Europe Packing Plan & List
Preparing for Travel
Retrieve luggage from storage.
Put your Passports in a safe place. Double check expiration dates! You will be denied re-entry into the United States if your Passport expires within 90 days of your return date.
Refill any medications.
Request currency from your local bank. The amount varies based on your travel spending habits. Most places prefer you pay with a credit card. I recommend about 100-200 euros/pounds per day. You will primarily use cash for tips, food, and street vendors/artists.
Make a grocery list or an order for your return - you will thank yourself for this!
Download helpful apps, including your airline, WhatsApp (free international texting - this often works much better than using phone data to text), FlightAware, SplitWise (great if traveling with multiple people), and CityMapper.
Check with your phone carrier what they offer in regards to international service. Many offer data, texting, and calls at just $10 per day.
Departure Day
Be sure to stay hydrated! I always drink more water 1-2 days before I get on a long-haul flight. Avoid too much caffeine today.
Keep your documents and Passports in a safe, accessible place.
Do not put medications in your checked luggage.
Tip: Did you know a CPAP machine, medical equipment, and a baby bag do not count as your carry-on? You can bring these items AND a carry-on bag onto your flight.
Download shows/movies onto your device for travel. Gather snacks & travel entertainment for the kids.
Carry-On Luggage
What is a carry-on? A piece of luggage that is small enough to fit in the overhead bins on the airplane. A personal item is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, such as a purse or small backpack. Most airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and personal item onto the plane. Unsure about how much you can bring? Bag sizes? Find your airline below for baggage rules:
Packing List
Clothing based on a 10 day vacation. I try to pack clothes that can be worn a variety of ways and are lightweight. Always check your destination’s weather forecast before packing, do not assume! The list below is for a traveler using a carry-on only.
2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes
1 rainproof jacket
2-3 pairs of long pants, including 1 that can be dressed up with a nice blouse.
1-2 pairs of shorts or skirts, (many churches do not allow women to show above their knee or sleeveless tops. Be prepared if you are visiting a cathedral that is strict about this).
2 sets of pajamas
4-5 pairs of socks & underwear
1-2 cardigans for layering
A tie or scarf can be added for a more formal look.
Toiletries & Medical
If you are traveling on a guided tour, river cruise, etc. you will have shampoo, conditioner, and body wash available in your accommodations.
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Contacts, glasses, contact solution
A wash cloth! Many places in Europe do NOT provide wash cloths to guests, only towels.
Over the counter medications such as antacids, pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, etc.
Razor
Feminine products
Deodorant
Nail clippers & tweezers
Carry-on Packing List
All travel documents and Passport
Medical items included prescriptions in their original packaging, compression socks, pain relievers, eye glasses.
Tablet and phone chargers, plus any reading materials you may want.
Comfort items included refillable water bottle (keep empty while going through security), lip balm, wet wipes, eye mask, tissues, light sweater (even in warm months).
At least one change of outfit in the event your checked bag is lost or delayed.
Note: Many people choose to forgo checking a bag and use a carry-on only. Although checking a bag does give the traveler more ease, you will be happy you kept all of your belongings with you in the event there are any changes, delays, or flight cancellations. I do recommend packing everything in a carry-on suitcase.
Additional Items I Recommend
I love this foldable bag that also counts as a personal item!
You will need an international power converter for your electronics. I like this one because it includes adaptor for most countries worldwide.
Sore or tense muscles are a literal pain while traveling. I always take my Pinky Ball to roll on my feet, back, neck, etc.
Staying healthy & hydrated is vital while traveling. For hydration, I use Liquid IV. For an immunity boost, I use the Olly Immunity packs that include Vitamins C, D, and Zinc.
Thank you cards! Write a note to your host, tour guide, etc. letting them know how special your vacation was.
Do you plan to do much hiking? Having the right shoes is very important! My go-to shoe for stability and dry feet are Merrells. If you plan to bring bulky shoes, wear them on the flight so they don’t take up lots of space in your suitcase.
An eye mask is essential for long flights. EVERY overnight flight I’ve ever been on, someone 1-3 rows around me turns their light on to read. Without my eye mask I wouldn’t get any sleep!
Noise cancelling headphones are also your best friend on a long flight. They are more comfortable then ear buds, allow you to hear your movie/music much better, and cancel out any unwanted sounds from other passengers and loud announcements.
I love having a small cross-body bag that a little big bigger than a wallet. I’m able to keep my items close on crowded subways and streets. Plus, many museums, palaces, etc. require larger backpacks to be checked-in. A small bag in convenient and keeps your hands free. I like how this one has a zipper to keep my items safe, but a pouch in the front to easily access my phone.
Throw in a few high protein snacks into your carry-on! You never know when getting to a meal may be delayed. Having a healthy snack to keep your blood sugar high is very smart.
Packing cubes! You will be amazed at how much you can pack AND stay organized while you travel.
Wrinkle release spray has kept my clothes looking fresh when I don’t have access to an iron.
I love this flat jewelry organizer! There is tons of space for necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets without taking up bulk in your luggage.
A foldable tote bag. Many places in Europe no longer offer plastic shopping bags. The culture is to bring your own. So, having a small tote will come in handy if you are getting groceries or doing some shopping.
Many people like to use a money neck pouch while enjoying busy cities where pick pocketing is common. Simply put your money in the pouch and wear it under your clothes for safe keeping.