Perfect Packing List for Europe In Summer

Travelling is great. You get to explore things you never have done before, explore amazing destinations in Europe in summer, to learn, and to meet many interesting people from all around the world! However, in order to enjoy and to make the most out of any trip, it is important to prepare for it. There’s hardly a better way to do this than packing your bag at least a few days in advance, which will ensure you have everything you need to make you feel safe and comfortable in a foreign country.

Packing a bag or a suitcase can be very time-consuming as you worry about forgetting something, or struggle to decide what pieces of clothing will make a great outfit. But don’t worry, this article is here to help. As you continue reading, you will find various tips on how and what to pack for a trip to Europe during summer. It is the best time to travel in Europe, as summers there are usually nice and warm, which means you don’t need to bring big furry coats and shoes, which saves a lot of space and feels lighter.

Now, let the worries melt away, and let’s get packing!

Essential Items To Pack For Summer In Europe

Choose the right bag

What is your definition of the best bag? Is it a bag with ample space? An aesthetically pleasing design? Or maybe the versatility and unmatched durability? These in combination with each other are all qualities that make the ideal bag. The last thing you want is a bag that isn’t able to hold its own in harsh travelling conditions. The bag’s ability to withstand various weather conditions should remain a priority if you want to avoid damaging your belongings.

Compartment

Shoving all your travelling items into a single compartment would not be the best idea. Some of the things you’ll be carrying will be delicate, such as a camera, which needs to be stored away safely. You’ll also be inevitably carrying dirty clothes and the last thing you’ll want is mixing the freshly smelling clean clothes with smelly socks.

Also Read: The Best Luggage To Use For A Trip To Europe

Water-resistance

Absolutely essential. In some places, weather is truly unpredictable. You may leave the hotel when it is nice and sunny outside, ready to hit the beach in the morning, but in the afternoon, find yourself caught in a torrential downpour, with no way to take immediate shelter. Your bag and gear will get soaked and will remain soaked for the remaining duration of the hike. Chances are, this would affect your mood for the rest of the day. You can prevent the weather ruining your mood with a water-proof bag, it’s that simple!

Suitcase or Backpack

Suitcases are for shorter getaways or family vacations while backpacks are for longer, more mobile trips. You want to avoid hauling a suitcase up a hill and everywhere you go. Sure you get to take more along with you, but sometimes less is more. Choose according to your own travel plans and health, as some people may not be able to carry a backpack due to back pain or other injuries. Stay safe!

In addition to the main bag, take a smaller one with you – it is a lot more convenient to have things like your wallet, passport, train tickets, keys etc. close so you can take the out quickly, as you will use them a lot. Consider purchasing a waist bag which is extra safe as it is always where you can see it – attached on your waist!

*Trip Tip: Before you leave, make a photocopy of all your important documents and leave them with a loved one or someone you can trust back home. It can be incredibly handy in the unfortunate event that any items are misplaced.

Essentials To Pack For Europe In Summer

Passport – or identity card, depending on where you are from and where you are going

Travel insurance

Visa (check whether you need to acquire a visa to enter a certain country)

Money – cash

Prepaid Travel Card – a prepaid travel card or ‘currency card’ can offer a cheaper and safer way to spend abroad. This type of card generally comes with no foreign exchange fees on spending or cash withdrawals and usually offers competitive exchange rates, saving you money compared to using your everyday debit or credit card. Plus, unlike a credit card or debit card linked to a current account, prepaid cards have no borrowing facility – helping you avoid overspending on holiday. Read more tips from Which?

Driver’s license

Clear bag for toiletries – avoid having to worry about it at the airport and pass the security quicker. Keep in mind you will only need it if you place liquids and other toiletries (up to 100ml) in a carry-on. If you choose to travel with a bigger suitcase, you can simply place them there.

Travel adaptor – in addition to other essential accessories to pack for Europe.

Portable USB charger

Reusable water bottle

Swiss army knife

Safety padlock

Umbrella or rain poncho

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Wet wipes

Moisturizer – whenever possible take travel size skincare.

Make-up – To save on spaces you can also opt to use travel make-up brushes too.

Toothbrush and toothpaste – especially if you have a long journey ahead of you, you will want to be able to brush your teeth before you reach the destination.

Hat – scarf to cover your head when it is hot and sunny. You don’t want to have a sunstroke in the middle of your trip.

Medication – your prescriptions, as well as things like painkillers, an antiseptic, some plasters, an insect repellent (a must if you are going to spend time in nature).

Travel journal – perhaps not an essential, but a great way to collect your thoughts and insights as you explore foreign cultures and sights.

Choose the right amount of clothes for the duration of your trip

Before we move on to the list of clothes you should take, it is important that you consider the length of your trip when packing. If you are travelling for a month, you may want to pack more pairs of socks and underwear than if you travel for a couple of weeks. Keep in mind though that in most hostels and some hotels, they offer laundry services, so you can do your own washing. It is a good idea to check whether your accommodation offers such a service before you get there.

Also Read: How To Pack For A Month Long Trip To Europe

When you choose your outfits, consider what style will be the most appropriate for those particular locations that you are going to visit.

For example, if you go to a capital city, you will probably want to dress up a bit more, especially in the evenings as you go out to have dinner at a restaurant. However, if you are planning on hiking most days or spending your time somewhere more remote, perhaps more casual outfits would be more practical. Be honest with yourself though and pack the minimum amount of everything!

Since you’re travelling in summer, don’t worry about bringing your thick winter coats, woolen hats and socks. The weather is likely to be pretty warm, however, in many places in Europe, as mentioned earlier, it tends to change throughout the day. It may be sunny in the morning, but rainy in the afternoon. Therefore, it is very important to be prepared. We recommend choosing the type of clothes that you can layer on top of each other, and take them off as you please, without remaining half-naked.

Choose the right fabric

You probably won’t want to spend your precious holiday time ironing your clothes, or trying to find a place where you even could do it when there is so much to explore, so bring the ones that don’t wrinkle.

General lists of clothes, shoes and other necessities

This is a general list of what you should take with you. Think about what kind of trip you are going on, and decide whether you will need to make some adjustments.

Towel – it is a good idea to bring at least a small towel with you, in case there is none at your accommodation.

Clothes

Pajamas or a big T-shirt to sleep in

Socks and underwear

3-5 tops, one of which is long sleeve and one that is dressy

1-2 light dresses or skirts, which you can layer with other clothes, plus a pair of tights

A pair of shorts (or 2, if you swap it with a skirt)

A pair of jeans if you are headed somewhere cooler

A sarong that doubles as a scarf

1 set of workout clothes (if you plan on hiking, or doing other types of sports)

1 light sweater

1 windbreaker

Accessories to dress up an outfit – a game-changer. You will save space in your bag by bringing accessories to add some charm to an existing outfit, instead of bringing an elegant dress that you won’t really wear that often.

Swimming suit

Also Read: Cute Outfits To Pack For Europe

Shoes

Flip flops – a must. It might be for shower shoes in a random hotel, that city day in between meetings, outdoor adventures on mostly even ground, or what you wear when the temperature rises to a level that your toes feel the need to be happy and free.

Sneakers – a comfortable pair, because you will be doing a lot of walking.

Sandals – a pair of sandals or other nicer shoes to wear when you go out for dinner. Try to opt for the ones that don’t take up too much space so that you can fit them into your bag whenever.

Final tips for

DON’T TAKE expensive jewelry: Similarly, you don’t want to risk valuable or sentimental jewelry getting lost or stolen on the road. Plus, wearing a lot of flashy jewelry can make you a target. Pack a couple of pieces you’ll want to wear on your trip, and leave the rest at home. If you do take jewellery with you you can get cute little handy travel jewellery cases or jewellery rolls.
DON’T PACK a bath towel: It’s a good idea to bring a towel with you to Europe, but regular towels are bulky and heavy and take way too long to dry. Take a quick-dry travel towel instead – they’re much lighter and smaller, but still plenty absorbent.
DON’T PACK a bunch of books: More than one book will get heavy and take up a lot of space in a backpack or carry-on suitcase. Some hostels and cafes in Europe have book exchanges where you can pick up a free paperback and drop it off at a future exchange when you’re done. Or, you can simply load up a Kindle, and do your reading on a lighter device that’s easier to pack.

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