15 Europe Travel Essentials

Ever find yourself dreaming of strolling through charming cobblestone streets, savoring delectable pastries in a Parisian café, or getting lost in the rich history of Rome? Well, if a European vacation is on your horizon or maybe you’re planning a honeymoon to the romance capital of the world, t's time to get those essentials packed and ready for an unforgettable journey. Being that Europe is quite different than America, packing the right items can help make your trip significantly less stressful. We know it can be challenging to pack light enough to keep your suitcase from getting tagged “heavy” and your credit card screaming . So, we are sharing a round-up of essential items to bring when traveling in Europe.

Trust us, we’ve made the travel mistakes already so you don’t have to!

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Let's break down the 15 Europe travel essentials for your upcoming adventure!

1. Passport & Travel Documents:

First things first – grab that passport like it's a ticket to the coolest party in town! Ensure it's valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Some countries do not allow entry with passports that have an expiration date within the next six months and you don’t want to chance it. Also, don't forget to make photocopies and keep them separate for added peace of mind. Once you make it to your destination, we recommend storing your passport & travel docs in a secure safe in your hotel room.

Tip: Dress up your passport with these adorable holders from Anthropologie.

2. Travel Insurance:

Picture this: meandering through the scenic landscapes of Switzerland or navigating the canals of Venice. Now, imagine doing it worry-free. Don't let travel drama steal your spotlight. Get travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance comes in handy, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, forgetting to pack your prescription medication and unexpected hiccups. Keep your peace of mind while protecting yourself from unexpected twists and turns.

3. Adapter and Voltage Converter:

Stay charged like a European espresso! When considering packing for Europe, pack a universal adapter, so you're not left powerless, and if your gadgets need a little extra love, bring a voltage converter to keep the energy flowing. While airports & in-destination shops will sell these, it will cost you double (if not triple) what it costs to purchase before hand. Here is our favorite!

4. Comfortable Walking Shoes:

European streets are practically begging to be explored! Slide into some stylish yet comfy kicks – your feet will thank you. This is not the time for those wedges, cute heels or stack boots. Tennis shoes, flat sandals and even flip flops will work but steer clear of anything with a heel. You will be so glad you did not leave home without them. Protip- pack bandaids and moleskins to prevent blisters. You can thank us later.

Looking for the right kicks, try these trainers from Madewell!

5. Local Currency

• Euros, pounds, francs – oh my! Notify the bank, grab some local cash, and unleash your inner tycoon at those charming markets and street vendors. Major credit cards are used all over Europe but be careful and ask them to charge in the local currency to avoid conversion rates. We recommend ordering currency ahead of time from your local bank but most major European airports have places to exchange currency for you and there’s always local ATMs but be careful with the rates.
  
  

6. Pack the Basics

Europe everyday fashion is stylish but understated. You want to look your best but also feel authentic to your European surroundings. Our advice: pack the basics!

Pack basic denim, breezy tees, and neutral but comfy sneakers & sandals. This will help lighten up your suitcase while allowing you to layer with local accessories that you can purchase and take home as souvenirs. Also, think about basics that you can re-wear during your trip to help you pack light and leave room for lots of accessories!

7. Front-Facing Zipper Purses & Bags

When you are traveling in a foreign country, feeling safe & secure is the most important thing. We recommend only bringing bags that zip and can be easily accessed or held by both hands. While we love oversized designer bags, they can be less accommodating and make you stick out as a target for some international pick pocketers. Leave your luxury items at home and opt for small and secure bags that will house all of your important items like your cell phone, aid kit, sunscreen & wallet.

Whether you're rocking a neutral crossbody bag, a sporty fanny pack or a leather neck wallet, just make sure it's light, waterproof (you never know when rain might crash the party), anti-thief (gotta keep those essentials safe), and, of course, loaded with pockets to stash your stuff.

Here are some cute & affordable options from Target.

8. Waterproof Zip Bags

On your next trip to Europe, toss a couple of those handy waterproof zip bags into your travel stash. You can’t go wrong with a trusty Ziploc gallon sized bag. They're like magic pockets for your wet swimsuit, leaky shampoo, or the important stuff like your passport, cash, and phone.

Pro-Tip: These are also great for Caribbean getaways & checkout our ‘Planning a Honeymoon’ blog for all the tips & tricks for lovebirds planning their dream honeymoon.

9. Travel-Sized Toiletries

Let's chat toiletries – it's your call, but here's a little hack for smoother travels. Consider ditching those bulky bottles and pour your goops, like shampoo and moisturizer, into smaller, reusable travel bottles. It saves space, and bonus points for being Earth-friendly. We also like to travel with a hanging toiletry bag – a game-changer when you're reaching for stuff in those tight European bathrooms.

Travel Hack: Check your hotel amenities before traveling. A lot of hotel accommodations will provide luxury toiletries for you to use on property. Think of it this way - it will save you room in your suitcase for more souvenirs & goodies to bring home!

10. Translator App

While you might think that everyone everywhere knows fluent English, that actually isn’t the case and you want to be respectful of the cultures & languages you are visiting. Our advice: download the Google Translate app to not only help navigate your way around each city, but to also learn a thing or two along the way!

Tip: We’ve learned that Europeans are much more willing to help you if you attempt to speak the native language of the city you are in before assuming they know English.

11. Slipshorts or Boxer Briefs

Stick with us here. This may seem an odd thing to put on the essentials list but if you’re going to Europe during the warmer weather months, you will appreciate this advice. These spandex undergarments are moisture wicking and will keep your thighs sweat free and prevent chafing (which can really put a damper on the fun).

12. Wine Skins

Is it even Italy if you have not had copious amounts of wine? We think not! You will more than likely become all too comfortable with having delicious wine at every meal and want to take some home with you (in your checked luggage, of course). Wine Skins are your ticket to make sure the wine ends up in your mouth and not all over your clothes.

Check out these wine covers on Amazon.

13. Airplane Sleeping Tools

On long international flights, getting as much rest as you can before your big trip is key! Don’t rely on airlines to make your flight as comfy as possibly, bring your own tools to ensure you are well-rested and energized for your vacation.

Neck pillows and eye masks will help you wind down and stay asleep while other passengers are up & down around you. Jet lag is bad enough, help yourself by prioritizing quality sleep on those long international flights. We love the BCOZZY neck pillow here & these brooklinen silk eye masks.

Pro-Tip: These also work great on long train rides!

14. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a MUST for multi-stop international travel! Spend the extra time when packing by organizing your clothes, accessories, toiletries and even your prescription medications in various sized packing cubes to keep your items tidy and compartmentalized. This will not only save you room in your suitcase by packing efficiently, but will keep your outfits organized for each leg of your trip.

15. Reusable Water Bottle

One of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling in Europe is not drinking enough water. Trust me, I get it… the Italian wine starts flowing & staying hydrated is the last thing on your mind. But, it’s so important to make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout your trip and the best way to ensure this is to bring your own reusable water bottle. Utilize tap water fill stations at airports, restaurants & bars, and city centers to keep the water flowing. Purchasing bottled water in tourist hot spots will cost a fortune by the end of your trip. Save money of overpriced bottled water & have more to splurge on the good stuff 🍷

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Whether you are an international travel newbie or an experienced traveler, we recommend following our 15-step European Travel Essentials guide to becoming one step closer to a travel pro yourself. You focus on enjoying stunning views from the historic cobblestone streets of Rome, and we’ll give you the insider scoop on what essentials to pack & what you should leave at home.

Europe Travel Checklist

Keep track of all of your Europe Travel Essentials with our checklist below!

Download Europe Travel Checklist

For more information on European travel, check out our Travel FAQ blog prior to departure to ensure you’re travel-ready.