Packing for a trip to Europe can be incredibly overwhelming. Especially if you visit several cities. Even if your luggage has a weight limit, this becomes hard. When you arrive in Europe, it’s vital to pack smart and there are some important items that you should have with you when you arrive. No matter you are visiting south of France, visiting to Milan, Madrid or Berlin, this list will suits you all!
Some may seem very obvious, such as comfortable shoes and adapters, but it can be very easy to forget the basics in the midst of packing. In case anything happens, there are certain things you need to make sure you have and others that are good precautionary items to have with you. So we’ve got a list of some essential must-haves for your European holiday.
Things to Pack for a Europe Trip #1 An adapter for the European Socket
You will not be able to fit your electronics and their chargers into European sockets if you travel from nations outside the EU. So make sure you’ve got an adapter. At most airports, you can purchase these, so you can pick them up before or after your arrival.
This will be discovered in all EU nations in Europe using the Type C plug. However, if you’re traveling to the UK, you need to make sure you have a Type G plug adapter. You should get a universal adapter if you are traveling to both UK and European nations. For each nation, they will have an adapter including England and the EU and a healthy investment for future travel!
Things to Pack for a Europe Trip #2 Coloured Photocopy of your passport (and visas) and credit cards
There’s nothing worse than losing or stolen your passport and credit cards. Unfortunately, it is an occurrence during travel, so in case of any loss of robbery, it is essential to have colored photocopies on you. Make sure your passport and any visas in the passport are copied. Photocopy any credit or debit cards you take with you as well.
This will make it much simpler and quicker to report the process. You can report it to the police once it’s lost and offer them the photocopies that will allow them to create you a comprehensive report for your bank or embassy. Also ensure that these are kept in a safe and waterproof file!
Things to Pack for a Europe Trip #3 Personal Hot Spots
It may be quite hard to navigate the towns without any mobile information while traveling in Europe. In countries that don’t talk your indigenous tongue, this is particularly hard. While visiting distinct nations, it is essential to get a private hot spot or a temporary SIM card so that your method of getting around and understanding stuff is not restricted. There are often cell companies in the airport or in the city centres that can help you obtain one.
I’ve tried using the INSIDR Smartphone service for my previous trip to Paris. It is a whole new experience as it does not provide data and connection throughout my trip. It also acts as a local friend who welcome you for your visit to the city. No matter where I was and I would like to have some authentic local recommendations in the city, (and maybe some local hacks as well!), the team would tell me all the best options I got. Check out their website for more info!
4. A Water Bottle
European travel requires a lot of walking, so you’re going to drink a lot of water as well. However, many visitors purchase plastic bottles, especially in the summer, you will and should be consuming water frequently. They can often be costly even though they are readily available, particularly if you buy them on a daily basis. And they’re not environmentally friendly at all.
So, on your journeys we recommend you take a reusable water bottle with you. This way you can always have water on you and not continue to buy bottled water from plastic. Most European nations such as France, England and Germany have secure tap water, this can differ depending on which countries you are visiting so check this list to make sure. Cities like Paris also have safe drinking public fountains for you to refill your bottle.
If you want to be extra cautious then you can purchase a Brita water bottle to filter the water in the bottle itself.
5. An umbrella
Europe’s climate may be very exciting. Temperamental climate affects cities such as Paris and London, so it’s essential that you always have a umbrella on you in case of rain. Many travelers forget to check the weather when they see blue skies, so if the weather changes, it’s essential to have it on you. Make sure to get a foldable one so that it is easy to carry!
6. Portable Chargers
You will often spend the whole day exploring a town and have no simple access to plugs. Make sure to bring a mobile charger to guarantee that you always have your phone for security or even to take pictures. It provides you peace of mind knowing that while wandering around any fresh town you have your phone on you! And even cute versions like the one in the photo above can be purchased!
7. A hooded jacket
As we said, the climate in Europe can be weird, so if the weather suddenly falls in temperature, it’s secure to pack a parka. Especially if you’re visiting towns in winter or even transitioning from seasons such as winter to spring or summer to autumn, this jacket is going to come in very handy. The evenings can get fairly cold as well, so it’s just a nice precaution.
8. Medical Kit
It is essential to bring a medical kit with you or a medical bag in case of any medical emergency. In case of any medical issue, it should have fundamental stuff such as band-aids, medication, and certain creams. It can be difficult to get certain medicines over the counter in some nations, so make sure you have any medicines you may need, such as allergy or headache pills in this bag.
9. A dress Shirt (for men) and an elegant dress (for women)
Enjoying fine dining and displays is a large component of coming to Europe. If you want to experience some fine dining on one or many of your journeys, wear a dress shirt or elegant dress to make sure you fit in some codes of dress. You can not come to Europe and enjoy a really nice dinner, so make sure that you have the correct clothes to fully appreciate it! You can spend a night enjoying a great dinner while visiting cities like Paris and then a show at places like the Moulin Rouge or the Opera Garnier, it’s going to be a truly memorable experience! Both sites have dress codes to adhere to, though!
10. An Extra Shopping Bag
IHaving a fairly nice size bag with you is essential. Especially when shopping is planned. Bags that are lightweight and easily packed in a suitcase are ideal because they’re not going to be too heavy, they’re going to carry a lot and can be used as a carry-on if necessary. You’ll also want to make sure that if you put something precious in it, the bag closes at the top. For its durability and size, we suggest a bag such as the Longchamp Nylon Bag.
