The Ultimate Europe Summer Packing List
You’ve booked the trip, now it’s time to get organised and create your Europe summer packing list. You might be overwhelmed thinking about all the items you need to fit in your suitcase, but fear not! We’ve got you covered with essentials and handy travel items that will make your Euro summer ten times easier.
What to Pack for a Europe Trip
Clothing
Start by packing versatile summer outfits for Europe, focusing on items that mix and match easily. Choose breathable fabrics like linen and cotton to stay comfortable in the heat. Instead of T-shirts, consider camisoles or tank tops to avoid sweat stains. Remember to pack for cooler evenings and unexpected weather—having a lightweight jacket or sweater can save you from a last-minute shopping spree.
Make sure to account for cooler days/nights. I was less prepared when I caught some rainy and cold weather at the start of summer without any warm layers. I begrudgingly had to spend more on buying warmer clothes that I could have brought with me.
When it comes to packing your outfits for Europe summer, white is always a good canvas to start with. Not only will it look great in photos and emphasise your tan, but it will also keep you cooler than dark colours. Don’t be afraid of adding colour to your wardrobe to create a more eye-popping look.
Don’t forget –
- Clothes to cover your shoulders and that go below the knee if you’re visiting religious sites
- Bikinis and one-pieces (one-pieces are great for days when you’re jumping off boats so nothing will be falling out)
- Plenty of underwear (it’s a good idea to pack a pair for each day in case of emergencies)
- Socks (these Uniqlo socks are a staple)
- The viral Uniqlo crossbody bag (I carried this everywhere!)
Shoes
Don’t skip heels or dressy shoes! Trust me, you’ll want to feel your best on those hot European nights out. Opt for reliable, broken-in heels to avoid painful blisters. Consider wedges for cobblestone streets. For the day, comfortable shoes like Birkenstocks are crucial for exploring Europe’s sights stress-free. The Arizona birks, with their anatomically moulded footbed and adjustable straps, ensure all-day comfort. Pack versatile sneakers for day trips and hikes.
Toiletries
Makeup/Skincare
Keep your makeup bag as light as possible when travelling, especially for Europe summer. Not only does overpacking beauty products weigh a tonne, but you most likely won’t make use of it. The sweat you’ll gather from the summer sun won’t agree with loads of products on your skin. Opt for a tinted moisturiser or sunscreen for the day, and if you’re like me and can’t leave the house without my eyelashes done, a good waterproof mascara. However, I’d recommend a good setting powder and primer to keep your makeup in place when you’re out on the town at night and want to go a bit more glam.
Keep your skincare minimal; a hydrating moisturiser, sunscreen (50+ is preferable), and a gentle cleanser. Your extensive beauty regime doesn’t need to come with you.
Documents
Staying organised on your trip and having all the relevant documents together will save you so much stress, especially during the peak of Europe summer. The last thing you’d want to contend with is a lost passport. Keep digital and printed copies of all your documents, storing them in separate bags to safeguard against the potential loss of your suitcase.
Passport
Of course, you’ll need a passport to fly internationally. You might also be eligible for a shopping refund, though the refund rates differ depending on the country. To take advantage of this, simply ask the sales assistant if they offer refunds. When you’re ready to pay, you’ll need to complete a form and provide your passport details. If carrying your passport isn’t convenient, having a digital copy can make the process much easier.
Travel Insurance
Purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended. Not only will it give you peace of mind while travelling, but it covers unexpected circumstances including medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, and other events depending on the policy you take out. It’s a good idea to keep your policy on your phone because your phone is the one item you’ll most likely always have on you.
License
If you plan to drive in Europe, you’ll need your driver’s license. If you don’t intend to drive, it’s good to have as a backup if you need to present identification.
Prescriptions
Have copies of medical prescriptions on your phone in case of emergencies. Be aware that certain medications may not be approved for sale or might be unavailable in another country, even among EU member states.
Travel Essentials
Turtle Neck Pillow
Having a comfortable neck pillow on long-haul flights is an absolute life-saver, particularly if you have trouble sleeping on aeroplanes. You won’t have to worry about waking up with a stiff neck because this ergonomic travel pillow will give you all the support you need. I used this travel neck pillow.
GHD Mini Hair Dryer
For the girlies who can’t go without freshly blown-out hair, the mini GHD Hair Dryer is for you. Not only is it super powerful and leaves you with sleek and shiny hair, but its compact, fold-up function makes it extra travel-friendly. While some accommodations may provide you with a hair dryer, friends were always asking to borrow my GHD. You can find the exact one I used here.
The Viral Universal Adaptor from Amazon
This is the travel adaptor to pack in your suitcase. You won’t need to stress about carrying different plugs while travelling, and you can also charge multiple devices at once. It works in over 200 countries, so it’s perfect for taking people to other continents. Find the Amazon Universal Travel Adaptor here.
Compression Packing Cubes
Do you want more room in your suitcase? Compression packing cubes are the solution. I was able to store twice the amount in my suitcase and still have room to shop for the perfect Europe summer outfits.
Passport Holder
This is a necessity for overseas travel, particularly if you have many connecting flights throughout Europe. You do not want this legal document damaged, so ensure its protection with a durable passport holder.
Digital Camera
You can’t go wrong with a digital camera to capture those Insta-worthy moments of your Europe summer. Don’t go spending an arm and a leg if you can’t afford the Canon G7X – any old camera will do! I used the Kodak Pixpro to capture all the beautiful moments I wanted to keep.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
When travelling with limited space to put your things, a hanging toiletry bag makes getting ready much easier, particularly if you’re travelling in a group. This is one item I majorly regretted not bringing with me to Europe because the bathrooms were often small without much room to lay out the products I needed to use.
The Packing Tips You Need For Europe
Pack for unexpected weather
I travelled to Europe at the start of summer and much to my naivety, I did not pack warm clothes or an umbrella. Of course, my first day in Paris was spent running around its cobblestone street to find cover from the torrential rain. So a word to the wise, pack an umbrella!
The smaller the luggage, the better
The best tip for packing for summer in Europe is to downsize as much as possible. You may find that some accommodations won’t have a lift, and it’s also difficult to lug around a huge suitcase on the cobblestone streets. One way to alleviate some weight is to pack everything you think you’ll need. Then, take out half of that.
Security for your belongings
Europe is renowned for its pick-pocket culture. To avoid this, consider using a luggage lock on your everyday bag to avoid having your things stolen when you’re busy taking in the incredible sights.
Plan your outfits (Clueless-style)
Want to avoid fashion brain freeze on your holiday? Well, what if I told you that you can choose an outfit just like Cher Horowitz with an app called Wherring? To get started, simply upload photos of your clothing items to build your virtual closet. This way, you can effortlessly browse your wardrobe on your phone without rummaging through your packed clothes.
