Europe takes fashion seriously, but that doesn’t mean you have to lug five suitcases across the ocean or teeter around on cobblestones in the world’s most uncomfortable shoes. You can pack for Europe and comfort is the key!

Accordingly, LTA’s packing suggestions for Europe help you pack smart, so you’ll be comfortable and stylish throughout your vacation.   

Because most European adventures are a week or longer, you’ll want to start with a large suitcase and roll your clothes and/or use packing cubes (if you’re a fan) to keep everything organized.  Then for your overnight flight, bring an under-seat carry-on, backpack, or similar so you can have all the items you need for the journey on hand.

Europe is a large continent and your Europe packing list will vary depending on the region you’re visiting and the time of year you’re going.  Surprisingly the Mediterranean is known for hot, dry summers with July temps climbing to the high 80s and 90s. Aim for soft, light-colored fabrics and sun protection for beachcombing and walking ruins. 

Northern Europe’s summers are on the cooler side with highs in the upper 60s/low 70s. Therefore for Northern Europe trips, forgo the shorts and tanks for hooded rainproof layers and light sweaters that you can remove quickly when the sun comes out. Yes, even in summer.

Generally, Europe is on the dressier side when it comes to dining and theater events. Pack versatile clothing that can go from mornings at the museums to tapas on the terrace with a few tweaks. Above all, the key is to pack and dress for the weather and comfort when in Europe.

Packing List for Europe: General Day Wear

Comfortable walking shoes and socks
Sandals for the beach/pool
Casual dresses, skirts, pants
Shorts or chinos (if visiting the Mediterranean)
T-shirts and tank tops
Swimsuit and a tunic
Activewear with moisture-wicking fabrics
Sunglasses and/or sunhat (summer)
Maxi skirts or sundresses (summer)
Cardigans and sweaters (fall & spring)
Dark-wash jeans (fall & spring)

Northern Europe (Add):

• A lightweight, layer-able waterproof hooded jacket (I love the kind that fold up in their pocket)
• Long sleeve tee shirts for layering
• Polar fleece ½ or ¼ zip top
• Comfortable travel pants that can layer over capeline go from day to dinner
• Moisture-wicking socks and sturdy shoes (that could double for hiking)

Evening and Dining:

• Long-sleeve tops or sweaters
• A blazer that goes with everything
• Neutral-colored dress pants
• Classic white collared shirt, and 2 others in neutral colors
• Cocktail dress if dining more formally
• Shoes that could go from day to dressy

The Med means attire for warmer weather!

Something many first-time visitors to Europe aren’t aware of are clothing regulations. You should always check the countries and attractions you’re visiting for dress codes.   Modest dress is required at many religious institutions and men and women must cover their arms and legs.  Surely you’ll want to pack a second outfit or shawl in your daypack to put on before entering these buildings. If you’re visiting the Cinque Terre in Italy or ruins in Greece or Turkey, don’t wear heels or flip-flops.  Improper footwear is unsafe for both you and the ancient treasures. Tourists have been fined for not following this rule.

We come with a lot of baggage nowadays.  It isn’t hard to pack in comfort when traveling Europe, , the key is to pack smart. These are things we can’t live without and/or things that make our lives better, easier, less stressful, more prepared, more efficient, etc…  So, we’ll list a few of the highlight items that we make sure we take on our trips to Europe.  

Europe Packing List: Other

• Phone chargers/USB connectors/USB hub
• Multi-Adapter(s) for the country/countries you’re visiting
• Glasses/contacts and an extra pair of one or the other, or each (sometimes a contact prescription is useful)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Daily medication (pack extra) and copies of prescriptions
• Travel documentation (extra passport copies in each suitcase, in addition to a photo in a cloud-based file service)
• Band-aids, especially the ones for blisters (we actually carry a small 1^st aid kit that even includes a Z-Pack of antibiotics) 
• Collapsible water bottle
• International travel ATM card with no worldwide transaction or exchange fees (we rarely exchange local currency in the US.  Instead, we find an airport ATM to get local currency, then make change into small bills/coins for tips and porterage.

Don’t Forget:  A Few More Aids for European Travelers

In addition, we download translator apps and street maps before we go.  It’s so much easier to find your way around all of your destinations.  Not to mention having a good VPN program uploaded if you’re relying on third-party Wi-Fi during a trip is essential.  Alternatively, we’ll bring an international hotspot which can simplify connection needs.    

In conclusion, we hope reading this gave you some brilliant ideas for refining your European packing list.  Be certain you have a strong idea of what the weather will be like when you go and know what tours and excursions you plan to take. This is the starting point for any effective packing list.  And don’t forget, while we like to have certain things with us at all times, there’s no need to overpack.  Except for medication, eyeglasses, phones, and travel documents, most items can always be purchased in Europe.

Happy packing, travelers!