The Ultimate European Vacation Packing List

So you’re taking a European vacation and you get a 50 lbs suitcase, a 25 lbs carry-on, and one personal item to bring with you. What kind of things do you pack in these bags when there is so much to choose from? Here is the ultimate European packing list for any type of vacation.

4-5 Casual Tops

Europeans dress well, but they don’t overdress. It is best to stick with white or gray t-shirts that you can dress up with fancy bottoms or accessories.

2-3 Casual Bottoms

Nothing says “tourist” like a pair of leggings or sweats. For your European vacation, you should seek out those trendy wide-leg pants for the most natural looking outfit.

2 Night Outfits

Like I said before, Europeans dress. If you plan on taking a trip onto the town at nighttime you will need something a little fancier. A black dress is always acceptable, but you could opt for a sundress during the summer months.

Swim Suit

Europe is surrounded by gorgeous beaches and you will never know when you will find yourself at one of them. You will only need one because throwing them over the shower or bathtub will allow them to dry up enough for the next day.

Your Most Comfortable Pair of Walking Shoes

The streets of Europe are mostly cobblestone and because of this, you will want really comfortable walking shoes. I am partial to these Arizona Birkenstocks, but there are plenty of shoes out there that will work.

Dress Shoes

You will need some dress shoes to go with your nighttime outfits. Stick to lower heels or wedges instead of those big stiletto heels so you don’t get caught in the cobblestone.

2-3 Pairs of Socks

In order to stay away from blisters or protect your feet in your hotel or Airbnb, you will need some socks. two or three pairs will be plenty because you won’t really need to wear them out.

1 Sleepwear

Sleepwear that can double as a regular t-shirt is the best option for your European vacation. You can use a casual shirt or buy a nice sleep set from Target or Victorias Secret.

Sunglasses

Basically, never go anywhere without sunglass. You never know when that European sun is going to be out and strong.

Moneybelt or RFID safe wallet

Pickpockets are more common in European than they are in the U.S. because of the number of tourists in popular cities. Protect your cash and your card from being copied with an RFID safe wallet.

Large Handbag

A large handbag is a necessity. Because of the pickpockets mentioned above, you will want a bag that zips tightly or that has a flap closure to make it more difficult for you to become a target. This bag from DSW is perfect for your European vacation.

Passport

This should go without saying but you will need your passport throughout your entire vacation. You can find a cute case to keep it in or get an RFID wallet that has a passport slot included.

Portable Charger

Between using maps, the camera, keeping up with social media, and entertaining yourself during transportation, your phone battery will die quickly. You can get an Anker Charger from Amazon that will charge your phone almost three times and it’s fairly inexpensive.

Rain Jacket

Predicting the weather is difficult, so make sure to bring a package rain jacket. That way you are covered if it gets a little chilly or a downpour starts.

Travel First Aid Kit

Buying medicine in a foreign country is a lot different than buying it in yours. Some regular pain medications require a prescription, so it is easier to bring your own.

Travel Pillow

If you’re going to be traveling from city to city, whether by train and plane, you will want a travel pillow. You can buy a cheap one at any supermarket or a nicer one from online. A pillow will help you avoid using your significant other like this girl did.

Top Gap-Year Travel Destinations In Europe

Headphones

You may want to listen to your music or to simply use them as a noise canceller, but you will definitely need a good set of headphones to travel with.

Journal

Even if you aren’t a journaler, you will want to take a journal with you to write down summaries of all of your adventures. Once you get your pictures uploaded and printed you can add them to the journal.

Smart Phone

Everyone has a smartphone and they are perfect for your European vacation. Not only can you use maps and music, but you can also download crossword puzzle games, the Kindle app, and many other games to occupy you while you travel. Plus, iPhone cameras take some pretty nice photos.

Power Adapter

Outlets in Europe are all different from each other and a good power adapter will have attachments for most of the countries you will be visiting. You can find my favorite one here from Amazon for just $30.

Sunscreen

If you’re like me, sunscreen should always be on the list. You never know when you will find yourself standing in the sun for an extended period of time so it is good to have it just in case.

Laundry Travel Bag

Depending on how long your European vacation is, you may or may not need to wash. Either way, a mesh laundry bag will be beneficial for separating your dirty clothes from your clean. At the end of the week, you can throw the mesh bag onto the top of your suitcase with ease.

Usual Toiletries

This is an obvious one, but I wanted to include it just in case. Make sure to get your travel-sized shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc before you head out.

Dry Shampoo

Since you will be one the go and have a limited amount of time you may not want to spend a lot of it in the shower. Dry shampoo will be your best friend throughout your time in Europe.