Planning a trip to Europe and not sure what to pack? After nearly 20 years of traveling across Europe – from month-long stays in Paris to extended time in London – I’ve refined the ultimate Europe packing list to help you pack smarter, lighter and more stylishly.

As a travel company founder, I get so much joy out of helping people plan aspects of their trips to Europe and sharing tips about my favorite destinations. One question I get the most is about what to pack.

This is why I create so many seasonal Packing Lists for popular European destinations. Packing for Europe is an art form and sometimes can be one of the most daunting tasks when it comes to traveling abroad. Packing the right things helps to ensure your trip overseas is fun, safe, and stress-free. 

What to Pack for a Trip to Europe

I generally stick to a few self-imposed rules when it comes to packing for Europe and after many years of travel, my formula is down rather pat at this point. If you have European travel on the horizon, my packing tips should be helpful to both inspire and help you plan.

Related: My Travel Essentials, What to Pack for a Flight to Paris

The Ultimate Europe Packing List Checklist

Save this for later – this is the exact framework I use every time I travel to Europe.

Clothing

• 2–3 pairs of trousers or jeans
• 1–2 dresses or skirts
• 2–3 tops for layering
• 1 blazer or structured jacket
• 1 weather-appropriate outerwear piece (trench, wool coat, etc.)
• 1–2 knitwear pieces (depending on season)
• 1 evening outfit
• 2–3 pairs of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of dressier shoes
• Pajamas
• Undergarments for the duration of your trip

Toiletries

• Travel-sized skincare and makeup
• SPF (European formulas are excellent — more on this below)
• Prescription medications (always in your carry-on)
• Pain reliever + basic first aid
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant

Documents

• Passport
• Driver’s license
• Travel insurance information
• Credit cards (no foreign transaction fees)
• Debit card
• Digital copies of all documents saved to your phone

Electronics & Accessories

• Phone + charger
• Portable charger
• Plug adapters (UK + EU)
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• AirTags for luggage
• Reusable water bottle

Bags

• Suitcase (carry-on or checked)
• Crossbody bag (for daily use)
• Tote or personal item for the plane
• Collapsible duffle for shopping

Clothing

Mix and Match Outfits

When deciding what to wear in Europe, one of the keys to packing is to choose items that you can mix and match. I recommend you bring several pairs of pants or shorts (depending on the season) that can be dressed up or dressed down, dresses or skirts for evening, a trench coat, a leather jacket or some other mid-layer depending on the time of year, a neutral blazer or tweed jacket, one pair of shoes for evening and 2-3 pairs of comfortable shoes for daytime.

You’ll want enough underwear, bras and socks to last your whole trip unless you plan to use a laundry service or will have access to a washing machine during your trip.

I have a lot of handy packing lists including two below that should be helpful. 

And if you want a comfy bra to wear on the long flight, I highly recommend this one.

Prioritize Layers

European weather can be unpredictable – even in the warmer months.

A blazer, lightweight sweater or trench coat will go a long way in helping you transition from cooler mornings to warmer afternoons and breezy evenings.

Choose Shoes Carefully

You will walk a lot in Europe – more than you think.

Comfort is non-negotiable, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. I always recommend:

• well broken-in shoes
• neutral tones that work with multiple outfits
• avoiding anything too bulky or overly athletic-looking

Leave the flip flops at home unless they are just for a pool visit. Instead, read my guide of What Shoes to Pack for Europe.

Toiletries

Makeup and skincare

I like to buy minis of my morning and evening skincare routine products to bring with me. For a toiletry bag, I store them all in Truffle cases (seen in All My Travel Essentials). Many European countries are incredibly strict with their liquid restrictions (more so than TSA) so keep this in mind if you’re carrying-on for your return flight.

Medicine

Be sure you pack enough of each of your prescription medications and be sure to not put them in your checked luggage!

The Makeup I Never Travel Without

Earplugs

If you’re spending time in a city, you’ll likely encounter noisy evenings so I always travel in Europe with a pair of earplugs.

Documents

Passport

But of course! Remember you’ll need to bring this with you to fly but also to do any luxury shopping (for VAT refunds if the country you’re visiting allows) and to check into your hotel.

License

Carding isn’t really a thing in Europe, but since you won’t want to be out and about with your passport it is good to have your license with you – especially should you need to go to the doctor or hospital.

Travel Insurance

If you’ve purchased travel insurance, be sure you have documentation of your policy.

Credit Cards

Bring along the credit cards you plan to use that don’t have foreign transaction fees. And if you want to get cash out, be sure to have a debit card with you as well. Don’t forget to upgrade your card to a tap-to-pay if you can!

I like to keep photos of all my important documents on my phone in a folder so I can easily access them.

Electronics & Voltage: What You Need to Know

Europe uses a different electrical system than the U.S., and this often trips people up.

• The UK uses a three-prong outlet
• Most of Europe uses a two-prong outlet

You’ll need adapters for both.

Adapters

You’ll need to bring converters, and things like your Dyson Airwrap or steamer or blow dryer won’t work even with a converter. Leave them behind and instead bring dual voltage electronics.

I use these for mainland Europe and these for the UK. I love that they have USB, USB-C and standard plug options all in one handy unit! Makes my life so much easier when on the road.

This is a dual voltage curling iron you can use in Europe, and this is a great dual voltage travel steamer I always travel with.

Important: Not all tools will work as mentioned — even with a converter. Always opt for dual-voltage devices when possible.

Charger

Having a portable charger is a must! This one is my preferred model as it is slim enough to fit in purses without taking up much space.

AirTags

If you also worry about losing your luggage, buy a few Apple AirTags and pop them into your suitcases so you can track your luggage. 

Tripod

If you want to capture family photos or the likes and don’t have time or the budget for a professional photographer – don’t forget the power of a handy tripod to do so!

Fan

If you’re traveling to Europe in the summer, keep in mind that air conditioning is not as widely employed as it is here in the US. So if you run hot, I’d recommend bringing a handheld portable fan to help cool off.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

A must have electronic I never travel without are my wireless Bose noise cancelling headphones.

Water Bottle 

Many European cities are making a conscious effort to be more green, so I always try to bring a reusable water bottle with me (plus I don’t have to waste money buying water when I’m out and about). Just don’t forget to empty it before you go through airport security!

Bags

Duffle

I always bring this collapsable duffle with me when I go to Europe to fill up with whatever shopping I do. It fits a lot and easily goes over your suitcase handle as well. I’ll bring it back with me along with the tote I bring on the airplane as my personal item.

If your luggage is overweight you will endure an extra cost so it is a good idea to have a back up bag in case you need to put overflow from your suitcase in there.

Luggage

Good luggage is a must. I swear by my Away suitcases. As mentioned, I have both the bigger carry on (a god-send that fits so much!) and also the Medium and the Large that are great for longer trips.

I’ve been using mine for nearly ten years and have been really happy with how they’ve held up especially after many miles over European cobblestone streets. I like how much they compress items to really maximize space and the built-in locks, too.

And don’t forget to add luggage tags to them, too!

Travel Backpack

I’m not a backpack girl myself, but I know some people love them for traveling! I’ve heard great things about Calpak’s travel backpacks. 

Crossbody Bag

I know things like money belts used to be considered a “must-have” item for travel to Europe, but nowadays I find a crossbody does the trick. It keeps my personal items close to me and still looks cute. 

A lot of beautiful, versatile options here.

You can shop My Bag Collection for inspiration.

Best Packing Tips For Europe

Consider the weather

Of course the biggest consideration when packing is the weather. Be sure to check the weather forecast as you are packing! Usually a few weeks out from my trip I begin looking at the weather to see how things have been – has it rained a lot? Has it been colder in the evenings?

Prepare for rain

Regardless of the time of year, I always prepare for rain – that way, I’m not disappointed! Don’t forget to have a good umbrella (this is the one I bring) in your suitcase and pack a chic trench coat.

Consider getting around

Be sure you check to see if where you’re staying has an elevator. Many places in Europe don’t, so you’ll want to plan (and pack light) should you need to be carting suitcases up narrow stairwells or through train stations.

Also keep in mind the type of public transportation you’ll be using and how accessible it will be with a luggage – this may also affect how you pack.

Stick to a color palette

I always stick to a color palette when I pack for Europe. I want my looks to be stylish, yet comfortable and extremely ready for mix and match wear. I’ll pack a blazer that can go with jeans as easily as it can go over a dress or pair with dress shorts or dress pants. 

I’m a neutrals person when it comes to my wardrobe so usually my looks fall in a variety of color palettes such as the neutral colors of Black/Ivory/Camel or Black/Cream/Navy.

Don’t forget the power of accessories

A purposeful accessory can change an entire outfit – a silk scarf can be donned on your bag or around your neck to switch up the look of the sweater you’ve backed.

Or a brooch could add a bit of glam for evening on the blazer you also wore during the day time. 

Be thoughtful when planning what shoes to wear

We’ve all heard horror stories of people being unprepared for the miles and miles of walking that come with visiting Europe, so be sure you’re not bringing new shoes that need breaking in.

Prioritize comfort but also give consideration to what shoes won’t have you looking like a tourist. Say it with me: comfortable walking shoes are a must. You will be doing lots of walking – trust me.

Related: What Shoes to Pack for Europe

Make a packing list

As you prepare for your trip, begin a packing list for Europe in your Notes app to outline the pieces you’d like to bring. Then reference that list when it comes time to pack so you won’t over pack.

Write down your outfits

I always write down my outfits for both daytime and evening when I go to Paris. This ensures I actually wear what is in my suitcase and don’t forget what’s in there. This also helps me not overpack.

How I Plan Outfits for Travel

I have friends who also try on and take photos of the outfits they’re packing to have handy on their phone. You can also organize packing cubes by outfit to keep things organized. Pro tip: if you’re an iPhone user, use the “touch-to-copy” feature and copy the outline of your outfit photos and paste them into the Notes app.

How to Pack for Europe by Season

Spring

Spring is one of my favorite times to get dressed in Europe — it’s all about light layers.

Pack:

• trench coat
• lightweight knits
• scarves
• ballet flats or sneakers

Summer

European summers can be hot — and many places don’t have strong air conditioning.

Pack:

• breathable fabrics (linen, cotton)
• loose silhouettes
• comfortable sandals
• a portable fan if you run warm

Fall

Think transitional dressing.

Pack:

• ankle boots
• structured coats or jackets
• knitwear
• layering staples

Winter

Winter requires thoughtful layering.

Pack:

• wool coat
• thermal layers
• boots with good traction
• scarves, gloves, hats

What Not to Pack for Europe

This is just as important as what you do pack.

Avoid:

• too many shoes (limit yourself!)
• heavy hair tools that won’t work abroad
• overly trendy pieces that won’t mix well
• “just in case” outfits you’ll never wear

Packing lighter makes navigating train stations, cobblestone streets and walk-up apartments much easier.

Europe Packing List

Pin this image for later and shop the pictured styles here. 

Pin this image for later and shop the pictured styles here. 

Packing for Europe doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With the right strategy, you can pack efficiently while still feeling polished and prepared for anything your trip brings.

If you’re planning a trip and want help refining every detail — from where to stay to what to wear — you can explore my bespoke planning services via en route to rêverie.

You May Also Like:

• London Packing List.
• Paris Packing List.
• Scotland Packing List.

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