Months of planning has led to this moment: you’re finally heading to Europe! Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, culture, or a fun party time, the European continent has a bit of everything, perfect for an incredibly diverse array of travelers.
Packing for a trip like this can be exciting, but also occasionally stressful. You don’t want to overpack and weigh yourself down; you don’t want to underpack and find yourself at a loss in a country where you can’t speak the local language. As you ask yourself, “What should I pack for Europe?”, consider this list of essentials as a jumping-off point.
Before we proceed…
It’s perhaps obvious to state, but Europe is a continent, not a monolithic culture, and one size does not fit all when preparing for your trip. Adjust accordingly. Traveling lighter is generally a smart call, but this will all depend on how long your trip is.
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What should I pack for my Europe trip?
An easily identifiable suitcase
You don’t want your suitcase to stick out too much, but something a bit eye-catching – say, a light blue or an orange – will save you time if you find yourself flying a lot and checking bags while doing so. Failing that, grab a bandana or tie for your suitcase’s handle.
The right fits
You don’t want to stand out as a tourist when you can help it. Most European countries are kind to American tourists, but some more so than others. Still, it’s best to blend in where possible. Think less in-your-face American symbols and college sports teams, and more 90s-hipster. Besides, baggy pants and oversized shirts are in right now. And of course, be climate-smart – Spain and Finland are both European countries, but you'll encounter incredibly different average temperatures in each. Also, pack one extra pair of underwear and socks than you think you might need.
Travel-friendly toiletries
Make sure all liquids comply with airline size regulations. For longer stays, you might be better suited to grabbing toothpaste, mouthwash or shampoo from local pharmacies or grocery stores.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Valentyna Yeltsova
Adapters and chargers
Travel adaptors are your friend and are fairly affordable these days. Most of Europe uses type C, E, or F wall plugs, except for the UK and Ireland, which use type G. Most universal wall mounts will be able to handle both, and many include USB ports, perfect for giving multiple devices a charge at once. And don’t forget your portable battery!
Some cash
Although debit and credit cards are widely accepted across Europe (with some exceptions, especially in rural areas), make sure to bring at least $100 worth of the local currency as a backup. Remember: while many European countries use the euro as currency, countries like Bulgaria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom do not.
Guidebooks
You’ll get the most out of your trip if you dedicate some time to researching your specific destination. Lonely Planet is the gold standard here, offering plenty of up-to-date tips on countries, cities, and regions. If you’re looking to save money, there are plenty of online forums like Reddit that offer hyper-specific travel advice. But because these platforms are less professional, do be cautious.
Image Credit: Getty Images, LeoPatrizi. Image Location: Tower Bridge, London, UK
Accommodation
Improvising is fun and a big part of travel, but even if you don’t want to book ahead for accommodation, make sure you arrive at your country/city/town with some backup options in case housing is harder to find than you imagined. For the budget traveler, the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) is a trusted brand name in the hostel world. For those with a bigger budget, hotel options are plentiful.
Books for down time
As you’re transported between locations, you’ll want something to keep you entertained. Phones and tablets are obvious choices for this, but the last thing you want to be is that tourist waiting in a train station with expensive toys dangling about. Travel is generally safe, but the less attention you draw, the better.
A final must-have: the Trainline app
You'll likely never have your phone any further away than your front pocket or handbag throughout your journey. So, download the Trainline App to make sure you're never more than a few seconds away from finding the fastest routes, the cheapest fares and live train times across Europe.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alvaro Medina Jurado