good pair of trainers and /or hiking boots.

Scarves are great for fall and winter in Europe, and they can also act as a blanket too for long bus journeys or when it gets colder in the winter months. A versatile item with many uses!

Lightweight jumpers are nice for dressing up or down with other items. They can be worn with jeans and trainers for a day exploring, or added on top of a dress with boots for a more formal look. They are also vital if you are travelling to somewhere where the evenings get cooler or for cool nights.

Bring lots – but bring basics! I always travel with a black, white and grey plan tee, as well as a slogan tee for added personality. They go with everything and you can also wear then with jeans, skirts, under dresses and with shirts.

I am a black jeans lover. I own around 10 pairs of black jeans and one pair of blue jeans. But that’s okay, because the black jeans go with everything and again, can be dressed up or down for various situations. You can wear jeans for months without washing them and they still won’t stink. Plus, jeans are a staple in every European’s wardrobe – styled with a Breton tee and you look like a local.

Walking Shoes

When you’re packing for Europe know that a good pair of comfortable walking shoes is important for getting around European cities. I usually go for a sporty trainer for city explorations and then a hiking boot for the more adventurous days. My favourite hiking boots are from Merrell.

I take my Converse EVERYWHERE with me! And a good pair of Vans will last a long time. Personal preference!

Travel Adaptor

You will definitely need an adaptor for your electronics on your packing list for Europe. We always keep one handy in our carry-on bags, that way we can charge electronics on arrival or at the airport. Oh and TOP TIP – take an extension lead as it’s a great way to charge more items all at once with only one adapter!

Camera and memory card

If you’re travelling around Europe, you’ll want a really great camera to record your memories. I’ve literally just bought a Canon G7X Mark II and its such a great camera. It’s lightweight, compact and takes amazing photos that are just as good as my bigger DSLR – Nikon 3300D.

The Canon G7X also doesn’t scream HEY LOOK AT ME I’M A TOURIST. And remember to get a big memory card for all the photos – I have a 64GB memory card since I take lots of photos and video.

I take this handy little action camera everywhere with me – every trip I take it’s in my pocket ready to point and shoot! They aren’t cheap but they do provide you with amazing footage, and shoot within seconds so you’ll never miss a moment!

Wireless Range Extender

If you need to be on-the-line like me a lot then I’d recommend getting yourself a wireless range extender for your travels. It is helpful for extending the range of the WiFi in your hotel, or hostel and it means you’ve got your own little link up to the outside world and won’t have to fight for the wifi again.

This one is for the ladies, and I wanted to make note of it for anyone still wondering what to pack for a trip to Europe. I take to make up with me everywhere – I don’t take a lot but I do take the essentials.

Europe is fairly cheap for buying to make up so don’t worry too much about packing enough or running out. I usually pack 1 x Mascara, 1 x Face Powder, 1 x Concealer and 1 x Blusher. That’s usually enough for me and I will then top up if needed.

OTHER ITEMS

My absolute go-to for jewellery is Daisy London, a much-loved British jewellery brand known for beautiful, everyday jewellery with meaning.

Each piece is designed to be an extension of your own personal style, wherever you are in the world. Dreamt up in London’s Portobello Road over ten years ago, the brand has grown to cult status and is one of my favourite jewellery brands out there. Everytime I travel I always take my Daisy jewellery with me, including my ring collection . 

As a big fan of Marco Polo Travel Guides, I am constantly buying their books before a trip and a trip to Europe is no different. They’ve got loads of guide books for countries all over Europe, and they are easy to read, come with local insider tips and have a handy little map at the back for you to pull out and write over. I also use other travel blogs for inspiration for anything the guide book doesn’t provide me with!

Travel towels

Quick-dry travel towels are amazing if you’re staying in hostels during your trip to Europe. After eight years of travelling around the world, and staying in multiple hostels I have learned to never travel without one. They are light and fold up small, and can dry within one hour.

Water Bottle

Save the turtles bro! Always bring your own bottle with you when you travel to Europe – empty it before going through security though! I’ve never had a problem with the water in Europe, and it’s also saving the planet by buying less plastic bottles!

Now that we’re more conscientious about how and where we’re picking up germs, we should all be thinking about bringing our own food and water with us where possible, and using your own water bottle will certainly help minimise that risk.

The other most important reason for using your own water container is the same as it has always been: it helps cut out a huge amount of plastic waste for a more environmentally friendly way to stay hydrated.

Packing cubes

I travel a lot and therefore I am constantly on the lookout for ways to make travelling less stressful and more enjoyable. I have recently used packing cubes for my trip to Australia and New Zealand and only a few weeks into the trip the two main cubes had alright ripped or the zip had broken.

Then on a recent trip to IKEA, I realised they had also started selling their version of a packing cube in their travel and IKEA family range. (They have also started selling suitcases, I am intrigued to see how they match up to higher-priced brands.) Read my IKEA packing cubes review here .

Vape Fluid 

The vapers among us know that there is nothing more frustrating than being caught without proper supplies.

It’s easy enough if you’re in a city to pop into a shop and buy a quick, if expensive, replacement or back-up, but if you are heading out with the intention of getting as far away from everyone else as possible, you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the countryside and find that your vape is suddenly out of juice.

Make sure that you’ve got enough fluid, batteries and replacement coils for your e-cigarette devices to cover any eventuality and you’ll save yourself from a whole lot of tetchy panic. You can find vape liquid here .

We have all been having a lot of screen time over the last twelve months, so much so that research charities have started voicing their concerns about what it’s doing to our eyesight. With that in mind, why not give your eyes a rest from all that blue light and get back into a good book?

The series you love will still be waiting on the streaming services when you get back, don’t worry! And while you’re taking a break from the binge-watches, why not try taking a little hiatus from social media too?

We’re not saying that you shouldn’t take lots of pictures of the scenic views from your break, but we have all done far too much doom-scrolling over the last year or so, and we owe it to our brains and our mental health to take that step back and reconnect with the world that is in front of us, not the one on our screens.

These are small but essential travel necessities for Europe as they can be crucial to your sleep. Where you’re flying in business class or sleeping in a hostel a good pair of earplugs will help you sleep, as well as a great eye mask – my favourite is from Tempur as it’s completely blackout!

What items have I missed?!

Let me know in the comments! I hope you get a lot of use out of my packing list for Europe.

Printable Packing List for Europe

**here’s my printable packing checklist**.

(Simply right click and save, then open in a word document as an image and print)

Airline Cabin Luggage Allowances: Guide to hand baggage sizes and weight restrictions

Once you’ve downloaded my printable packing list Europe, you can save yourself a whole lot of cabin baggage stress and potential additional charges when boarding by checking dimensions and weight restrictions before you travel.

I’ve pulled together Europe’s major airline’s cabin allowances into one easy to read the guide below. And if you’re fed up with waiting for your luggage at the carousel, and want to maximise what you can get in your cabin bag then check out these great top tips for travelling light with your hand luggage.

We’ve all experienced the anxiety of arriving at the airport, worrying about how heavy our bags are and whether they’ll exceed the luggage allowance at check-in. Should I really have packed two jackets for a beach holiday? Will they have a hairdryer at the hotel? Will they let me spread the weight between two bags? Sound familiar?

SEE MY FULL LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE  GUIDE FOR A TRIP TO EUROPE AND BEYOND

My travel tips and recommendations.

To book flights, I always use flight search engine, Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals. 

Accommodation

For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through  Booking.com.  I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb. If you haven’t signed up with Airbnb already, you can use  this link  to get £25 off your first visit!

Photography and Technology

Here is a list of the technology I always travel with:

• Canon G7X Mark II
• Canon EOS M50 and lens
• GoPro Hero Black 7
• DJI Mavic Pro
• RØDE VideoMic GO On Microphone

Travel Insurance

Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner.  World Nomads  is an affordable option that I personally recommend.  BOOK HERE

You can also find me on social media:  Facebook ,  Twitter,   YouTube  and  Instagram .

Sign up to  AirBnB with this link  and receive a £23 off your first booking.

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Did you know I also vlog my trips? Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel so you get alerted when all my travel videos goes live…  CHECK THEM OUT HERE

Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.

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Ultimate Packing List for Europe for all seasons

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Europe is our favorite continent of visit. In a given year, we visit this mighty continent 1-2 times all the way from North America and pack everything in our lovely backpack carry-on. We have visited different countries at different times of the year and that has given us an in-depth understanding of the packing needs to not only survive but enjoy European countries to the fullest. So here is our ultimate packing list for Europe, with travel tips.

Let’s start with a quick snapshot of Europe. This comprehensive post has Europe packing list recommendations by season – spring, summer, fall, and winter. We have included some exceptions for certain regions or countries in Europe where additional items may be required due to geographical variations. A style guide including a list of accessories to take along with you is also highlighted here.

Europe is a HUGE continent and there are variations across the continent in terms of climate. For ease of understanding, let’s split Europe into four (4) regions.

• Western Europe – They have an Oceanic climate, which is characterized by mild summers and winters. But frequent rains are expected, a lack of dry season, if you will. Countries like France, Netherlands, Germany, and Austria are some of the popular places in this region. We have been to all 4 countries mentioned here and it is unpredictable, trust us.
• Eastern Europe – Countries in this region are characterized by colder winters. Our Canadian winters can be compared to theirs. Their summer weather is more stable than winter weather (known as continental climate). Comrade countries (pun intended ) include Russia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, etc. Depending on the city, Hungary and Czech Republic can be treated as a part of Central Europe and their weather is similar to western Europe (mild weather with rains throughout – oceanic)
• Northern Europe – They experience a mix of continental and oceanic weather. Parts of the United Kingdom like England is more of an oceanic weather characteristic by rains and moderate temperatures throughout. If you go further north to Ireland and up to Iceland, rains although common, they experience dry months in May-June (unlike the oceanic feature) and their winters are colder (like continental). Iceland is definitely a mix of that and hence quite unpredictable.
• Southern Europe –  Located by the Mediterranean with beaches and warm weather, you guessed it right the countries in southern Europe are different from the other areas of the continent. Their summers are HOT and winters are RAINY/wet – so either you get wet at the beach in summers and other times of the year and during winter, it’s raining! Well, this is the MEXICO of Europe – so if you are heading to Spain, Portugal or Gibraltar, carry swimwear and sunscreen and all things fun-in-the-sun.

A handy packing list is also included at the end of this post.

Post Contents

Ultimate Packing List for Europe

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

First things first, let’s sort out how you will be carrying your travel items. In our humble opinion, we recommend taking only carry-on with you – whether it’s a backpack or a stroller. Reasons are simple: most airlines will charge if you are carrying additional luggage.

If you are only flying internationally and do not plan on traveling via regional flights (TAP Portugal or Ryanair and other low-cost airlines) then you are fine. You can carry a checked-in bag as per the carrier’s allowance. But most low-cost carriers won’t allow for that, so definitely factor that in. One carry-on is also ideal if you are traveling via inter-city or inter-regional trains while exploring Europe. More things to carry, more hassle it is.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR EUROPE

Let’s start with the travel documents. Check your passport to ensure it is current and not expired. Typically European countries will require a passport with a validity of 3 months after the intended date of departure. But to be on the safer side, ensure you have 6 months validity on it. If you require a Schengen visa , get the visa approval process started at least a month prior to your booked trip.

Include any additional IDs like driver’s license, residency cards, or ID card with a photo on it. Organize and carry any additional documents pertaining to travel arrangements like hotel reservations, tours, or any specific addresses and itinerary guide.

If all of those documents are paperless and you intend to save it on your phone, double-check so that you got everything in there. Use an app like TripIt for itinerary planning and list. It is always good to carry a copy of your ticket and hotel reservation, should you phone stop working or you have issues in pulling the documents without wifi. Store all the travel documents and your passport in THIS – RFID protected document organizer. < Click here

Check out Document Organizer from Amazon

Check out Document Organizer – Luxury

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR EUROPE

Travel Insurance is such an important part of any trip. We always insure our travels. We are pretty optimistic about our travels, but having an insurance plan means we are covered should anything weird come up. Travel insurance covers you against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and delays provide accommodation and/or refund if you entirely cancel your trip.

Use the link below to find out a travel plan that works for you and your family. This tool will provide you with quotes. We have insured trips for as little as 4 USD a day. So definitely worth having that peace of mind.

Get travel insurance quotes for your trip here

Other than the essential documents (in an organizer), you will be of course carrying clothes, shoes, and toiletries. And you will need the main luggage bag. So let’s talk a little bit about that.

MAIN CARRY ON BACK PACK OR SUITCASE

Invest in a sturdy backpack or a suitcase for your travels to Europe. We enjoy carrying a large size backpack (40-45 L) to store all of our belongings. It will be BEST to be able to travel with just a carry-on – less hassle at the airport or savings on baggage fees.

Pacsafe Venturesafe Anti-theft back pack –  Anti-theft travel backpacks are your BEST friend when you travel especially in Europe. The Pacsafe Venturesafe 45 litre is good size backpack to carry clothes for 10-12 days. This carry-on travel backpack has tons of storage space, in neat compartments to keep your essentials organized. It also comes with cut-proof material, lockable zippers, and an RFID blocking pocket to keep your credit cards and IDs safe. Buy here Pacsafe Venturesafe 45 litre

SwissGear Sion 21″ – Whenever we travel for business, we prefer carrying a carry-on suitcase/trolley. This Swiss Gear Sion 21 inch carry on is very spacious and can hold a lot. It is lightweight and has wheels, making it super easy to carry along at the airport. Being light, anyone (me included) can haul that to the cabin top compartment and bring it down with ease. Click here to buy Swiss Gear Sion 21 inch carry on

We highly recommend that you travel and pack light, it makes the journey even more delightful.

DAY PACK OR PURSE FOR OUTINGS

For your day to day outings, guys can opt for an anti-theft daypack like this one . My pretty ladies choose a versatile anti-theft purse – cross body or shoulder bag – your choice. I wrote a whole post about it, so do take a look – BEST travel handbags out there .

We highly recommend anti-theft bags as they keep your belongings secure and out of sight from pickpockets and other elements. The anti-theft bags come with cut-proof and slash-proof material that hinders someone from getting access to your items.

Most bags also have RFID protection which means that when you carry your credit cards or other documents they are protected against identity theft. Some of the bags also come with guard protection, wherein you can attach the bag or backpack to a pole or chair.

Check out Anti-theft bags and purses from Amazon

The reason we have highlighted these details here is that MOST (not all), most European cities, especially the popular ones have a problem of over-tourism and theft.  The crowded old town or market squares are hot ground for thieves.

The same goes for crowded buses and trains (including overnight trains). You might get away by carrying a casual bag in probably Iceland, which is one of the safest places in Europe. But cities like Paris, Barcelona, Prague, etc you gotta be careful mate!

PACKING CUBES FOR EUROPE

Don’t forget your packing cubes. They come in a long way to keep your clothes organized and compressed. Using a packing cube, you will find that there is more space for your items. Give it a try. We have used a few over the years. Here are a few that we recommend. Currently, we are rocking this one from Eagle and Creek. BUY it here 

EXTRA BAG FOR SOUVENIRS AND SHOPPING

TECHNOLOGY FOR EUROPE

This technology list consists of items that a regular traveler would use. We consider ourselves as one of you – a traveler first (and a blogger). In all honesty, we don’t own heavy bulky cameras that break our neck nor do we carry 4 tripods and 6 different lenses. We love traveling light and smart and our technology list is also a reflection of that.

CELLPHONE AND SIM CARDS FOR EUROPE

So, cell phones are a MUST. We carry our iPhone and Android phones on our travels. We had never used cell services outside. We had relied on wifi for communication and calls and it had worked for us. If you have to carry a SIM card, here are some things to keep in mind.

• Ensure your cellphone or smartphone is unlocked and can be used in Europe. Most of us are tied into a 2-year contract with Verizon or Virgin and they won’t work, unless if you have the phone unlocked.
• If you are in a contract, you can buy a cheaper handset from Amazon only for Europe. Check this unlock cellphone here
• Opt for pre-paid SIM cards in Europe – no contract, no exchange of personal data, and no expensive fees. It is pay peruse.
• You can get a pre-paid card from any retail, news-stands, or grocery store.
• Cost is about $5–10 which includes some prepaid calling credit.
• Buy 20 GB data included SIM Card,
• Or a data plan with 12 GB, pre-paid valid for 30 days you can get lower than this on Amazon at 3 GB. Buy a 3 GB data SIM Card 

CAMERA FOR EUROPE

We use a Sony mirrorless camera and all of the pictures that you see here on the blog or Instagram are taken by our cell phones or mirrorless camera. Here is the mirrorless camera from Sony that we use and recommend .

The battery life on the camera is also good. It lasts us a whole day of photography. We do very little video recording, it is only still photos. For camera protection, use a neoprene cover like this one. They will protect the camera from scratches and marks, without adding the bulkiness.

MULTI-PORT CHARGING CABLES

Charging cables are so so important. Nowadays some hotels in Europe have ditched the plugs and only have a USB outlet to charge electronics. Carry this versatile multi-cable – BUY it here . With a single cable, you can charge the iPhone, Android, Sony camera, and more. This cable has a micro USB and a lightning port. And it is a space saver and one of our favorite travel pieces of all time.

BATTERY BACK UP

Carry a battery back up or a power bank to charge your electronics on the go. Buy your battery power bank here

We highly recommend bringing a high capacity SD card. Ensure it fits the camera slot and is empty so that you can capture memories. Click here to buy a high capacity – 128 GB storage card. 

ADAPTOR AND CONVERTER FOR EUROPE

European plug points are different from North America and Asia. So a universal adaptor is a must-have item if you are a frequent traveler. We recommend this one.

If you are carrying shavers and hair dryers, you will need an electricity converter so that the voltage of your appliance matches the one in Europe. Remember, adaptors can be used for extended periods of time, let’s say charging your camera or phone overnight. A converter is meant for ad-hoc or required use only like while shaving, etc. Purchase your convertor here .

Headphones are a must for in-flight entertainment. And even for sleep. These noise-canceling headphones from Bose are my favorite . It is big, but it does provide awesome sound quality. They are also handy when you take guided tours or audio tours in Europe.

WORK AND ENTERTAINMENT

Here are some items that you may want to consider carrying with you, depending on personal interest. They include –

• Kindle or tablet – Kindle is SUPER handy, you can download thousands of books and the battery capacity is amazing. Get your Kindle here
• Magazines and Books
• Notebook – Check this travel journal here

IN-FLIGHT COMFORT – PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE

Carry these items for in-flight comfort

• Eye mask for sound sleep – Click here to get yours 
• Compression socks for long haul flights – Get compression sock for HIM & HER
• Sleeping/ neck pillow – Get yours here
• Travel Blanket – Buy yours here

READ: Our long haul flight essentials 

WATER BOTTLE FOR EUROPE TRAVEL PACKING LIST

MEDICATIONS PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE

Whenever you travel and wherever you travel, take your medications, if you require any. It is expensive to purchase them abroad and it may or may not match the recommended dosage you are on.

• Carry OTC drugs like – Tylenol for headaches, pain killers , cold and flu, and antacids.
• Add jetlag medicines like this one .
• Include lady products.

COSMETICS PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE

Here are some toiletries and cosmetics that you should carry. But firstly purchase a clear cosmetic or toiletry bag like this one . I have been re-using the same for a few years now and they are super handy when you have to take out your liquids for security checks. So definitely purchase one as a travel investment.

If you prefer a hanging toiletry bag, here is a recommendation – Make up bag is leak-proof and good for men and women!

Buy travel size shampoos and lotions or use these containers to carry your everyday favorite. I have included another clear bag brand here which is super cute and functional. Check it out below and click on the image to find out more.

Items for your cosmetics bag

• Travel size perfume , – 30 ML
• hand sanitizer,
• moisturizer,
• Light make up items like foundation ( NARS foundation is my go to ), eye pencil (waterproof- Rimmel are my ABSOLUTE FAV ), 2-3 lipsticks
• Sunscreen protection for all seasons.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush,
• facial wipes
• Hair ties and hairbrush

Shop my beauty essentials

• Carry basic jewelry, no expensive watches or earrings, nothing flashy.
• Add a laundry bag and detergent sachet to wash clothes, if traveling for a long term and you are pack light.

WHAT CLOTHES TO PACK FOR EUROPE? PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE

Now the best part what clothes to pack for Europe and how to dress up and what to wear? We have included a seasonal breakdown of packing items below (listicle) as well as some outfit ideas.

When you pack clothes for Europe for spring, stick to basic and neutral colors. They look classy and put together, without screaming, ‘hey! I am a tourist’. No loud graphics or designs. Plain and mono-colors, the better. That is true for ladies tops and men’s t-shirts.

I do recommend carrying dresses, mostly for pictures. But remember the weather on certain days might be colder – so if you don’t like dresses, don’t bother carrying them. If you do like, team them up with tights or carry a trench coat or jacket for cover-up. All kinds of dresses are fine for spring – dressy, long and short dress, flowery, short/long sleeves – no restrictions. Same goes for skirts.

So for tops, both for guys and gals – stick to basic and neutral colors. Nothing to loud or bright. Buy breathable fabric so that you are comfortable in flight or when you are out and about whole day. Lighter clothes also pack well and will dry faster when you wash.

You can wear tops, blouses, skirts, dresses, full length pants, whatever you fancy. Just be mindful of the colors and the graphic. No jerseys either.

Carry a combination of tops, blouses and dresses for all times of the year, all over Europe. For winters, wear thermals underneath your dresses or plaid skirts.

A cardigan is a MUST carry item to Europe in MOST seasons. You can probably skip this in the summer months in southern Europe or the Mediterranean. But between a cardigan or a waterproof (light) jacket, I would recommend carrying one piece in all seasons in Europe.

Click here to BUY my favorite cardigan in black . As always opt for basic and neutral colors like black, beige or white.

Click here to BUY cardigan for MEN

Avoid wearing hoodies and gym wear for your outerwear and swap that for packable and lightweight trench coats and jackets. Invest in a piece that is water proof, is front zippered, and has pockets and in a color that goes with all outfits. Here are few examples

RAINWEAR (all 3 seasons, except winter) – To be honest, you will experience frequent rains in Europe more than anywhere else on earth. Problem is that it is unpredictable and it is NOT heavy rainfall like Indian monsoon, but there is rain. Oceanic climates are most dominant in Europe where both winters and summers are mild and rains are common. So if you are traveling to any region in Europe except for the Southern or Mediterranean, expect the rain spell. So a rain wear is a MUST.

• Trench Coat – Waterproof and light coat. Here is the trench coat I LOVE and recommend 
• Jacket – Waterproof and light jacket for 3 seasons. Here is the jacket I LOVE and recommend 
• Rain Jacket – Here is the jacket we recommend

For Southern Europe, carry a cardigan instead for fall, winter and spring. You can skip this for summer.

WINTERWEAR: 

For countries in the Western and Southern Europe, where winters are moderate, a nice wool coat or a jacket is good option to wear. Remember the winters in southern Europe are wet, so no wool coat there.

• A wool coat will be my first preference, especially in countries of Western Europe like France or Netherlands. Click here to check out and BUY this wool coat from Prada
• For Southern Europe, I will recommend this jacket . It is like a coat, but has a hood and is waterproof (yea! rain rain go away)
• With the same idea as above, here is a wool coat for him from Burberry
• Click here for jackets for him. This is a tri-climate jacket from North Face

If you are visiting countries of Eastern Europe or heading for some winter activities in Northern Europe like Iceland, then opt for a good/warm parka or jacket. Responsibly filled down jacket is a way to go. Good to stick to basic colors, but add that pop of color if you are heading to snowy getaways.

For winter activities, like skiing, hiking and others opt for one of the jackets below (for additional packing items, check below for Winter Packing List. This section only talks about outerwear selection)

• FOR WOMEN: This jacket here is super warm for snow activities . The colors recommended here are bright and warm to add that pop of color to your pictures. Another great winter jacket here
• FOR MEN : Check out this jacket. This is fully insulated, perfect for skiing, and high altitude activities. Take them to Iceland or Switzerland.

For bottoms, leave your shorts behind unless if you are going to the beach. Wear classy skirts or opt for dark wash jeans or linen pants. Dark colors mean they are maintenance-free (if they are wrinkle-free, even better). They also go with all sorts of tops and look great in pictures (slim fitting).

For men, avoid wearing cargo or three-quarter pants. Wear linen trousers if you find the weather to be too hot. Jeans are a great option as well.

COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES

Europe is SO SO much walking on cobblestone lanes, and you have to carry comfortable shoes to enjoy the market squares, old town and the stunning countryside. When you select your travel shoes, choose neutral colors as well, ensure they have a solid comfortable insole. Cute sneakers and booties work well with dresses, skirts and jeans.

If you are heading to western, northern, and southern regions in the 3 seasons of summer, spring and fall, opt for a waterproof shoe. You can use an insole as well.  Click here to buy an insole for additional comfort. 

• Budget option – Sketchers Go Walking shoe and Dr. Scholl comfortable shoe
• Mid option – Sturdy waterproof hiking/walking shoe, super light Or a boot for winter – check out this one from Ugg
• Luxury – Trendy sneakers, waterproof and boots for fall and winter – click to view the boots and prices
• Budget : Buy Sketchers slip on here
• Mid options : Oboz waterproof shoes, light and comfortable
• Luxury: Walking shoes + waterproof from Nordstorm

PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE IN SPRING

We have included travel packing lists for all 4 seasons. This is ideal for 4 – 7 days worth of travel.

Springtime in Europe is from March to May . The temperature during spring will stay around 5- 12 degrees Celsius for most places. So it is not hot-hot. Countries in the western and northern parts of Europe will experience rainy and gloomy days. 

Read : Visiting Prague in March 

Spring is also considered shoulder season, hence it is a GREAT time to travel. Prepare well and as long as you have a waterproof jacket and shoes, you will be more than fine!

Most of the popular destinations like Paris, London, Munich , Vienna will experience light showers in and out of the day. Waterproof jacket or trench coats are essential for your trip due to unexpected rains. Carry an umbrella or a poncho as well. Keep them in your day pack when you are out and about exploring.

Evenings could be chilly and if you have taking a river cruise like on the Seine or Danube – a cardigan to layer on and a scarf are a MUST.

Iceland in spring is a good time to visit as winter roads clear up and tourists are ready to watch the puffins and drive the ring road. Rains and cold weather are expected during this time.

Western Europe: High 15 C (58 F); Low 3 C (38 F)

Northern Europe: High 10 C (50 F); Low 2 C (35 F)

Eastern Europe: High 13 C (56 F); Low 2 C (35 F)

Western Europe in spring experiences a high of 15 degrees Celsius (58 F) and a low of 3 degrees Celsius (38 F). Amsterdam , Brussels , Luxembourg City, and many places in Germany (like Berlin and Hamburg ) experience moderate weather in winter. Rain and overcast days are common.

Spring in Northern Europe experiences colder temperatures than the rest of the continent. It has a high of 10 degrees Celsius (50 F) and a low of 2 degrees Celsius (35 F). Places include Moscow and others in Russia, Iceland, Oslo (Norway), and Minsk in Belarus . Exceptions include London and Dublin – where the temperatures are more like Western Europe for spring. Reykjavik is colder with a low of 0 degree Celsius.

Eastern Europe experiences similar temperatures like the western side, with a high of 13 degrees Celsius (56 F) and a low of 2 degrees Celsius (35 F). Cities include Budapest, Bucharest, Bratislava, and Prague .

Southern Europe is warmer, with temperatures of high of 19 degrees (67 F) and a low of 7 degrees (44 F). The warmest temperatures are experienced in Lisbon (Portugal) with low of 12 degrees (53 F), followed by Barcelona (Spain) with a low of 7 degree (44 F).

Very rarely would you experience negative temperatures in spring in Europe

• Tops, blouses or T- shirts – 2-3
• Pants (linen trousers or jeans) – 1-2
• Dresses or skirts – 2
• Light cardigan – 1
• Waterproof jacket or trench coat – 1 (lightweight) – Click here to buy my favorite waterproof coat
• Denim or faux leather jacket (for styling, dates or evening) – 1
• Undergarments
• Compression socks (for flight) – Buy compression socks here
• Hiking Socks (while exploring) – Buy your hiking socks here
• Comfortable walking shoes – one pair – Click here to buy yours
• Umbrella or poncho – Buy this windproof umbrella here
• Swim suit (if heading to the Southern part of Europe or planning on going to the Blue Lagoon – Iceland or thermal spas in Budapest)

Exceptions:

Iceland, Norway, Russia or up northern areas

• Thermal layer – one pair.
• Switch up your waterproof jacket for an insulated piece.
• Also include winter essentials like beanie or warm cap, mittens
• Add warm socks and boots

Travel Essentials (as discussed above)

• Travel documents in a travel wallet organizer – Passport, resident cards, ID, hotel and tour reservations, Insurance details – Buy your document organizer here
• Carry on backpack or suitcase – Click here to buy your anti-theft backpack OR suitcase
• Buy Day pack or cute purse
• Purchase packing cubes here
• Medications ( jetlag , pain killers, band aid, other required medications) and lady products
• Cosmetics – Clear pouch with light make up, hand sanitizer, moisturiser, sunscreen, travel size perfume and shampoo, tooth brush and paste. Click here to buy your clear pouch
• Electronics – Cell phone and sim card, camera, tablet or kindle. Buy your charging cables and universal adaptor here
• In-flight comfort  – Compression socks, neck pillow , travel blanket

PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE IN SUMMER

Summer is the best time to be in Europe, weather-wise. Less likelihood of rain or snow. Summer months are from June to August.

Super warm in southern Europe – Greece and Portugal are beautiful during this time. Popular western and central European countries experience patio and sundress season, tons of festivities and concerts happen during summer months. They are super busy months in terms of tourists, so don’t forget your anti theft bags and travel backpacks.

Carry your water bottle, drink water, stay hydrated.

Western Europe: High 29 C (82.5 F); Low 18 C (59 F)

Northern Europe: High 21 C (70 F); Low 11 C (52 F)

Eastern Europe: High 28 C (82 F); Low 14 C (57 F)

Western Europe Summers experience a high of 29 degree Celsius (82.5 F) and low of 18 degree Celsius (59 F). Paris, Vienna, Nice experience the warmest temperatures in the region.

Summer in Northern Europe has a high of 21 degree Celsius (70 F) and a low of 11 degree Celsius (52 F). Cities include Riga, Oslo, Vilnius and Stockholm.

Eastern Europe experiences a high of 28 degree Celsius (82 F) and a low of 14 degree Celsius (57 F). Cities include Budapest, Bucharest, Bratislava and Rostov-on-Don in Russia.

Southern Europe is the warmest in summers, with temperatures soaring to 30 degrees (87 F) and a low of 16 degrees (61 F). The warmest temperatures are experienced in Athens (Greece) and Valletta (Malta) . Lower temperatures are common in Rome (Italy) and Tirana (Albania)

• Waterproof jacket or trench coat – 1 – Click here to buy my favorite waterproof coat
• Denim or faux leather jacket (for evening) – 1
• Scarf  for styling
• Click here to buy walking shoes
• Or check out these cute ballerinas 
• ***Flip flops for the beaches (Mediterranean) – Buy flip flops here
• Umbrella or poncho – Get your windproof umbrella here   or poncho
• Hat – Buy an over sized hat here – for those awesome pictures
• Carry cosmetics and medications as listed above.

PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE IN AUTUMN

Autumn months in Europe are from September to November. The weather and temperature around this time, is similar to spring time – it is a shoulder season so expect less crowds. Rains are again common in western and eastern parts of Europe. With rains and possible chill in the evenings, the temperature definitely cools down.

Rome Italy experiences warm climate for the most part of autumn and it is quite pleasant, but towards the end tail of fall months, it tends to get a bit chilly. Carrying 2 cardigans or a cardigan and V neck sweater is recommended so that you can use them as layering pieces should the temperatures drop too low. For dinners or night out, you can wear a warm sweater (minus the coat) for a classy look. Barcelona Spain and Lisbon Portugal are warm in autumn, a light cardigan is a back up for overnight trains or late night outings. Rains are unlikely. Towards November, the possibility of frequent rains and colder temperature is high. So if you are traveling in November, carry a waterproof insulated jacket or coat.

Paris France  was gloomy all 4 days we were there in September, so a water proof trench coat is a must. Wear it over dresses or dark fitted jeans and tops. Keep a scarf and warm hat or a beret handy for evenings or early mornings.  Amsterdam Netherlands experiences a lot of rain. Thankfully for our two days in Amsterdam we didn’t experience any rain, but it is good to be prepared. You can easily pair long dresses with denim or leather jacket. The temperature is not cold, but rain is a possibility; so a leather jacket can be styled with your outfit to ward off sudden rain splashes. Cardigan is handy, should the temperature drop too low in the evenings or towards the end tail of autumn season.

London England has a similar autumn season much like Paris – so carry waterproof outerwear preferably a trench coat. Add comfortable (and waterproof) booties to rock that sophisticated look.  Iceland and some of the northern countries experience colder temperatures and shorter days as they make way for the winter season. In the northern countries of Europe, you may experience snow as well. So we recommend bringing insulated waterproof jacket.

Western Europe: High   19 C (66 F); Low 11 C (51 F)

Northern Europe: High 17 C (62 F); Low 6 C (42.8 F)

Eastern Europe: High 23 C (73 F); Low 12 C (53 F)

Western Europe in autumn experiences a high of 19 degree Celsius (66 F) and low of 11 degree Celsius (51 F). Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg City and many places in Germany experience rainy and overcast days in autumn.

Fall in Northern Europe experiences colder temperatures than rest of the continent. It has a high of 17 degree Celsius (62 F) and a low of 6 degree Celsius (42.8 F). Places include Moscow and others in Russia, Iceland, Oslo (Norway) and Minsk in Belarus . Exceptions include London and Dublin – where the temperatures are more like western Europe for fall and is rainy. Reykjavik is colder with a low of 0 degree Celsius (32 F) and almost feels like winter in late October.

Eastern Europe experiences similar temperatures like the western side, with a high of 23 degree Celsius (73 F) and a low of 12 degree Celsius (53 F). Cities include Budapest, Bucharest, and Bratislava experience western Europe like autumn.  Exception is Prague, with a low of 6 degrees – on the colder side of fall season.

Southern Europe is warmer with temperatures of high of 28 degrees (83 F) and a low of 17 degrees (62 F). The warmest temperatures are experienced in Athens (Greece), Lisbon (Portugal) and Barcelona (Spain).

• Waterproof jacket or trench coat – 1 (insulated if traveling to northern countries. Check the temperatures if they below 5 degrees, carry thermals) – Buy a stylish coat with insulation, hood and classy look
• Warm scarf – 1
• Stylish Boots – 1 pair – Buy your stylish booties here
• Umbrella or poncho
• Cosmetics – Clear pouch with light make up, hand sanitizer, moisturiser, sunscreen, travel size perfume and shampoo, toothbrush, and paste. Click here to buy your clear pouch
• Electronics – Cell phone and sim card, camera, tablet, or kindle. Buy your charging cables and universal adaptor here

PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE IN WINTER

Winter months in Europe are from December to February . Northern Europe will be coldest, as compared to the winters in western, eastern, or southern Europe, where the weather is much more tolerable.

Instead of packing TONS of clothing to stay warm, focus on a key piece – OUTERWEAR and layer on. Layering with thermals or long johns is essential to stay warm and enjoy Europe in winter. 

Christmas markets attract a lot of tourists to Europe. Wear a sweater dress, black warm leggings, wool coat, a warm hat and booties to rock the festive season. Not only Christmas celebrations, but there are also many things to do during winters in Paris , Iceland and Switzerland for a great vacation especially those who love to hit ski resorts in Europe. 

Warmest temperature in winter in Europe include places like Seville in Spain , Canary Islands, Corfu, and Athens in Greece. They are beach destinations and will stay warm during winters. Ensure you pack swimwear, flip-flops, beach towels, tote bag for the beach. You can ditch the woolen coats and parka and all the paraphernalia like gloves, warm cap, etc., but do carry a light waterproof jacket.

Read: Best winter destinations to visit in Europe 

Western Europe: High    C 7 (42 F); Low -1 C (30 F)

Northern Europe: High -6 C (20 F); Low -17 C (6 F)

Eastern Europe: High 0 C (32 F); Low -5 C (21 F)

You can expect snow in all 3 regions (N, W, E – northern Europe being the coldest). And warmer weather in Southern Europe and little to no snow.

Western Europe winters are mostly mild. The temperature hovers in single digits, with a high of 7 degree Celsius (42 F) and low of -1 degree Celsius (30 F). Amsterdam, Brussels, Switzerland and many places in Germany (like Berlin and Cologne) experience moderate weather in winter.

Winter in Northern Europe experiences colder temperatures than rest of the continent. It has a high of -6 degree Celsius (20 F) and a low of – 17 degree Celsius (6 F). Places include Moscow and others in Russia, Iceland, and Minsk in Belarus. Exceptions include London and Reykjavik – where the temperatures are more like Western Europe for winters.

Eastern Europe experiences a cooler winter, with temperatures of a high of 0 degree Celsius (32 F) and a low of – 5 degree Celsius (21 F). Cities include Budapest , Bucharest, Bratislava and Prague.

Southern Europe is the warmest in winters, with temperatures of high of 15 degrees (58 F) and a low of 6 degrees (40 F). The warmest temperatures are experienced in Lisbon (Portugal) , Barcelona (Spain), followed by Athens (Greece).

• Tops, blouses or T- shirts – 2
• Thermals or long john – 2
• Fleece jacket – 1
• Pants/ jeans – 1-2
• Sweater Dresses or skirts – 2
• Cardigan – 1
• Waterproof jacket parka or wool coat – 1 (wool coat for general winter wear in Europe. Switch to down fill parka for winter activities) – Buy a warm jacket for winter activities in Europe
• Warm scarves
• Warm Socks – 2-4 pairs
• Hiking Socks (while exploring) – 2 pairs – Buy your hiking socks here
• Winter boots – Buy my favorite winter boots from UGG
• Warm gloves or Mittens – Check out these warm gloves for men, -20 deg
• Torque or beanie
• Earmuffs – Buy yours here
• Neck warmer – Buy yours here
• Swimsuit (if heading to the Southern part of Europe or planning on going to the Blue Lagoon – Iceland or thermal spas in Budapest)

Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal) – Waterproof jacket and boots for Southern Europe – a MUST. Their winters are rainy and wet.

• Buy Day pack or a cute purse
• Medications ( jetlag , pain killers, band-aid, other required medications) and lady products
• Cosmetics – Clear pouch with light makeup, hand sanitizer, moisturizer, sunscreen, travel size perfume and shampoo, toothbrush, and paste. Click here to buy your clear pouch

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON OUR TRAVEL BLOG

• Long haul flight essentials
• Getting Schengen Visa for Europe
• Europe Planning Guide 101
• Iceland Travel Tips
• Paris Hotels Guide

Pin: Ultimate Packing List for Europe for all seasons 

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Ooo this is absolutely perfect! I’m headed there for almost two months! Thanks for the suggestions!

Lots of great staples and seasonal recommendations on here! I feel like you covered all the staples that we always pack for convenience and staying connected. I’ve found that TJ Maxx is a great place to get items for layering for winter travel. I even found my beloved cuddle duds and cheap fleece lined tights there…. both of which do well-ish under the dresses I love to pack. My Ugg boots are the only thing that have kept my feet warm and dry on our winter trips. I got mine on super sale but they are definitely worth the investment! I’m still looking for a good hat and gloves though – the “freezing temperature” rated ones we bought last year were terrible.

What a comprehensive guide! I’ve lived in London most of my life and can definitely take some tips from this 😀

That is a super impressive and helpful guide! Thanks for putting this together 🙂

Thanks Lena. Glad you found this useful!

This article is super impressive as it will save my lot of time thinking what to pack this post will surely help me in making my understand what all is required for the trip as I always end up packing extra things.

Thanks Monica! Have a safe trip!

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Ultimate europe packing list: what to pack in 2024.

Europe is a MASSIVE continent and there are endless great countries for you to visit .

Having visited all but 4 countries ourselves ( and at ALL times of the year ) we know how to pack for a trip to Europe.

Whether it's a snowy, sub-freezing Norwegian road trip , or a warm island hopping adventure in Greece .

We have been there ...

Done that ...

And packed the t-shirts!

So below I want to share with you all the tips, tricks & experience we have picked up on over the years.

Helping you to plan and pack for the ideal visit to our home continent.

Okay, that's enough pre-amble ... let's get started!

Before traveling anywhere, make sure you have your travel insurance in place. We recommend SafetyWing. ‍

Here's a few reasons ...

• They Cover for Covid-19
• You can pause and restart policies each month
• They are more affordable than many providers

For more info, check out my in-depth SafetyWing review .

Ultimate Europe Travel Packing Checklist

Men's packing list, women's packing list, travel essentials, tech/gadgets, health & safety, miscellaneous, other items to consider, a few things you need to know about europe.

When it comes to organising a packing list for Europe, there are a couple of things that you need to know first. 

There are plenty of fantastic places to visit in Europe but each one offers its own climate, seasons, and variety of activities! 

The key things to understand are: 

1. Geography of Europe

Right, where to start? Europe is HUGE there’s no denying it.

The continent is home to 44 countries in total and each one will require a very different type of packing list. 

Europe has four main regions; Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, and Western Europe. 

Northern Europe

Typically speaking, the Northern countries in Europe such as Finland , Norway , and Sweden have cooler temperatures for most of the year.

They are also much colder in winter, and you’re likely to encounter high snowfall levels. 

Southern Europe

Southern Europe offers a primarily Mediterranean climate and countries in this region include Greece , Italy , and Spain .

Temperatures here remain much warmer throughout the year and the summers are particularly hot! 

Eastern Europe

Then you have Eastern Europe where you’ll find places like Poland, Romania, and Ukraine.

The climate in this part of Europe can be very unpredictable, but generally, you’ll encounter warm but wet summers and harsh winters.

Western Europe

Finally, there’s Western Europe which includes countries such as Belgium, France , and the United Kingdom!

The climate in these regions typically consists of warm summers with plenty of rain, and mild winters.

So what does this all mean?

Well, I can't spend forever digging into the temperatures and climates of every country, but you definitely should do this yourself if you know exactly what countries you will be in, and what time of year.

And also bear in mind some of the key areas that will affect the climate. 

One of these is the Alps, which is a mountain range that crosses through eight countries in total. Temperatures here are much cooler and you’re likely to encounter higher precipitation levels.

Here’s some more information on the geography of Europe ! 

2. Seasons in Europe

The seasons in Europe are difficult to talk about, as the climate differs specifically for each country in the continent. 

However, generally like elsewhere in the world there are four main seasons; spring, summer, autumn, and winter. 

• Spring in Europe lasts from March-May and is one of the best times to visit. You often won’t encounter the crowds as you would in the summer, and temperatures start to warm up (depending on which country you visit). 
• Summer in Europe is the ‘peak’ season for visiting and lasts from June to August. During this time of year, the temperatures are at their warmest and precipitation levels are relatively low, especially on the South coast. 
• Autumn (or fall) in Europe runs between September-November and the weather can be very unpredictable during this time of year. 
• Winter in Europe lasts from December-February and many countries encounter mild to harsh winters, plenty of snow, and high precipitation levels.

Here are a couple of more in-depth guides that may help you decide on the best season for you! 

• The climate in Europe - this website gives you detailed information on each country
• Seasons in Europe - detailing the ‘best time to visit’ each region

Packing for summer in Europe

Your packing list for Europe in summer will differ depending on which country you visit, but either way, it will look very different from the rest of the year. 

As I mentioned previously, the majority of countries in Europe experience mild to hot summers so you’ll want to pack items like swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, and hats.

The good thing about visiting Europe in the summer is that you’ll be packing relatively small and lightweight items rather than thick jumpers and scarves etc...

This will give you more flexibility in what you can bring, but always make sure to pack for all weather conditions.

Packing for winter in Europe

Your packing list for Europe in winter is heavily dependent on where you decide to visit!

If you’re visiting some of the Nordic countries then you’ll need to pack for extremely cold temperatures, whereas some of the Southern countries have milder winters.

Either way, your essentials for travelling in Europe at this time of year will consist of thick jumpers, a raincoat, and underlayers.

Unfortunately, this often means you’ll be able to fit less in your backpack due to the size of the items. So, just keep that in mind when putting together your Europe packing list for winter!

Packing for autumn and spring in Europe

Creating a Europe travel checklist for your bag can be hard during this time of year, as you’ll need to consider the unpredictable weather conditions and climate. 

Like with other seasons, the temperature and precipitation levels will differ depending on which country you visit, but no matter where you go, be prepared for cool to mild temperatures.

Generally, your packing list for Europe in autumn/spring will have to include clothing for warm and cool temperatures, as the forecast can often change very quickly.

To cover all bases, you’ll want to pack some lightweight items such as t-shirts and shorts, but I’d also recommend packing trousers, and jumpers.

Choosing a larger backpack

If you are backpacking Europe, then the first thing you will want is a backpack!

When choosing a larger backpack it’s important to consider how long you’re travelling for. 

If you’re packing for 2 weeks in Europe then you’ll naturally have fewer items than if you were planning a 3-month trip for example!

However, that being said - no matter where we’re travelling, how long we’re going for, or what we plan to do; Osprey is always the first choice for us! 

This fantastic company is known for its durability, quality, and for offering great value for money!

I actually received my first Osprey bag as a backpacking gift in 2015 and I’ve been in love with what they offer ever since. It’s still going strong too! 

Many people opt for a 70-litre backpack but this can often be too much, especially if you’ll be walking and carrying it a lot. 

If you go for this size, you’ve also got an increased chance of being over the luggage limit if you’re just trying to cram as much in there as you can! 

That’s valuable travel money gone on excess airline fees…

Everyone’s preference differs but in my opinion, a backpack of 50-65 litres is plenty for one person. It offers enough space for all your clothes, essentials, and any other preferable items.

Here are our 2 recommendations:

Bradley's choice

OSPREY PACKS FARPOINT 70 (FOR MEN)

Cazzy's choice.

OSPREY PACKS RENN 65 (FOR WOMEN)

Choosing the perfect day bag.

When we travel, we prefer to either carry one 70-litre backpack between us or two smaller backpacks (50-65 litres). 

However, no matter where we go we ALWAYS take a day bag as well! 

Whether you’re looking for a sustainable backpack or a laptop-friendly backpack , there are endless options out there.

You’ve also got plenty of camera backpacks to choose from which is a great choice for keen photographers or bloggers! 

With so many options, finding the perfect day bag can often feel like an overwhelming experience but I’m here to help. 

My recommendation for the perfect day bag is again an Osprey one, as it’s lasted me for years and is perfect for carrying all our gear including our travel laptops !

However, Cazzy also has a fantastic day pack that you can read about in our Tropicfeel Shell Backpack review .

It can expand and contract to your needs, and you can fit so much in.

If you’d prefer a more compact day bag then there are some fantastic anti-theft bags out there and many of them are much smaller in size. 

Here are a couple of things to consider before choosing your perfect day pack…

• What kind of items are you planning to carry in your day pack & are they valuable?
• How long will you be carrying your day pack for at a time?
• What kind of size day pack do you think you’ll require?

Our recommendations for Europe:

OSPREY PACKS STRATOS 24

Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

What about roll-on luggage for europe.

Many people aren’t a fan of backpacks and that’s fine, so decide to opt for roll-on luggage instead! 

If we’re only heading out on a short trip then I definitely prefer going with roll-on luggage myself, as they are so much easier to get through the airport. 

There are plenty of fantastic carry-on luggage options , but one of the BEST companies for me has to be Horizn Studios! 

They are more of a luxury brand, and although their products are more expensive than others on the market, they do offer plenty of nifty features including in-built portable chargers. 

I’ve even got an in-depth review of Horizn Studios which outlines their roll-on luggage options if you want to take a closer look!

Final thoughts on picking bags for travel to Europe

As we’ve become more seasoned travellers, we now understand that less is definitely more!

Aside from our road trip around the world , many of our trips last between 2-3 months so we tend to just take one 70-litre backpack between the two of us. 

This still offers plenty of space for both of us and has several benefits including…

• Having fewer bags to worry about or carry around
• It costs us less in luggage fees as we only need to pay for one checked bag
• We only take what we definitely NEED 

Now, for us, the last point is by far the most important!

As you’ve probably figured out by now, putting together a list of backpacking essentials for Europe isn’t easy. That’s why you’ve searched Google for help as we’ve done many times before! 

However, taking a small backpack means you don’t have room for unnecessary items so you won’t just be packing things for the sake of it.

What to pack for Europe: Travel Essentials

Now that you’ve got your perfect bag sorted it’s time to start thinking about the things to pack for your Europe trip! 

First of all, I’m going to detail the essentials for travelling to Europe.

Then, I’ll go through some of the other cool items that you can take including photography gear and miscellaneous items.

To make this Europe travel packing list easier to digest, I’ve split it up into six sections:

• Men’s Clothing
• Women’s Clothing
• Travel banking
• Important documents

What to wear in Europe for men

How much you should take will differ depending on how long your trip is, but this is what I’d pack for a typical 2-week holiday in Europe…

• 4 or 5 T-Shirts - Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, you can split this between long-sleeved and short-sleeved
• 2 Tank Tops
• 1 or 2 Evening Shirt - Europe has some lovely restaurants, perfect for a romantic evening so you’ll want at least one or two dressy shirt options
• 1 Short-Sleeve Shirt - For those warmer evenings, where you’re going out but it’s too warm to wear a long-sleeved shirt 
• 1 Pair Of Nice Shorts
• 2 Pairs Of Jeans - Even the summers in Europe can be mild depending on where you’re travelling too so it’s a good idea to pack two pairs of jeans, or even cargo pants if you wish  
• 2 Pairs Of Long Socks
• 5 Pairs Of Trainer Socks
• 1-2 Pairs Of Hiking Socks
• 1 Hoody - You may not need to wear this very often during the summer, but it’s always handy to have, especially if you’re up for sunrise or staying out late
• 1 Lightweight Rain Jacket - It’s always likely that you’ll encounter some rain in Europe no matter what time of year you visit, so always carry a rain jacket
• 1 Pair Of Sunglasses
• 1 Pair Of Trainers -  Perhaps, the most important thing is to bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes or trainers. Tropicfeel has some fantastic all-in-one travel shoes that are perfect for hiking, canoeing, and anything else you throw their way!
• 1 Pair of ‘dressy’ trainers - these don’t necessarily have to be posh or look nice, but just simply pack an extra pair that you’d prefer not to get too grubby. 

What to pack for Europe in Summer

During the summer, you’ll want to add these necessities…

• 2 Pairs Of Swim trunks
• 1 Pair Of Flip Flops - You can swap out the second pair of trainers for flip-flops instead! 

What to pack for Europe in Winter

Your men's Europe packing list will look very different in the winter, and you’ll have to substitute some of the more lightweight items. Here’s what I’d pack instead…

• 1 Thick jacket - You can swap out a hoody for a thick jacket if you’d prefer as that will keep you much warmer!
• 1 Wooly hat
• 2 Pairs Of Gloves - Europe’s weather can be unpredictable so I’d recommend packing two pairs of gloves, just in case one pair gets caught on a rainy day! 
• 1 Pair of Boots - As a substitute for the flip flops, you can take a pair of lightweight boots with you and then pack your travel trainers in your bag. This will save you more space and more weight on your luggage allowance. 
• 1 Thick Coat - You can either substitute the rain jacket for this, or you can get one of the nifty rain jackets that fold up into a pouch as that will take up hardly any room.

What to wear in Europe for women (from Cazzy)

This Europe packing list for females includes many of the same things, although understandably some of the options will be very different. 

I’ve included everything that Cazzy would typically pack for a short trip to Europe here! 

• 4 T-shirts - They’re light and you can easily put them over your swimsuit/bikini
• 3 Sun Dresses - Whether you’re heading out for a nice meal or you’re exploring all day, sun dresses are very multi-purpose!
• 2 Long Skirt - Great for those warm days and of course, photographs.
• 2-3 Pairs Of Shorts
• 1 Pair Of Light Trousers - Harem pants , wide-leg trousers , and linen pants are all great options for lightweight trousers
• 1 Pair Of Jeans
• 2 Playsuits or Jumpsuits - Perfect for if you’re looking to dress up a bit or go out in the evenings 
• 1 Pair of leggings - Very handy and comfortable if you’re travelling by air, bus, train etc…
• 1 Pair Of Hiking Socks
• 5 Pairs of Trainer socks
• 1 Light Jacket - You can always pack a hoody instead if you wish, but either way just pack something a bit warmer for your trip too! 
• 1 Light Rain Jacket - It’s unlikely that you’ll avoid the rain for your whole trip in Europe, so always pack a rain jacket
• 1 Hat - You can either go for something stylish or a baseball cap, but just have something to keep the sun off your face
• 1 Pair Of Trainers - As I mentioned before, Tropicfeel has some awesome options. There are a variety of colours and styles to choose from, so you can just pick a pair that will go with most of your outfits. There are also plenty of other lightweight travel shoes out there
• 1 Pair of ‘dressy’ trainers - Again it’s great to have a backup pair if you’re not planning to take flip-flops/water shoes which you probably would be during the summer months!

Europe Summer packing list

Same as the men's packing list, you’ll want to add in a couple of extra items…

• 2 Vest Tops - These are a great option if you’re looking to cool down in the heat 
• 2 Swimming costumes/bikinis - A mix of swimming costumes and bikinis are always good to have as some places require something a bit more substantial (e.g water parks, where many unfortunate incidents can happen with flimsy bikinis).
• 1 Pair Of Sandals/flip-flops - When it comes to flats, you can either choose to take flip-flops or sandals. If you’ve got the room you can take both, but just be mindful not to overpack!
• 2 Headbands - Perfect for keeping your hair from your face, especially if you’re hiking or sweating a lot, which unfortunately we all do in the summer…
• 1 Pair of Water Shoes - These are great if you’re planning to spend time snorkelling in the sea or you’ll be kayaking 
• 1 Shirt - Can even be a men’s shirt, but just something light that you can wear over your swimsuit by the pool

Europe winter packing list

Your Europe travel essentials will definitely change if you’re exploring the continent during the winter. Some of the countries are very chilly, so you’ll want to swap out the shorts and swimsuits for something a bit woollier…

• 1 Thick coat - You’ll need a thick coat in the winter rather than a light jacket or raincoat, however, you can always wear this on the plane to save space in your bag
• 2 Pairs Of Gloves
• 1 Wooly hat 
• 1 Pair Of Boots - Everyone’s preference is different, but you can always swap out a pair of trainers for boots in the winter

Washing clothes in Europe

One of the main reasons that you don’t have to overpack in Europe is that there will always be places to wash your clothes, especially in the cities.

Although it depends on where you stay, many hostels and campsites will have washing machines or offer this service. 

You can wash your clothes at some hotels too, but this is generally dry cleaning rather than a typical wash and it’s often much more expensive.

You’ll also find public washing facilities in most countries , which is exactly how we got by when we spent 6 months road tripping our way across Europe. You will pay around 3-4 euro per load to wash, and a similar amount per load to dry.

However, it’s always best to carry some soap with you too in case of emergencies, for example, if you run out of underwear!

First aid kit

An essential item for any backpacking Europe packing list has to be a first aid kit! 

They take up hardly any room at all and are vital for helping sort out those minor cuts and scrapes. Although you may not need to use it, it’s always best to have one on you. 

Here are some things that you should have in your first aid kit…

• Paracetamol
• Bandages & tape
• Antiseptic cream - Good for minor cuts and scrapes
• Scissors/nail clippers
• Moleskin tape - Perfect for blisters, especially if you plan to hike a lot! 
• Diarrhoea kit - Unfortunately, there’s always a chance that you’ll get ill on holiday. I always recommend carrying one of these! 
• Needles and thread
• Anti-sickness tablets - There are plenty of fantastic boat trips in Europe, and you don’t want to miss out on them due to motion sickness

Ready-made travel first aid kit

If you don’t yet own a travel first aid kit, then here’s a good option to buy.

It contains the majority of what you need and you can then just add in any other items you want to take with you.

Plus, it’s small enough to tuck away in your backpack and not take up much space.

For the ultimate packing list, there are several toiletries that you’ll need to take with you! 

Of course, it’s possible to purchase pretty much all of these while you're in Europe but they might be cheaper in your home country.

This is especially the case for us as the UK has some fantastic bargain stores! 

• Wash bag/toiletry bag - I’d recommend choosing a wash bag that has a handle as it’s easy to carry around, especially if you’re staying in a hostel and you have a shared bathroom!
• Shampoo & conditioner 2 in 1
• Dry shampoo
• 2 x toothpaste  
• 2 toothbrush travel container
• Disposable razors
• Shaving foam
• Electric razor
• Small perfume
• Small aftershave
• Men’s deodorant
• Women’s deodorant

Travel Banking

You won’t have a problem withdrawing cash in Europe as there are ATMs found everywhere, especially in the large cities.

Of course, if you’re travelling to somewhere more remote you may need to plan this out in advance but generally, you’ll be just fine! 

However, there’s one thing to discuss, my nemesis - bank withdrawal fees! 

Now, the thing with ATM fees is that although they do occur throughout Europe it really depends on the country you’re visiting. 

Before you go to withdraw cash, just double-check the screen before you proceed any further as it will tell you straight away! 

I’d also recommend taking more than one card, in fact, we always take four with us! 

Out of the four cards we have…

• 2 live in my wallet
• 1 lives in my big rucksack
• 1 lives in Cazzy’s big rucksack or day bag

Now, you may be wondering why we carry four cards on us! 

Well, it’s for emergencies really and the reason we carry them in different places is in case one of our bags gets stolen. Or, if we happen to leave one somewhere which we’ve never done…. Jokes, of course, we have!

This way, you’ll always have a backup so you’ll have no problems getting money out! 

What are the best banks in Europe?

Europe has plenty of fantastic banks and it’s unlikely that you’ll have any problems using your card or withdrawing money.

If you’re using Visa or Mastercard, and you struggle I’ll be very surprised! 

The banks in Europe will differ depending on which country you visit as they all have their own, but one you’re likely to see frequently is HSBC.

Just keep in mind the bank conversion fees when you’re withdrawing money, but luckily we’ve got something to help you with that…

Which travel cards do we use?

We’ve tried plenty of travel cards over the years, and each one seems to offer something different! 

However, our two favourites are Monzo and Revolut . 

Just keep in mind that these are UK-based cards, so you’d have to check if they are available in your country of origin. 

• Find Monzo here: Apple / Android
• Find Revolut here: Apple / Android

Now, let’s dive into why we love these two so much! 

Monzo and Revolut allow you to withdraw money just like any other debit card, and you can use them in normal card transactions.

They can both be used in any country in the world and you won’t be charged currency conversion fees! You’ll only need to pay a fee if you withdraw over a certain amount every month. 

One of the best things about these two is that they are FREE to use! You simply have to download the app, enter your details, and then they will send your card through.

Once you’ve activated it you’re good to go and use it as you travel across the world!

The one thing to keep in mind is that when you use it, just make sure you select the ‘pay in local currency’ option as you’ll get the best exchange rate.

We’ve actually written a comparison article ‘ Monzo Vs Revolut ’ if you’re looking to research this more in-depth!

Important Documents

Before heading to Europe, make sure you’ve got all the important documents that you’ll need! 

• Passport - This is the obvious one! 
• EHIC card - The EHIC Card stands for ‘European Health Insurance Card’ and it’s FREE. This is available for anyone living in the EU, EEA, and the United Kingdom, and will allow you to access state-provided healthcare
• Wallet to hold important documents - Cazzy has a plastic wallet that holds all our important documents so they’re all in the same place! 
• Driving license and international driving license - You’ll want to take your driving license with you for I.D purposes and if you’re planning to hire a car. Many countries only require your license, but some require an international driving license so you’ll need to check this before you go. If you’re from the UK you can pick an IDP up from the Post Office for a small fee. 
• Your COVID Pass - Not all countries require this, but some places will need your COVID pass if you’ve been vaccinated. The joys of travelling post-covid…
• Negative COVID test results - If you’re not fully vaccinated some countries require you to have a pre-departure test before arrival to check you’re negative. You’ll want to carry proof of this on you! 
• Travel insurance - I can’t stress enough how important it is to get travel insurance before you go! So many things can go wrong with travel and you NEED to be covered. If you’re from the US especially, then SafetyWing is one of the best options out there! There’s actually a SafetyWing review up on the website if you want to take a more in-depth look. If you’re from the United Kingdom it’s often best to search for deals through Compare the Market or other comparison tools.
• Print out of your travel insurance - You should always print out your travel insurance details so that you’ve got your policy on hand if anything goes wrong. This is especially handy if (let’s hope not) you end up in an emergency! 
• Copy of your passport - ALWAYS have a copy of your passport with you at all times. Not only will you need this for travelling between countries, but some hotels require your passport details during your stay. This way, you can hand them the printed version rather than your actual passport
• Copy of your vaccinations - Some countries require you to show proof of vaccinations before you enter. It’s more common in the likes of Asia, but it’s best to keep the document with you anyway!

Cameras & other tech

Europe is home to some of the most beautiful countries on Earth, so you’ll definitely want to capture the spectacular landscapes and beaches that you find here! 

Ranging from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the rugged wilderness of Scotland , there are so many stunning locations to visit in this part of the world. 

Here’s a quick list of the photography gear that we’ve taken with us whilst travelling around Europe!

The one thing I can’t recommend enough is to invest in a good-quality DSLR camera! 

It’s a great way to up your photography game and capture some of the scenic landscapes and charming cities that are waiting for you in Europe.

It doesn’t really matter which one you choose as there are tons of options on the market, although you do need to make sure it’s great quality. Some of the most popular makes include Canon, Nikon, and Sony.

We use the Sony A7iii and couldn’t recommend it enough!

It’s been all around the world with us from Ireland to Alaska , and it never lets us down! 

What about lenses?

If you love taking photographs of beautiful destinations, then you NEED to get a wide-angle lens for your DSLR camera.

We purchased it before our trip to Bali so we could capture the rice paddies and volcanoes in all their glory, and not to be dramatic - but our life hasn’t been the same since! 

Using a wide-angle lens allows you to fully capture a landscape, and you’ll have so many fantastic photographs that you can remember your trip by.

There are plenty of options out there and it will all depend on your camera make, although Amazon has a nifty tool that allows you to check whether the lens will fit your model.

Handheld video camera

Although our blog is our baby, we’ve developed a love for YouTube along the way and we’re currently uploading videos to our YouTube channel ! 

There are plenty of blogging cameras to choose from, but we recommend the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II as a great starter.

We’ve used this camera for a few years and you’re guaranteed to get great-quality photographs and video footage no matter where you go! It’s got fantastic sound recording too. 

Although DSLR cameras are great, sometimes you don’t want to lug them around all day, so it’s great to have a handheld video camera as a backup!

We recently upgraded to the Sony a7iii, which is a much more powerful DSLR, but it is probably far too much for most travellers.

Underwater camera / action camera

If you’re putting together a list of Europe travel essentials then I recommend investing in an underwater/action camera. 

The most notable brand is the GoPro and the newer models especially have lots to offer with incredible stabilisation, 4K footage, and a great-quality fish eye lens. 

Whether you’re looking to go snorkelling in Europe, hike in the mountains, or kayak on some of the beautiful lakes here, having an action camera opens up your photography/video opportunities. 

If you don’t fancy spending lots of money on a GoPro then there are plenty of GoPro alternatives out there. However, many of them don’t offer the same specs or quality!

If you’ve already got a DSLR and an action camera but you’re still looking to up your photography game, then why not invest in a drone?

Although they can be tricky to get your head around at first, they offer you the chance to capture insane photographs and angles of places that you’d never see otherwise! 

The DJI mini 2 is currently one of the best options on the market as it weighs less than 250g, which is lower than most weight restrictions in Europe.

However, you’ll need to check the drone laws in each country before flying it. 

Thankfully, most of Europe allows you to fly drones with some rules.

Not only is it light, but it charges quickly, offers amazing footage and photographs, and is fantastic value for money.

You can also go for the DJI Mini 3 if you don’t mind spending a bit more!

Here’s an in-depth guide to the best travel drones on the market.

Other Gadgets we travel with

If you’re putting together a packing list for travel to Europe then you can’t forget about your health and safety! 

Here are a couple of things that you NEED to pack…

• Mosquito repellant spray - This will depend on where you visit, the time of year, and the quality of the hotels you stay in but it’s always good to have! Not only will it repel mosquitos, but it deters other pesky critters too
• Plug-in mosquito deterrent - Another great way to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away!
• Sunscreen - Now this one is a MUST! I’m a big advocate for Sunscreen and always opt for 50+ or 30 SPF depending on the temperature and how cloudy it is
• Antimalarials - Although malaria is rare in Europe, you can never be too careful. Always check with your GP first to see if they recommend you take them or not
• Travel Padlock - Carry a few of these with you if you can! Not only will they give you peace of mind, but it also deters people from going near your bags as they know they won’t have much luck
• Hand Sanitiser - Thanks to the pandemic, we’ve all become a bit more cautious of catching bugs and viruses. I’d always recommend carrying hand sanitiser on you just in case you need to clean your hands!  ‍
• Antibacterial wipes - These are always good to have on you in case you drop your phone or something else somewhere questionable (like the toilet, we’ve all done it…)

Miscellaneous things to pack for Europe

Although I always recommend to pack light, if you’ve got some extra room then there are a few other items that will always come in handy! 

• Fold-down coffee mug - If you’ve got a coffee addiction like Cazzy, then we’d recommend picking up a fold-down coffee mug. This way you can avoid using disposable coffee cups all the time, and it doesn’t take up too much space either
• Reusable water bottle - Another great item to have if you’re looking to cut down on your plastic waste like us. Keeping hydrated is so important, especially when travelling as you’ll be very active and the weather can be extremely warm depending on where you’re heading too (We recommend Super Sparrow who do both coffee and water bottles!)
• Worldwide travel plug - Carrying a worldwide travel plug with you during your travels is essential. We usually carry two plugs with us so that we’ve got a backup if one ever gets lost. Although they’re pricier than single-use plug adaptors, they come in handy! 
• Pin to open sim card hole on phone - If you decide to get a cheap local sim then you’ll need a pin to open the sim card hole on your phone. It takes up next to no space, and you can just keep it in your wallet or purse 
• Dry bag - If you’re planning to head out on boat trips, spend a day at the beach, or go kayaking, then you’ll want to take along a dry bag. A 10-15 litre day bag is the perfect size for you to keep all your basic items from getting wet
• Quick drying towel - One of the best options for this is a micro-fibre towel as they dry super quickly! If you’re staying at a hostel or you’re planning to go on day trips, then it’s always best to keep one or two on you! 
• Playing cards - These are an absolute necessity! If you’re spending time on a long-haul flight or you’re trying to kill some time during the evening, then make sure you pack a deck of playing cards
• Earphones - Another must-have, especially for long journeys!
• Spare batteries - If you’ve got any gadgets that require batteries it’s always handy to keep some spare ones on you, especially if you’re staying somewhere remote
• Power bank - This is something really handy to carry on you and is great for emergencies. Whether you need to call someone or you require Google maps, it’s always best to carry a power source on you ‍
• Small notebook - Although this isn’t a must, many travellers choose to carry a small notebook on them. Whether you’re making notes on your trip, working out your itinerary, or simply playing 0’s & X’s, they’re quite handy to have

What NOT to pack for Europe!

Now that we’ve got through the perfect checklist for European travel, here are a couple of things that you don’t want to pack…

• A bag that’s too big - As I mentioned before, you won’t want to take a huge bag with you. If you decide to take a 70-litre bag you will likely fill it and that just makes your luggage heavier. You also won’t be able to bring souvenirs back with you! 
• Too many books - Even if you’re a bookworm, you won’t want to take too many books with you. They take up so much room and you’re much better off either packing a kindle or buying a book on the go as you travel around
• Lots of valuables - There’s no need to take lots of jewelry or valuables with you whilst travelling. This way, you won’t have to worry about personal items getting lost or stolen, especially items of sentimental value
• Sleeping bag - If you’re planning to stay in accommodation throughout your trip, then you definitely won’t need to pack a sleeping bag. All hotels, hostels, and B&Bs throughout the continent will supply you with bedding, although you will need to take one if you’re planning on camping to cut costs ‍
• Anything you’re not 100% sure on … this may sound like an obvious one, but if there’s anything you’re debating taking then it’s likely that you won’t need it.

Other items to add to your Europe packing list

Here are a few things that we don’t often take with us to Europe, but things that might come in handy for you…

• Packing Cubes - These are incredibly handy for keeping your clothes organised whilst travelling and they save so much room in your luggage!
• Money Belt  
• Waist Bag - A nifty little bag that’s secured around your waist to carry any belongings
• Ziplock bag - The perfect answer for separating your dirty laundry from your clean clothes. They don’t take up much room, and you can even attach them to the outside of your bag if you wish 
• Physical books/travel guides - Many people choose to purchase travel guides on their phone or kindle to save space, but you can always pick them up along the way! Many hostels and hotels offer book exchange services so you can always swap them
• Kindle - This is the perfect gadget to take with you if you’re keen on reading. This way you won’t have to lug around tons of books with you! 
• Bluetooth speaker  
• Extension cord  
• Torch - Definitely a must if you’re choosing to camp whilst in Europe. This way, you’ll be able to find your way in the dark when heading to the loo! 
• Selfie Stick  
• Waterproof Phone Case - If we go in the water then we tend to take our GoPro in but if you’ve got a good waterproof case for your phone then you can always try it. However, for me, it’s always a risk…
• Underwater dome for GoPro - These can help you create some awesome underwater shots if you have a GoPro
• Snorkel - Having your own snorkelling set is always handy if you’re a water baby as it saves you having to rent equipment all the time! 
• Binoculars - If you’re looking to spot wildlife in Europe then I recommend investing in a decent pair of binoculars. You can find plenty of awesome species on this continent ranging from bears to whales, so binoculars are worth their weight in gold…
• Travel pillow - Perfect for long-haul flights and other uncomfortable journeys!
• Ear Plugs - If you’re planning to stay in hostels and you’re a light sleeper then you’ll need these…
• Massage Ball - Travelling for a long period of time often isn’t very kind on the old muscles, so keeping a small massage ball with you can help ease any tension
• Hiking Boots - These are often quite chunky and heavy, but if you’re a keen hiker then they’re a must. Just wear them on flights so you’re not going to go over your luggage allowance 
• Multivitamins - If you’re a frequent traveller then it’s likely that you’ll get sick at some point! Naturally, you won’t eat as well as you would if you were at home, so multivitamins can help give you that boost 
• Laundry soap - Although you’ll find plenty of places/laundrettes to wash your clothes, it’s always handy to keep a bar of laundry soap on you. With this, you can wash small items in the shower if you’re running short (e.g. underwear)
• Toilet roll - Unlike in Asia, you’ll find that every public toilet block is likely to have toilet roll. However, keeping some in your day bag is always a good idea in case they’ve run out…

Top tips when packing for Europe

Here are some final travel tips to help you plan your travel list for Europe…

You can buy almost anything in Europe

If you’re worried about the weight of your luggage, or you’re not quite sure whether something is a travel necessity for Europe, then you can always buy items out there.

The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that some of the countries in Europe (especially the Nordic countries) are extremely expensive, and you’ll be paying a lot more for items here! 

Think carefully about where you’re visiting 

As I’ve mentioned previously Europe is HUGE and your packing list will all depend on which region you visit and the specific country! I’d recommend checking the specific climate for that country first before you start to pack.

You’ll also need to consider whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or you’d prefer to hit up some hiking trails, as that will heavily influence your travel packing list for Europe!

Pack versatile clothing if you can

One of the best tips I can give you is to pack versatile clothing! 

Whether you’re putting together a packing list for Europe in Spring or winter, having a variety of options that can be mixed and matched is vital. It means you can pack fewer outfits and save more room for the essentials.

Check your airline allowance for luggage

If you’re planning to do a long trip around Europe and you’re not planning to hire a car, interrail, or use public transport then you’ll be getting around by air.

The one thing to consider is that airlines vary between countries, and unfortunately, that means many of the luggage allowances will be different too. The last thing you want is to pack 20kg for your first country, and then have to restrict your items later down the line.

Make notes in a notebook or on your phone

Whether you’re planning a 6-month adventure through Europe or a 2-week trip, it’s always a good idea to jot some notes down on paper. This includes where you plan to visit and a rough idea of the activities you’d like to do.

This will help you figure out the things you need to pack for a trip to Europe. Likewise, you can always jot down your actual packing list to see if you’ve missed anything! 

Try to under pack your luggage 

Unfortunately, overpacking your luggage is something that everyone does! It’s so easy to do, and the best way to counteract this is by packing your case and then removing at least a quarter of your clothes.

This may sound drastic but you’ll be under the luggage allowance this way, which means you’ll have room to bring back souvenirs and other cool things you’ve found on your trip.

So, are you ready to put together the ultimate packing list for European travel?

As you can see there’s a lot of thought that goes into any Europe trip packing list! 

It all depends on which country you’re visiting, when, and what activities you plan on doing (hiking, relaxing on the beach etc). 

Hopefully, this guide has helped you plan out all the Europe packing essentials for your trip, and has given you some ideas of items that you may not have even thought of! 

If you’ve found this guide helpful and you’re planning another trip, we’ve also got packing lists for plenty of other countries including Bali , Sri Lanka , and Thailand . 

Not only that, but we've got a handy cruise packing list if you're planning to explore Europe that way (which is extremely popular).

For help planning the rest of your Europe adventure, here are some other guides you might find useful:

• Cheapest countries to visit in Europe
• Best things to do in Portugal
• Best road trips in Scotland

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The Ultimate Europe Packing List

W hile it is very easy to imagine yourself jetting away to an exotic location, in reality, a stress-free, successful trip needs far more organisation than just a few clicks. Especially in today’s world, where we carry more devices than we can count (not to mention the charger for each of these devices) and where going through security is nothing short of nerve-wracking.

The packing list below reflects the type of traveller that I am: orderly, urban, non-adventurous and stylish, who enjoys visiting metropolises like Paris, New York or Berlin. Nonetheless, I think the list provides a good base for every type of traveller, in the sense that an optimal suitcase is a combination of efficient packing and climate/activity-appropriate clothing. And regardless of where you go, only the latter changes. The list works whether you opt for hiking boots or heels, a sturdy rain jacket or a trendy trench coat.

Let’s see what I don’t leave home without whenever I leave for a new destination.

The Key to an Effective Europe Packing List: The Right Suitcase

There’s no point in trying to be organised if all you’re leaving with is a distressed duffel bag, right? As in anything, having the right tools is a guaranteed recipe for success and this is why I’m highly partial to my Heys luggage . Made of polycarbonate composite, each of the suitcases are ultra-light – the biggest one weighs just 10.8 lbs – and are also expandable if you plan on doing a little shopping at destination.

I also like that my fashionable, ombré Heys luggage has a built in TSA Lock for maximum security, which means anyone that’s not technically supposed to have a peek inside my suitcase won’t. The 360° spinner wheels and the 5-year warranty are also musts, as is the hard shell that ensures my precious possessions won’t be damaged or destroyed in transit.

Europe Packing List: Be Organised

Packing cubes

The best thing since fire. Literally. I am a very neat, orderly person and I like having each of my clothing categories (underwear, sweaters, dresses, tank tops, etc.) sorted in the same place. No need to go through the entire suitcase –and unfold everything in the process– for that one item of clothing that I so desperately need.

Laundry Travel Bag

Essential, especially when travelling in the humid climates of Southern Europe in the summer.

Luggage scale

To avoid pesky (not to mention costly!) surprises at the airport (especially if you fly one of the Europe budget airlines !)

TSA-approved quart-size toiletry pouch

To make the security check process much smoother, and therefore that much more enjoyable.

Cross-body handbag

Last but not least, a leather, medium-sized, cross-body handbag in lieu of a day-time backpack. It’s stylish enough to go incognito in most European cities and sturdy enough to resist pickpocketing and slashing.

I always opt for bags than can fit my lens, my survival kit (see below), a small water bottle, my sunglasses and my wallet. I’m currently using this Matt & Nat bag , a Montreal-based company.

Europe Packing List: Clothing

I won’t go and list every single item that I usually pack when I jet off to Europe but the operative word, here, is practicality. Europe is known for its forward-thinking, sophisticated fashion and while not all fabrics travel well (satin and linen come to mind, hello wrinkles), do keep in mind that neutrality is your best friend when it comes to a polyvalent style.

Mix and match clothes, so that each item can be worn at different times with different pieces of clothing for maximum versatility. Here are a few items that, I think, are indispensable for urban Europe getaways:

• One or two pairs of skinny jeans (preferably a blue denim hue and a black one)
• Trendy sneakers and black boots
• One or two pairs of black tights
• Sweater dresses (can be worn with the jeans or the tights) and one fancier dress
• Two or three sweaters in varying length and colours
• Two or three light short and long t-shirts in varying patterns or colours

Europe Packing List: Toiletries

As for toiletries, travel sizes are a girl’s best friend (I have neutral, non-branded bottles that I simply refill with my own products every time I leave). Not only are they easier to get through security, they are also lighter and use up much fewer space.

With that being said, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned during my decade of travel is that whatever you do, DON’T skimp on facial care. Skin is a sensitive organ and can react very strongly to change, be it sunlight, water or air pollution. Below is a list of products I’ve diligently been using for almost the entire duration of my life as a travel writer.

• Wash bag for semi-to-high-maintenance girls like myself. Because a girl needs to have her make-up, hair products, toothbrush and deodorant at the ready.
• Cleansing wipes , either to remove makeup at night or to freshen up during the flight
• Moisturiser with 24-hour SPF
• Basic makeup kit ( foundation , concealer , setting powder , blush / bronzer , blush and powder brush , eye pencil , mascara , lipstick )
• Basic mani-pedi kit ( clipper + file , base + top coat , nail polish  – my favourite shade right now is a slightly mauve antique pink –  remover wipes )
• Paraben-free body wash, shampoo and conditioner (because, frankly, unless you’re staying at really high-end hotels complimentary toiletries are generally dehydrating, full of chemicals, and just all-around subpar)
• Dry shampoo
• Lint roller

Europe Packing List: Tech Stuff and Photography

Mirrorless camera for travel

I barely ever leave home without my beloved camera, the Olympus OM-D-EM10 . My back could no longer stand the bulk and weight of carrying my reflex camera and lenses around all day.

I wanted something light, powerful, simple to use, with changeable lenses and within my price range; in other words, I wanted the unicorn of travel photography. I also carry a 25mm lens and a 9-18 wide-angle lens.

I use a Professional 32go SD card : Never underestimate how much space you need on an SD card! This Lexar cards captures high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p full-HD and feature high-speed file transfer from card to computer.

iPhone battery case

Because I’m such an avid Instagrammer, the iPhone battery case is kind of like my best friend. Not only do I use my iPhone for photos, I also use it for maps, staying in touch, travel apps and so many other things, I simply cannot fathom the thought of not being able to use it. Definitely one of my best purchases.

Grid-it Organizer

So every wire, charger and device stay in place when I’m on the go.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Plane + wailing children. You do the math.

MacBook Air for travel

My 13.3 inch Apple MacBook Air , b ecause it’s the lightest computer there is on the market and allows me to do my regular work even when I’m thousands of miles away from home. Definitely more of an investment than just a steep expense, especially since it means I don’t have to carry or buy a tablet.

Europe Packing List: Miscellaneous

• My Everyman Map guides : favourite city guides (aside from my own , of course); I love their minimalist allure and their foldable maps, which are useful if I travel without a data plan or can’t find Wi-Fi.
• A scarf , that can be used to cover shoulders when visiting sensible buildings, as a pillow, as a tablecloth or a blanket. Or, you know, as an actual scarf when it’s chilly out.
• Hand sanitizer
• Dramamine (non-drowsy motion sickness medicine)
• Blister cushions
• Non-drowsy anti-histamine pills
• Dental floss

Marie-Eve is a native Montrealer trying to balance a deep love for her hometown and an unquenchable thirst for travel and discovery. She has been to more than 36 countries, lived abroad in both France and the U.K., and is always on the lookout for authentic experiences wherever she travels -- especially if it involves wine.

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Packing list for Europe

This Europe packing list covers all the essentials you need to pack for your trip to Europe, plus lots of tips to help you pack light.

• Post date November 10, 2019
• Post categories In Trip Planning

Making a packing list for Europe shouldn’t be too complicated. It may seem challenging, but from my experience, you really just need to follow some simple guidelines and tips.

Listen to this post with Read Aloud (free Chrome extension)

I spend several months a year travelling around Europe every year and have learnt how to create the perfect packing list over the years.

As a result, this Europe packing list is minimalist but also comprehensive and detailed.

I always recommend minimalist packing , bearing in mind that you’re going to countries where you can buy just about anything while there if necessary, so there’s no need to carry too much with you.

Packing light will also give you much more flexibility on a multi-destination European trip.

This essential packing list for Europe covers clothing, toiletries, electronics, luggage and documents.

There are some optional items on the packing list and you can adjust it according to your travel style and the weather forecast.

It can easily be adapted for a vacation in Europe in summer, winter, spring or fall.

In the following sections I’ll tell you exactly what to pack for Europe, whether you’re going backpacking or on a luxury holiday.

Use the checklist at the end of this post for quick reference or last minute packing.

Carry on luggage and day packs – the best bags for a european trip

To find the best luggage for your trip to Europe, there are some choices you need to make.

Travel in europe with a carry on backpack

I use The Journey packing system as my carry on backpack. The huge advantage of this system is that it has 5 bags in one system; it also includes a day pack, a toiletry bag, a laptop case and various smaller bags, so you basically don’t need to buy any extra pieces of luggage once you get it .

If the video has piqued your interest, read my full review of this carry-on bag here .

The Journey can also be carried like a suitcase, but I personally prefer to travel around Europe with a bag on my back. There are many good reasons for that:

*  Cobblestone roads:  Europe has a lot of them. Even in areas where it makes no sense to have them.

Dragging a wheeled suitcase on a cobbled street is terribly annoying, to say the least, both for you and for everyone in the vicinity.

*  Stairs:  You’d be surprised how many train and metro stations in European cities don’t have elevators or escalators.

I often watch people struggling to carry their suitcases up these stairs and it doesn’t look like fun.

It’s not just train station though. Your hostel, hotel or vacation rental may not have an elevator either.

When you’re tired after a long flight, the last thing you want to do is carry a suitcase up the stairs to the third floor…

*  Moving through crowds:  Some big cities in Europe are awfully crowded.

Both main streets and public transport can be difficult to navigate if you have a pull a suitcase behind you.

*  You want your hands free:  When you need to find something on your phone, search the map, take out your metro ticket or hold an umbrella, you want your hands to be free.

A backpack is an easy solution to all of these problems.

Carry on suitcases

If you suffer from back pains, or prefer a suitcase for some other reason, get a wheeled suitcase instead of a backpack, or a convertible carry-on bag .

Carry-on or checked luggage?

The second decision you want to make is whether you want to travel only with a  carry on backpack  or with a larger piece of luggage that you check at the airport.

I always prefer to travel light and never check luggage, and there are many good reasons for that as well:

1.   Money:  Carry on luggage will save you a lot of money when you fly around Europe.

Low cost airlines in Europe can be amazingly cheap to fly with… unless you add checked luggage, which in some cases can seriously increase the price.

Flying with only a carry-on means you’ll have much more flexibility in choosing flights within Europe.

2. Weight:  Limiting yourself to a carry on bag is a good way to avoid overpacking.

We all tend to take way too many things that we don’t actually need when we travel.

If you choose a backpack over a suitcase, it will most likely become uncomfortable if you overpack.

3.  Stress:  I never worry about my bag being stolen, lost or damaged. It travels with me on the plane, so I know where it is at all times.

I also never have to wait by the luggage belt once landed, saving precious travel time.

Foldable and anti-theft daypacks

Your small day pack should be spacious enough to contain all of your day-to-day necessities.

Your phone, sunglasses, waterproof jacket, camera, documents etc. should all fit into the bag.

I also suggest you buy a bag with a water bottle holder. It’s never a good idea to have a water bottle in the same pocket as your phone.

I use the day pack that comes with The Journey , but if you want to buy your carry on and your day pack separately, there are many foldable day packs on the market.

Eagle Creek’s packable daypack is lightweight, folds into a small pocket and has lockable zippers.

If you’re going to areas notorious for pickpockets, consider getting an  anti-theft daypack.

These are bags that have many features, such as secret pockets, security hooks, RFID-blocking pockets to protect your passport and credit cards and more.

Pacsafe  is the leading anti-theft bag brand. Pacsafe Venturesafe is a 15L anti-theft daypack that looks like an ordinary backpack, but has a lots of concealed safety features. If you need a larger daypack, go for the 25L Pacsafe Metrosafe . Watch the video to see what it looks like.

Clothing – what to pack for europe

Clothing, including shoes and accessories, are the bulkiest items on your packing list for Europe and will take up the most space in your luggage.

Before we go into detail, here are two things to remember when packing for Europe:

*  Travel light:  As a general rule, it’s a good idea to pack for one week, even if you’re going to travel for longer.

This is one of the most basic tricks if you want to travel light.

Pack for one week, do your laundry once a week, and you won’t have to deal with the headache of overpacking.

Avoid packing every item of clothing you think you might want to wear – pack only what you will definitely wear. No maybes.

*  The European weather:  In many places around Europe, the weather can be very unpredictable.

This is true for many of the most popular destinations in Europe. Sometimes you will experience four seasons in one day 😉

The easiest way to prepare for that is to use layers. More about that below.

Tops & jackets

T-shirts and other tops.

T-shirts  are the most basic items on any packing list for Europe, whether you travel in winter or summer.

They may be simple, but you can add accessories to make your look more interesting and versatile every day.

I highly recommend quick-dry t-shirts . You’ll be grateful for packing those every time you do your laundry during your trip (don’t assume you’ll always find a drier).

Some brands to check out when you’re shopping for quality travel tops:

• Uniqlo developed their own innovative dry-ex and AIRism technologies. Their shirts for women and men are breathable, moisture wicking and dry quickly.
• ExOfficio are famous for their quick dry, moisture wicking travel clothing.
• Anatomie for wrinkle free travel tops.
• Bluffworks – for moisture-wicking, quick-dry and odour-resistant technology.

You may want to add a top that’s more elegant, a  blouse or a button up shirt , for going out at night or for more formal occasions.

Bluffworks make wrinkle free dress shirts for men and blouses for women, that are also moisture wicking and anti odour, and so are perfect for travel.

Exofficio ‘s travel blouses and dress shirts come in a nice range of colours and some are also bug-repellent.

Because the weather is unpredictable in many places in Europe, you may be sweating on a crowded train, but freezing on the street.

So you want to add some warmer layers beyond the basic t-shirts, as well as a waterproof jacket.

[If you know you’re only going to be in hot places where the weather is predictable, just skip this section].

To save space in your bag, I recommend packing a  long sleeve thermal top , rather than a sweater.

I’ve been using the same North Face baselayer for years and take it with me on every trip. They’re available for women and men .

These are lightweight and do not take up too much space in your luggage, but are absolute life savers when the temperature suddenly drops.

Jackets and raincoats

As for  jackets , a good fleece jacket is essential for cooler evenings during summer.

Fleece jackets are lightweight and and will also dry quickly when washed or if you’re caught in the rain in the middle of summer…

Check out these brands to buy a quality fleece jacket for your trip:

• The North Face

Another option that’s perfect for travel is a SCOTTeVEST .

These are designed with a surprising number of hidden pockets that you can store just about anything in!

Pick a jacket in a dark solid colour that will match the rest of your clothes.

If you’re going to travel during winter in cold European countries, bring a warmer coat.

A  rain jacket  is essential when packing for Europe, whether you travel in winter or summer.

Pick a lightweight, foldable , water-resistant windbreaker with a hood, that you can just throw into your daypack and forget about it, until you need it.

Pack comfortable trousers for flights and train rides (I usually wear yoga pants). This is important especially if you’re arriving in Europe on a long flight.

I recommend trousers in dark colours only, because they’re easy to match with the rest of your clothes.

It may be a good idea to pack shorts or skirts if you plan a trip to Europe during summer, but only if you’re going to hot countries, mainly in the south of Europe.

Otherwise, they may be a waste of space in your luggage.

The weather is so unpredictable in some areas of Europe, that walking around in shorts during the day may prove a mistake when it gets cold in the evening.

For the same reason, cropped pants aren’t the best idea either.

You may also find that shorts or skirts are not acceptable in some religious institutions.

You may be about to enter a beautiful cathedral and find out that what you’re wearing is inappropriate…

There will normally be a sign at the entrance with a dress code.

That’s why you want multi-purpose trousers:

* Long trousers you can roll up when it’s warm (like leggings or yoga pants), and

* Convertible travel trousers with a zipper at the knees that turns them into shorts.

The latter would normally also be of a quick-dry material, which is always a good idea when you plan your packing.

Leggings can also be used as a base layer in cold weather.

As you can see, these two options do not include jeans.

Jeans are bulky and take a long time to dry, so they’re generally not the best item to put on your packing list for Europe. Save them for short trips or quick city breaks.

Trousers tend to take up a lot of space in your bag, so consider how many you will actually need for a week (remember, you want to do your laundry once a week).

I recommend  two pairs  and in any case no more than three.

There’s a huge selection of travel trousers out there.

Here are some brands you want to browse to find good quality travel clothing:

On your trip to Europe, you’ll be using your feet a lot .

Walking around, going up towers for panoramic views, going up and down stairs at public transport stations, walking on those weird cobblestones…. you get the picture.

Comfortable walking shoes  are probably the most important item on your packing list for Europe!

Uncomfortable shoes, or new shoes you haven’t broken in yet, can and will ruin your vacation.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right pair of shoes:

* Choose walking shoes in a dark colour , so you can easily match them with the rest of your outfit.

* Ideally, look for dressier sneakers , that you can use for walking during the day and when going out at night.

* If you’re going to rainy destinations, pick shoes that are waterproof .

* It is a good idea to invest in good insoles before your trip.

* If you’re going hiking or mountain climbing, pick the right shoes. You can also wear them around the city.

* Walk in your new shoes and break them in before your trip. You’ll thank yourself later 😉

Flip flops  are essential for showers in hostels, as well as some vacation rentals or if you’re Couchsurfing or camping.

They take up minimal space in your luggage and are also handy in warm weather and when you go to the pool or the beach.

I always travel in Europe with one pair of black slip-on sneakers that I wear everywhere, plus flip flops for showers.

That’s the most minimalist you can go when packing for Europe.

Underwear & socks

As with shoes, comfort is key when you choose the  underwear  to pack for Europe.

It’s also a good idea to use quick dry underwear when you travel. You’ll be able to wash them in the sink and they’ll dry quickly.

Cotton does not dry quickly unfortunately, but there are some quick dry underwear on the market.

ExOfficio are famous for making odour resistant and quick-dry underwear for women and men .

The  number of pairs  you bring depends on whether or not you like washing underwear in the sink. In the video above, the guy used 2 pairs on a 2-year cycling trip! That’s the huge advantage of using quick dry underwear.

I personally have found that I’m too lazy to wash them in the sink after a full day of exploring, so I have to bring more pairs.

For women, two  bras  should be enough. Make sure they’re your most comfortable ones, as you’ll be wearing them for long hours each day.

For your  pyjamas , there are no rules; use whatever you find comfortable, as long as it’s lightweight. Leggings or yoga pants and a t-shirt are great. If the weather is cold at night, you can sleep in a long sleeve thermal top .

The best  socks  for travel are comfortable, moisture wicking, dry quickly and odour resistant (or anti-bacterial).

So your standard cotton socks are not ideal for travel… I peronally prefer bamboo socks.

Just as with underwear, if you’re happy with washing them in the sink, you can bring less socks and save space in your luggage.

• Fashion accessories

On long trips around Europe I wear the same t-shirts again and again, but always use some fashion accessories to make things a bit more interesting.

Bring some necklaces, badges, watches, bracelets and scarves to mix and match during your trip.

The only thing you don’t want to pack are expensive jewellery, as you may not always have a place to store them safely.

Other than that, play around with colours and patterns.

Even if your a minimalist packer like me, small accessories hardly take up any space in your luggage.

Toiletries & health – europe packing list essentials

Toiletry bag.

A hanging toiletry bag is super useful when you travel.

It’s compact and keeps your toiletries organised in pockets.

Hang it on the towel rack or the bathroom door and you’ll have access to everything you need easily.

Minimalist packing

When you create your packing list for Europe, you may be tempted to take your entire bathroom with you. There’s no need for that.

I strongly recommend minimalist packing when it comes to toiletries, for two reasons:

1. There are limitations on the quantities of liquids and creams you can carry on planes.

2. You can buy them cheaply just about everywhere you land.

Because you can only bring liquids and gels in small quantities on flights in Europe (100ml or 3.4 ounces), it’s a good idea to look for solid versions of toiletries .

Instead of carrying a bottle of shampoo, I use the a shampoo bar, which can also be used as body soap.

If you’re on any  prescription medicine , don’t forget to add it to your packing list.

The same goes for  vitamins  that you take regularly.

I usually also take some basic  painkillers , just in case.

Of course you can buy them at your destination, but you may not be able to buy them just when you need them (imagine a headache that keeps you awake late at night…).

Beyond the essentials, here are some optional items you should consider bringing:

*  Small pack of tissue  – It’s always of to have them in your daypack.

*  A towel  – Depending on where you’re going to stay, you may need to bring your own towel.

It’s best to pack a quick-dry travel towel that’s lightweight and folds into a small pouch in your luggage.

*  Make up  – If you use make up and can’t live without it when you travel, pack only as much as you will actually use, preferably in a compact travel kit. You can always buy more in Europe if needed.

*  Anti chafing cream – If you’re going to hot countries in summer (or even cooler countries, because there’s a heatwave in Europe every summer), pack this cream to avoid chub rub.

*  Hygienic products for women  – If you use tampons or sanitary pads, you should be able to buy them just about anywhere in Europe.

Calculate whether you’re going to need them shortly after you land, and in that case bring some with you. Otherwise, just buy them during your trip.

There are better solutions for travel these days, such as a menstrual cup or period underwear .

Electronics – what to bring to europe and some optional items

Some of the most essential items on your packing list for Europe are the devices you’ll be using on a daily basis and their chargers.

• Phone and sim card

Bring your own phone if it’s unlocked or buy a cheap one in Europe.

When you buy a sim card in one EU country you will be able to use it in other EU countries that are part of “Roam Like at Home”, meaning you won’t pay extra when you move between countries (but do check the fine print).

• Device chargers

I always take two portable chargers for my phone with me when I travel around Europe.

Although I normally use only one, it’s best to have an extra one as backup.

You’ll probably be using your phone more than usual on your European trip, for navigation, translation, taking photos and keeping in touch with friends and family back home.

Buy a reliable power bank, not one that will stop working just when you need it most.

Also don’t forget to pack all your device chargers and charging chords.

• Power adaptors

The best power adaptor to pack for Europe is a universal adaptor with USB ports.

Most countries in Europe use the 2 round pronged outlets (Type C).

However, The UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta have a completely different outlet, 3 pronged and rectangle (Type G).

You can buy power adaptors when you arrive in Europe, but I recommend you buy them in advance and take them with you.

It will make life easier when you land. Running errands when you’re just starting your vacation is no fun.

I highly recommend getting a  universal adaptor with USB ports .

Use it to charge all your devices, just bring USB cords.

This is much more compact than a long power strip and will save space in your luggage.

Camera (optional)

You can take photos on your phone or tablet, but if you’re not entirely happy with their quality, it’s best to bring a camera as well, so you won’t have to regret missing out on capturing memories from your European trip.

Check out this list of recommended portable cameras for travel photography .

Don’t forget to bring an extra memory card and battery charger (and maybe an extra battery).

Tablet (optional)

You may want to bring a tablet instead of or in addition to a phone.

It’s handy for taking photos, reading and messaging apps.

E-reader (optional)

If you ever carried paper guidebooks with you, an e-reader will definitely save space in your bags.

Download your maps and travel guides onto your e-reader instead (TIP: Lonely Planet let you download ebook versions of their guides).

Laptop (optional)

Carrying a laptop with you is not a good idea, unless you are a digital nomad or actually plan on doing work that you can only do on a computer.

If you can do everything you need to do on your phone or tablet, then you’d better leave your laptop at home.

It’s just a heavy, expensive, fragile item that you don’t want to carry around with you.

You also don’t want to have to worry about whenever you leave it in your hotel room.

Travel documents & money

The most essential documents you need are your passport, travel insurance, airplane ticket.

Save photographed copies of all of these on your phone as backup.

If you also have train or bus tickets booked, or car rental confirmations, make copies of them too.

Keep your hotel or vacation rental reservation confirmations handy on your phone or printed them out and take them with you, including instructions on how to get to your accommodation from the airport or station.

I also note down the phone number of my vacation rental host / hotel just in case I get lost on the way (it’s only happened once 😉 )

Don’t forget to bring any cards or certificates that you may need: A driver’s license, a ho(s)tel membership card, an international student card etc.

Keep your  money  in different places in your luggage.

It’s never a good idea to keep all your foreign currency in one bag, in case it gets stolen.

You may want to use a neck wallet or a money belt to hide your cash, especially of you’re going to spend time in big cities that are known to have a lot of pickpockets, such as Barcelona, Rome, Prague or Madrid.

Speaking of cash, not all European countries use the Euro, so do check in advance which local currencies you’ll need ( click here to check currencies ).

I recommend taking an extra credit or debit card as backup.

For your peace of mind, keep it hidden and separate from the card you normally use.

Payment methods vary between countries in Europe, and sometimes even between cities in the same countries.

Many places are going cashless these days, but you will still find shops and restaurants that don’t accept cards…

That’s why it’s best to have both cards and cash on you.

Bon Voyage!

Packing List for Europe – The Checklist

Here’s the full list – both minimalist and comprehensive 🙂 Some items are optional, depending on where and when you’re going to Europe.

• Carry on backpack / wheeled luggage / a convertible bag.
• Packable daypack and/or an anti theft bag.
• Money belt / neck wallet.
• 5-6 t-shirts and 1-2 dressier tops
• Long sleeve thermal top
• Fleece jacket and/or Scotts Jacket
• Rain jacket
• 2 pairs of trousers
• Walking shoes

Electronics

• Travel insurance
• Plane tickets
• Accommodation reservations
• Accommodation directions and phone number
• Credit / debit cards
• Transport tickets
• Car rental confirmations
• Driver’s license
• Ho(s)tel membership card
• International student card

Toiletries & health

• Laundry detergent
• Painkillers
• Prescription medicine
• Tissue paper
• Hygienic products
• Anti chafing cream
• Conditioner

Leading travel gear brands

• Eagle Creek
• Backcountry
• Briggs & Riley
• Craghoppers

More packing tips

• How to travel light

Cool travel gadgets for backpackers

• Eco friendly travel accessories

save this europe packing list on pinterest

• Tags Minimalist Packing , Packing , Packing Light , Packing Lists , Travel Accessories , Travel Gadgets , Travel Gear , Travel Gifts

Thanks for sharing this list. It gives me an idea for what to leave out on my next trip.

backpack is good especially taking a budget flight, haha, that’s the best option! nice sharing

This is super helpful! I will have to check out that backpack.

Great post. You have covered everything regarding packing here. I try to follow most of these but thinking of giving minimalistic packing a go this time

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The Ultimate Europe Summer Packing List

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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Overpacking is the quickest way to start your European trip off on the wrong foot. Charming cobblestone streets, boutique hotels without elevators, and packed public transportation mean you don’t want to be hauling around an oversized suitcase. 

A streamlined European packing list is essential—you want to look good in all your photos in front of famous sites, blend in with local fashion, and be comfortable for miles of walking every day. 

We’ve put together the ultimate European summer packing list for smarter travelers to follow—you’ll be comfortable, stylish, and mobile (without that giant checked bag).

Summer weather in Europe can be fickle, so packing a good pair of jeans is always smart in case the temperatures drop in the evening. Mott & Bow’s Slim Boyfriend Jeans are made from a soft, lightweight twill denim fabric that’s lighter and more comfortable than regular denim. 

The white jeans help keep your outfit looking summery, and by some miracle, Mott & Bow’s jeans aren’t see-through like most white pants. 

Light Shirt/Scarf

If you’re visiting any religious/historical sites in Europe, you may be asked to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect. Keep a lightweight scarf with you so you can comply on an impromptu visit without overheating during the rest of the day.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

Dresses are the most versatile piece of clothing you can pack for your European trip, as they can be worn with sneakers during the day or made fancier at night with heels. For hot summers, you can’t beat linen— Quince’s 100 percent European Linen Button Front Dress was practically designed for European trips.

Made from breathable and heat-regulating linen, the dress will keep you cool. The removable belt and functional buttons give you multiple looks with just one piece of clothing and best of all, the dress features pockets. 

Cozy Earth’s Coastal Comfort Mock Neck Short Sleeve Button Down is the perfect mix of casual and pulled-together. Made from a blend of tencel and linen, this top is ultra-breathable and feels significantly cooler than cotton. 

The fabric uses an enhanced weave that helps prevent pilling, so this shirt will still look brand-new after many trips.

Since they take up such minimal space, you’ll never regret packing a swimsuit . There are so many beaches, lakes, and even hotel pools to explore in Europe, you won’t want to miss any opportunity for a dip. 

If you tend to burn easily, and don’t want to be bothered frequently getting out of the water to reapply, the Eddie Bauer Long-Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit swimsuit is a great option—the floral print and zipper keep it cute, while the extra coverage gives you plenty of sun protection. 

The Best Swimsuits for Any Type of Vacation

Lightweight Pants

A lightweight pair of pants can protect you from the sun, keep you covered for historical church visits, and help you look like a local (if you choose the right ones). Ditch the heavy denim in favor of something with a bit more stretch, like Mott & Bow’s Twill Chinos

These pants have just the right of flexibility but are structured enough that they won’t get baggy halfway through your trip. The khaki color is perfect for summer, and can be dressed up or down depending on your plans for the day. 

Accessories

Crossbody Purse

The perfect purse for Europe can be worn crossbody style (which makes it harder to steal), goes with any outfit, is versatile, and is big enough to hold the essentials (but not too large, since you’ll be carrying it all day).

Quince’s Italian Leather Quilted Wallet Crossbody ticks all the boxes. Made from soft Italian leather, the purse will be right at home in Europe, and the quilted design works well from day to night. The bag can be worn as a crossbody, or you can remove the chain to use it as a clutch. 

Coin purses have fallen out of fashion in the US, but they can come in handy in Europe, where lower denominations of currency are in coins instead of bills. Don’t end up with a heavy stash of coins buried in your bag—keep your change organized and accessible in a zippered pouch . 

The 24 Best RFID Wallets to Protect You Identity

Keep the sun off of your face and your outfit looking stylish with a sun hat. These packable options from Madewell are perfect, since they can be stuffed in your bag (without getting destroyed) when you’re not wearing them. 

Refillable Water Bottle

Although tap water is safe to drink in Europe, it’s not commonly offered for free at restaurants (you’ll likely have a choice of bottled still or sparkling water instead). However, in some destinations, you may find public drinking fountains readily available. Save money (and the environment) by packing your own reusable water bottle, like this one from LARQ , which automatically cleans itself using UV technology. 

The LARQ bottle comes in both an insulated and non-insulated version, so you can choose between having a light weight to carry or having perfectly chilled beverages all day long. 

Pack a pair of sandals you can wear to the beach, hotel pool, and for short walks. Ipanema’s Trendy Sandals feature a minimalist style that will blend in anywhere. The lightweight sandals are made from PVC so they can be easily rinsed off after every wear.

You’ll spot chunky white sneakers on the feet of many stylish Europeans this summer. Join the crowd with New Balance’s classic 550 sneakers . The low top and clean silhouette go with everything from jeans to dresses, and there’s plenty of arch support and cushioning to keep you comfortable. 

The 8 Best White Sneakers for Travel

Pack no-show socks that will actually stay up if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. These ones from Bombas have grips on the heel that help to keep them in place. 

Toiletries/Miscellaneous 

In addition to the same toiletries you’d pack for any destination (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc.) here are some important ones to remember for Europe:

Even if you’re not hitting the beach in Europe, sunscreen is still a must-pack for summer trips. Sun Bum smells good and doesn’t leave a white cast, so you’ll forget you’re wearing it.

A travel-sized pack of tissues can come in handy for more than just the sniffles (like at a public bathroom that’s run out of toilet paper.)

Medications

In some European destinations, you’ll have to visit an actual pharmacy to purchase even over-the-counter medications, and these pharmacies tend to have somewhat limited hours. 

Pack sample-size packets of medicines just in case, so you don’t have to waste time hunting down a pharmacy if you have a headache or stomachache. 

The Best Over-the-Counter Sleeping Pills for Long-Haul Flights

Electronics

Don’t forget to pack a pair of headphones for the long flight over from the United States. Skullcandy’s Push Active Earbuds are wireless but still secure (in case you plan on working out while you’re on vacation).

The earbuds are voice-controlled, so you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to change songs or take a phone call. 

Appliances in Europe run on 220 volts, while ones in America use 110 volts. Fortunately, most modern appliances (like iPhones) automatically switch voltage, so you won’t need to worry about bringing an electricity converter (but double-check your electronics before trying to use them abroad). 

However, you will need to pack an adapter in order to use standard plugs in Europe. 

Portable Charger

It’s easy to run down the battery on your phone when you’re snapping pictures and taking video to capture all the memories—and constantly using maps to figure out directions. A portable charger can revive your battery without you having to go back to the hotel or find a place to plug it in.

Biolite Charge Series Portable Charger Review

Travel Documents

As with any trip, don’t forget these important travel documents:

• Copies of passport (you can scan them to your phone or the cloud instead of carrying paper)

Although most places in Europe accept credit cards, you’re still likely to find a few cash-only destinations, so make sure you bring some cash with you.

When you are using a credit card, make sure you’re choosing one that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee , as those can quickly add up.

Download Our Ultimate Packing Checklist for Europe

When its time to start packing, download our editable checklist here .

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Packing for Europe: How Not to Overpack for a 3-Week Trip

Europe Packing List , Travel Packing Lists

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Packing for Europe in the shoulder season can be challenging. Should you pack for cold or warm weather? Start by reading this packing guide for trips with different weather and find out how to avoid overpacking with these tips downsizing one reader’s travel wardrobe!

Packing for Europe: Downsizing Your List

Travel Fashion help!  Reader asks: 

I’m traveling to Amsterdam, Germany, Hungary, and London the first 3 weeks of May. Do you suggest a pair of Capri pants and trench coat? I’m thinking about bringing a pair of jeans, black straight leg pants, a maxi skirt, and tops to match everything.

I will be gone for 24 days (my longest trip yet). I’ve checked the weather and it looks like a range between 50°F-70°F. Any helpful suggestions on packing for Europe would be appreciated.

(Below you will find the traveler’s full packing list along with my suggestions on what to keep and remove.)

Start by reviewing these articles:

• 10 Step Packing Guide for Europe
• How to Choose the Best Shoes for Europe

For Amsterdam, Germany, Hungary, and London the first 3 weeks of May, you’ll most likely encounter colder weather than warmer weather.

Always , always , always check the weather forecast before your trip for each country you are visiting. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a capsule travel wardrobe , which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

Remember, the trick to traveling for long periods of time is to re-wear clothing and to do laundry once a week or as needed. On my first trip to Europe in March 2007, I packed a large suitcase plus carryon and almost all the clothing I packed went unworn.

Here are some general principles to keep in mind when packing for Europe in cold weather:

• If it’s cold, no one will see what you’re wearing underneath your sweater or coat, so you can rewear items.
• If you’re in a new city every few days, no one will notice you wore a similar outfit a few days prior.
• You can make 21 days worth of outfits with just 10 pieces of clothing: 3 bottoms multiplied by 7 tops equals 21 unique outfits. This is Travel Fashion Math.
• People have the tendency to gravitate towards the same few pieces of clothing, the ones they would normally wear at home and feel most comfortable with. I can almost guarantee you would only wear half of the clothing listed on your trip.

Follow these guidelines when packing for Europe in May (or during a trip with different weather):

Sleeveless  |  Tee  |  Blouse  |  Blouse  |  Long Sleeve

You currently have 12 tops listed in your packing list:

• 3 colored sleeveless tops in coral, mint green, and black/white.
• 3 short sleeve tees (white, black and grey stripe)
• chambray long sleeve blouse
• white long sleeve blouse
• long sleeve black/teal blouse
• white long sleeve v-neck knit top
• black long sleeve v-neck knit top
• teal blue and grey long sleeve crew neck knit top

TFG Suggests:

It would be great if you could pare your list down to seven pieces. Since you don’t have any dresses, plan to pack enough tops so you have one for every day of the week. You have six long sleeve tops and six short sleeve/sleeveless tops.

Because of the weather, I would pack less sleeveless and short sleeve tops when packing for Europe.

• For the 3 colored sleeveless tops,  I suggest removing 1-2 and choose the one that’s most versatile.
• I suggest removing the white tee and possibly the striped tee from the  3 short sleeve tees . Take only 1-2 tees. If you only choose one, go with black, because it’s classic, looks dressier yet comfortable, and will mask stains easier than the white tee.
• For the long sleeve tops , in total take no more than 4-5 blouses. If it’s cold, your outerwear (below) will be showing the majority of the time, not what you’re wearing underneath. If you only remove one, make it the white blouse; if you remove two, I recommend the knit top.

Leggings |  Crop Linen Pants |  Silk Skirt

In total, you currently have six bottoms listed. 

• One dark denim ankle jeans (can be rolled up to be capris)
• one medium color denim skinny jeans
• black ankle pants
• black legging type pants
• khaki colored ankle pant/capris
• a maxi skirt in either black or black/cream

When packing for Europe, remember that pants, jeans, and trousers are easily reworn without being washed. They’re also least likely to show up in pictures since they’re on the lower half of your body, which people tend to notice less than the top half. Pack 3-4 total bottoms and focus on cold weather versus warm weather.

• Dark denim is a great choice for Europe! But, take only one pair of jeans and go with the darkest pair.
• Choose either the black ankle pants or leggings, not both.
• For the khaki colored ankle pant/capris, either choose these or the black ankle pants but, not both. They serve the same purpose.
• For the maxi skirt in either black or black/cream: because you have so many longer bottoms, perhaps a shorter skirt or dress would be better? If you don’t like to show your legs, a maxi would be great on warmer days.

Tip: You can layer the legging style pants under a shorter skirt or dress and wear this in the cold in addition to warm weather.

Long Jacket |  Cardigan  |  Long Sleeve

In total, you currently have seven pieces of outerwear listed. 

• 3 sweaters (orange and white stripe, black and white stripe and one black merino wool)
• black/winter white cardigan
• oatmeal colored cardigan that ties in the front
• minty green knit vest
• black side zip knit jacket
• army green jacket
• black North Face trench coat with a hood

Outerwear includes some of the most re-wearable clothing items as they don’t sit next to your skin and won’t get as dirty as other pieces. When packing for Europe, this is the best place to save space and find pieces that you can layer together as needed (so these must mix and match) or be worn alone based on the weather.

• For the sweaters, are these closed or open? if they’re closed, then take no more than two. If they’re open, take no more than one since you also are taking a cardigan.
• Take only one cardigan that can be worn over all tops, especially if you’re packing more than one sweater.
• Remove the minty green knit vest as it’s not an essential item (or keep and remove one more top or sweater).
• Can you remove the black side-zip knit jacket? Do you need the knit if you take sweaters and cardigans?
• Could the army green jacket replace the North Face trench coat or vice versa?

Walking Shoes | Ballet Flats | Ankle Booties

All great choices! When packing for Europe, it’s great to pack:

• black tennis (walking) shoes
• black flats (black is always classic or you can also try one of these  versatile colors for shoes )
• black ankle booties (considering choosing tan instead of black – it goes with everything. see this post !)

Printed Scarf | Infinity Scarf | Belt | Crossbody

Accessories

All great choices when packing for Europe!

• 2 printed scarves
• small black cross body purse

Tip: Worried about theft, add items like a money belt or Secret Bra Pocket to your packing list.    

Here are a few articles on how to layer your clothing so you don’t have to take as many pieces:

• How to Pack for Cold Weather
• How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather
• How to Layer Clothes

The absolute best way to avoid packing more than two sweaters and/or cardigans is by using thermals underneath. Merino wool, in particular, is the best choice because you can rewear it for days (even weeks if needed) and it won’t absorb scents.

Read this article on the best thermal underwear for women to find out how they work.

Travel Fashion Tip: Even though you’re not traveling in the middle of winter, this sample cold weather capsule wardrobe shows you how to pack with a total of fifteen clothing pieces!

Do you have anything to add to these tips on packing for Europe? Please comment below!

For more Europe packing lists, please read:

• 10 Step Packing Guide for Italy
• 10 Step Packing Guide for Paris
• What to Wear in Europe: Packing Lists for Every Destination!

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Hope you found this post on packing for Europe useful. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

36 comments.

Thanks for a great article! A great reminder on what I really NEED too pack for 3 weeks in Europe next month. I will definitely be taking a few things out of my pile.

I always make sure to check your website when planning a trip because of the countless tips and wealth of information. Thank you for the tips and advice! It helps give me peace of mind as I prepare for my travels.

Thanks for reminding us about your website. You have such a wealth of information here! Thank you.

I love that even though I feel like I’ve successfully packed for a 3 week Europe trip, I still get fresh ideas each time I read a post! Thanks!

Thank you so much for the tips! Can’t wait to figure out what to take…

This was super helpful with the actual packing list examples!! Going to channel this energy while packing for my trip to Barcelona – wish me luck!!

Great blogs …mahalo

I love reading your packing suggestions. Thanks for sharing your experience. Using it to pack for my 4-week trip to Europe leaving at the end of Sept.

Thank you for your words of wisdom! Hoping not to overpack on our upcoming European vacation with your helpful list and capsule wardrobes!

This type of interactive post is very helpful!

Love the specifics this article provides! They have become my packing template for long trips.

This is great info. Used it to travel in eastern Europe for three weeks in early spring

Great if/then suggestions for cutting out the extras

Everyone says what to pack, but how do you travel without a shirt every day? Wear a dirty shirt the second day? Wash your clothes? There’s not really time to wash clothes. How does this get accomplished w/o an entire suitcase ending up all smelly?

Hi Becky, take a look TFG’s signature packing lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you can pack for any trip: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/

No matter the length of your trip you can pack for one week and have everything you need. We have more tips here: ✈ https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-do-laundry-while-traveling-3-options/ ✈ https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-travel-laundry-detergent/ ✈ https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/step-by-step-tutorial-how-to-hand-wash-clothing-when-travelling/

Happy travels!

I plan to follow the basic list, and use a tip: spray bottle with water/vodka to mist worn clothes that could be used another day… also, wash clothes in the sink every other day. I have been practicing at home, just to see how they fare, and it’s working well. Considering folding hangers/corded hanging line to make it easier, as finding the right place to lay out or hang has been a concern. The extra hassle will be worth less weight to lug around on our 17 stop/25 day best of Europe trip (leaving in 28 days)! Carry-on & a backpack only!

Thanks! Although ” no one will see what you’re wearing underneath your sweater or coat, so you can rewear items.” – who cares? 😉

Alex, this was a great post. Definitely helpful for me to look at the clothing I’ve laid out and downsize. I’m heading to Italy for 5 weeks. Biggest problem is, in addition to site seeing in Italy, I have a cruise.

Hi Mary, so happy to hear that we’ve been able to help you with your packing. ?

If you’re worried about over packing, a good place to start is to take a look TFG’s signature packing lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack for your trip: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ The packing lists show you how to pack light and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey!

Then check out this 10 step guide for Italy which takes you through every stage of your packing so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-italy/

Hope this helps. Have the most incredible time! ?

By putting so many clothes into the packing cube, don’t they get wrinkled?

Hi Laura, one of our favorite ways to avoid wrinkles inside packing cubes is to use the bundle wrapping method inside the packing cube! You can find more tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-clothes-without-wrinkles/ Hope this helps! ?

I put a whole outfit including undies socks & bra and belt into a roll or packing. cube:prevents rifling through for the socks. Two complete outfits is enough for 3 weeks. Mix tops and add scarf. Put gloves and hat into coat pockets with a safety pin. Two pair of shoes. Bring twice as much money and half as much stuff. Bring ready printed address labels for post cards, social cards with your name and e mail & cell, and a small diary. You’ll refer to it for years to come. Wear a smile.

My husband and I went to a Europe several times. I always stressed and over packed, but getting better at it. We are going to Croatia and Greece end September October for 3 weeks,I will definitely follow your guides as it make sense.

Yay, so pleased you found the guide useful Jackie! You may also find our 10 step guide to packing for Europe helpful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-europe/ Have the most phenomenal trip in October!! 🙂

My husband & I are traveling to Germany, Netherland, Belgium, Vienna, France & Italy this coming September for 3 weeks. Could you recommend us your tips on what outfit for us to bring along? Btw, this our 1st trip to Europe & we have no clue at all on what to wear & carry. Thanks a lot! ?

Hi Jenny, thank you for reaching out! For the best place to start planning your packing, have a look at TFG’s 10 step guide to packing for Europe: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-europe/ You may also find this article helpful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-for-a-trip-to-paris-and-italy/ Hope this helps! Have an amazing time on your first trip to Europe! 🙂

I’m in northern Italy right now for a month. If I had to pack again, I would bring, (including what I’m wearing) 2 jeans and 3 underarmour type shirts, a nightie and a nice raincoat, no extra shoes. It’s ridiculous dragging around clothes. All I brought was (including what I’m wearing) 5 dresses, 4 leggings, 2 pr shoes, a sweater and a raincoat, pjs, it’s too much. By the time you get electronics and face wash etc, it’s all too heavy. A couple scarves would enough change up for me. Too much fun to be had and you can shop here if you like.

Thanks for the feedback Nancy!

I’m going for 3 weeks to france, germany, england and spain.

Do you think bringing light wash jeans are a good choice? I’m not sure what’s in fashion in these countries. i wanna bring a light wash and dark wash pair of jeans.

Also, I have palazzo pants similar to ones here ( http://wheretoget.it/look/1243562 ). These are my favorite pants and I wear them often. It says to where your favorite clothes. Should I bring these things?

Hey Deeva, as the article says try and only bring one pair of jeans and make them your darkest pair! However if you’re not planning on taking any other bottoms then you have more flexibility of choice 🙂 Those pants are super cute as well! If you wear them all the time then that’s great as you don’t want to bring something you never really wear! Check out the 10 step guide to packing for Europe for some more tips – http://bit.ly/1rJAy3y

Yah I’m not going to bring any shorts. So it would just be 2 jeans and the pants for my bottoms.

I really like this article because it reminds me that I don’t need to pack everything. I am planning on going to Europe for a month in July and I want to travel with just a carry-on and a backpack. This is good information to remind me that I can make many outfits out of some choice items and accessories. Thanks.

Yay I love this 🙂 You really don’t need to pack everything! Enjoy Europe and good luck with your packing!

That is a great choise of outerwear and shoes shown above. I always get confused when I have to pack these things. For traveling in Germany in Mai you definitely need clothes for warm and cold weather. We have had temperatures between 4 °C at night time and 26 °C during the day this month. Right now it is getting warmer, but rain is expected the next days. So maybe an umbrella can be helpful 🙂

Thanks Chrissy that’s really helpful 🙂 Glad you like the choices too!

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Home » Europe » Packing List

What to Pack for Europe in 2024: Clothes, Bags, Gadgets + More

Europe is one of THE definitive travel experiences. The continent offers a mind blowing, diverse range of places to visit, things to do and cultures to sample.

Because Europe is so fast and diverse, you may well be wondering what to pack. I mean, what electrical sockets do they use? What should you wear?

Well we have answers these questions for you. We’ve compiled a thorough guide on what to pack for Europe. In this post we advise on on what to wear in Europe, a breakdown of what to expect by season and how to pack for each, and what NOT to bring for your travels.

Packing light and smart can seem daunting and overwhelming, but follow our top tips, and you’ll be well on your way. Then, all you have to do is get out there and enjoy the ultimate European experience that awaits!

The Ultimate Packing List For Europe

What to pack for europe checklist: personal gear, final thoughts on what to pack for europe.

Nomatic Travel Bag

• Capacity > 30L
• Price > $299

Nomatic Navigator Carry On

• Capacity > 37L
• Price > $400

GoPro Hero 11

• Resolution > 5k

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket

• Price > $600

Insurance From World Nomads

• Price > Click For a Quote

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Packing for Europe made easy! Let’s kick of our Europe checklist and look at the essential items you should not be without.

Best Backpack For Europe:  Nomatic Travel Bag

If you’re packing for Europe then you’re gonna need some luggage right?! For all types of travelers and destinations, our number one recommendation is the  Nomatic Travel Bag . It will be as at home at Berlin airport as it will be carried around Italian backstreets.

The Nomatic travel bag covers every detail to make backpacking travel the best experience. You have a choice between backpack or duffel bag carry, and extra carrying comfort for your back thanks to its innovative strap system and detachable sternum strap. And its black, waterproof material is every bit sleek and modern as it is durable and tough. There is a reason why most Broke Backpacker staff swear by this backpack.  Note that its only 30L so do pack light(ish) with this one.

Best Suitcase For Europe:  Nomatic Carry-On Pro

Backpacks not your thing? That’s ok. Our friends at Nomatic are back again with a great alternative to their badass Travel Bag; the Nomatic Carry-On Pro. 

This wheeled suitcase is ultra-durable, sleek, and comes with a handy tech compartment for transporting your laptop and other electronic bits. Plenty of European travellers use suitcases and this one will do you from the Atlantic drifts or Ireland, all the way to the Balkans and beyond. Check out our  Nomatic Carry-On Pro review  to learn more about this epic suitcase.

The Camera:  GoPro Hero9 Black

For most of us, our smartphones now feature cameras with stunning photo capabilities. But… if you are an aspiring photographer who wants to take next-level photos and video beyond iPhone selfies, I recommend going with an action camera like the  GoPro Hero9 Black .

It does deliver pro-quality video and gives you a bunch of a different angle options and shooting speeds to work with for photos (including a selfie-mode). Think of a camera purchase like this as a long term investment that will have you capturing epic shots well beyond your time exploring here.

If you are looking for something cheaper for video specifically, check out these epic  GoPro Alternatives .

Packing Cubes For Europe – Wandrd Packing Cubes

In case you have never used them, packing cubes are little compression cubes that allow you to neatly pack clothes in in order to help facilitate better packing. They allow you to pack more stuff, and to keep it all better organised.

For the longest time, I thought that packing cubes were a superfluous indulgence, but boy was I wrong. Now I never travel without a few. These ones from WANDRD are great quality and excellent value for money. Get them on your Europe packing list now!

Best Sim For Europe – HolaFly eSim

The good news about Europe is that there is extensive 4g and 5g Internet coverage offering ready access to taxi apps and food delivery apps. The bad news is that your native SIM card will most probably not work and so you will not be able to access any of this online goodness until you rectify that particular situation.

You can waste time hanging around phone shops queuing to get a plastic sim or you can simply install a eSim onto your phone before you leave home. You just access the HolaFly site, choose the relevant package, download it and off you go – you are online the moment you land at the airport. eSims are easier to set up and better than the environment than plastic sims. The downside is that not all phones are eSim ready.

When deciding what to pack and what to wear for Europe, you need to consider where exactly you are going and when are visiting. I mean, the Norwegian winters will require a substantially different wardrobe than the Andalusian summers.

We suggest doing proper research on your destination but as rule remember this – Summers range from hot to mild and winters range from mild to freezing. The more Southerly you get the warmer and the more North, the colder.

Another thing to bear in mind is that Europeans are mostly a smart bunch and take fashion seriously. Whilst you will see tourists wandering around Milan and Paris in cargo shorts and flip flops, make know mistake that we are judging them very severely!

Good Shoes – Salomon X Ultra 3 Low Aero

The chances are that your European trip will invoice some serious walking. Whether you are checking out the sites of London & Rome, or hiking the dolomites, Europe offers a good opportunity to exercise those legs.

Whilst you may get by with regular sneakers such as Converse, your feet will definitely feel the strain after strolling the Lido or Champ’s Ellysees so should consider getting comfortable walking shoes. Note that if that if that if you are visiting the Nordic countries in Winter, proper boots may be a better option. Our Iceland packing list has some good intel for cases such as this.

Good Rain Jacket – Arcteryx Beta AR

Did you know that the surface of the earth is 69% covered in water? And you know how that water got there? Yep because it tends to here rain here on planet earth quite a lot! This is especially true in the UK and Ireland – if your Europe trip includes a visit to either, then bring a rain jacket regardless of the time of year. If you are visiting any country in Europe during winter and autumn, then likewise, it will get wet.

There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong gear for it. Don’t let a bit (of a lot) of rain ruin your trip and make sure you are ready with some top notch rain gear. This is our pick of the many rain jackets we have tried. It’s reliable & stylish and looks good worn out in the mountains or in city bars.

Travel First Aid Kit

You don’t need to tote around half a pharmacy when visiting Europe, but a well-stocked first aid kit should be in all our backpacks. Stuff happens on the road and it’s inconvenient and embarrassing when you can’t manage small situations like a cut finger or hangover migraine. You can tuck this lifesaver away in a forgotten pocket – and it’ll be there when you need it.

Tip: Add a few bits and pieces to the first aid kit after you purchase it, like extra headache medicine, any personal meds you need (like allergy pills), whatever you take to calm your stomach and a few more plasters.

Travel Insurance From World Nomads

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Planner/Travel Journal

Keeping a journal is one of the best things to do when traveling. The Drifter Leather Journal by Kodiak is our favorite, it works great for digital nomads and organized backpackers and can be used as planner or a dream diary – whatever you want! 

Keep on track with your goals, travels and save those precious memories, especially the ones you do not want to share online. This one is bound in beautiful leather so it looks beautiful and will withstand life on the road.

Abaco Sunglasses

Europe does get bright. Southern Europe stays sunny all year round and even the Nordics get some serious winter light. A reliable pair of sunglasses is undoubtedly one of your Europe packing essentials. Our favorites are Abaco Polarized Sunglasses because they deliver on quality and style. 

They’re built tough with triple-layer scratch-resistant lenses and trademarked Adventure-proof Frame Material. You can also customize them with your choice of lens and frame colors to reflect your own style. 

Quick Dry Travel Towel (Gotta stay dry!)

Towels are essential backpacking gear as a lot of hostels don’t provide them or if they do, they may not really be all that clean. However don’t bring a ‘normal’ towel on your backpacking journeys, they are big and take up loads of room in your pack and they take ages to dry.

Travel pros like use micro-fibre dry towels that roll up into tiny, space saving proportions AND they dry unbelievably quick. A good micro-fibre travel towers is essential travel gear on any ultimate backpacking gear list. The Matador micro-fibre towel series are made by travellers for travellers. They are super light, and most importantly dry very quickly and are perfect for all types of backpacking trips.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Another backpacker/traveler favorite for staying organized is a  hanging toiletry bag . It’s extremely helpful to have all of your accessories neatly gathered in one bag that you can hang for easy accessibility, especially when counter space isn’t plentiful or even available. A well-organized bag is worth having whether you’re tree whilst camping or a hook in the wall – it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

Historically, I have been the guy who has my stuff all over the bathroom, so getting one of these things really changed the toiletry game for me. Plus they are not too expensive either. A no-brainer essential. 

Money Belt – By Pacsafe

Whilst Europe is not particularly dangerous, crime can still happen and tourists are sometimes targeted.

Therefore it is always a good idea to use a money belt to hide your cash just in case something does go wrong.

You can pick up a money belt for $5 but the buckle will break the second time you unfasten it so spend a few bucks and get this from the good peeps at REI.

Waterbottle –  Hydroflask Vacuum Bottle 32 oz. 

Packing a reusable water bottle is probably the best thing you can personally do to combat single-use plastic bottle use whilst traveling. There is simply zero need to buy plastic water bottles. Most European tap water is safe to drink, but this is not always the case. Do check. Even in counters where it is safe, it may not agree with your personally.

We love the Hydroflask Vacum Bottle for its quality and because it keeps cold water  cold  for many hours and vice versa for hot beverages. This bottle is the ideal water bottle to get not just for your Europe trip but for daily use. Please don’t be that person buying plastic water bottles. We are all judging you…especially mother earth.  If you go with the Hydroflask, you’ll probably never need to buy another waterbottle again.

The Basic Stuff To Pack For Europe

On top of the essential items listed above, here is an additional suggested checklist of what to pack for a trip to Europe:

• 1-2 pairs of comfortable pants/jeans
• 1-2 pairs of shorts (summer/late spring)
• A few pairs of socks
• (Sexy) underwear x 2/3
• Ladies: a few dresses, pants, outfits, or desired lady apparel for a night on the town. Whatever makes you comfy! 
• Dudes: A few collard shirts or something half-way decent for a night on the town. Whatever makes you comfy! 
• Smartphone with a good camera for photos if you are not bringing an actual camera
• Portable power bank  for charging your phone on the go
• Phone charger
• Amazon Kindle  for reading on trains and beaches
• Aeropress  if your European AIRBNB or Hotel has hot water making capabilities
• Copy of your passport just in case
• Cash (not too much, there are ATM machines everywhere in Europe)
• Packable Towel
• If you’re headed to Northern Europe in winter you might want to pack some gloves or mittens .

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See, packing for Europe isn’t that tough, is it? Well, it shouldn’t be now that you’re equipped with your 22 needs packing checklist, tips on what to wear and pack by season, special considerations for women and men, and what backpack you should get for your travels.

Just pack smart and don’t sacrifice style for packing light – you can do both! Focus on the essentials, and you have nothing to worry about – other than having an amazing time and getting the most out of all the splendors Europe has to offer!

Have any Europe packing tips of your own? Why not share them in the comments below? Happy travels, friends!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

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Great info and suggestions but would also like some help with “winter” packing suggestions for two week trip in second half of December to France (visiting Paris, Strasbourg, Saint Etienne, Lyon) for gender specific women list and a men’s list. Planning on each checking a large bag and then carrying a small/medium travel bag (fits under seat or overhead bin).

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The Ultimate Packing List for Europe in Summer

Figuring out what to pack for Europe is a something I have had to do a lot.  I’ve spent many summers in Europe so I have plenty of experience packing for Europe over the years.  For those of you traveling to Europe this summer and not sure what to wear or what to pack, I have put together the  ultimate packing list for Europe in summer .

Packing List for Europe in the Summer

Europe Packing List Summer – Travel Essentials for Europe

• European Travel Adaptor  – European travel adaptor  for your electronics

• External Battery  –   External battery  to recharge your phone, camera or other electronics (this is one of my  travel essential items  for any trip)

• Comfortable walking shoes  – You will be doing a lot of walking in Europe so comfortable walking shoes are a must for sightseeing. You might want to bring either casual sandals or comfortable flats .

• Camera/photography gear  – Europe is very photogenic so don’t forget to bring your camera!  If you are traveling alone or as a couple, you might want to bring a selfie stick/portable tripod  to take photos of yourself. Don’t forget to bring an extra memory card .

•  Scarf  –  A  lightweight scarf  will keep you warm on chilly summer nights or places with too much air-conditioning.  A scarf is also useful when visiting churches or cathedrals which require women to cover their shoulders.

• Lightweight pants and/or long dress/skirt for women – If you are going to be visiting churches, I recommend women bring at least one pair of light pants or a dress that covers the knees.

• Sunglasses  – Most countries in Europe (especially Southern Europe) are very sunny in the summer so sunglasses are a must!

• Reusable water bottle  –  A reuseable water bottle is a good way to save money on bottled water and also eco-friendly. I use  this insulated water bottle  because it keeps my water cool for hours.

• Hat – If you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors especially in the middle of the day, don’t forget to bring a hat for sun protection.  I recommend Coolibar hats  because they have excellent sun protection.

What to Wear in Europe – Clothes and Shoes

Europeans dress a bit nicer than most North Americans so I don’t recommend walking around in sweatpants or sneakers and shorts.  I recommend dressing fashionable especially in larger cities so you can try to blend in with the locals.

The temperature in Southern Europe during the summer can get very hot so you will need lightweight clothes.  The temperature in Northern Europe is more moderate or even cool and rainy so you will need long sleeve shirts, pants, an umbrella and a jacket or rain jacket.  I recommend checking weatherbase.com to look up the average temperature and rainfall to get an idea what the weather will be like when you are visiting.

• Dresses and skirts   – Bring at least 2-3 dresses/skirts.  A basic black dress is a must and can be worn from day to night.  Maxi dresses are also cute and comfortable for summer.

• Lightweight pants   –  Men should bring at least 2 pairs of lightweight pants for sightseeing and to wear at restaurants or bars.  Women might want to pack a pair of lightweight or linen pants as well. Avoid wearing jeans in the summer in Southern Europe as they will make you feel too hot!

• Shirts/tops  –  I recommend men bring at least 4 short sleeve shirts.  Women can get away with fewer tops if they pack more dresses.

• Sweater   – Pack at least 1 long sleeve sweater for chilly summer nights and air-conditioned places.

• Jacket   – Bring a light jacket.  Some parts of Europe (especially Northern Europe) might be cool in the summer even in the daytime.

• Comfortable walking shoes  – A must for sightseeing. Depending on your outfit you might want either casual sandals or comfortable flats or fashionable sneakers.

• Dressier sandals/cute flats/loafers   – Bring a dressier pair of sandals or cute flats that can be worn for dinner or drinks.

• Platform shoes for women  – Some places of Europe have cobblestone streets so I recommend women avoid high thin heels.  If you need some height, I recommend platform shoes.

• Shorts  – Personally I would avoid shorts in Europe unless visiting beach towns or resort areas.  If visiting mostly cities, I recommend wearing lightweight pants or skirts instead of shorts.

• Flip-flops  –  I recommend wearing cute and comfortable sandals when walking around a European city or town but you might want to bring a pair of flip flops to  wear at the beach or at hostels and hotels.   Havaianas flip flops are my favorite because they have great traction and don’t slip when walking on wet surfaces.

• Underwear, socks and bras  –  Depending on how long you are visiting Europe and how often you will do laundry, bring at least 5 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks and 2 bras.  If you are checking luggage, pack at least 1 of each in your  carry on bag  in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed. ExOfficio underwear is great for travel because it is breathable, quick-drying fabric and odor-resistant.

Europe Packing List – Other Things to Pack for Europe

• Passport • Cash, credit cards, ATM cards (make sure your credit card does not charge a foreign transaction fee) • Drivers license and international drivers license if planning on driving • COVID vaccine card and/or negative COVID test (if required) • Glasses, contacts, contact lens solution • Medication and prescriptions • Face Masks – Masks may be required at your destination so pack a few face masks •  Antibacterial wipes  or  hand sanitizer • Electronics (smartphone, computer, tablet,  kindle , cords, cameras, memory cards) • Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss • Toiletries (makeup, lotion, deodorant, tissues, comb/brush, feminine products, q-tips, razor, shampoo/conditioner/soap) • Noise cancelling headphones  or  earplugs and  eye mask • Compression socks  to prevent DVT on long flights  and drives •  Body wipes  to wipe off sweat • First aid kit (band aids, pain reliever, allergy medicine, anti-nausea medicine, antacid tablets, charcoal tablets ) • Lip balm with UV protection – Don’t forget to protect your lips! Most people apply sunscreen but they overlook sun protection for their lips • Sunscreen  – Don’t forget to bring sunscreen to protect you from the sun. Sunscreen is easy to find in Europe so it is not the end of the world if you forget to pack it. • Insect repellent • Travel umbrella and/or rain jacket – Some parts of Europe can be rainy even in the summer • Bandana – A bandana is so versatile, you can use it to wipe off sweat or use as a scarf or mask • Beach bag – For carrying your beach essentials if planning some time at the beach or pool. • Bathing suits/sarong/kaftan  – If planning to hit the beach or pool. • Universal waterproof phone case  – Keep smartphones dry with this  waterproof case  when hanging out at the beach. • A  quick drying travel towel for the beach or if you are staying at a hostel that does not provide towels • Packing cubes • Day bag, tote or purse for sightseeing • TSA approved locks • Notebook and pen

These are my travel essentials for a summer in Europe. Is there anything else I should add to my Europe packing list ?

Need some travel inspiration for your trip to Europe? Check these articles about the best European travel destinations:

• Best Road Trips in Europe You Need to Visit
• Most Beautiful Cities in Europe You Need to Visit
• Underrated Cities in Europe
• Beautiful Towns in Europe Straight Out of a Fairytale
• Europe Bucket List: 100+ Epic Things to Do in Europe

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

Looks like a good thorough list. Very accurate in my experience. I’m a huge fan of noise-canceling headphones as well! 🙂 And a scarf is always great, like you said.

I am one of those last minute before leaving to travel packers. and also miss stuff, I needed a check list and printed this post out, thank you Ma’am.

Really useful list, I need to save it, I always forgot something while I’m packing. Thanks!

I just did a packing list post myself on my blog. Loved reading yours, many of things are same/similar to my list 🙂 I have been thinking of using packing cubes, what do you think about it? Good idea? or Nah…

This is a really extensive packing list, you have really covered yourself here.

Love all these tips for packing for a trip to Europe during the summer. As someone who lives in Europe (until Brexit comes in at least LOL), I’d definitely recommend all of these. Just a note, reusable water bottles can be used in most places in the UK as our tap water is safe. Though if you’re hitting countries like Greece or Cyprus around the Med then I’d advise non-Europeans to be careful with tap water, as it may not agree with you and isn’t always the safest. Happy travels! X

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The Ultimate Packing List for Europe: Fall Edition

Here’s a not-so-secret fact about us: fall is our favorite time to travel in Europe (and packing for fall in Europe is extra fun, too).

Crunching leaves, changing colors, the wine and olive oil harvests, dissipating crowds, cozy clothes, and cooling temperatures: traveling to Europe during autumn is absolutely fantastic, and you couldn’t ask for a better time to plan a trip.

We’ve spent several fall seasons in Europe, enjoying everything from the bright blue waters of Malta in September to the cozy vibes of Budapest in November , with many destinations in between.

Heading off on an autumn adventure and ready to put together a packing list for Europe in the fall?

We’ve rounded up everything to need to pack for autumn in Europe here–plus some advice on what to wear.

Table of Contents

How to Use This Packing List for Visiting Europe in the Fall

The absolute essentials for visiting europe in the fall, travel gear you should definitely pack for fall in europe, packing list for europe: fall wardrobe for women, packing list for europe: fall wardrobe for men, other travel gear for your packing list for europe in autumn, read more about visiting europe.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

At the risk of stating the obvious, Europe is a large and diverse continent.

In other words, if you’re planning a September trip to Sicily , you’ll need a much different packing list than if you’re planning a trip to Norway in November.

You’ll definitely notice some stark variety in my outfits in the photos for this post–all of which were taken in Europe during the fall!

This packing list for Europe in the fall is designed for a traveler who’s visiting Europe in late September, October, or November, and is who’s avoiding destinations far in the north (like Lapland) or at a very high elevation, where much warmer clothes might be needed.

Think strolling through the streets of Paris , wine tasting in Tuscany , or admiring the fall foliage over Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, for example.

Of course, always be sure to carefully check the weather in the destinations you’re planning to visit as your trip gets closer, but this fall packing list for Europe will provide a great jumping-off point for deciding what to bring (and what to leave behind).

Passport — Definitely the most important item on any packing list for Europe in the fall!

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and visiting Europe in autumn is definitely a case of it’s to be better safe than sorry.

Check prices and inclusions with Safety Wing  for your fall trip to Europe!

Visa (If Needed)  — Though 26 countries in Europe are part of the Schengen Zone that allows many nationalities (including US citizens, Canadians, and Australians) to enter and travel freely between their countries for 90 days for tourism, that still leaves around half of Europe’s countries that are  not  part of this agreement.

Regardless of where you are from, always double-check entrance requirements before showing up at the airport to fly to any European country (or any country at all that isn’t your own, for that matter).

Money  — We recommend bringing two credit cards (one to use, and one to keep as a backup), and two debit cards. Ideally, bring cards with no foreign transaction fees.

We’ve never felt it necessary to obtain currency before arriving (we just withdraw from an ATM when we get there), but you can purchase most currencies in your home country if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Keep in mind that not all countries in Europe are on the Euro, so be sure to double-check what currency you’ll need based on your itinerary !

International Driving Permit — If you are coming from outside the EU and plan to rent a car during your fall trip to Europe, you may need an International Driving Permit to do so!

Italy in particular is well-known for enforcing this requirement.

Be sure to check the rental requirements in any country that you plan to drive in before you arrive!

Camera  — We have been using our  Sony a7R III  for several years now and absolutely  adore  it, but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works–just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories! 

Be sure to check the requirements for any particular country that you visit–the United Kingdom, for example, is well-known for using different plugs than most of the continent.

(Not that you should need to worry much about theft from your hotel room during your trip to Europe, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!).

Comfortable Day Bag — We currently use Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a Northface Jester backpack for years and loved it as well.

When visiting Europe in the fall, I promise Option B is the best bet! We love this easy-to-pack umbrella and bring it just about everywhere.

They’re incredibly handy and we recommend adding one to your packing list for Europe this fall.

We’ve been carrying ours for years and it never stops coming in handy!

Reusable Water Bottle  — Save both money and plastic during your spring trip to Europe and add a reusable water bottle to your packing list for Europe!  I love this metal one .

Apple Air Tags  — Air Tags are a relatively new addition to our Europe packing list, but we’ve absolutely loved having the extra security when checking out luggage!

If so, you’ll be so glad you brought along a Swiss Army Knife–ours has saved us from a last-minute snack packaging crisis many times!

Student ID  — If you’re a student, you’ll be entitled to lots of discounts on museums and attractions throughout Europe (though note that this is sometimes just for EU residents–be sure to double-check individual attractions before getting your hopes up).

If you’re a student, be sure to add your ID to your autumn packing list for Europe.

Cell Phone  — We spent more than a year traveling without working cell phones, just relying on wifi… and while that’s completely fine, we would never go back.

Consider purchasing an international plan for your cell phone (most carriers offer them), getting an eSIM, or, if you have an unlocked phone, you can just buy a local SIM card once you land in Europe.

You’ll want to structure your personal wardrobe for traveling in Europe based on where you’re going, of course.

A glamorous trip to Paris calls for different clothes than hiking in Ireland or soaking up the last of the year’s warmth in Greece –but if you’re looking for a great all-in-one fall packing list for Europe, this is it!

We like to spend nearly the entire autumn in Europe (especially October, our personal favorite month) these days, and these picks reflect my personal favorite things to wear in Europe in the fall.

Dresses with tights underneath them and a cute pair of boots basically make up my uniform when visiting Europe in the fall–bonus points for sweater dresses.

Think something similar to this one , or something like this for a maxi dress look.

Don’t forget the tights! I love these tights and own several pairs (they hold up forever).

If you’re traveling later in the fall or to a cooler climate, consider adding a pair of cozy fleece tights to your packing list for Europe in the fall.

Simple blouses like this are perfect for most places in the fall in Europe.

Be sure to also bring a sweater or two along–thinner ones are easier to pack and layer, so keep that in mind when shopping. Something like this is a great option.

A Europe packing list for autumn absolutely requires a pair of jeans–I’m obsessed with this pair and wear them everywhere.

If you prefer wearing pants, you might also like to bring an additional pair of jeans–black ones like these are a great way to mix things up.

If you are like me and prefer to wear dresses and skirts more often than not, a cute skirt like this layered with tights and boots is a fashionable and comfortable choice for your fall in Europe packing list.

During autumn in Europe, cute boots rule the streets when it comes to shoes.

I’m currently in love with these boots and wearing them on a near-daily basis.

Something similar to this is also a fabulous option.

September and October in Europe are still a bit early for full-on lined coats in most parts of the continent , though that all changes when November rolls around!

Consider bringing a cute, but lighter option like this along for your trip if it looks like the weather will call for it.

(Though note that in many parts of Europe, citizens dress for the season, not the weather–so if you pass Italian women wearing peacoats when you’re in a sundress in September, don’t be surprised).

Accessories

When it comes to accessorizing for fall in Europe, it’s all about the scarves !

We recommend adding 1-2 on your autumn packing list for Europe, but also keep in mind that scarves make easy, cheap, and lovely souvenirs.

Though they’re far from necessary, I also personally love these cuffs to mix up my look when wearing boots.

Fitted, casual shirts like this and light sweaters like this are both great options for men when packing for Europe in the fall.

Casual slacks or chinos like these are a versatile and easy option for your fall in Europe packing list.

We recommend bringing at least one pair of fitted, dark-wash jeans like these  as well.

Subtle boots like these or classic shoes like these are both good options.

Jeremy is currently wearing these boots and loves them.

Depending on the weather for your trip to Europe, you may not need a heavy jacket at all when visiting Europe in the fall.

Jeremy was comfortable in this jacket all the way through mid-November in Europe last year.

If you want something warmer, consider something a bit thicker–just be sure not to get one that’s too heavy for the season.

Sweaters like this are another great option!

Scarves are both fashionable and comfortable this time of year.

We recommend adding one to your fall packing list for Europe and potentially picking up another one as a souvenir along the way.

You just never know when a long ferry or mountain road might call for some assistance!

Money Belt  — This is up to you: we no longer use one, but if you’re more comfortable having your passports on your person while exploring Europe this fall, you can consider bringing one.

I’ve been using it for more than 6 years now (I’m on my second volume) and absolutely love it.

Basic Medication  — Some people prefer to buy medication for basic headaches, fevers, and stomach aches as needed, but who wants to deal with language barriers when they’re sick?

We’ve never regretted packing our own basic meds.

True, it’s a bit of a pain to carry and not advised in busy areas, but the memories are priceless and the photos you end up with are generally  so  much better than the ones you get by asking a stranger to snap a photo for you!

They’re so tiny you’ll barely notice them when putting together your final European fall packing list, anyway.

Planning a fall trip to Europe and curious about more than your packing list?

We’d love to help!

We’ve been travel bloggers since 2016, and have 50+ countries and years of traveling Europe under our belts.

You can browse our 500+ blog posts in order of original publication here , or check out these guides:

• How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas!)
• 25 Bucket List Worthy Things to Do in Iceland
• Paris vs Rome: Which Iconic City is Right for You?
• 25 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map to Find Them!)
• 10 of the Most Beautiful Bookstores in Europe
• The Ultimate South of France Itinerary: Provence + The French Riviera

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

17 thoughts on “The Ultimate Packing List for Europe: Fall Edition”

This is such a comprehensive packing list that I’m sure anyone can benefit from. It’s true that using a money belt is a bit controversial as you said, but I have to admit that I feel safer and more confident with it when travelling to crowded places. I also find your suggestion of UV Lens Protection quite useful, too.

Thanks, FIona! I would definitely get some UV Filters for your lenses–they’re very inexpensive and definitely make a difference.

Wow you guys really have thought of everything! The idea of a portable safe sounds very useful, especially for backpackers. You mentioned a purse at the beginning; is this like a crossover bag? You’re both clearly very organised people, it makes me question my own travelling prep!

We definitely try! The portable safe is definitely useful. My purse is a crossover bag, but it’s a fairly small one–definitely couldn’t fit a laptop or anything like that in there!

A great packing list that is quite useful for many types of trips. I had no idea that there was Sea Bands available to combat sea sickness! I definitely need those for my next trip out on a boat. I love your tips about camera devices. I need to start getting into photography more and this is very helpful. Thanks! Enjoy your trip to Europe.

You will love the Sea Bands! I couldn’t believe how well they worked, and I’m so excited to find an excuse to use them again this fall.

What a really well thought through, comprehensive list. I love how you have been more inclusive here than conservative so people can individually cut out things they may not want. I totally agree with the choices you have made on the more expensive items as they have clearly lasted you some time. You have both developed a great system for backpacking and I hope you have a wonderful time in your upcoming travels.

Thanks, Nicole! We definitely prefer to pay a little more and buy something once and be done with it when possible.

Wow, you have captured every small thing here – from clothes to camera. Even small things like extra zip lock pouches. That is something I remember everytime I am on a travel and realize that the next time I need to add those. Well done and I am book marking this for my easy list for packing next time.

Thanks, Ami! Glad we could help. 🙂

Your list is just the best. It covers all that would suitable for a comfy journey. Thanks for this post. I need a new camera, I’d run through the ones on this list maybe I’d find something satisfying.

Thanks, Lydia! We definitely love our camera–it has been the perfect camera to learn manual shooting on.

This is spot on! I am so jealous of your full-time travel life. Its a future goal for me. These pictures are beyond beautiful. I will keep this for my next European adventure in the Fall!

Thanks, Kerry! So excited for you to get a chance to travel full time–hope you reach your goal soon!

Wow that’s a lot to pack but you guys sure thought of everything to not be needing anything at all! Loved going through your camera gear, it’s always amazing to see what other photographers and travellers pack for it!

Such a comprehensive list! It is very important to bring medicine, in case anything happens. Extra memory cards and batteries are also essential!

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Backpacking Europe Packing List & Pre-Trip Checklist

Last Updated on December 11, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Your flight is booked, you’ve secured your first few night’s accommodation, and you’ve had “going away drinks” with friends. You’re nearly ready to embark upon your European adventure, but you still haven’t packed your bag! Figuring out the perfect Backpacking Europe packing list can be a daunting task, but luckily I have been there before and can offer sage words of advice to guide you through this stressful time!

Table of Contents

Checklist Before You Start Packing

Before you start thinking about what items to include on your packing list, it’s worth taking time to make sure you’ve got all the crucial components of your trip organised. It’s worth taking care of these items at least 1-2 months before you depart to ensure you have everything organised in time!

Have a Rough Route & Budget

It’s worth picking out a few must-sees for your trip and then determining a rough route around those destinations. There’s no need to over-plan your route as you’ll undoubtedly want some flexibility when you finally arrive in Europe.

However, if you want to visit a popular festival or city that is known for getting a lot of tourists in high season then it’s worth planning that well in advance.

Once you have a rough route in mind, this will help determine what daily budget you need. An average daily budget for backpacking Europe is around €42 – 105/day.

This will cover you for most places in Central and Eastern Europe, however, you can expect to pay more in Western European countries and less in the some of the more affordable countries in the East.

This daily budget will cover you for a dorm in a hostel, cheap meals (with the occasional splurge meal), transportation and one or two activities per day.

In addition to your daily budget, you need to make sure you have enough funds to cover pre-trip expenses such as flights, gear and travel insurance.

Organise Your Transport

Hopefully, by the time you’re thinking of packing, you’ve already got flights booked to Europe. If not, it’s worth taking the time to play around on Skyscanner to find deals on flights to Europe.

You also need to consider, how you will get around Europe when you land. If you plan to make use of the extensive rail network, it can be worth booking some popular trains in advance (particularly in summer!) as you will get cheaper rates and there will be a lot more availability.

Finally, if you’re planning on using the train extensively over a short period of time, a Eurail or Interrail pass can be incredibly good value.

If you’re living outside of Europe, you can browse Eurail passes . Alternatively, if you’re based in Europe, browse Interrail passes.

Choose the Right Debit or Credit Card

What is the right debit or credit card you might ask? The ones with no foreign transaction fees!

The last thing you want to be doing on your backpacking Europe trip is giving away part of your daily budget to the banks!

Applying for a debit or credit card without foreign transaction fees will mean you won’t get charged extra each time you withdraw money which can save a lot over the course of a few months backpacking.

It’s worth making sure you do this as soon as possible as it can sometimes take a little while for banks to approve your application.

Consider Travel Insurance

For many backpacking trips, we have used World Nomads . They offer flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

An alternative option is SafetyWing which offers travel medical insurance policies.

Book a Night or Two or Accommodation

After getting off a long flight and being jetlagged, the last thing you want to be doing is walking aimlessly around a new city trying to find somewhere to stay. Book your first few nights in a hostel and have the comfort of knowing that you have somewhere to stay when you get off the plane!

Alternatively, if you prefer a bit of privacy for a couple of nights to recover from jetlag, booking a private room in an Airbnb can be a good option to start your trip to Europe.

Top Things To Consider When Packing for Backpacking Europe

Choosing a travel backpack.

One of the biggest tips I or anyone else could give when you’re assembling your packing list for backpacking Europe is to make sure you travel light.

There is nothing more uncomfortable than having to lug an outrageously heavy backpack through winding European streets, which is why I would suggest that you aim to keep the weight of your bag under 15 kilos (33 pounds), and ideally under 10 kilos (22 pounds).

It is also more convenient to have lighter luggage when you are moving between cities. Obviously, you need to be conscious of weight when you are flying as anything over 20 kilos (44 pounds) in order to avoid exorbitant extra fees.

However, though it is highly unlikely you will be financially penalised for it, it is so much easier to have lighter luggage when you are on ground transport, as well. If your bag is very heavy, you’re going to have a lot of trouble hoisting it onto luggage racks or carrying it up or down a flight of stairs.

The second thing you need to consider is the actual bag you plan to take. It can be really confusing as there are seemingly endless options.

I would suggest you try to keep the main bag under 50 litres, mainly because it both prevents overpacking and also because a smaller backpack is a lot easier to manoeuvre.

You want to look for luggage — whether you are planning of going for a backpack, wheeled backpack, or even a traditional suitcase — that is durable and can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear.

Constant packing and unpacking and lugging through city streets and on and off transport can do a considerable amount of damage to luggage and you are going to want to buy something that can withstand that for many trips to come.

Personally, I use the Osprey Farpoint 55 (also available on REI here or direct from Osprey here ). The main pack itself is 40 litres and it also comes with a 15-litre detachable daypack. It is incredibly well-made and also comes with a lifetime warranty.

It’s come with me on many a trip and I’ve yet to come up with any complaints. Michael uses the Osprey Farpoint 70 over the Farpoint 55 which is slightly bigger but essentially the same backpack. 

If you’re looking for more stylish options for your European backpack , then other options include Peak Design which can be used as carry-on luggage or the Osprey Farpoint Wheels (also available on REI here or direct from Osprey here ) which is a great choice if you’re after a wheeled backpack.

Organising Your Gear

The third thing to consider is how you actually pack your backpack. There are a number of techniques you can use in order to maximise the space in your bag, from rolling your clothes to stuffing your socks and undies in your shoes.

However, I’ve found that the best way to keep organised and to save space in my backpack is to use packing cubes.

Both Michael and I use Eagle Creek compression packing cubes (also available direct from Eagle Creek here ) and don’t have enough good things to say about them. They’re super lightweight and really durable and well-made.

Honestly, they’ll just completely change the way you pack and I don’t know what I’d do without them.

Decide Which Electronics You Need

Before you start packing, it’s worth thinking about which electronics you need with you in Europe. Unless you’re working online there’s little point lugging around a large laptop during your backpacking Europe trip and it’s best to pack light.

However, you might still be keen on having something to browse the web, upload photos or chat with friends back home. In this case, a lightweight tablet like the Amazon Fire Tablet might be a good option.

This is a good option if you plan to access WiFi on your trip, just make sure you have a subscription to reliable VPN such as ExpressVPN before you leave!

Another electronic item that I specifically bought for my travels was a Kindle Paperwhite . If you like to read while travelling but want to reduce weight in your bag then this is a must!

Finally, make sure you have a camera so you can document some of the amazing memories you will undoubtedly have.

If you’re not into photography, then the camera you have on your smartphone is likely to be sufficient. If you want to get more professional with your snaps, then I recommend the Sony A6400 .

It’s a mirrorless camera, lightweight and a good mid-range camera if you want to learn more about photography. There are also a number of fantastic travel lenses for Sony A6400 cameras available on the market.

Backpacking Europe Packing List

The packing list for Backpacking Europe below is a variation of what I brought for three months travelling through the Balkans and Eastern Europe , but could just as easily last you two weeks to six or more months. It also can be used in any season, with some variations.

The biggest tip I could give when you’re wondering what clothing to bring is to only pack versatile, neutral-coloured clothing that can be mixed and matched with most things you’ve included in your backpack. 

Basically, don’t bring anything that only goes with one other thing. You’ll regret it and, honestly, you might even end up dumping it along the way.

• Depending on the season you are travelling, I recommend taking a mix of short and long-sleeved t-shirts. Obviously, in summer you should take more short-sleeved and in winter increase the number of long-sleeved!
• These long-sleeved t-shirts ( men’s click here ) make a great base layer in the colder months and will keep you nice and toasty!
• These fleece sweaters will keep you WAY warmer than cotton and stays warm even when wet. Great to have if you’re travelling outside of summer or plan on going hiking
• I would also recommend bringing a sweater that can be dressed up, so you can look nice even when it’s chilly outside.
• They’re super warm, durable, lightweight, pack down very small and are quite affordable. I really can’t say enough good things about these jackets.
• I like this North Face jacket. It’s lightweight, durable, and keeps you dry above anything else. It’s also great for layering on top of a jacket and a sweater to keep you extra warm.
• One pair of jeans, I like darker jeans that I can easily dress up or down depending on the circumstance
• One pair for hiking/walking pants/trousers or another pair of jeans or chinos if you don’t plan to be that active
• You can browse some great options in our best travel pants in Europe guide.
• Leggings/thermal pants are great if you’re travelling in winter for an extra layer under your jeans .
• I also wear leggings when hiking and opt to bring two pairs of jeans rather than a dedicated hiking/exercise pant. Basically, leggings are super versatile and should definitely be on your list.
• For late spring, summer, and early autumn. If you’re travelling outside of these seasons, then don’t bother bringing them. It will be too chilly and they’ll just take up unnecessary space.
• For nicer restaurants/going out
• Collared shirt for men, dress/skirt/nice pants for women (or whatever is a little bit nicer than your typical backpacker wear and makes you feel comfortable)
• Bluffworks has a great range of nicer clothes that are still practical for travel – you can read more about them here.
• How many pairs you bring really depends on how often you want to do laundry!
• If travelling in winter, make sure to bring a couple of pairs of thermal underwear  ( men’s click here )
• Again, this really depends on your typical laundry habits.
• If travelling in winter, make sure to pack some thick wool socks  ( men’s click here )
• Good as a base layer in the winter or chilly autumn days, or as a top when it’s hot outside
• One regular, one sport — obviously for women
• I’ve also noticed a lot of men (Michael included) tend to wear just a comfortable shirt over underwear
• If you’re travelling in summer and planning on swimming a lot, I like to pack two just in case one hasn’t dried when I have to pack up to avoid a mildew situation
• I also tend to bring a swimsuit even if I’m travelling to a colder climate. You never know when you might need it!

When packing for backpacking Europe, one of the most important things to do is ensure you have comfortable shoes to walk in. After all, you will probably be spending a lot of time on your feet!

The most important thing to do is to make sure you plan appropriate footwear for the activities you plan on doing and the season you are travelling in.

I’ve listed the shoes that I always recommend taking below. I have also written a detailed guide for choosing the best shoes if you want some more advice!

• For autumn and winter or if you plan to do a fair amount of hiking.
• They are also available on REI for women here or for men here
• If you’re travelling in summer and don’t plan to do any hiking or outdoor activities, then don’t bother to bring these
• Nice trainers or other comfortable & breathable shoes for traipsing city streets
• For the beach and grubby hostel showers — no one wants athlete’s foot ruining their travels!
• For spring and summer, I like Birkenstocks (also available on REI here ). I know they’re a bit geeky, but I never have sore feet even if I’ve been walking all day in them. Also, the arch support is out of this world.
• For women wanting a nicer shoe, there are a number of foldable ballet flats on the market that can make your outfit look nicer without taking up a bunch of space .
• I tend not to bring these, however, some might want a nicer shoe .

Need your gear in a hurry? Sign up to a  FREE 30-day trial with Amazon Prime  and get fast shipping for your items!

Electronics To Pack

The number and type of electronics you take with you depends on your planned usage and whether you need to do any work on the road.

As we work when travelling we tend to pack additional electronics, however, if travelling purely for the sake of travelling, then you should consider carefully what you actually need and plan on using.

• Michael is the photographer among us and he travels with a Son y A6400 . It’s a mirrorless camera that is lightweight and a good entry-level camera for budding photographers.
• Bring an extra battery and SD card for your camera. You don’t want to be short of power outlets or storage space and not be able to photograph something amazing.
• He also travels with a Joby GorillaPod Kit which is a fantastic lightweight tripod.
• I never thought I would be able to give up paper books, but I’ve found an e-reader is essential for a traveller who likes to read!
• Michael and I both love our Paperwhite Kindles – particularly the inbuilt backlights which are great for hostels without bedside lamps!
• If you’re not working online then we recommend bringing a lightweight tablet (such as the Amazon Fire Tablet ) or simply leaving the electronics at home! 
• As I work online, I travel with my Dell XPS 13 and think it’s the best lightweight laptop on the market!
• I love this adaptor as it works in all countries and contains two USB ports meaning you can charge multiple electronics overnight!
• I like in-ear, noise-cancelling headphones because they take up less space.
• For charging your electronics when there are no power outlets!
• Various electronics chargers
• For playing games with friends, you make on the road!

Travel Accessories

• Like I mentioned earlier, these are invaluable on any trip and will make your life so much easier.
• If you prefer to travel with a more stylish purse for walking around cities then I recommend purchasing an anti-theft travel purse from Pacsafe.
• Check out our detailed guide to the best purse for Europe for more tips on choosing a great travel purse
• These towels pack down small and are super light-weight and quick drying. A lot of hostels, especially in western Europe, don’t provide towels so one of these can be invaluable. 
• I recommend buying a prepaid SIM card before leaving home to ensure you have data access as soon as you arrive
• Check out our detailed guide to the best international SIM card for Europe with data for more tips!
• Because you don’t want the snorer or to impede your sleep in a hostel dorm!
• For the times when the drunk asshole leaves the lights on at 3 AM.
• Great for both securing your luggage and for a hostel locker.
• Great for locking your bag to a stationary object (i.e. your hostel bunk!)
• So you can keep exploring in the rain!
• There are plenty of water taps around Europe to fill up your bottle
• For writing a journal or your new friends’ contacts details!
• While many people opt for a swiss army knife, I personally like the Leatherman Wave . It’s an all-purpose tool that includes both a serrated and regular knife, a saw (perfect for hacking through baguettes when you’re picnicking!), a bottle opener, pliers, and screwdrivers.
• I recommend including some basic medicines such as paracetamol/Tylenol and cold & flu tablets
• A useful accessory for all seasons!
• For winter and chilly autumn evenings
• Winter and autumn

There is no need to overpack on toiletries when travelling to Europe. You can find a pharmacy almost anywhere and chances are if you’ve forgotten something, you’ll be able to find it quite easily.

• If you’re travelling for a shorter period of time or packing only for carry-on, I would recommend getting refillable shampoo bottles rather than wasting money on travel sized bottles.
• Hairbrush/Comb
• Women’s Razor/ Men’s Shaver
• Hand sanitizer
• Contact lenses
• For some reason, in a lot of places in Europe you can only purchase this in optical shops. So if you wear contact lenses, sometimes it can be hard to find solution if you forget it. 
• Because it’s better to be prepared!

While it may not seem like much, this packing list for Europe should be enough to sustain you through any long-term trip!

Obviously, there is always room for flexibility when packing for your backpacking adventure. However, I would always advise packing on the lighter side and trying to avoid letting your pack weigh over 15 kilos. This is altogether just more comfortable. 

Remember as well, that if you forget anything you are almost always able to purchase it on the road, often at a cheaper price than at home!

Checklist After Packing

Once you’ve packed your bag for Europe, make sure you have a bit of time left over to take care of these things to make your life easier once you land in Europe!

Call your bank

Remember that new debit card you got a few months ago with no foreign transaction fees? Before using it in a new country, make sure your bank knows about it! Give your bank a call and let them know what countries you’re planning on travelling to so they don’t flag any of your transactions as suspicious and cancel your card while you’re overseas!

Get some local currency

It’s worth trying to get enough local currency to last you a day or two for when your first arrive. While it is usually possible to withdraw money from an ATM in the airport, there is always the chance that the ATM doesn’t work or you have an issue with your bank card. By having a bit of local currency you can be comfortable in knowing that you have enough money to at least get to your accommodation!

Work out your airport transfer

Speaking of getting to your accommodation, take the time to research the best way to get from the airport to wherever you’re staying. Whether it’s public transport, an airport shuttle bus or an Uber – having these details sorted will mean you don’t encounter any unnecessary stress when you first arrive in a new country.

Make copies of important documents

Your passport and bank cards. If something happens and you lose these, you want to easily have their details on hand so you can cancel them. Make some copies, upload them to your e-mail and send them to a family member or friend so you can easily retrieve them.

Are you wondering what to pack for Europe? Anything that you can’t travel without? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Best VPN For Travel to Europe

The Best Travel Jacket for Europe (Women’s & Men’s)

Best Carry On Luggage for Europe: Suitcases & Backpacks

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

I’m planning on a month long backpacking trip and was wondering if you were able to take your osprey backpack as a carry on or if you checked it then brought another bag as a carry on? Just not sure if I should check my big backpack and bring a smaller one as a carry on/purse.

Hi Joann, thanks for your comment! It depends on what size of backpack you have. The Osprey Farpoint 40 satisfies most airlines’ requirements for carry-on but none of the other models do, so they will have to be checked, unfortunately.

Hi! This is a great article! I’m trying to plan a backpacking trip for Europe soon. I was wondering if I would need to bring or am allowed to bring like, dry food and small dry snacks to help save money on some days. Thanks!

Hi Chole, if you’re really travelling on a shoestring budget and want to make your money stretch as far as it can, then it could be helpful to bring those things with you. However, this isn’t something I’ve ever done (I normally just stick to shopping in local supermarkets and cooking my own meals rather than adding extra weight to my bag).

hi there. super helpful for packing wise. but I’m curious about accommodations. I will be doing my first back pack trip alone for three weeks in about a month. should I book all my hostels before I go or just book as I go along as I’m still unsure exactly my route of where I will be headed! any advice will help thanks x

Hey Carly, glad you found the packing list helpful! As for booking accommodation, if you want to be flexible and just go where the road takes you, I don’t think it’s necessary to book everything for your entire trip in advance. I, personally, like to make sure I have at least my first few nights of accommodation booked and then I tend to go from there. Especially if you’re staying in hostel dorms or going to places with ample accommodation choices, there isn’t much of a need to book more than a week out, I would say. Obviously, this depends on where you are visiting and the popularity of the destination — but this is a general rule of thumb. Hope you have a great trip!

hey! this list is super helpful thanks 🙂

whats your opinion on rainboots? tbh I hate rain and have been to EU several times, but never backpacked, so not used to the volume/wt constrictions.

Hi Priya, thanks for your comment and I’m glad you’ve found the list helpful! Personally, I’ve never found rainboots to be necessary, especially if you’re trying to pack. I always tend to bring a pair of waterproof hiking boots and that has never led me astray (I’ve actually never even owned a pair of rainboots!). Hope this helps 🙂

I just tripped on this site. My daughter left today for her first backpack trip in Europe. She did a ton of research and was delighted that you gave so much “no nonsense” advice. Thank you so much for putting your advice out there!!

Thanks for the comment, Lysa! I hope your daughter has a wonderful time backpacking in Europe and I am glad that we were able to help her plan for it 🙂 Cheers!

I am so happy to have happened upon this site.

We’re happy you found us! Hope this packing list has helped! 🙂

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