What To Pack For A Trip To Europe – 10 Useful Tips To Help You Pack Effectively

If you’re wondering what to pack for a trip to Europe you’ve come to the right place! 

No matter what time of year it is, Europe is always a good idea. 

Whether you’re dreaming of sun-kissed days surfing in Portugal, leisurely spring strolls along Swiss lakes, or the festive cheer of German Christmas markets, Europe has something for everyone. 

With such a vast array of countries, cultures and climates, it can be difficult to narrow down the essentials.

Regardless of whether you’re heading to Europe for 10 days or even 7 weeks, this guide has got you covered on all essential packing items for a seamless European adventure.

From versatile clothing to adapt to varying climates to crucial travel accessories, I’ve curated a list to ensure you’re well-prepared for whatever Europe throws your way.

So, what do you really need to pack for a trip to Europe to have an awesome time? 

Read on below to find out! 

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Prepare for your Europe trip

Pack for a Europe trip: Packing Smart, The Key to a Stress-free Trip

From the scorching heat of the Mediterranean summers to the chilly winds of Northern Europe, you’ll want to be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.

Additionally, Europe also caters to a variety of travel styles, from budget backpacking to luxury getaways. 

Whether it’s camping in the Alps, exploring museums in Paris, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona or partying the night away in Croatia, having the right gear will ensure you have an enjoyable, and more importantly, stress-free trip. 

So let’s dive right in and discuss what’s ESSENTIAL to pack for a trip to Europe.

Because, let’s face it, a trip to Europe is expensive enough without adding oversized baggage fees into the mix.

Clothing & footwear Essentials

It’s no secret that clothing and footwear are the most important parts to packing effectively for a trip to Europe. 

My top 3 rules when it comes to packing clothes for your Europe trip are:

• Layering
• Mix and Match 
• Combine comfort with style

Layering Techniques

Europe’s weather can vary greatly, even within the same day. 

So, it’s best to pack versatile clothing that allows for layering.

I’d suggest starting with light base layers such as camisoles and t-shirts, adding mid-layers for warmth like loose shirts, blazers, cardigans or lightweight jackets, and having a jumper to hand if or when the temperature drops. 

I also highly recommend keeping a weatherproof coat close by to shield against rain or wind. 

This way you’re fully prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

Mix and Match Outfits

Of all the rules of packing for a trip to Europe, this is the most important one. 

Having clothes that you can mix and match will ensure that you can maximise outfit combinations while minimising the number of items you bring.

Pick a colour palette of your preference and ensure that every item that you pack goes with each other. 

For example, I always pack black clothes mixed with earthy tones such as cream, brown, khaki and rust-coloured clothes. 

On top of this, make sure that you pack items that can be both dressed up and dressed down.

This way you’ll have outfits that are both perfect for exploring and maybe heading to a fancy restaurant or two.

Looking for European travel inspiration? Check out my guides here.

Comfort and Style 

Exploring Europe often involves lots of walking, whether it’s strolling through cobblestone streets in historic cities or hiking along scenic trails in the countryside so it’s super important to have comfortable clothes and walking shoes.

However, with Europe being the cosmopolitan haven it is and home to some of the biggest fashion capitals in the world (hello Paris and Milan), I understand that many of us still want to look stylish on our Europe trip. 

Whilst my mum would always say it’s better to prioritise comfort over style when packing for a trip to Europe, I believe that you can truly have it all.

And, with the clothing and fashion choices we have at our fingertips these days, it’s easier than ever to find comfortable AND stylish clothes.

During the warmer months, linen shirts, trousers and trainers are always a good choice for combining comfort and style when on holiday in Europe. 

During the colder months, chunky knits with jeans or leggings and black boots are a surefire way to look stylish, cosy and comfortable while exploring.

Season

When you’re deciding what to pack for a trip to Europe, it’s important to think about the different seasons. 

Each season has its own weather from the scorching hot summers of the Mediterranean to the cold winters of the Balkans, so you need to pack the right clothes. 

Here’s what you should pack for each season:

Summer

During summer in Europe you will find hot temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making lightweight and breathable clothing a necessity. 

When it comes to what to pack for a trip to Europe in the summer make sure to bring items made from natural fabrics like cotton and linen to keep cool and comfortable in the heat. 

Consider bringing:

• Lighter fabrics
• Sun protection
• Comfortable footwear

Winter

Winter in Europe can be cold and snowy, especially in northern and eastern regions, meaning you’ll need insulated clothing to help you stay warm outdoors. 

When thinking about what to pack for a trip to Europe in winter it’s best to pack items that provide good protection against the cold, wind, and rain. 

Consider bringing:

• Warm coat
• Thermal wear
• Gloves, scarves, and hats
• Waterproof footwear

During winter, it’s smart to wear layers. 

In Europe, you’ll find that lots of bars and restaurants have heating to keep guests cosy and warm. 

But you don’t want to get too hot, so wear clothes you can take off easily if you need to. 

This way, you can stay comfy and not feel too warm inside.

Autumn and Spring

Autumn and spring are transitional seasons in Europe, where you will experience fluctuating temperatures and weather patterns. 

Packing a mix of warm and light layers will ensure that you’re prepared for these different conditions. 

So, whether you’re wondering what to pack for a trip to Europe in April or what to pack for a trip to Europe in September, I would consider bringing the following:

• Mix of warm/light layers
• Waterproof outerwear
• Scarves and shawls

Regardless of the season, it’s also essential to consider the activities you’ll be participating in and the cultural norms of the regions you’ll be visiting. 

Make sure to bear this in mind when packing for your trip to Europe.

What to pack for a Europe trip: Don’t Forget the Essentials 

Now that we’ve sorted out our clothing, it’s crucial not to overlook some other key essentials when travelling to Europe to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday.

Ensure you remember to pack:

Travel documents

This probably goes without saying but your passport, visas (if needed), and other ID are super important for travelling abroad.

Without them, you will have trouble at immigration and even get denied entry. 

Credit Card

Bringing a credit card with you for your Europe trip is a good idea.

They can come in handy if there are any emergency payments, and they are more widely accepted when it comes to providing deposits for things such as rental cars.

A sturdy bag

Whether you’re a suitcase princess or a backpacking babe, you’ll want to make sure that you have durable luggage that can survive all weather conditions and terrains. 

Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes are both a life and space saver when it comes to packing for a Europe trip.

They allow you to organise your clothes effectively whilst compressing them down.

This ensures valuable space isn’t wasted in your bag and that you should have some extra room to pack a few extra bits if needed.

Small first aid kit/medications

Bringing a small first aid kit with basic medication can help handle small injuries and sicknesses while you travel. 

Reusable water bottles

Carrying a reusable water bottle is a smart way to stay hydrated on your trip.

It also saves money and helps the environment by reducing your need to buy bottled water.

Toiletries & sunscreen

Don’t forget your toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and sunscreen!

If you’re on a short trip, pack small toiletries in containers under 100 ml to follow airport rules and save space in your bag. 

What to pack for a Europe trip: Technology and Connectivity 

Nowadays, when you travel, having technology and staying connected is crucial to your overall travel experience. 

You’ll need online maps to find your way around the city and your camera/phone to snap all those amazing holiday pictures. 

Having the right devices with the right apps and keeping them charged is a must!

Consider bringing and downloading:

Plug Converter

A plug converter will allow you to charge your devices in different countries, no matter where you are.

Portable Charger

A portable charger is handy for charging your devices while you’re out and about.

It’s super useful when you’re exploring new places and can’t find a place to plug in.

Spare Charging/USB Cables

Bringing extra charging and USB cables is a smart idea in case your main ones get lost or broken. 

Camera

While smartphones have good cameras, a dedicated camera can get you even better quality pictures (if you’re travelling solo a tripod can come in handy too). 

Kindle

This might be a little controversial as I know a lot of people prefer a physical book, but a Kindle is perfect for book lovers who want to read lots of books without the extra weight (we’re all about saving space when it comes to what to pack for a Europe trip). 

Online Maps

Whether you’re a Google Maps girly or a Waze wonderwoman, having an online map is a handy tool to help you find your way around a new city or town.

Google Translate

Google Translate helps you understand languages and communicate with locals when you travel.

It can translate text, speech, and even images into different languages and also works offline.

This is especially useful if you’re travelling through more remote areas where it’s less likely the locals will speak English.

Budget Tracker

A budget tracker app will help you keep track of your money while you’re travelling.

You can input your expenses and set spending limits to ensure you’re not going over budget.

This one is perfect for those budget backpacking through Europe. 

My favourite app has to be Trabee Pocket.

Staying Connected in Europe: International data eSIMs

When you’re travelling abroad, having a good internet connection is super important.

It helps you stay in touch with loved ones, find your way around new cities, and get information whenever you need it.

It also provides that extra level of safety and comfort if you are a solo female traveller in Europe. 

That’s where international data eSIMs come in handy, especially if you’re headed to Europe. 

One of the best options out there is Holafly. 

They make it extremely easy to get online while you’re out and about exploring new places. 

You can buy and activate your eSIM right from their website, so there is no more dealing with physical SIM cards or waiting in lines at the airport phone shop. 

You can pick a data plan that fits your needs and use the eSIM in different countries, which is SO convenient.

So, whether you’re headed to Europe for 5 days or 1 month, you can choose a Holafly data package to suit your needs. 

Just keep in mind that not all devices support eSIMs, so make sure to double-check yours does before you go. 

More recently Holafly has made significant improvements to its iPhone app too.  

Now, when you install and activate your eSIM, it’s even quicker! 

They have added a new feature called ‘Automatic Installation’, which sets up your eSIM for you with hardly any effort from your side. 

However, if you prefer doing things the traditional way – you can still pick the QR code or manual methods if you like. 

This upgrade is all about making eSIM setup faster and cutting down on needing help.

And, the best bit about adding a Holafly eSIM to your Europe trip packing list? 

It takes up no extra weight in your case.

Conclusion

In short, when you’re deciding what to pack for a trip to Europe, remember to keep it simple and focus on what you really need. 

Europe has different weather and landscapes, so think about versatile clothes that you can mix and match. 

PLEASE don’t forget important stuff like your passport, a strong bag, and a plug adapter. 

And in today’s world, it’s super important to stay connected, especially when you’re travelling Europe. 

That’s where international data eSIMs like Holafly come in handy. 

They make it easy to get online wherever you are. 

Plus, Holafly’s app has been updated to make setting up your eSIM quicker and easier. 

So, when you’re getting ready for your European adventure remember to stick to the essentials, and make sure to include a Holafly eSIM.

FAQ’s about What to pack for a trip to Europe

How do I pack for a light and efficient trip to Europe? 

When you’re packing for an efficient trip to Europe, you’ll want to keep it simple by picking clothes you can mix and match.

I would also recommend choosing light fabrics that you can layer and also dry fast. 

Try to bring only what you need and avoid packing the “just in case” items as the chances are you won’t use them. 

The above also applies if you’re wondering how to pack using just a carry-on for Europe.

How many clothes do you need for 2 weeks in Europe?

For a two-week trip to Europe, I would suggest bringing about 10-14 outfits that you can layer and mix and match as well as dress up and dress down.

And, ensure that you choose clothes that work for the specific culture and climate of the country you are travelling to. 

I would also suggest the same tips if you’re questioning what to pack for a 4-week trip to Europe. 

Remember you can always head to a local laundrette to wash your clothes (which is much cheaper than oversized baggage fees).

Happy Travelling

I hope this post has helped you decide on what to pack for a trip to Europe.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out!