The best items to bring on a European getaway will vary based on the countries you’re visiting and the time of year.
You’ll need an entirely different wardrobe if you’re visiting Norway in autumn than you are if you’re heading to the Greek Islands. There are also country-specific items to pack for certain situations, like if you’re traveling to Italy’s Dolomites for a hiking trip and you need to bring gear plus hiking boots and socks.
But, some European packing essentials apply across the board, meaning you probably need them no matter where you’re traveling in Europe and when. Here’s a rundown of some packing list must-haves for your next European adventure, whether you’re planning a Viking river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, you’re venturing off to the Amalfi Coast of Italy or you’re jetting off to Paris, France to visit family and friends.
Universal Power Adapter and Converter
European plug-ins are different from those found in the United States, so you’ll want to bring along a plug adapter that lets you charge multiple devices all at once. This is especially true if you’re traveling with family in tow and you all have your own phones, tablets and laptops to keep charged.
The Ceptics 2000W Travel Voltage Converter is a good option if you want to be able to charge several items at once with additional USB plugs available for phones and other smaller devices. If you want something smaller, the Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter takes up less space and offers a wall charger plus three additional USB ports.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes serve multiple purposes when you’re planning for a trip far away from home. They help you keep your luggage organized first and foremost, but they also pave the way to keeping smaller clothing items (underwear, socks, etc.) organized so they don’t get lost when you’re on your trip.
Luggage sitting at the airport with a plane taking off in the background. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/aanbetta)
Travel Clothesline
Plenty of vacation rentals across Europe offer washers, but you likely won’t have access to an in-house dryer unless you’re in Northern Europe. If you’re planning a trip that will require you to do some laundry while you’re away, consider a portable clothesline that can easily fit into your bags without adding a lot of extra weight.
Money Belt
Petty theft can be a big problem in cities across Europe, including Barcelona, Paris, Rome and other destinations. It can help to keep your cash, cards and other documents close to your body, and potentially even tucked under your clothing.
An inexpensive money belt can help you keep your cash and identification secure and snug against your waist while you’re out and about.
Crossbody Bag
Also consider a crossbody bag, and potentially one that has locking zippers, slashproof materials and other security features. Some of the best travel crossbody bags on a budget come from a company called Travelon.
Portable Charger
Seeing all the sights in Europe can make keeping your devices fully charged a difficult feat. This is especially true if you pack your itinerary full and don’t have much time to relax in your hotel or vacation rental throughout the day.
The solution is bringing a portable charger like the BioLite Charge 100 Max. This charger is small and easily transported with you throughout the day, yet it can simultaneously charge up to five devices quickly.
Toiletries Bag
Having your toiletries organized can be a lifesaver when you are traveling away from home and moving from place to place via plane or train travel. A toiletries bag provides you with space to organize items like your toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, lotions, creams and medicines.
Woman enjoying a Caribbean beach. (Photo Credit: moofushi/Adobe)
Sun Hat
Sun hats can be helpful in Europe when you’re spending a lot of time exploring the outdoors. However, you want a hat that won’t easily crush or become disfigured in your luggage but is also lightweight enough to carry around.
Wallaroo Sun Protection Hats fit the bill since they’re lightweight, flexible and won’t shapeshift if you flatten them to fit in your bags. They also come in dozens of colors and styles with options for both men and women.
Compression Socks
Compression socks improve blood flow in your legs and decrease swelling, and they can be absolutely essential for some people flying long-haul international flights. This makes these socks a must-have for long trips to Europe whether you’re flying in economy or planning more space in a lie-flat seat in a premium cabin.
Toiletries Containers
Some people prefer to put their lotions, creams and other liquids into smaller containers versus bringing the whole bottle. In this case, Cadence Capsules can make a ton of sense.
These small capsules make it easy to bring small amounts of your favorite face cream, along with shampoo and conditioner on every trip. They are also magnetic, and they come with interchangeable labels that help you know what’s inside each one.
Bring along comfort items like a neck pillow or lumbar support for use while flying. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/furyon)
Travel Pillow
Don’t forget to bring a travel pillow for your long-haul flight either, particularly if you’re traveling to Europe in anything other than Business or First class. Yes, most airlines supply passengers with pillows and blankets on transatlantic flights, but the free pillows you get are flimsy and practically useless.
You’ll be a lot better off if you pick from one of the best travel pillows available today and bring it on your entire trip.
Travel Backpack
Finally, don’t forget to invest in travel gear like a travel backpack along with your regular luggage. This will help you free up additional space for must-have items, and it can be carried on the plane with you if you need to travel with medicines or other essentials.
The STM Goods BagPack is a good option because it’s under $100 and features protected space for a laptop computer plus a savvy design with compartments for nearly anything you want to bring on your trip.
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