If exploring Europe has always been on your travel bucket list, we must say that it’s about time you made your dream come true! Here is the ultimate packing list you need to take into consideration if you want to spend your summer traveling across Europe, so check out our tips and get down to business!
First of all, pick the right suitcase…
It probably seems a bit trivial, but you know what? Your suitcase actually plays a huge role here, especially when it comes to an important trip you’ve always dreamed of, so make sure to get the right one before you start packing. Of course, the first thing to do is to come up with a detailed itinerary that will dictate your packing list and therefore the size of your suitcase. So, if you’ll be staying in a single hotel or one area, you should probably opt for a larger suitcase on wheels which is the most convenient option. On the other hand, if you’ll be traveling back and forth, staying at a different hotel every other night – a smaller carry-on is an ideal choice. It’s much easier to deal with, particularly when you’re about to explore a few different European countries.
… As well as a hardshell carry-on
Speaking of your carry-on, you should stick to a hardshell one as that’s undoubtedly the most durable one you can pick. In fact, the perfect carry-on offers all the space you need, and it actually saves your money, too, as you won’t have to pay extra fees and wait at the luggage carousel. This basically means that such a piece is beyond perfect, especially for the aforementioned trip where you’ll be visiting a few European countries and traveling back and forth. When buying a carry-on that suits your needs in the best possible way, you should look for one that contains a laptop compartment and a few zipped sections where you can keep your travel essentials. One of such essentials is an international power adapter, so don’t forget to bring it when traveling to a foreign country or a completely different continent.
Stick to the wardrobe basics
When it comes to clothes you should pack, we have to mention that your list largely depends on the exact destination simply because summer in Iceland is quite different than summer in Italy. However, there are some wardrobe essentials you need to pack no matter what, and you should start with underwear and socks. Needless to say, the number depends on your itinerary, but make sure to bring a few extra pairs – just in case. Short-sleeved and sleeveless tops are next as summer in Europe can be quite hot. Besides that, these are really easy to layer. Don’t forget to bring your favorite pairs of shorts, as they are usually the best choice – both for hiking and for sightseeing. A waterproof jacket or a raincoat is also a must, so remember to pack it, too!
Make comfy footwear your top priority
Spending a couple of weeks in Europe means that you’ll spend a lot of time walking around and exploring mostly on foot, which is exactly why you need to pay extra attention to the footwear you’ll bring. We can freely say that your footwear is the most important item on the list, so make comfort your top priority and you won’t make a mistake. So, you should definitely do everything you can to avoid uncomfortable shoes that pinch your feet and cause painful blisters and opt for comfortable Adidas shoes instead. Apart from being extremely lightweight, these are super trendy and stylish at the same time. This means that such multi-purpose shoes are perfect for walking or riding a bike around the city, as well as for having a drink at a local bar in the evening. You can even match them with semi-formal pieces such as tailored pants! Apart from these, you should also pack the inevitable flip-flops, which are great for when you’re in your hotel room and when leaving the shower.
Master the art of layering
Last but certainly not least, mastering the art of layering can be extremely useful when you’re planning to spend summer in Europe. As mentioned above, the European summer can be a bit deceptive, as it can be really hot and sunny at one moment and then raining cats and dogs within the next couple of minutes. This is exactly where your layers should step in. On the one hand, they will allow you to feel warm and cozy once it gets cold, while on the other one, you can quickly remove a few layers and carry them in your backpack when it suddenly gets hot again. Besides that, you should also understand that many churches and cathedrals don’t allow shoulders to be showing, so remember to always bring a lightweight sweater or a cardigan when you leave your hotel room. Of course, it’s good to know that extra layers will protect your skin from sunburns, too, but that doesn’t mean that you should completely skip your sunscreen.
As you can see, there are a lot of things you should bear in mind when packing for your ultimate summer trip to Europe, so make sure to stick to our tips and you won’t make a mistake. All you have to do is to come up with a detailed itinerary and follow our guidelines, and you’ll pack for your fabulous trip like a true pro!
