Planning a trip to Europe and not sure what to pack? This is the best packing list for Europe, from choosing the right luggage to items you didn’t know you needed. As someone who has traveled to various European countries well over 10 times (many of which with just a carry-on!), this is a compact list with only the essentials.
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Top Travel Essentials for Your Packing List for Europe
First off, there are a few non-negotiable travel items to check off your packing list for Europe (and maybe even double-check!)
- Passport – This is the most important item to bring on your Europe packing list, or you’re not going anywhere. Always make sure that the expiration date is no less than 6 months from the date of the trip.
- Visa (If Needed) – Some countries require a visa to get in, so research the visa rules, if any, of the country you’re going to.
- Driver’s License/ID – In addition to your passport, it’s always good to have another form of ID on you, preferably stored somewhere different from where your passport is.
- Copy of Travel Reservations (If Needed) – While tickets and passes are mostly digital in this age, occasionally a tour company will need one that is printed out to be scanned.
- Wallet – A simple, RFID-blocking wallet is essential for keeping your cards and identity protected while abroad.
- More than 1 Card for Payment – Bringing a backup credit or debit card takes out any of the stress that comes with one not working for any reason. Choose credit cards that don’t have foreign transaction fees, as well.
- International Travel Adapter – In most of Europe, the standard electrical plugs are Type C, or Europlug, and Type F, Schuko. You can identify Type C as a plug with two round pins. You can purchase an International Travel Adapter that works with all types of plugs.
- Cash in both the local currency and your own – Know the exchange rate ahead of your trip, and exchange some money ahead of time. It’s always best to have some cash on hand in the case of credit card issues, or if there are cash-only vendors while abroad. When I travel, I bring at least $100-200.
Choosing Your Luggage & Bags
Choosing the right luggage is an important consideration for this packing list for Europe. I typically bring a carry-on luggage that rolls. For longer trips that are two weeks or more, I bring larger luggage to check in on the flight. I prefer using luggage with a 360-degree roller wheel, since it makes rolling it so much easier. To keep your belongings safe, ensure that the luggage you choose has a TSA lock.
To save money on luggage, you can get luggage sets on Amazon, like the TILYMOL Luggage Set with 3 pieces in different sizes.
I recently upgraded from a regular backpack to a travel backpack and LOVE IT! I use the VGCUB Travel Backpack in the size X-Large. Its dimensions are 18 x 14 x 8, making it the perfect personal item bag since it fits the guidelines of most budget airlines. I also love that it has a laptop pocket, front pocket, and an anti-theft pocket on the back of it. Another handy feature is clips on the back straps that help to compress the bag.
For extra protection for your baggage, get a backpack lock.
Clothing Essentials for Your Packing List for Europe
Of course, the type of clothing you choose depends on where you’re going and what time of year it is. I’ve provided a generalized clothing list for all weather types, so pick and choose what applies to you and what activities you’ll be doing on your trip. I opt for simple, monochrome colored clothing that is versatile and chic.
Also, make sure to read up on the norms of how conservative the country is that you’re visiting to decide what clothes to have on your packing list for Europe!
Using packing cubes is my favorite hack to save space in my luggage. The mesh bags have a double zipper to compress whatever is in them. I use packing cubes to organize different types of clothing, as well.
Clothing List
- 2-3 Shirts/Blouses – For ultimate comfort, bring shirts that are 100% cotton or other high-quality fabrics.
- 1-2 Sweaters/Sweatshirts
- 1-3 Bras and Sports Bras
- 1-2x HeatTech/Base layers – You can never go wrong with the UNIQLO HeatTech Series. The layers are thin, but extremely warm. Uniqlo has HeatTech t-shirts, sweaters, leggings, tights, socks, and more.
- 2-3 Sweaters or Sweatshirts
- 1x Linen Pants
- 1x Shorts/Skirts
- 1x Underwear per day, and 2-5 extras
- 1x of dry socks per day, and 2-5 extras
- 2x Pajamas
- 2-4 Dresses – I like to bring at least one sundress and one cocktail dress for special occasions.
- Workout Outfit – Something with quick-drying material is ideal, especially for hikes.
- 1-2x Swimsuits
- Winter Jacket – I love my Canada Goose — it has been my primary winter jacket for 8+ years and is definitely worth the investment.
- Long Wool Coat – I bring a simple, chic wool coat when the temperature in the country I’m visiting is 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho – If there is even the smallest chance of rain in the forecast, I pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
- Warm Fleece Shirts/Jacket
Shoes List
The type of shoes you’ll bring on your packing list for Europe depends on what activities you are doing.
- Pair of Comfortable Sneakers – Much of Europe requires a LOT of walking, especially if you rely on public transportation. Bring at least one pair of sneakers that you already know are comfortable, and these will be your saving grace on your trip! I’ve walked nonstop on trips wearing my Nike sneakers. They are a staple for my packing list for Europe.
- Sandals
- Flip Flops – Havaianas are my favorite quality flip flops.
- Hiking Boots
- Heels
Accessories for Your Packing List for Europe
- Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag – Some European countries are known to have pick-pocketing issues. Small crossbody bags with zippers or fanny packs are excellent options against theft protection.
- Tote Bag – Perfect for beach days or grocery shopping.
- Sunglasses – The best sunglasses for eye health should be 100% UV protection.
- Scarf
- Portable Travel Umbrella – I am the biggest advocate for the TOTES travel Umbrella. It is light and ultra-compact at 6 inches, and is an easy item to pack in smaller bags.
- Hat – Baseball caps, bucket hats, etc. — whatever your style is!
- Refillable Water Bottle – The Owala FreeSip Water Bottle is one of the best leak-proof reusable water bottles.
Toiletries
Remember, while packing your carry-on for this packing list for Europe, the maximum size for gels, aerosols, and liquids is 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters per container.
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste – to save space, bring a travel-sized version of these.
- Floss
- Travel-Sized Mouthwash
- Travel-Sized Bottles – I squeeze whatever liquid or gels I already have at home into these TSA-approved, reusable silicone containers.
- Body Wash – Many hotels and rental properties have amenities such as body wash, shampoo, and conditioner for use, but some people prefer to bring their own.
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Travel-Sized Razor
- Face Soap
- Lotion
- Chapstick
- Small Handheld Mirror
- Makeup – This varies by person, but as a base, makeup includes mascara, eyelash curlers, eyeliner, lipstick, concealer, and finishing spray or powder.
- Makeup Remover – I bring the travel size of the Garnier Fructis Miscellar Water All-In-One. It has been my go-to for years!
- Q-Tips
- Cotton Pads
- Hair Ties/Clips
- Sunscreen
- Face Sunscreen – The ingredients in face sunscreen are less harsh than regular sunscreen. I recommend getting an SPF of 50+.
- Dry Shampoo
- Hair Comb
- Deodorant – I love the Dove Clearly Invisible.
- Contacts Case & Travel-Size Contact Solution
- Glasses & Glasses Case
- Perfume
- Hair Oil
- Tweezers
- Nail Clipper
- Travel-Sized Tissue Pack
- Clean Towelettes – I bring a pack of WetWipes to wipe down surfaces like airplanes and dining tables.
Health Essentials for Your Packing List for Europe
- First Aid Kit
- Inhaler
- Female Toiletries – While accessible in many European countries, they may not have your preferred brand. Stock up and bring your female toiletries like pads and tampons, just in case.
- Hand Sanitizer – I clip mine onto my backpack for ease of access.
- Advil
- Dramamine – A necessity for those who suffer from motion sickness.
- Insect Repellent
- Any other medications you’re currently taking
- Tiger Balm or Icy Hot Patches – An easy short-term solution to combat muscle soreness.
Electronics
- Laptop (If Needed) & Laptop Case
- Camera and Camera Bag – I use the Osmo Pocket 3 since it is small enough to carry around in my bag. As someone who loves to take videos, this is an essential on my packing list for Europe!
- GoPro – A waterproof camera to capture all the action on your trip. These especially come in handy for underwater shots.
- Tripod
- SD Card for Camera – This depends on the camera and amount of storage you want, but I found the SanDisk 256GB MicroSD Card to work well for my Osmo Pocket 3.
- Portable Charger – A slim, compact version is perfect for traveling.
- Kindle (for book lovers)
- Headphones – I’ve used my AirPod Pros for years and love them. They have a noise-cancelling option that’s excellent for flights.
- Apple Watch
- AirTags – Place them into each of your luggage, in case one gets lost.
- Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector: Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, toxic gas that can be fatal if exposed to. I’ve started bringing these onto my carry-on recently, as it’s always best to be safe in unfamiliar accommodations where you don’t know if they have a carbon monoxide detector or if it’s functional. These are now a must-have on my packing list for Europe!
- All Relevant Chargers – Place chargers in a charger organizer.
- Portable Fan – Many areas of Europe get awfully hot and humid in the summer months.
Travel Essentials for the Flight
- Compression Socks – Wearing compression socks while on long-haul flights helps stimulate blood flow and reduce fatigue, swelling, and discomfort. They can also help reduce the likelihood of blood clots.
- Earplugs – LOOP are the best, versatile earplugs for noise cancellation, and work well at concerts and other loud events. A cheaper alternative is using reusable foam earplugs.
- Eye Mask
- Travel Neck Pillow
- Eye Drops
Packing List for Europe with Kids
- Diapers & Diaper Bags
- Stroller – A lightweight stroller with a compact fold is ideal, especially for airplane travel.
- Baby Formula & Foods
- Entertainment – This can be in the form of many things, from iPads to physical toys.
Wrapping Up: Packing List for Europe
That wraps up my guide to the ultimate packing list for Europe. Check out my other Europe travel guides where this Europe packing list may come in handy:
- Best 5 Day Itinerary for Paris, France
- Best 5 Day Itinerary for London, England
- 25 Fun Things To Do in Basel Right Now
If you’re traveling to other parts of the world, read my other helpful packing lists:
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