The Ultimate Packing List For Europe: What To Bring For Different Seasons and Regions (Don’t Make My Rookie Mistake!)

When I first visited Europe, I was fourteen years old and loaded a suitcase with sundresses and rompers… in May in Austria, the average temperatures are between 55-65 F (13-19 C). Fortunately, my elder sister came to my rescue, took me back to the packing bag, and provided me with clothes that were more weather-friendly.

I am not the only one who made this packing mistake. I cannot count the number of American tourists that I see wearing the wrong clothes to their vacations in Europe. I have spent six months in Scotland, and everyday I would pass a tourist in a skirt and sandals–without a rain jacket or warm coat in view–in a freezing rain, looking miserable. But it is June, I said, I expected it to be warm… Not in Scotland! Euro summer mood applies only to some parts of Europe. If you need more interested info like that visit quick guider.

This is why I have created this list of the ultimate packing list to Europe; so you will not have to worry about carrying the wrong items or not knowing what to carry to a particular part of the world you are going to.

Why Generic Europe Packing Lists Are Completely Wrong

Europe Isn’t One Country (The Biggest Packing Mistake Americans Make)

Before we move on, it is important to clear something up: Europe is not a country. It is a continent of 50 individual nations all with their own personalities, style, customs and culture. Summer in Norway is therefore quite different to summer in Monaco. To put this into perspective the temperature in October in Southern Spain can be up to 30 degrees colder than it is in October in Northern Scotland.

This Europe packing list will divide it by region and season so you can be ready to go anywhere- or even a backpacking trip across a few or many countries over several months. You can use this guide as a helpful guide prior to any European travel. If you need info related I Know Right: A Deep Dive into This Popular Expression.

Clue: When you find an ultimate European packing list that is generic and one-size-fits-all, run!

I have taken great pleasure in my slow pace of traveling in Europe, when I can afford to sit and enjoy the beauty of every nation. Although every nation is different, there are certain similarities on the continent. By Europe I mean those things that are universal. I will specify the country or region when I need to.

My European Travel Credentials (Why You Should Trust This Guide)

My first visit to Europe taught me more than how to pack–it kindled a passion of travelling. I knew I would have to live in Europe sometime. Since that time, I have traveled to more than 20 European countries, including living temporarily in four countries (and more).

I love Europe—every bit of it! I have had the chance to cook paella in Spain, bike ride in the Belgian countryside, hike in Iceland, and ride a riverboat in Germany. I have celebrated in a nightclub in Prague until 3 AM (those pictures will never see the light of day) and have seen the sun rising above the beaches of Lisbon. I have stood in line to get the best of the gelato under the sweltering summer sun, and I have wandered around almost deserted streets in a cold and grey February, when tourist shops are on a winter holiday.

I have the mega touristy stuff, climbed the Eiffel Tower, got up at 4 AM to take a picture in front of the Trevi Fountain, hiked through sideways rain to see the (unsensational) Little Mermaid statue at Copenhagen.

I also have come to accept authentic experiences, such as cooking a traditional Luxembourg meal on a farm with a family I had just met. I have even seen a Spanish opera performed in Italian with Slovakian text in Slovakia. I could not make out a word, but it was beautiful.

I love all of Europe: its way of life, architecture, cuisine, and its people. It is a hassle free love, since the continent is extremely easy to travelling in: majority of the folks understand English, transportation is easy, and various hostels exist, and even internet groups that assist you meet new friends.

This love has passed the trial of time and at times the frustrating experience. I had once flown to Italy when my suit case chose not to come with me on my 10-day trip. Or when my friend was locked in a taxi driver’s car until he took out a big pile of money in an ATM. However, there is no need to worry because this European packing list will include all the basic things you have to carry to deal with any sticky situation.

Essential Europe Packing List Items (Every Region, Every Season)

European Style 101: How Americans Should Dress in Europe

The very first consideration in touring Europe is that Europeans dress better. This is a typical experience of an American who lives in another country: I can work at home in leggings and a sweatshirt (where I am now writing) and then go to the store and wear jeans and a sweater. To look presentable, even when going to the grocery store in a hurry, is very European. The most frequent event of this day is the first reason my American friends give why they will never move to Europe; they value the freedom to go to the mall in sweat pants.

Europe requires that you be pulled together. Each area has its own style and atmosphere however, they all appear to be nice. I have become so cultured in the ways of the Europeans that I have a reverse cultural shock when I see individuals in the U.S. walking in their athleisure attire.

Must-Have Items for Your Europe Packing Checklist

Comfortable Walking Shoes: You can tell by simply looking at my number of steps that every 3 weeks of the year I was in the U.S. Walking is much more prevalent in Europe, you would have to walk 20,000 steps to get to all the attractions.

Dressy Shoes: For evenings or dinners.

Bathing Suit and Flip Flops: there are various thermal spa, public pool, lakes, and saunas located in Europe.

Pajamas

Trusty Daypack: If you want to blend in, I recommend a waterproof pack made from recycled materials and equipped with multiple zipper pockets for your valuables.

Small Purse or Crossbody Bag: Look for one with internal zipper pockets.

Rain Jacket

Socks, Underwear, Bras

Scarf: Additional warmth is welcome when you are visiting religious places such as the Holy Grail in Valencia, Vatican in Italy, and would be spending a considerable amount of time there.

Converter/Adapter: Not all converters or plug types are standard, but any corner shop should carry one that will cost you a few dollars.

Sunscreen & Hand Sanitizer

OTC Drugs: Worth noting: In most European pharmacies, brand names, such as Advil or Tylenol, are not commonly used. Instead, ask to be given ibuprofen and paracetamol (or acetaminophen in the United States).

Band-Aids: Even the most comfortable shoes can blister even after 20000 steps in a day.

Tissues: Paper towels, napkins, and tissues are not so easily found as in the U.S.

Other Toiletry: Toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. Now, there is a pharmacy in every town–although many of them shut down by 5 PM.

Contacts/Glasses

Airtags: So useful to trace the luggage.

Europe Carry-On Packing Essentials (Never Check These Items)

Documents You Can’t Travel Europe Without

Passport

Alternate ID

Student ID: Take your student discount when you have the chance! Students are usually given free admission to the museum, subsidized transportation, and attraction discounts.

Debit and Credit Cards: Cards and ApplePay are common within the street markets and local markets in smaller towns, but cash still reigns here. Take some local money everywhere.

Copies of Your Passport and Credit Cards: Pick pocketing may occur and it is a good idea to always have backup documents.

copy of Your Travel Insurance

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Complete the form online or in the application and print out the approval page to present at the customs. (Note: ETAs are normally approved in 72 hours, so prepare in advance.)

Medications

Survival Items for Your European Flight

Portable Charger: You should not depend on the charging socket of the plane or an airport outlet.

Headphones (Plus: Earplugs and Eyemask)

Electrolytes: The most important jet lag prevention tip in my list is staying hydrated during the flight.

Pajamas and One Day of Clothing: Comes in particularly useful in case your bag is held up during a layover.

A Snack: Cool fact: I hate plane food. When flying between the U.S. and Europe, I am a nut and I bring a Sweetgreen salad to eat on board the plane.

Summer Europe Packing List By Region

Southern Europe Summer Packing (Mediterranean Vibes)

Southern Europe is also a beautiful place during summer as it is located along the Mediterranean. Imagine yourself walking up and down the beach as the sun reflects on the water and you are drinking an Aperol spritz. Are you packed yet?

Visit ancient Greece, taste wine in Portugal, take a vacation in Costa Brava, Spain or consume all the pasta in Italy. So many Euro summer resorts. Croatia is the new outdoor adventure hotspot and watersports destination.

Note: Europeans are not much into air conditioning or ice in beverages so it is quite hot in the afternoon. Hot summer days are always the time to wear lightweight breathable clothes.

Pack:

Lightweight dresses & skirts
Shorts
Tops: tank tops, blouses, T-shirts.
Sneakers & sandals

Central Europe Summer Packing Guide

Climb the mountains of southern Germany, go sight-seeing the champagne country in France, or on a trip to Belgium, enjoy Belgian chocolate in Bruges. Another awesome experience that I had on my recent visit was the train ride between Prague, Vienna and Budapest to see three cities in a single trip.

Pack:

Maxi dresses
Flowy trousers: Linen and cotton are the best.
Shorts & skirts
Sneakers & sandals
Tops: tank tops, T-shirts, blouses.
Light sweater: To be used on chilly nights.

Northern Europe Summer Essentials

Northern Europe summers are ideal trekking and adventure time due to the long daylight hours and lower temperature. Hike up the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland or hike up a volcano in Iceland.

It was at this point that I discovered that I prefer a beer to be lighter than I am.

Pack:

Pants
Tops: Long and short sleeve.
Lightweight jacket
Sweater
Sneakers
Recommended: Hiking shoes and hiking trousers.

Summer Europe Capsule Wardrobe (5-4-3-2-1 Method)

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing technique is worth considering in case you are trying to pack as lightly as possible.

5 Tops: tank tops, button-ups, tank tops, T-shirts.
4 Bottoms: pants, skirt, shorts, flowy.
3 Shoes: Sneakers, sandals, fancy ones.
2 Dresses: maxi dress, sundresses, romper, jumpsuit.
1 group of Accessories: hat, bag, jacket, jewelry.

You can modify the figures but it is a superb way of doing a backpack trip.

My favorite summer clothes include a sundress and sandals and a light jacket.

Winter Europe Packing List (Region-Specific Guide)

Why Winter European Travel Is Amazing

May through September is high season in Europe, but there is always much to see and do at any time of the year.

It is also a good occasion to visit Europe during Thanksgiving. Tourism is high in December through the Christmas markets. I suggest the Prague, Vienna, and Budapest markets that are known throughout Europe.

There is still much to enjoy in January to March. Go on a northern lights in Iceland, ski in a mountain in Switzerland or have a warm up drink in an Irish pub.

Universal Winter Europe Packing Essentials

• Packing any time of the day, anywhere you are, is a little easier due to the fact that everywhere is cold in winter. In the north, in Iceland to Greece, the temperature becomes lower however it is somewhat warmer in the Mediterranean (40-55 F/4-13 C) and it also freezes in the Nordic countries (-20-40 F/-35-4 C).

  Note: Because there is no air conditioning in the summer, you might also find that there is no heating in buildings during the winter. Other nations will run their heating only a few hours at a time, and others do as the Germans do and open the window to get the air fresh, even when it is 30 F outside. In February last in Scotland I opened my window and I knew I was a true European.

  Pack:

  Pants
  Long-sleeve shirts
  Thermals
  Sweaters
  Boots & wool socks
  Winter jacket
  Waterproof down jacket: It can be used during outdoor activities, such as dog sledding in Lapland.
  Wool jacket: This jacket can be worn to enjoy Christmas lights in town squares.

  Pro Tip: I would suggest two jackets and less sweaters. The jackets you see in every picture. I would still prefer to wear the same base layers and have a choice with outer layers.

  Hat, scarf & mittens

Regional Winter Variations

Winter Uniform

Base layer: Leggings, a long-sleeve shirt.
Mid layer: Jeans and a sweater
Outer: Jacket, boots and a hat.

Critical Europe Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Overpacking (The #1 American Tourist Mistake)

Don’t pack too much: Most packing lists lead you to pack a bag with things you will need to survive the flight before you even think of what you will need to do on your itinerary. That’s not my style. Rather, they should pack light. In Europe, there are also laundettes everywhere to easily rewear clothes.

Don’t bring too many extras: I have read lists that include things like a travel iron and sewing kit and your own sheets. What arts and crafts project they are planning I know not, but I would rather pack only what I will use than add another expense.

Note: I do not think I will go extravagant on fashionable travel accessories. The products that I suggest are the products that I use.

Looking Obviously American (Safety and Money Concerns)

Being a lone woman traveler, I make an effort not to attract attention to the idea that I am a foreigner. Acting like an American will make you an easy pickpocketing and scam target and taxi drivers may charge you more. This may be the best way not to seem blatantly American especially with the increased political tension.

Do not wear leggings, gym shorts, baseball caps or sport logos.

Dressing is no more than half the battle. Europeans say: you can hear an American before you can see him. Then please mind your volume in public places to further sell the European look.

The Stiletto Trap (Cobblestones vs. Instagram)

Stilettos: Europe has become cobblestones, and cobblestones and stilettos have become broken ankles. Disregard the persuaders that say carry two or three pairs of heels; use a chunky heel, a wedge, a boot or sandals instead. To my mind, the most dominant are white sneakers.

Solo Female Traveler Safety Packing Essentials

My European Safety Philosophy

In the larger part of Europe, however, you may safely trust to your common sense. Similar to United States, there are places where you have to take more notice of what is happening around you. You must take precautions in big cities such as London, Berlin, Rome, Paris, Barcelona. Take care not to display where you store your money or to announce that you are alone in a vehicle.

Safety Items Every Solo Female Should Pack

The following are some of the essentials to a peaceful state of mind:

Pepper spray
Portable door lock
Fake wedding ring: This is to be used together with the expression, My husband is waiting to meet me at the hotel.
Luggage lock: This is particularly in hostels.

Europe Travel Budget and Packing Considerations

How Much Money You Need for European Travel

It is one of the major advantages of Europe to be able to create an itinerary that suits your financial means. I toured Europe on a tight budget, staying at hostels, riding trains or buses constantly, shopping, and cooking my own food, and enjoyed myself.

I also saw a somewhat more upscale side of Europe (as a teenager, and with my parents picking up the check).

At this point, I usually fall somewhere between the extremes: I won’t hesitate spending hundreds of dollars on a flight, but will willingly walk 45 minutes to save a 2.50 bus fare. That’s “girl math” at its finest.

Money-Saving Packing Tips

The only advice that I will give in budgeting would be to save up more money. In case there are any creepy men in your co-ed hostel room, make sure you have people to switch to an all-girl room (which is normally more expensive than co-ed). Or when you are in a bad position, make sure you can afford a surge-price Uber in case you need to get out of the situation.

Budget flyers can follow up on U30X last-minute trip offers. You will receive massive value when you include accommodations, meals and activities.

Seasonal Europe Packing Calendar (When to Bring What)

Spring Europe Packing (March-May)

The spring in Europe is unpredictable. Today it is sunny and 70 F, and the next day it is raining and 50 F. This season is the season of layering.

Pack:

Stratified layers of light that you can add or subtract.
Rain jacket (definitely necessary)
A comfortable pair of shoes that will work in wet cobblestones.
Light sweater or cardigan
Scarf for cooler evenings

Fall Europe Packing (September-November)

One of the times I like visiting Europe is in the fall. Crowds are smaller, the weather is nice, and you will see beautiful autumn colors.

Pack:

Medium-weight layers
Waterproof jacket
Good traction shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
Warm sweater
Long trousers (evenings can get very cold)

Final Europe Packing Checklist and Tips

Last-Minute Packing Reminders

It is important to check out these items before zipping up that suitcase:

Weather anticipations on a city by city basis.
Research all cultural dressing codes of places of worship.
copy significant documents.
Make sure that you have a converter/adapter that suits your destination countries.
Take one outfit in a carry bag.

Optional Accessories

Belts

Sunglasses

Hats

Jewelry: Leave the high end at home

Umbrella: This is depending on what you are doing. It could be of no use on the windy Cliffs of Moher.

Tote bag: Ideal when going to farmers markets, on a day out or when doing any spontaneous shopping.

Fast towel: ideal in a hostel or on the beach.

Phone lanyard (or phone leash): Theft of phones is actually a problem in big cities in Europe. Look around you when you reach out to get directions on your phone. Watch out for motorbikes!

Reusable Water bottle: This is required during hikes and long day trips. (Yes, we Americans are all so used to taking a reusable water bottle everywhere we go, but with the clean tap water and emphasis on sustainability in Europe, it is such a good habit to have. Without my water bottle, you will never see me.)

Leggings: To wear under trousers during the winter or under a long skirt during spring days when it is not hot.

Swiss army knife

Your European Adventure Awaits

Years of traveling to Europe, and I still think there is more to learn. I have written it only days before I set out on another four months of travel in Central Europe. I am watching the days pass before I get to enjoy a freshly baked croissant and walk along cobblestone streets again.

Pack Smart, Travel Fearlessly Through Europe

Not only the right packing guide to Europe is the key to successful traveling in Europe, but rather is the knowledge that every part of the continent and every season will demand its own preparation. Traveling to the Mediterranean to enjoy Euro summer or exploring Iceland to see the Northern Lights, this all-inclusive packing list will help you stay comfortable and fashionable.

It is important to remember that Europe is extremely diverse. Plan your Europe packing list based on the areas and times of the year you are going. Be wary of general tips which lump this wonderful continent into a single country.

As you couldn’t guess, I believe that Europe is great and a place that everyone should visit. Wait to get someone with you. Either choose to be adventurous and go it alone or seek out fellow adventurers. What matters most is to begin to plan that European adventure.

Pack light, dress up and get ready to make a lifetime trip. Europe is waiting for you!