Are you planning a trip to Europe and are searching for some advice on what to pack? These FREE packing lists will help you pack efficiently for an infinite length of travel.

European Packing List – What You Really Need

02/21/2020

European packing list

You probably know this already, but the rule of thumb when planning your European packing list is to wear a good backpack and travel light!

There are many reasons for this, the main one being that you’re going to be doing tons of walking on cobblestone streets.  Cobblestone streets eat suitcase wheels for lunch.

Another fun scenario is when you get on to a crowded train and have to heave an overloaded suitcase up in the racks above your seat (if there’s still room.)  It’s stupidly embarrassing especially if you don’t get it up there on the first try!

Want to see everything at-a-glance?  Click here.

Traveling light

Europeans tend to dress up a bit more than Americans and you don’t want to stick out like a soar thumb.  On the other hand, (and more importantly) you want to be comfortable during all the walking you’ll be doing.  Multi-functional clothing is what we’re going for here.  You also want to be able to layer your clothing, especially if you’re touring in central Europe or further north.

If you’re afraid of missing something, keep in mind that you can buy clothing, umbrellas, or meds practically everywhere in Europe.

Another advantage to traveling light is that you don’t need hours to pack up when it’s time to move on to the next location.

Wash your clothes

Washing your clothes is the price you pay for traveling light – and it’s so worth it!  I’ve included my favorite travel laundry gear in the lists below.  

You won’t need to wash ALL of your clothes, but if you bring a fresh shirt for every day of your trip, then your backpack is going to get full really fast!  Pack enough shirts for 5 days and wash them whenever you’re relaxing back at the hotel.

What to bring in your backpack for your trip to Europe

I’ve made separate lists for men and women.  They contain everything you need regardless of the length of your trip.  

Men’s packing list for Europe

Clothing

  • 5 long-sleeved shirts.  Choose ones with a wrinkle-disguising patterns and where the sleeves can easily be rolled up to double as a short-sleeved shirt.
  • 2 light pants.  Jeans are not what you want here.  They take forever to dry and are very heavy.
  • 1 pair of shorts that can double as a bathing suit
  • 5 underwear
  • 5 pairs of socks
  • fleece sweatshirt or sweater
  • water-resistant windbreaker with hood
  • worn in, comfortable but dressy walking shoes
  • flip flops, sandals or light slip-on shoes
  • a hat (buy one in Europe and call it a souvenir!)
  • travel scarf
  • lounge wear

Toiletries

Extras

Women’s Packing List for Europe

Clothing

  • 5 tops long + short-sleeved
  • travel cardigan / shawl
  • 1 pair of light pants
  • 2 pair of capri pants
  • 1 dress (not too short for visiting churches)
  • 1 skirt (again, not too short) or shorts
  • 5 underpants
  • 1 extra bra
  • 3 pairs of socks
  • 1 swimsuit
  • fleece sweatshirt or sweater
  • water-resistant windbreaker with hood
  • worn in, comfortable but dressy walking shoes
  • trekking sandals
  • a hat (buy in Europe as a souvenir)
  • travel scarf
  • lounge wear

Toiletries

Extras

Like I said before, this list is good for any length of travel.  I know it’s hard to reduce your gear down to the bare necessities, but you’ll be so glad you did.  Let me know how is goes in the comments below.

Click here to see all the European packing list items at-a-glance.

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What You Need to Pack for Your Trip to Europe | European Vacation | Packing List for Vacation | Packing List for Travel | Europe Travel | Europe Travel Outfits |

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