I think I can speak for everyone that when you travel, you want to be as prepared as possible especially if you’re planning a trip to Europe!
Europe is a very diverse continent with various climates, environments as well as a never-ending list of things to see and do. If you’re like me, you can count on walking A LOT, which means having a nice pair of comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable!
Depending on what time of year you travel, you may be facing hot and humid weather or frigid, cold temperatures, so packing the right clothing is essential if you want to ensure comfortability.
From all of my cumulative experience of traveling Europe, I’ve put together a packing list of everything that you will most likely need to be secure and comfortable.
Luggage
Backpack
Personally, I like traveling with a backpack. I’m not the biggest fan of suitcases, but to each their own. If you’re interested in what backpacks I like to use for travel, then click here!
Suitcase
Consider a rolling bag that is sturdy and allows for adequate space for packing all of your essentials if you are looking to carry-on only and not check any baggage. What seems to be a popular choice or suitcases with a hard-shell made of Polycarbonate, otherwise, if you are planning on traveling for 2 weeks or more, then you may need a suitcase big enough to carry your belongings for 2-3 weeks. Consider a suitcase at least 25 inches (63 cm) – 28 inches (71.12 cm).
Clothing
- Tank Tops or Undershirts
- T-shirts
- Light sweaters or cardigans
- Jacket/Fleece
- Light jacket or windbreaker
- Long sleeved button up shirts
- Dress or nicer outfit for evenings out
- Shorts or Skirts
- Jeans or Lightweight pants
- Sleep shirts & bottoms or Pajamas
- Underwear
- Socks
- Swimsuits/Bikini
- Pair walking shoes
- Flip flop/Sandals
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Hat or Cap
- Lightweights scarf (for churches or cooler evenings)
- Inexpensive watch or jewelry (I discourage to bring any accessories that are highly valuable or expensive)
Travel Essentials
- Passport
- 3 copies recommended (1 personal (paper or on a flash drive) and 2 physical or electronic copies sent to a family or friend)
- Driver’s License
- Student ID (for possible discounted tickets to museums or other attractions)
- Travel insurance documents (if applicable)
- Train Tickets/Plane Tickets (electronic or physical copies)
- Money Belt or Neck Wallet for secure carry of essential documents, cards and money.
- Local Currency (Recommend $100 – $200 worth)
- ATM/Debit/Credit Cards
- Recommend at least 1 Debit/ATM and 1 Credit Card
- Recommend a list of credit card theft notification phone numbers
- Phone
- Calling card (optional)
- Chargers
- Phone
- Headphones/ear buds (if applicable)
- Camera (if applicable)
- Portable power bank
- Travel adapter and converter
- Recommend at least 2
- Headphones/Ear buds
- Recommend wireless and wired headphones (for planes that use jack plug-ins)
- Luggage locks and pad locks
- Recommend 3 for bag, day pack and an extra pad lock or keylock for lockers (if staying in a hostel)
- Over-the-counter medications
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or Ibuprofen/Naproxen (Motrin or Advil) for fever and pain relief.
- Loratadine (Claritin) or Cetirizine (Zyrtec) for allergy/nasal congestion relief
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for itching, mild allergic reactions, rashes
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream for itching or rashes
- Prescription medications with copies of prescriptions
- Basic first aid kit
- Should include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers
- Hand sanitizer
- Facemasks (if required or preferred)
Miscellaneous
(Optional, but recommended)
- Digital Camera/GoPro
- Memory Card/Film
- Charger
- Guide book & Phrase book
- Travel Journal and Pen
- Flashlights (2 recommended)
- Consider a small head lamp if staying in a hostel
- Lightweight/microfiber travel towel
- Ear plugs (highly recommended if staying in a hostel)
- Sleep mask
- Reusable water bottle or small foldable drinking cup
- Reusable dining utensil set
- Reusable shopping bag
- Laundry bag
- Travel umbrella
- Birth control/Condoms
- Snacks for travel days
- Small amount of roll duct tape
- Calculator/currency converter (most iPhones can do this now)
- Inflatable travel neck pillow
- Sleep sheet/Sleeping bag (generally not allowed if sleeping in hostels)
- Clothes line & sink stopper
- Laundry detergent
- Travel alarm clock
- Laptop, iPad, Kindle etc. (consider if you work abroad, but carry at your own risk)
- Multi-tool Leatherman or Swiss Army knife (DO NOT PUT IN CARRY-ON! MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE ONLY!)
Toiletries
May carry on any liquid under 4 oz, otherwise, it must be in checked baggage, recommend purchasing travel sized toiletries found in convenient stores or supermarkets
- Toiletry organizer bag
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soap/Body wash
- Wash cloth or Body sponge
- Deodorant
- Haircare products
- Skin care products such a moisturizer, acne cream etc.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Make-up (if applicable)
- Hairbrush or comb
- Finger nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Razor and shaving cream (Recommend purchasing at the destination, otherwise, may have to check baggage if carrying razor blades)
Download a free PDF file to print out a checklist of this packing guide. That way you can keep track and won’t forget anything!
See you out there!
