1. Overview
It’s time to travel to Europe. Summer is the most wonderful time of the year to view all the historic European sites, and we’ve rounded up how someone can start organizing and packing for Europe to make life and travel easier.
Paris on a sunny day is like no other place on earth. Sipping Cava on the Spanish coast while watching the sunset is something you’ll never forget, and getting the chance to visit London in July without the grey fog and rain makes the city come alive with color. The last thing you want is to lug around a bunch of suitcases. We’ve rounded up the must-have travel essentials for Europe to make your travels more enjoyable and easy.
Packing Tips for Europe
Packing For Europe – Multiple Destinations
Most people plan a lot of activities in one trip to Europe to maximize their experience. There are plenty of ways to see a lot of Europe in a short time, and it’s understandable why people engage in whirlwind trips.
During our first couple of trips to Europe, we wanted to see so much that we kept rushing to the next stop before we even had a chance to soak in the sights. It’s just too tempting to want to see it all at once!
While we could suggest that it’s better to travel Europe slowly and take your time to live like a local or select a couple of highlights, we recognize that many travelers prefer to focus on experiencing as much as possible during their first visit to Europe.
Top 8 Packing Tips For Travel To Europe
We travel to Europe quite often and have developed a packing list that works effectively. Here is what we take when heading across the pond:
Women’s European Packing List
For summer Travel
- Sporty Zippy Skort (1) – Perfect for sightseeing during the day but can be dressed up at night with a nice scarf and strappy shoes.
- Scarf (1) – A silk wrap adds flair to simple outfits for an evening out.
- Convertible Skirt (1) – This versatile garment can transform into a dress, taking minimal packing space.
- Pants (1) – Lightweight, easily adjustable khaki pants suitable for various occasions.
- Shorts (2) – Includes comfortable board shorts for outdoor activities and stylish Bermuda shorts.
- Smart Shirts (2) – Versatile and fashionable options from the Royal Robbins brand.
- Lightweight Sweater – Essential for layering in unpredictable climates.
- ExOfficio Underwear (4-6) – Quick-drying and lightweight, perfect for minimizing luggage.
Men’s Packing List for Europe
- BluffWorks Pants (2) – Odor-resistant pants suitable for both trail and city wear.
- Short Sleeved Collared Shirts (2)
- Long Sleeved Collared Shirt (1) – Breathable and ideal for warm summer evenings or outdoor excursions.
- Lightweight Sweater – Again, layering is recommended for comfort.
- Lightweight Socks – Essential for comfort during walks around town.
- ExOfficio Underwear (4-6) – Quick-drying underwear saves on packing space.
- Clarks Wave Trek Sneakers – Stylish yet comfortable for evenings out.
- Margaritaville Reversible Shorts – Two styles in one, great for reducing packing volume.
1. Versatility Is Key
Pack versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. You’ll appreciate this when navigating various travel scenarios.
Our Recommendation: Include a few wrinkle-free, microfiber shirts, two pairs of pants (or skirts), and two pairs of shorts to mix and match daily.
2. Pack The Right Shoes For European Travel
Shoes present a packing challenge, as it’s tempting to over-pack. Dave packs flip-flops, hiking shoes, and dress shoes to balance style and function for both day and night activities.
For men, bringing one pair of comfortable shoes becomes essential when enjoying evenings out in stylish settings. European fashion leans towards looking sharp, and you’ll want to channel that spirit.
Conversely, I prefer a mix of ballet flats, flip-flops, nice sandals, and hiking shoes. Since these options are compact, it allows for extra space.
Choose Lightweight Packable Shoes
While I enjoy my skirts, having lightweight shoes is a must for the variety of activities Dave and I participate in. Well-structured yet nimble shoes suffice unless you’re planning extensive rugged hikes.
3. Don’t Forget About Laundry
Packing light means you’ll need to wash clothing more frequently. Laundromats are readily available, and various accommodations may even include in-room washing machines.
For hotel laundry, consider bringing a universal sink stopper and a pegless clothesline for added convenience. A little liquid detergent in GoToobs is also prudent.
Even if using a sink, lightweight, quick-dry clothing ensures you joyfully head out in fresh garments the next day, especially underwear from Exofficio, which are designed for ease of care.
Hotel Washing Items:
- Universal Sink Stopper: Essential for keeping the water in.
- Pegless Clothesline: Avoid cluttering your hotel room with clothes.
- Detergent Sheets: Compact and highly effective.
- GoToobs: Perfectly sized for travel, ensuring easy packing.
4. Don’t Forget The Right Travel Adapter
Avoid packing numerous adapters for different countries, as you can risk space and weight. A universal adapter simplifies the process significantly.
Purchase on Amazon: Eagle Creek Universal Adapter & Belkin Mini Surge Protector
Using one adapter allows for multiple outlets and USB charging capabilities, providing ample opportunity to recharge electronics efficiently.
6. Packing Organizers Make Life Easier
Adopting packing organizers transformed our travel experience. With the organizer’s logic, everything fits better, allowing for a cleaner travel experience.
Dave enjoys using a Smart Envelope for his shirts, maintaining their structure and saving space during travel.
Packing Cubes can help streamline your packing process, providing organization and space-saving solutions.
7. Think Small
Opt for travel-sized containers to minimize packing volume. While hotels provide some toiletries, having your stash ensures availability and comfort.
Small Containers
Medications should also be compact. Use a pill organizer instead of carrying full bottles, ensuring easy access without risking overpacking.
8. Choose The Right Travel Bags
Choosing the right bag is crucial. We transitioned from backpacks to a lightweight rolling duffel, facilitating easier navigation throughout Europe.
Our duffel bags are effective for organization and durability, especially when paired with packing cubes and toiletry bags.
With these tips, you should find yourself well-equipped for your European adventure with a lighter load.
