The Ultimate European Summer Packing List

As Euro summer comes to an end, the twinkling day dreams of warm, Sicilian sun bronzing your soon-to-be pale, winter skin are soon to begin. Don’t worry, I’m right there with you. It’s called the winter blues. But, we all know that there’s no better way to combat those blues, than planning your next big sabbatical. 

I’ve granted myself the approval of being labeled a “seasoned traveler.” It was a unanimous decision by the committee – me, myself and I. So, as a “seasoned traveler,” I have compiled the ultimate European summer packing list for your next getaway. Whether it be lounging in the French Riviera or wandering the Red Light District later than you should, this list has endured it all. 

Identification/Currency

• Passport: Buy yourself a passport sleeve to keep boarding passes, etc. with your passport.
• Driver’s license: When you’re headed out on the town, some European clubs/bars are 21 or 25 and up. If so, be able to show a driver’s license as a proof of age/identity. You never want to carry your passport with you. Losing your driver’s license does not affect your ability to get home, losing your passport is a whole different story. 
• Copies: Make paper copies of your passport to keep in your suitcase and backpack in case of emergencies. If you were ever in a situation where you need to get identification from the US embassy, having a copy of your lost identification is a great starting point. I would also recommend having a photo of your passport on your phone or in your notes. You can use this for bar identification as a backup if they refuse to trust your driver’s license. 
• Cash: Research the cities you are traveling to prior to going. Smaller, eastern European cities require cash only. Many larger cities are tech-savvy with Apple Pay/card only. Be prepared and have the correct currency where needed. You will save time/money on conversion if you pull currency from your home bank prior to traveling. 
• Credit Card: Ensure your credit card or primary form of payment does not have foreign transaction fees. I would also recommend adding your payment method to your Apple Wallet to use. With public transportation specifically, it is much safer to use mobile pay than your credit card. 

Technology

• AirTag: This is a new one for me. After Croatia Airlines lost my bag for a month somewhere between Dubrovnik and Zagreb, I won’t travel without an AirTag in my suitcase ever again. It’s the extra layer of security you need for lost baggage. 
• 2 Portable Chargers: Essential for travel! Between faulty outlets and long days, being without your phone over complicates your situation. Be prepared and never be in a situation you don’t have the resources to get where you need.
• 2 Universal converters: Outlet inserts are different throughout the UK and EU. It’s important to make sure your converter has adapters specific to the countries you’ll be visiting during your travels. Make sure you bring enough to charge your electronics (phone, watch) while also getting ready (hot tools).

Toiletries

• Bandaids: You’re going to walk more than you have in a long time so make sure your feet are prepared for blistering.
• Laundry Detergent: If you’re traveling for longer than a week, bring a travel-sized bottle of laundry detergent. Check your accommodations prior, but if washers are accessible, I’d highly recommend freshening up at the halfway point. 
• Mini EVERYTHING: Your luggage and general travel is 10x easier when your bag is light and easy to pack-up. Makeup and toiletries have been known to take up the bulk of my suitcase – don’t make the same mistake! Mini bottles can get you through at least two weeks of travel.
  • Mini toiletries you’ll need: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, lotion, makeup remover, deodorant, perfume, toothpaste/brush, sunscreen (body lotion and a face stick), medicine (Zyrtec, DayQuil, NyQuil, Melatonin and Advil), a razor, Tide stick, and Tide fabric spray
  • Makeup: Buy sample sizes. A good rule of thumb to follow when packing makeup is to never pack more than you wear on a daily basis. If you only wear eyeshadow on special occasions, leave the pallet at home, you won’t use it. 
  • Mini toiletry accessories: Brush, hand-held mirror for window makeup, travel steamer 

Accessories 

• 1 Fanny pack: 9 times out of 10 you’ll want to wear your fanny for ease of access and safety. I’d recommend upping your fanny game. If your fanny doubles as a dinner accessory, then it becomes your most versatile/used piece. 
• 1 Purse: I’d only recommend a purse if your fanny pack can not be dressed up for a club/fancy dinner scene. Expert tip – if you are traveling to the UK, Spain, France or Italy, you will most likely want to buy a purse. Whether it’s an Italian leather vendor, your first designer purchase or knock-off, street Loui, you want to have the room to buy a new bag.
• 1 Tote bag: Do not be the friend that asks to put things in someone else’s bag. Whether you’re heading to the beach, planning to window shop or wandering on a drizzly day, having the option to use a tote for toiletries, purchases or umbrellas is huge.  
• 1-2 Sunglasses: Ideally you can roll with one but if you’re like me, your accessories must match the look. 
• 1 Baseball cap: Hats become lifesavers on travel/beach days. Choosing a baseball cap is key because packing it does not take up extra room or affect its form. 

Clothing/Shoes

• Clothes: Here’s where you’ll need to get picky. The key to efficient packing is building a capsule wardrobe and trying on EVERY OUTFIT before you pack it. There will be no, “I know it’ll fit” issues. Build the capsule wardrobe of your dreams in 20 pieces or less. Think buildable basics. Most people recommend sticking to black and white, but I don’t think you need to restrict your picks. As long as each piece can be worn in 2-3 different outfits, you’re golden. 
  • Honorable mentions: light sweater to throw over your shoulders on chilly days, linen pants and only one club outfit (if needed)
• 1 pair of sneakers: Comfort is key. You will walk more than you’re used to and the ground will not always be smooth. You need to make sure your sneakers are broken in, comfortable and would survive the cobblestone streets. Most of your outfits should look good styled with your sneakers. 
• 1 pair of sandals: You’ll want comfortable, but cute, sandals for night time dinner looks and stylish beach clubs. 
• 1 pair of flip flops: This is optional. If you are staying in hostels you’ll want to make sure you have “shower shoes.” Your trustee Old Navy flip flops will do. Your flip flops can also double as beach shoes. 
• 1 pair of heels: Bring a neutral pair of heels! The chunkier the heel, the more comfortable they’ll be. DO NOT tough through the cobblestone streets in stilettos. You’ll regret not bringing heels, so don’t listen to your haters!