What to Pack for a Europe Trip: Essentials You Can’t Forget

To begin with, I’ve had the privilege to travel across Europe multiple times in the last few years. Owing to this, I know firsthand how overwhelming packing for a European trip can feel. The continent is diverse and the weather changes drastically from region to region. For example, what you’ll need in Paris isn’t the same as what you’ll need in Athens.

In fact, I was recently forced to tackle this topic after a subscriber from the United States reached out and asked me what she needed to pack for a Europe trip. Apparently she had never been to Europe before and was eager to know what and what she should take along with her for the trip. That question stuck with me because I realized so many travelers, especially first-timers from America, wrestle with the same uncertainty.

So in this guide, I’ll break everything down step by step so you travel light, stay comfortable, and avoid unnecessary stress.

Packing Essentials

1. Travel Documents & Money

From my own experience, nothing ruins a trip faster than realizing you’re missing key documents. Here’s what you absolutely need:

Passport (make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months after your trip)
Copies of your flight details, hotel bookings, and travel insurance
A debit/credit card with no foreign transaction fees
A small amount of local currency for taxis, snacks, or small shops that don’t accept cards

Pro Tip: I always keep a digital copy of my passport and bookings stored securely in my email or cloud drive. It has saved me more than once when I misplaced a printout.

2. Clothing: Dress Smart, Pack Light

One thing I’ve noticed about Europe is that style and practicality go hand in hand. Europeans tend to dress well, but not over the top. My golden rule? Pack items that can be mixed and matched.

Comfortable walking shoes (trust me, cobblestone streets demand them)
A light jacket or sweater, even in summer evenings
A scarf. This is very useful (especially for females) for warmth or covering up when entering churches
5 – 7 versatile outfits you can layer

Pro Tip: When I travel between colder and warmer regions in one trip, I plan to do laundry halfway through rather than dragging around a heavy suitcase.

3. Tech & Connectivity

I learned early that being connected in Europe makes things much smoother.

Universal power adapter (different countries use different plugs)
Portable charger for long sightseeing days
Local SIM card or eSIM to save on roaming charges
Lightweight laptop or tablet if you’ll be working on the go

4. Toiletries & Health

Keep this minimal, as Europe has great pharmacies if you forget something.

A small toiletry kit with the basics
Prescription medication in its original container
Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe to drink in most countries)
Hand sanitizer and a few face masks (still useful in some places)

5. Extras That Make a Big Difference

These are little things I always throw in that make travel easier:

Small backpack or crossbody bag for daily use
Packing cubes to stay organized
A compact umbrella (rain surprises you often)
Sunglasses and sunscreen

Seasonal Packing Guide

Spring (March – May)

Springtime in Europe is beautiful but unpredictable. I’ve been caught in warm sunshine one moment and light rain the next.

Light layers – T-shirts, long sleeves, and a medium-weight jacket
Comfortable jeans or trousers
A foldable umbrella (you’ll thank me in Paris or London)
Sneakers or light boots for walking through parks and cobblestone streets

Summer (June – August)

When I travel in summer, I find myself packing lighter but always balancing comfort with modesty. Some cathedrals and historic sites require covered shoulders and knees.

Lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, or dresses
Sandals and walking shoes
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat (especially for Mediterranean countries like Malta)
A light scarf or shawl for visiting churches

Fall (September – November)

Busy shopping street in Geneva, Switzerland with people walking, shops, and trams – travel photography by Explore With Kojo

Fall is one of my favorite times to be in Europe. The crowds thin out, but the weather still allows for comfortable exploration.

Layered clothing – sweaters, light jackets, long pants
Waterproof shoes or boots (rain is common in places like Amsterdam or Berlin)
A stylish coat if you want to blend in with locals
Gloves and a scarf if visiting Northern Europe

Winter (December – February)

Winter in Europe can be magical, but it’s also harsh in some regions. I’ve learned not to underestimate the cold, especially in Eastern and Northern Europe.

Heavy coat, thermal layers, and sweaters
Gloves, scarf, and hat (essentials for places like Switzerland, Poland, Germany, or Scandinavia)
Waterproof boots with good grip for snow and ice
Warm socks – I always pack extra pairs

Mistakes to Avoid When Packing for Europe

After spending many years traveling across Europe, I’ve seen travelers (including myself) make the same packing mistakes. Here are the biggest ones to avoid:

Overpacking a Heavy Suitcase

One of the biggest mistakes I see travelers make is packing like they’re moving permanently. I’ve learned the hard way that dragging a huge suitcase up narrow staircases in old European hotels or across cobblestone streets is a nightmare. Pack light and versatile. And trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Forgetting About Airline Baggage Rules

Low-cost airlines in Europe (like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet) are notorious for strict baggage rules. I’ve seen people pay more in fees than the actual flight ticket. Always check carry-on limits and weigh your bag before heading to the airport.

Ignoring the Weather

Europe’s weather can change drastically from one country to another. Once, I packed only light clothes for a summer trip and froze when I landed in Switzerland. Always check the forecast for each stop on your itinerary, not just your arrival city.

Packing Too Many Shoes

Shoes take up a lot of space, and most people don’t need more than two or three pairs. I usually bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes, one nicer pair for evenings, and maybe sandals if it’s summer. Anything more is extra weight.

Not Bringing the Right Power Adapter

Every time I travel, I see fellow tourists struggling to charge their phones because they forgot a universal adapter. Europe has different plug types depending on the country, so a universal adapter is a lifesaver.

Skipping Essentials for Security

Pickpocketing is a real problem in many big European cities like Barcelona, Rome, or Paris. Leaving this out of your travel planning is a mistake that can cost you more than just your belongings. I always remind myself to pack a crossbody bag with zippers or even a money belt to keep things safe.

One of our contributor’s, Maria, in the video below, also talks about how to keep yourself safe from pickpockets in Europe. She shares practical tips from her own travels. These are simple habits that make a big difference when exploring crowded streets, tourist attractions, or busy public transportation.