EUROPEAN SUMMER PACKING LIST

I should know what I’m doing by now

Guys, this isn’t my first rodeo: and by rodeo, I mean European summer. Like clockwork–for three years running–you could guarantee that by the time May rolled around, I was either on my way to Europe or already there. Across the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024, I ventured to Ireland, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, France, Monaco, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden (for dinner, but that’s a story for another time), Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, and Greece. 15 countries over 3 summers. So, with my travel history standing as an official resume, you can trust that I am the ideal candidate to curate a helpful, relevant–and at times over-the-top, because I love being extra–packing list for your European summer excursion. In fact, I’ll share my own packing list, straight out of my Google Docs, from my most recent trip:

Now let’s break it down

Before I start, a PSA: How you pack should be based on several factors: where you’re going, how long you’re going for, the type of bag(s) you’re bringing (carry-on, checked, etc.), and the requirements of the airline(s) you’re flying with.

Now, I’ll start off with the most important things first. When you travel, especially internationally, nothing is as important as your passport—and not just any passport, either; a renewed passport, one that is not at risk for expiry within 6 months of your travel dates. I like to put mine in a cutesy case, because I’m a girl, but that’s optional if you’re not feeling extra cutesy.

However, if what you’re feeling is extra thorough, I recommend printing out copies of your passport for the sake of caution. Along this same thread, make sure you have the required visas for your destination, when applicable, and travel insurance, optional but always highly recommended. 

If you’re age millennial and above, you’ll probably want to print out your flight tickets*, confirmation emails, accommodation details, activity confirmations, itineraries (Perhaps even an itinerary from your favorite travel advisor? Wink wink, nudge nudge?), etc., but in this tech-forward world, that isn’t really necessary anymore. If it works for you, go crazy! But you’ll also be set up for success with an organized email folder containing all those details, or by utilizing the wallet app in your phone.

*To my friends who print out their flight information, keep on keeping on, but always make sure you are checking the screens in the airport for accurate updates, gate information, boarding times, etc., because these things can and do change, but your printed ticket certainly won’t change along with it. 

Speaking of airports and flights, I always start my packing process by setting aside the things I will need in the airport and on the plane. So, in that frame of mind, I recommend keeping your passport, visas, printed copies of essentials, and a charged phone and phone charger on hand, preferably in a small crossbody bag or a fanny pack. This is a good place to keep your wallet too, with your credit / debit cards and USD / foreign currency stored safely inside.

Be warned, you typically can only have 1-2 bags when you board your flight (a personal item and a carry-on), but I like to keep my essentials on me through security and the airport, and then I make sure I have room in the top of my personal item for that small bag when I board. 

Now, let’s get techy again. I don’t know a single person who travels without a phone,* so unless that’s you, make sure that you have that thing on you, make sure it’s charged, and either way, make sure that phone charger is close by, too. For the sake of being extra, like I said I would, why don’t you bring along a portable charger too? And, for international travel, make sure that you have a power adapter that matches your cords and the place(s) you’re visiting.

And lastly, guys, take a tiny first aid kit, alright? Just do it for me. Cause how many times have I used it? Well, once, for a Band-Aid. But how many times have I been glad I had it, just in case? Every time!

*Depending on what kind of phone you have, what cell plan you have, and where you’re going, you’ll need to verify whether or not you need a SIM card or not. Otherwise, you’re about to be really unplugged, because you may not have international data without it!

Hygiene is important, I’d say

Now, hygiene, because hygiene is important. When I’m taking a mental inventory of my packing list, I think about my products from head to toe. Is that normal? Well, normal or not, it’s happening, so obviously we’re going to start with a hairbrush.

You can bring other hair products from home, like dryers, curling wands, straighteners, etc., but you’ll want to make sure they’re compatible with the voltage of your destination, and factor in how much space they take up: which, short answer, is a lot. I almost always skip on them, especially since most hotels or private rentals have a hair dryer already. 

Now, everything I am about to list next I pack meticulously in a foldable travel toiletry bag* which has become a must-have of mine. First, I go for travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, my shower essentials (which you’ll want to make sure are leak proof). I take face wash, and an SPF moisturizer (and on the days I’m not wearing makeup, regular sunscreen), all packed away with a microfiber towel headband which I love using for skincare. I also bring all of my makeup products that fall within travel size guidelines, along with makeup remover, q-tips, and cotton pads. 

For dental hygiene, there’s the obvious… a toothbrush (and you can usually get a foldable or mini one that comes with a cover in the travel section of Target for cheap), travel toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. 

A mini deodorant stick and travel-sized perfume to wrap it up, and an optional quick dry towel to wrap you up if you’re doing a hostel-style Euro summer, and that’s all I’ve got on hygiene packing 101. 

*Before we move on, I need to warn you about the cursed 3-1-1 rule for liquids. I’m talking 3 ounces of liquid (3.4oz is the max) for every container, all of which need to fit in 1 clear quart-sized bag per 1 person. This is standard TSA regulation, and it is so annoying. So, if you aren’t checking a bag and your liquids are going through security with you, you’ll need to pack according to this rule and be smart about how many liquids you plan on taking with you. If you exceed the limit, you may have to watch with tears in your eyes as an uncaring TSA agent chucks your favorite moisturizer in a trash can already overflowing with water bottles, sodas, makeup, and toiletries.

Okay, now what do I wearrr (Said in a dramatic voice)

On the off chance any men are reading this, you can probably skip ahead. I’m sure you’ll pack three shirts, one gray towel, one pair of sneakers, and call it a day. But, girls and gays, I think it can be really hard to figure out what clothes to pack, so let’s talk about it. 

Now, I don’t have all the answers, but I do have some suggestions for sure. In keeping with my Type-A packing style, let’s go head to toe. I start with making sure I have a good pair of sunglasses—not my best pair, but a good pair, one I would survive the grief of losing—headbands, and jewelry. 

Girls, you’ll want a decent amount of bras (both bra-bras and sports bras), factoring in for your travel type. Since we’re talking summer, you’ll also want a handful of bathing suits and coverups for pool and beach days. 

As we get into your staple outfits, you’re going to want to stick to clothes that are light, breathable, and in staple colors, easy to mix and match. The same goes for your pants: linen pants are everything during European summer. I aim for a capsule wardrobe on trips like these, meaning several neutral tank tops, shirts, shorts, and pants that can be mixed and matched with each other. And, of course, skirts and dresses that are light, flowy, and breathable as well. 

Depending on the weather of your destination and how many travel days you have in store, you’ll likely end up being thankful you have a jacket, a raincoat, some sweats, or some leggings with you. Even in the summer, certain places get chilly at night, and a lot of the time, airports are co-old. It’s nice to have a comfortable sweatshirt or pair of sweatpants to throw on for those moments, especially if you like to dress like you’re going to bed all the time like I do. Speaking of, bring a couple sets of pajamas. A couple. That’s it. You don’t need ten pairs of pajamas. 

Lastly, underwear. I don’t know, we’re girls. This is the one thing I’ll happily tell you to overpack. It takes up virtually no space, most women pack like 3+ pairs per day, and that’s okay. Go with it. Go crazy with underwear, I support you. 

Socks, no need to go as crazy. A few pairs will treat you just fine if you’re doing laundry on your travels, since you’ll likely be alternating between walkable sneakers (Dr. Scholl’s) and walkable sandals (Teva’s). There is nothing I can say to stop my fashionable girls from overpacking a variety of cute sneakers, sandals, and heels, even though I think you shouldn’t. Maybe just invest in a big ole checked bag at that point.

I changed it from “random” to “miscellaneous” to sound scholarly

Since I’m extra, I like to bring extra stuff, hence a decently-sized miscellaneous list. These are all of the things I brought on my last European excursion:

First, I like to organize (Type A) all of the electronics I bring with me in an electronics pouch. Yes, I’m being serious. It makes my life easier. I also bring along travel-friendly over-the-counter medications and supplements in a travel pill box organizer that I often get equal parts compliments and strange looks on. 

For the plane, you’ll probably want to have headphones and maybe even a book (A Kindle makes for easier packing, as loathe as I am to admit it) on hand, if anyone out there actually still reads. I also keep a camera / camera charger on hand because I need to capture everything from my iced lattes to pretty plants to my top bucket list moments on camera. And I also like to keep a journal, pens and playing cards on me, especially for hostel stays. 

Now I said I would be extra, so here is some more

I could keep going and going in terms of being extra when you’re packing, but the truth is, you start to find your own groove as you travel more. Some things are absolute necessities for one person, and an absolute pass for another. So, I’ll run through the basics and let you decide which suggestions are signs of my complete wisdom, and which are signs of me being, well… extra as hell.

As you’re packing… consider packing cubes. Calling them a game changer feels like an understatement. They have changed me, for the better. In fact, bring packing cubes and bring a laundry bag along with them. In double fact, bring a plastic bag too for wet bathing suits in case you don’t have time for them to air-dry before you’re on the move again. It’s a lifesaver. And in triple fact, bring a tide stick if you are spill prone like I am. 

 Let’s talk about bringing a reusable water bottle. I don’t have a simple answer for you. Sometimes I bring one and regret it, sometimes I don’t bring one and regret it. Most of the time it’s just another inconvenience, one more thing to hold. I will say that most places only sell bottled water, and fountains can be extremely limited once you step out of the airport. And we can’t talk about water without talking about food. Bring a couple snacks for the plane, and thank me later. 

A word of advice? Leave. Extra. Room. Leave extra room for souvenirs. Leave extra room because for whatever reason, it’s almost always harder to pack the same stuff for the journey home (science fact). Leave extra room because I say so.

Lastly, for the travel itself. Are we rich and flying in first class? Congratulations, you don’t need to debate bringing any of the nonsense I’m about to suggest. Are we traveling like me, smushed in the back of the plane? Hi, welcome, you might want some materials for the journey, such as a sleep mask or neck pillow. Lately people have been going above and beyond, bringing along a whole skincare kit and doing freaking spa-level services on the plane, wrapping a velcro mask around the head of the seat, and putting their feet up on a little foot swing hammock thing in economy. So over the top, I love it. 

And remember, in times of stress… almost anything you forgot can be bought. Toiletries? Sunscreen? Chargers? Clothes? Medicine? Hand sanitizer? Guess what, Europe has them. You’re going to be okay. And even better than that, you’re going to have a great time. So, enjoy!

For my shoppers, a link to my travel favorites and must haves.

For my visual learners, a link to my personal item packing process here, and a link to my carry-on suitcase packing process right here.

Alright, I’m tired. Was that enough info?

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