Travel
Summer Packing List for Europe — Complete Checklist
Everything you need to pack for a summer trip to Europe. Covers clothing, footwear, toiletries, electronics, travel documents, and day bag essentials for warm-weather European travel.
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Clothing Essentials
Pack 5-7 lightweight tops
Choose moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics. Neutral colors mix and match easily. Merino wool tees resist odor and can be worn multiple days. Avoid cotton — it stays wet from sweat.
3-4 casual t-shirts or blouses
1-2 nicer tops for dinners or events
1 long-sleeve layer for cooler evenings
Pack 3-4 bottoms
One pair of jeans or long pants is essential for cooler evenings and church dress codes. Lightweight chinos or linen pants are more versatile than shorts alone.
2 pairs of shorts or skirts
1-2 pairs of long pants or jeans
Pack 7 sets of underwear and socks
Quick-dry travel underwear saves luggage space and dries overnight when hand-washed. ExOfficio and Uniqlo AIRism are popular travel options.
Bring a packable rain jacket
Summer in Europe can have sudden rain showers, especially in northern countries and the mountains. A lightweight shell that packs into its own pocket is ideal. Skip the umbrella to save space.
Pack swimwear
Even if you're not going to the beach, many European cities have public pools, rivers, and lakes. In some countries, swim caps are required at public pools.
Pack clothes that cover shoulders and knees
Many churches, cathedrals, and mosques in Europe enforce dress codes. Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl in your day bag to drape over shoulders when needed.
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes
You'll walk 10-15 miles per day in European cities, often on cobblestones. Break in shoes before your trip. Running shoes or supportive sneakers work well. Avoid brand new shoes.
Versatile sandals
Birkenstocks or Tevas work for beaches, hostels, and casual walking. Chacos are great if you plan any hiking. Flip-flops are fine for the shower but not for all-day wear.
One pair of dressier shoes (optional)
Only if you plan on nicer dinners or nightlife. Loafers or clean white sneakers work for most European restaurants — you rarely need formal shoes.
Toiletries & Health
Travel-size toiletries (under 100ml for carry-on)
Buy a reusable clear toiletry bag. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars save liquid allowance. Most European pharmacies carry international brands if you forget something.
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Sunscreen SPF 30+
European summer sun is strong, especially in the Mediterranean. Reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen is expensive in European tourist areas — bring your own.
Prescription medications and first aid
Bring enough medication for your trip plus a few extra days. Keep prescriptions in original labeled bottles. Pack a small first-aid kit with blister bandages, pain relief, and anti-diarrheal.
Prescription medications in original packaging
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Stomach relief (Pepto-Bismol, Imodium)
Blister bandages and moleskin
Insect repellent
Mosquitoes are common in southern Europe in summer, especially near water and at dusk. DEET-based sprays are most effective. Citronella bracelets are less effective but nice as a supplement.
Electronics & Gadgets
European power adapter (Type C or universal)
Most of continental Europe uses Type C (Europlug). The UK and Ireland use Type G. A universal adapter covers both. Bring at least 2 if you have multiple devices.
Phone with offline maps downloaded
Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline maps for every city you're visiting before you leave. This works even without data. An eSIM from Airalo or Holafly gives you cheap European data.
Download offline maps for each destination
Set up a European eSIM for data
Portable battery pack
A 10,000-20,000 mAh power bank gets you 2-4 full phone charges. Must be carried in hand luggage, not checked baggage (airline rule). Anker is a reliable brand.
Camera or GoPro (optional)
Modern smartphones take excellent travel photos. Only bring a dedicated camera if you genuinely use one. A GoPro is great for water activities and action shots.
Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones
Essential for flights, trains, and hostels. AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5 are top picks. Bring a wired backup for when they run out of battery on long flights.
Travel Documents & Money
Passport (valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates)
Many countries require at least 6 months validity on your passport. Check entry requirements for every country you're visiting. Make a photocopy and store it separately from the original.
Verify passport expiration date
Make a photocopy and digital scan
Travel insurance
EHIC/GHIC cards cover EU citizens in other EU countries. Non-EU visitors should buy travel insurance with medical coverage. World Nomads and SafetyWing are popular options for trips.
Credit/debit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid fraud blocks. Bring at least 2 cards from different issuers as backup. Charles Schwab debit card refunds all ATM fees worldwide. Use ATMs for best exchange rates.
Notify bank of travel dates
Bring a backup card from a different bank
Small amount of local currency cash
Get 50-100 euros from your bank before departure for immediate expenses. Some small shops, markets, and public toilets are cash-only. Avoid airport currency exchange — rates are terrible.
Print or download key booking confirmations
Save hotel, flight, and train confirmations as PDFs on your phone. Having printed copies as backup is wise in case your phone dies. Some budget airlines require a printed boarding pass.