Packing For Summer in Europe
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If you’re planning a summer in Europe it’s important to be prepared with all the necessities in your suitcase. This Europe Packing List will help you prepare.
European Packing List: (Jump To)
Clothing To Pack For Europe
Generally speaking, your packing list depends on your destination and what you plan to do and see.
Clothing
Start your clothing layers with lightweight, breathable tops and T-shirts, Shorts or skirts, lightweight pants or jeans, and Dresses or sundresses. If your plans include nice dinners or shows, bring a nice outfit so you don’t look like a tourist at dinner!
Jackets/Coats
Pack a light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings. I like to wear this on the plane to save suitcase space and to keep warm if the airplane cabin is chilly.
Beach Gear
If you’re planning on visiting beach destinations bring a swimsuit, cover-up, Flip-flops or sandals, and sunglasses. We recommend buying sunscreen when you arrive because it’s often cheaper in Europe than in the US. (plus no chance of leaking in your suitcase on the way over).
Travel Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or sandals). We love Allbirds shoes for travel. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and stylish.
If you plan to visit one of Europe’s iconic churches it’s respectful to bring a scarf or shawl for covering shoulders. (though it isn’t always required).
Accessories For European Travel
Rain Gear
Be prepared for unexpected rainstorms with a travel-sized umbrella or compact rain jacket. Rain is common in the summer in central and southeastern Europe.
Bags To Carry in Europe
Select a bag that fits your travel needs. Pick between a crossbody bag or backpack for carrying essentials during sightseeing depending on your tastes.
We also like to bring an ultra-compact lightweight shopping bag. It comes in very handy for quick trips to the grocery store, as a beach bag, an extra bag for the way home, or a laundry bag.
Many travelers also like to pack a money belt that can be worn under your clothing to transport passports, cash, or other valuables.
Electronics For Travel
Power Adapters
Having a Universal Travel Adapter is essential making sure you can charge your devices in any European outlet. Plugs vary from region to region, so make sure to do your research. Many handy universal adapters are available to fill all your electric conversion needs. I also like to pack a small power strip that I can plug into my adapter to maximize the capacity of things I can plug in with one adapter.
Portable Power Banks
Keeping your devices charged while on the go is important if you use your phone for navigation and photography. You don’t want to be caught with a dead phone. If you have an iPhone with MagSafe technology using a magsafe power bank is seamless. If you’re traveling with a family and need maximum charging, a stand-alone power bank with multiple USB charging ports is perfect.
Travel Cameras and Art Film
Maybe it’s time for an upgrade to capture the memories from your once-in-a-lifetime European adventure. While phones have impressive capabilities, the power of a zoom lens on a “real” camera may be worth the cost alone. It’s also fun to bring a disposable travel camera to capture some memories the old-fashioned way. We’ve had fun with Lomography in the past. They have a great line of vintage, artistic, and colorful film and photo products.
Credit Cards
Pack your favorite travel credit cards. Be sure to make sure you won’t be charged any foreign transaction fees while abroad. Most banks no longer require you to notify them of your travel plans.
Travel and Packing Essentials
Travel Sized Refillable Toiletry Bottles
Having a nice set of refillable travel-size toiletry bottles will save you money avoiding the need to buy tiny bottles of your standard products. It’s also the environmentally friendly thing to do.
Packing Cubes
Many people swear by packing cubes. We find them useful when we want to sort out different outfits and when we want to keep our clean and dirty clothes organized during the trip. They’re also a great way to condense clothing and to easily unpack your suitcase at your hotel or in your cruise cabin.
Medicine/Pill Case
We love these inexpensive pill cases. We fill each compartment with aspirin, tums, allergy pills, and daily vitamins. It saves so much space compared to packing the bottles. Plus, the flip and lock design makes it perfect to pull out from your bag in flight or around town when you need it.
Travel First Aid Kit
It’s also wise to have a travel-sized first aid kit filled with anything you might need to treat minor cuts and scrapes, blisters, burns, or other non-emergency medical moments. This is especially important if you’re traveling with kids. (If you keep this in your carry-on bag, leave the scissors at home!)
Collapsible Water Bottle
Save space in your bag and stay hydrated on the go with a collapsible water bottle. There’s nothing worse than paying for overpriced hotel or airport water. Bring a compact water bottle and fill it as you go. You’ll pay for it in one trip. Plus this keeps plastic water bottles out of the landfill.
Dry Laundry Sheets
If you pack a few travel-sized laundry detergent packets you can easily wash your clothes during your trip. We like to bring laundry detergent sheets. They take up almost no space and are very useful if we need to wash a few things in the hotel sink. Washing clothes on vacation sounds like a drag, but it’s so much easier than carrying twice as much clothing.
Ziploc Bags
Another absolute essential is Ziploc Bags, they’re useful for organizing snacks, storing wet items, or protecting electronics from water damage. They take up almost no space in your bag and are always a lifesaver when you need them.
Bottle Opener
You’ll be having a beer or two in Germany, I promise. You’ll be surprised how many drinks (beer and otherwise) come in bottles with caps. Being stuck in your hotel room without a way to pop open your drink can be a frustration.
Coin Purse
Unlike the US, much of the small currency in Europe is in coin form. After a day or two you’ll have a pocket full of coins. These coins can be one or two euros in value. It’s easy to have a pocket full of coins worth the equivalent of USD $10-20. To keep the money safe in your pocket we like to carry a small coin purse.
Portable Luggage Scale
Avoid overweight baggage fees at the airport with a small packable scale. This is especially handy if you’re using low-cost airlines in Europe that often have different baggage rules. Some even have weight limits for carry-on baggage.
Travel Guidebook
Research your destination and find recommendations for sights, restaurants, and activities. Our favorite travel guides for Europe are the Rick Steves series. Lonely Planet guides are always consistently good too. Save space in your luggage by downloading Kindle versions.
Travel Journal
Document your adventures and memories along the way. In years ahead you’ll appreciate being able to re-live your best travel memories. It’s also a good way to keep track of expenses and log your favorite places to share with friends when people ask you for recommendations.
International SIM Card/Portable Wi-Fi
You’ll want to have a plan to stay connected without racking up expensive roaming charges while in Europe. Read our Phone and Data Options for Foreign Travel guide.
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellations or medical emergencies.
Downloadable Europe Packing List
Click to download our free Europe Summer Packing List PDF.
