Europe Packing Tips and Tricks

Jul 30th 2024

Documents you can’t travel without:

  • Passport Book – Make sure it is valid 6 months after you return from your trip. Not all countries have this rule but the airlines may still decline your boarding.

  • Travel insurance documents. It’s wise to have a hard copy of your policy, because you never know when your phone battery or connectivity will fail you.

  • Travel itinerary and boarding passes/tickets (I always print out my flight information/tickets as you never know if your phone won’t work properly

  • Required immunization documents and/or visas- If required

  • Cash, credit cards and copies of credit cards. Remember to notify your credit card company if you’ll be traveling overseas.(not all Credit card companies require notification but better safe than sorry)

  • Money belt -Keep everything of value (money/passport) close to you and secure. (Pickpockets are a big deal in Europe)

  • Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions

  • Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses

 

Carry on recommendations:

  • Refillable Water bottle with a good lid that seals tight

  • Snacks

  • Hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes. Don’t catch a cold on your flight

  • Camera and charger/accessories

  • Books, e-reader and charger, and other entertainment

  • One lightweight change of clothes

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, eye drops and other toiletries for freshening up when you arrive

  • Neck pillow and/or blanket

  • Ear plugs

  • Eye mask

  • Headphones

  • All prescription medications

  • Non-prescription pain relievers, sleep aids and other medications

  • Any valuable jewelry

  • Small notebook and pen

By following the  1-2-3-4-5-6 rule for travel packing.

This means that, for a week-long trip, you need 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of pants/skirts, 4 shirts, 5 pairs of socks and 6 pairs of underwear.

This rule can be modified for different types of trips and varying climates, of course, but it’s a good place to start.

  • Underwear

  • Shirts

  • Pants/shorts

  • Skirts

  • Dresses

  • Tights/leggings

  • Socks

  • Pajamas/sleepwear

  • Rain gear

  • Jacket/coat

  • Exercise clothing

  • Bathing suit and cover-up

  • Dressy outfit (dress or blazer/tie)

  • Accessories (jewelry, scarves, etc.)

  • Casual/walking shoes

  • Dressy shoes

  • Sun hat

  • Cold-weather hat and gloves

  • Laundry soap and clothesline

  • Laundry bag

  • Travel sewing kit

Your electronics:

Hopefully, you can enjoy the natural beauty and history of Europe rather than spending time on your computer, but just in case: I do recommend keeping them in your carry-on bag

    • Laptop and charger (if needed)
    • Tablet and charger (if needed)
    • Smartphone, headphones, and charger
    • Kindle and charger

  • Adapters/converters (Make sure you check the plug/adapter/converter you need for each country)

  • Camera, memory cards, connecting cables, and charger (if needed)
  • External battery charger

Packing Checklist: Toiletry Kit and Extras

A hanging toiletry bag with several compartments is a worthwhile investment.

  • Sunblock and sunburn treatment

  • SPF 15 lip balm

  • Insect repellent

  • Face and body lotion

  • Deodorant

  • Perfume

  • Comb and brush

  • Soap

  • Shampoo

  • Hair products

  • Hair accessories

  • Shower cap

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Mouthwash

  • Contact lenses and solution (if needed)

  • Makeup

  • Sanitary pads or tampons

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Nail file and clippers

  • Tweezers

  • Small first aid kit – with Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment

  • Baby wipes – for quick cleanup

  • Travel packs of tissues

  • Pain reliever

  • Cold medication

  • Allergy medication

  • Anti-diarrheal medication

  • Anti-nausea medication

  • Vitamins

  • Water purification tablets

  • Small flashlight

  • Duct tape

Many (not all)  of the hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships require jackets for men at night and a slightly more upscale ensemble (including shoes with straps) for women.

Consider which activities you’ll be doing when packing. If you’re traveling to the islands or beaches, consider water shoes to keep your toes safe from coral and slippery, rocky outcrops in the sea.

Blend in by avoiding  t-shirts with culturally specific slogans or symbols that scream “tourist.” If you’re visiting cultural or religious sites, pack a scarf for your shoulders and at least knee-length bottoms out of respect. Many do not allow shorts for men or women. 

 

Consider adding:

  • Formal dress or blazer for evenings out

  • Another bathing suit

  • Extra beach outfit including a cover-up or sarong for pools

  • Cardigan, shawl, or pashmina for those chilly island, air-conditioned, or on deck evenings

  • Beach tote bag (or a daypack that does double duty)

  • Wet/dry bag 

  • Wide-brimmed hat

  • Rash guard or sun protecting clothing

  • Small handbag for evenings out 

  • Long sleeve, loose button down shirt

  • Linen, loose fitting, lightweight pants

  • Sundress (mini/maxi)

  • Natural sea bands, ginger tablets or other over-the-counter preventative motion sickness meds if you might need them

Extra Island and Cruise Tips

  • The most popular time to cruise the Mediterranean is July and August

  • Party time on the islands means jam-packed beaches, larger tour groups at historical sites, longer lines, and hotter temperatures

  • Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray

  • Keep a water bottle  with you and stay hydrated, this is very important