A Millennial’s Packing Guide for Europe.
We’ve all been there— you know, that moment when you’re looking forward to your upcoming trip to Europe, counting down the days and thinking about the excursions you want to enjoy— but then it hits you.
“What should I pack for Europe?”
Packing stirs up a variety of feelings; maybe you’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed, or eager and excited. Or all 
four. This is normal. Once packing creeps into your mind, though, it is a subject I recommend you consider very carefully. When you are heading over to Europe (whether it’s for 5 days or 5 weeks), you don’t want to leave any of the essentials behind.
I have visited 7 European countries so far and will be heading to Greece in just two weeks! As my trip to Greece rapidly approaches, I have been thinking about what I’d like to pack. Traveling abroad is similar to, but also very different than, traveling within your homeland. The packing list I’m going to share is for those of you who are heading to the second smallest continent in the world and wondering, “What do I need to pack for Europe?”
I know how you feel. You don’t want to forget anything. So without further delay… here is my packing list.
What I Pack for Europe
Most Important:
*Your passport.
*Driver’s license and/or other form of identification.
*Your phone. You may choose to purchase an international plan, you may not, but make sure you have so
me way to communicate.
*A debit card with no international fees. I have (and recommend) a Charles Schwab checking account; their card offers unlimited fee rebates from any ATM worldwide. I secured this card simply for traveling purposes, but it has also proved quite useful at home as well. Wherever I am in the world, I can pull out that country’s currency at any ATM I come across and not have to worry about losing my hard-earned money (I have no partnership or affiliation with Charles Schwab; I am genuinely recommending the card because it is one that I have and love)! 🙂
*Medication and personal prescriptions. This may be birth control, blood pressure or cholesterol pills, or medicine for some other ailment. In addition, though, bring Tylenol, allergy and anti-inflammatory medicines too. It’s always better to be safe than sorry; I once had to go to a pharmacy in Switzerland.
*My FDA cleared ReliefBand! I am obsessed with this wristband and if you suffer from motion sickness, like I do, it is worth every single penny. The ReliefBand is a non-invasive device you wear on your wrist that relieves symptoms of nausea. It works on all modes of transportation and this wristband has truly changed my life by making long voyages abroad so much easier! Note: You will see this band on my wrist in the picture of me below holding a stein!
*A reliable bag— this may be a purse, drawstring bag, large wristlet, backpack, or fanny pack. Think about how you will be carrying your essentials around with you daily.
*Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, razor, brush/comb.
Important:
-Hand sanitizer. For obvious reasons.
-Bug spray.
-Reusable, BPA free water bottle that self-filters. This Brita one, pictured, is the one I use; nothing fancy or expensive.
-Portable phone charger and converter/adapter. Trust me.
-Neck pillow; this will come in VERY handy on planes, buses, trains, and boats.
-Eye mask. You may also want earplugs or simply headphones.
-Bandaids.
-Chapstick.
Clothing:
-Enough shirts for every day that you are abroad— plus 2, just in case.
-Enough bottoms (shorts or pants depending on weather) for every day that you are abroad— plus 2, just in case.
-“Going out” outfits. If you plan on wearing something different at night than during the day, make sure you pack those dresses, rompers, and graphic tees.
-Underwear. Please don’t forget underwear— again, plus 2, just in case.
-Sleepwear. Pajamas is something I often forget when traveling within the states. I usually sleep in oversized t-shirts, maybe you prefer your onesies covered in cat heads, it doesn’t matter— just pack them.
-Footwear. Sandals, flip flops, wedges, heels, dress shoes, socks, flats, water shoes. Regardless of weather, regardless of terrain: comfortable sneakers.
-Raincoat or poncho.
Optional:
-Make-up, make-up remover, straightener/curler, dry shampoo, and any other “glamour necessities”.
-Sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits, cover-ups, and hats depending on the season and country. I did not pack any of these things when I toured Europe in March. I am, however, packing all of these things in the month of June.
-Hair ties (these are CRUCIAL for me) and accessories such as headbands and jewelry.
-Outerwear. Depending on the month/season, you will most likely need a jacket or coat of some kind, in addition to boots, scarves, and other critical items. Do some research on the specific area you’ll be exploring.
-Work-out clothes (gym tanks, yoga pants, compression shorts, sports bras, etc.).
-Fitbit. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
-Camera. I personally just use my iPhone camera, but if you prefer having a digital camera or a GoPro, don’t forget to pack it!
-Face/body wash, body lotion, perfume/cologne, shampoo/conditioner (most places will provide this for you), and other hygienic products you’d like to have.
-Ziploc bags— hey, you never know!
-Books, magazines, crossword puzzles, iPod, kindle, etc.
Questions to Ponder:
What season is it? Are you backpacking around Europe? Are you staying in hotels or hostels, or neither? How long will you be staying? Is your trip for work or for pleasure? How do you plan to pack for Europe— will you be checking a bag or simply bringing a carry-on? Do you need to pack insulin or nicotine patches? What activities will you be engaging in: hiking, sunbathing, scuba diving, photography, skiing, four wheeling, fishing, biking, golfing, etc.?
See that nifty ReliefBand on my wrist? 🙂
By no means is this list be-all-end-all. You will have to tweak and add to it based on personal needs and preferences, what you’ll be doing abroad, and how you are traveling. Travel insurance is an option as well. Think about your daily routine and what needs to happen in order for you to see, hear, speak, and move around comfortably and easily. I don’t wear glasses or contacts, but you might. My packing list will, at the very least, get you started on your packing pursuit.
Is there anything you’d add to my packing list? Leave a comment below! I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. Happy travels, friends! 🙂
June 16, 2017 @ 5:22 PM
This is a great list!! I think you just about covered everything, with passport at the very top of the list. If you forget that, you’re not going anywhere. Hahaha…I had to remind my friend of that recently. I would put chapstick under most important for my list, because I seriously cannot survive without it. The only thing I would add is Tide-To-Go, as I sometimes accidentally spill things on my clothes, and it has saved me on several occasions!
June 16, 2017 @ 5:49 PM
Larissa- I truly appreciate your feedback. I was thinking about including Tide-To-Go, but decided against it because I have actually never used it or needed it (yet!) on vacation. It’s small enough though that you could definitely throw it in your bag just in case and not worry about it taking up too much room. Also, I agree; it almost seems silly to list passport because you can’t go anywhere without it but I know many people who forget to bring it or just forget to renew it and therefore can’t travel. Thanks for your input! 🙂
June 16, 2017 @ 5:43 PM
Such a comprehensive list! Will definitely be more than prepared following this 🙂 I think I might feel over-packed, as I’m usually missing things 😉
June 16, 2017 @ 5:52 PM
Thank you, Amber! I would consider myself an over-packer for sure, but on the other hand, usually travel abroad with just a carry-on bag. When I’m doing short trips within the US, I tend to forget simple things: toothpaste, pajamas, etc. When I’m going overseas though, I definitely get more serious about my packing. I usually keep the list in my cell phone but a friend asked me to share my packing list with her so I figured other people/new travelers (especially those who struggle with packing) may be interested as well.
June 16, 2017 @ 9:02 PM
Great list! I’m constantly checking out travel sites to find packing lists for Europe so this is perfect. Especially if the weather is so unpredictable! I read your suggestion about packing extra clothes just in case, but I’m worried this will lead to overpacking 😫 My suggestion for the list: packing cubes! I’ve heard great things about them, and they save a lot of space. Have you tried them?
June 16, 2017 @ 9:06 PM
Oh yes, Krystal, I am absolutely an “over-packer”. My mentality is I’d rather be safe than sorry! But oddly enough, I tend to just travel with a carry-on bag rather than check a big bag. Sometimes I may not be in a mood to wear a certain shirt or maybe the weather changes and I want a different top- I like having options. Packing cubes sounds like a wonderful idea! I’ve never used them, but if you do, let me know how you like them! 🙂
June 17, 2017 @ 9:20 AM
Great travel tips fror new travelers, keep up the work! I will be visiting your site for more tips very often.
June 18, 2017 @ 1:55 AM
Thank you for the kind words, Vanessa!
June 21, 2017 @ 7:26 PM
Lucky girl! I’ve always wanted to go to Europe! Will definitely save this blog for later use!
August 16, 2017 @ 11:20 PM
Thank you, Kim! I apologize for just seeing this comment now. Europe is incredible, and I’m glad you found this post useful. 🙂