25+ Essentials to Pack for Europe in 2025 (That You’ll Actually Use)

6/16/2025

✨ A packing list that’s actually practical – no fluff, no regrets.

25+ Essentials to Pack for Europe in 2025 (That You’ll Actually Use)

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Packing for a trip to Europe?

Lucky you! Packing for a trip to Europe, whether it's your first or your sixth, can be overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be! I love nothing more than helping Americans prepare for and plan their trips to Europe. From packing the right clothes to surviving a long flight to seeing all of the best (and most intriguing) historical sights once you arrive, I've written about it all.

I didn't start my Europe travel adventures until our first time over seas for our honeymoon when I was 26, but once I started visiting, I was hooked. European cities truly have my heart. There's nothing I'd rather do than wonder tiny back alleyways in Rome, grab some vino, and gaze over the Colosseum at night. As time's gone by, my packing approach has definitely gotten leaner and meaner, though if you're looking for "two weeks in Europe with only a carry-on," I'm probably not your gal (yet). I found that I've developed an approach that saves time, money, and effort, without leaving me feeling like I've left everything I need at home/need to buy a ton once I arrive on my European vacation.

Luggage and Packing Tools

1. Carry-On Spinner Suitcase : The suitcase you take to Europe should be light-weight and (this is key) spinner-style. No matter where you're going, you will have to wait in several (sometimes lengthy) lines for passport control, customs, etc. Whether you use a carry-on or ultimately check a bag, you'll have to engage with your suitcases more on an international flight than just dropping them off and picking them back up as usual. If you'll be traveling within Europe during your stay, remember you'll likely need to wheel your bags through a train station or two, so pack as light as possible.
2. Spacious Travel Tote Bag (fits under the seat, stylish & functional): While you won't want to use a tote bag for day to day tourism in Europe (too accessible for pickpockets), you'll likely want a tote on the plane to hold your book, headphones, phone, etc. Pick a lightweight tote that you can leave in your hotel room once you arrive.
3. Packing Cubes + Compression Bags: I've been a packing cube fan for years now. Especially in Europe, where you're staying in a tiny hotel room and often moving hotels at least once during your stay, it's worth having some packing cubes to keep you organized. They don't have to be expensive. Mine are from Amazon.
4. Travel Laundry Bag: Similarly, separate dirty clothes from clean with a travel laundry bag (you could also use a packing cube or two for this purpose). If you're staying somewhere with a washing machine, or intend to do laundry during your trip, bring some detergent sheets so you don't have to buy a whole pack in Europe.
5. Digital Luggage Scale: Especially if you'll be traveling on budget airlines, include a digital luggage scale so you can avoid the nasty, costly surprise of showing up at the airport with a too-heavy-now-very-expensive carry-on bag.

Europe Travel Clothing Must-Haves

6. Neutral Layering Jacket (Blazer or Trench): Europeans tend to wear more layers (regardless of the time of year) and more "finished" outfits than Americans do. So, for reasons both of fashion and of temperature control, I'd include a trench coat or blazer/structured cardigan to complete your outfits. Unless you're visiting Northern Europe in the depths of winter, or skiing in the Alps, you're unlikely to need the cold weather puffer coat you wear in the US. I've hauled my winter coat across the Atlantic in the Fall twice, when I was young and naive, to never wear it once.
7. White Sneakers or Supportive Flats: Comfortable shoes are, above and beyond, the most important items you'll pack for your Europe trip. A decade ago, I'd have dedicated a paragraph of this post to a lecture about how you can't wear "tennis shoes" in Europe. But times have changed! White sneakers, or low profile sneakers with minimal logos are acceptable for your time in Europe. In warmer months, supportive sandals/flats/loafers will work as well. No beach flip flops unless there's literally and beneath your toes. Don't forget enough pairs of socks to change potentially more than once per day.
8. Wrinkle-Resistant Travel Pants and Jeans: Opt for pairs of pants that won't wrinkle and can be worn multiple days. I like travel pants from Athleta and clean, non-distressed jeans. If you're traveling in the height of summer/in Southern Europe, definitely include a few pairs of shorts. Ensure that they're a little longer, not athletic material, and not distressed denim. You are more likely to encounter a dress code in Europe than in the US, so be sure to bring at least one dress or pair of non-denim/athletic pants if you're going to a nicer restaurant or the theater.
9. Lightweight Scarf (multi-use: warmth, dress codes, &, of course, style): For style (hello, Paris!), and in summer if you are wearing a revealing top and enter a church that has a modest dress requirement, include a large scarf or travel wrap.
10. Packable Raincoat and Umbrella: Regardless of season, you're likely to have a day or two of rain during your time in Europe (more in the UK). I always bring a very small umbrella that I can fit into a small purse or even a pocket, and a jacket suitable for rain. Depending on how heavy it's raining, you may be able to keep your planned agenda for the day, and I'd hate to see you have to resort to a tourist poncho. Be sure that one pair of your comfortable walking shoes can handle rain without being ruined.

Travel Toiletries & Personal Essentials

11. Travel Toiletries: If your hotel isn't providing these products, or you're staying for a long time or in an AirBNB, bring those little travel toiletry bottles. If your hotel has them (which everyone I've ever stayed in has), obviously you can skip this.
12. Make-Up Bag (day-to-day essentials only)
13. Sunscreen (face and body)
14. Portable Razor (summer only - let's be real)
15. Medications: Remember to keep all OTC and prescription medications with you in your personal item on the airplane in case you get separated from your luggage. If they are in your carry-on bags and are you are asked to gate check, don't forget to remove them. While you can obtain many medications, remember, Europeans license drugs differently than Americans - somethings you buy over-the-counter here are prescription there and vice versa. Depending on the type of medication you are bringing (read: potentially problematic, life-saving, or not used in other countries), you may want to bring the original packaging.

Electronics & Travel Gadgets

16. Universal Travel Adapter (with USB ports): Many hotels offer USB-based charging now, but for other electrical items you may need to plug in, before to bring a power adapter.
17. Portable Charger/Power Bank
18. Noise-Canceling Earbuds or Full Headphones
19. E-SIM or International Data Plan App: Confirm your ability to use your phone overseas. I generally put mine on airplane mode and rely on WiFi at my hotel, restaurants, museums, etc. but it is increasingly easy to pay in advance to use your phone abroad. It will depend on your phone plan, so it's a good idea to confirm all of this several weeks in advance, especially if you're sure you're going to need connectivity.
20. Mini Phone Tripod or Selfie Stand (or a husband with long arms!)

Travel & Safety Essentials

21. Crossbody Bag: I should have put this first on my list! Nothing wears me down more than carrying around a heavy bag all day, and nothing ruins a trip like getting pickpocketed. A crossbody bag (that closes fully) is your best protection against pickpockets. I'd go with a leather crossbody, rather than an athletic material, for your time in Europe.
22. Compact Reusable Shopping Bag (essential in Europe + eco-friendly): At a European grocery store or drug store, you'll usually find that they do not offer bags, or charge per bag if they do. Throw a small reusable shopping bag in your suitcase to save a few bucks, or buy a fun branded one in Europe. If you really end up with a lot of stuff, you could also use this to bring items home with you.
23. Copy of Important Documents (paper + digital): Bring your important documents AND printed copies of the documents. Leave your passport in your hotel safe, just in case. You can lose anything...but not that. Don't lose that.
24. Travel/Health Insurance Information
26. Offline Maps or Travel App with Itinerary Storage / or print these things/ bring physical maps. I always have my hotel address and a map to it printed, after having two experiences where cab drivers did not know how to find my hotels (once in Quebec City and once in Barcelona, both extremely late at night after late flights).
26. A small amount of converted currency and your credit cards and debit card (if you use one)

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope I've given you some food for thought as you pack for your European travel! Let me know your Europe travel essentials in the comment section below! And while you're here, I hope you'll take a moment to explore the many free resources I've created for Americans planning trips to Europe. From country-specific packing advice, to hotel selections, and first-time Europe visit tips, to etiquette in Paris - I've written about it all!