What to Pack for a European Vacation

Europe Demands Different Packing

Packing for Europe isn't like packing for a beach resort or a domestic weekend trip. You'll walk miles every day on cobblestones, navigate tiny hotel elevators with your luggage, deal with different electrical outlets, and potentially visit countries with wildly different climates in a single trip.

The golden rule for Europe: pack less than you think you need. You can buy almost anything you forget. You can't undo the misery of dragging an overstuffed suitcase up five flights of stairs in a Parisian walk-up.

Luggage: Smaller Is Better

European hotels, trains, and rental cars are built smaller than what Americans are used to. That oversized checked bag that works fine for a Florida resort will be a nightmare on the Rome Metro.

• A 22-inch carry-on with spinner wheels is the ideal size for Europe
• A daypack or crossbody bag as your personal item for sightseeing

If your trip is longer than ten days and you truly need more space, a medium checked bag (25-26 inches) works. But seriously consider whether you can make carry-on work. You'll thank yourself every time you skip a baggage claim, squeeze into a train compartment, or climb stairs at a metro station.

Clothing: The European Approach

Europeans tend to dress a bit more put-together than American tourists. You don't need to buy a new wardrobe, but leave the ratty gym shorts and college t-shirts at home. Some churches and cultural sites have dress codes requiring covered shoulders and knees.

The Core Wardrobe

• 5-6 tops in neutral, mix-and-match colors (think navy, white, black, gray, olive)
• 3-4 bottoms (dark jeans, chinos, travel pants, or skirts)
• 1 dress or nice outfit for a special dinner
• 1 blazer or smart jacket that dresses up any outfit
• Underwear and socks for 5-7 days (plan to do laundry if your trip is longer)
• Sleepwear
• 1 swimsuit (you'd be surprised how often you'll find a pool, thermal bath, or beach opportunity)

Layers Are Everything

European weather is unpredictable. A sunny morning in London can turn into a rainy afternoon. A warm day in the Alps gets cold fast at elevation. Pack in layers:

• A lightweight, packable rain jacket (this is non-negotiable for Northern and Western Europe)
• A warm mid-layer (fleece or light down jacket) for shoulder seasons
• A scarf (versatile for warmth, style, and covering shoulders at churches)

The layering system means you're prepared for 50-degree mornings and 75-degree afternoons without packing heavy winter coats or summer-only clothes.

Shoes: Your Most Important Decision

This is where European trips are won or lost. You will walk more than you expect. Cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, museum floors, and hillside villages will destroy your feet if you're wearing the wrong shoes.

• Comfortable walking shoes that you've already broken in (this is critical; don't bring new shoes)
• A second pair for evenings or variety (nice sandals, loafers, or ankle boots)
• Optional: lightweight sandals for warm-weather destinations

Break in your walking shoes at home for at least two weeks before the trip. Blisters on day two of a ten-day trip are a special kind of torture. Good walking shoes with arch support are worth every penny and every ounce of luggage space.

Power Adapters and Electronics

This catches a lot of first-time Europe travelers off guard. European outlets are different from North American ones.

• Type C adapter works in most of continental Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and more)
• Type G adapter for the UK and Ireland (different from the rest of Europe)
• A universal adapter covers all your bases if you're visiting multiple countries

Important: adapters change the plug shape but don't convert voltage. The good news is that most modern electronics (phone chargers, laptop chargers, camera chargers) are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine with just an adapter. Check the fine print on your charger before you go.

Hair dryers and curling irons are often NOT dual-voltage. Using a 120V hair dryer in a 220V outlet will fry it instantly. Either bring a dual-voltage model or use the one at your hotel.

Your Tech Packing List

• Phone and charger
• Portable battery pack (carry-on only)
• European power adapter (or universal adapter)
• Camera and charger (if you're not relying on your phone)
• Headphones for flights and trains
• E-reader for long train rides

Documents and Money

• Passport (check that it's valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates; many European countries require this)
• Copies of passport (both digital photos on your phone and a printed copy stored separately)
• Travel insurance documents
• Credit cards (notify your bank you're traveling; bring at least two from different networks)
• Small amount of local currency for arrival (taxis, tips, small purchases)
• Driver's license if you plan to rent a car
• International Driving Permit (required in some European countries for car rental)

Security and Anti-Theft

Pickpocketing is a real concern in major European tourist cities like Paris, Barcelona, Rome, and Prague. Pack with security in mind:

• Crossbody bag that sits in front of you (much harder to pickpocket than a backpack or shoulder bag)
• Money belt or hidden pouch for your passport and extra cash
• A bag with zippers rather than open-top totes
• Luggage locks for your suitcase

Don't carry everything in one place. Split cash and cards between your day bag, your money belt, and your hotel safe. If something gets stolen, you're not stranded.

Toiletries and Health

• Standard toiletries (3-1-1 compliant for carry-on)
• Prescription medications in original packaging with a copy of the prescription
• Blister treatment (moleskin or blister bandages; you'll walk a lot)
• Pain relievers
• Sunscreen (yes, even in Northern Europe during summer)
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues or travel-size toilet paper (not all European public restrooms provide it)
• Any allergy medications

The Stuff You Won't Think Of

• A reusable water bottle - Many European cities have free public water fountains. Rome alone has over 2,500.
• A small umbrella - Lighter than a rain jacket for cities where rain is intermittent.
• Coins for public restrooms - Many European restrooms charge 50 cents to 1 euro. Have coins ready.
• A lightweight tote bag - In many European countries, stores charge for plastic bags. A foldable tote in your daypack handles shopping and groceries.
• Travel laundry supplies - A packet of detergent and a travel clothesline let you wash underwear and light tops in the sink, extending your wardrobe significantly.
• Earplugs - European hotels in city centers can be noisy, especially those facing busy streets.

The Complete European Vacation Packing List

• Carry-on suitcase (22 inches or smaller)
• Crossbody daypack or secure bag
• 5-6 tops in neutral colors
• 3-4 bottoms
• 1 dressy outfit
• 1 blazer or smart jacket
• Underwear and socks (5-7 days' worth)
• Packable rain jacket
• Warm mid-layer
• Scarf
• Swimsuit
• Broken-in walking shoes
• Second pair of shoes for evenings
• European power adapter(s)
• Phone, charger, portable battery
• Passport (valid 6+ months) with copies
• Credit cards (2+ from different networks)
• Travel insurance info
• Money belt or hidden pouch
• Toiletries (3-1-1 compliant)
• Blister treatment
• Reusable water bottle and tote bag
• Travel laundry supplies
• Earplugs
• Small coins for restrooms

Lay everything out, then remove 20%. You can buy anything you forgot in Europe. You can't buy back the energy you wasted hauling an overpacked bag across the continent.