After I wrote my “Top 10 Europe” list and sent it over to my girlfriend, she quickly texted me back with “now, what the heck do I pack?!”. Inspired, I wrote her the following packing for Europe guide and just had to also share it with you! For ease, I’ve also linked some of my favorite items.
Pack Light
The key here is if you pack it, you drag it. I seriously dislike not being able to handle all my luggage, by myself, as I make my way through airport terminals trying to catch my next flight or as I arrive at my destination and roll through customs. So make sure you have a good suitcase and boarding bag which packs efficiently.
Pick out your outfits and plan what you’ll wear each day, being thoughtful with outfit choices to minimize over packing. Bring scarves, shawls and layering items in case the weather changes, and make sure to pack a light raincoat!
Also, to seriously save some room in your suitcase, roll your clothing when packing your suitcase. You’ll be surprised at how much more you can cram in!
Compression Socks
Have you ever gotten off of a long flight, looked down at your feet and noticed your ankles were now officially cankles?! Yes? Well, me too. I complained about this to my mom and she loaned me her compression socks for my most recent trip. Game Changer. Apparently these socks are not just for the senior citizens!
I immediately went out and bought this 3 pack of Compression Socks, or you can check these Fun Compression Socks out, they come in all sorts of fantastic colors in case you don’t want something basic.
You’re probably wondering what do compression socks do and why do they work? Well, when you sit or stand for long periods of time, your blood tends to pool there. These magic socks help prevent and treat that, while also stabilizing muscles and decreasing vibrations. Simply put, they are amazing and work beautifully!
Walking Shoes
I’m sure this is obvious, but make sure to bring your most comfortable pair of walking shoes. You will easily walk over 12,000 steps a day, I guarantee it, and the last thing you want to deal with is blisters.
For the summertime, plan to pack a pair of tennis shoes, sandals in which you can walk long distances, flip flops, and then a pair of cute/casual slip on sneakers which can go with shorts and jeans alike. My favorite shoes are these Vince Blair 5. They are so comfortable and super versatile for whatever outfit your choose. They are also great for spring, fall and winter!
Crossbody Purse and/or Backpack
When traveling, the last thing you want to deal with is theft. Therefore, make sure you bring a crossbody purse (preferably with a top flap like this one) to carry your cell phone, credit cards, debit cards and a small amount of cash for the day. Crossbody bags, when worn across your body and to the front are very difficult to get into for thieves, especially when they have the flap covering the opening.
Backpacks can also be super useful to carry water and any other necessities for the day’s adventure, but try to avoid putting anything of value in your backpack. Thieves are known for slicing open backpacks and stealing whatever is easily reachable.
Bring a Collapsable Bag
I know you’re probably thinking.. but why? So… remember how well you packed your suitcase for the trip? How you utilized every square inch?
Well, now you’re headed home from your amazing trip and you’ve done a bit of shopping. Gifts for your family, that cute new top from the European boutique… and don’t forget those custom made sandals from Italy…and now… you can hardly close your suitcase!
To avoid a meltdown approximately 3.5 hours prior to take off, whip out this collapsable travel bag and stuff all those new items inside. Stress avoided. You can thank me later.
Hair Hot Tools (Curling Irons, Straighteners and Hair Dryers)
There is a big chance you will fry your hair, cause a fire or burn out your hair tool if you do not do the proper research prior to using your current hair tools in Europe. Sooo let me be the one that has lived and learned, and you be the successful one on your journey. Deal?
Here’s the lowdown:
The United States, runs on a 110 volt system, whereas Europe, runs on a 220 volt system. If you do not have a dual voltage curling iron or hair straightener you have the choice of:
- buying a converter and an adapter to use with your existing hair appliance (not my recommended choice, as it’s not entirely fail proof and you could still very well burn out your appliance)
- buying a new dual voltage appliance (straightener , curling iron , hair dryer) and an adapter (best option!)
- buying hair tools in Europe and using while abroad (Depending on how often you travel to Europe, this was the option I went with. I ordered them online and shipped them to my hotel prior to leaving the US)
This is because the electrical system in countries vary and run on a different number of volts like the US and Europe. Thus, you need to convert how much electricity flows (or doesn’t flow) into your appliance to work properly or else, YIKES, it could get fried, you could get fried and the whole scene would be bad. Therefore check plugs, sockets and voltage of each country on this page!
Chargers and Converters
I covered a bit of this in the above segment, but you’ll want to begin by checking plugs, sockets and voltage of each country on this page!
Then, purchasing a kit like this travel converter and adapter kit, which will cover all of your electronics and appliances which you bring with you on your travels!
Most modern hotels have options in your room for charging phones, tablets etc. but to use these just remember to bring along a USB cord. This is universal and easy to use in your room when they have this option. If not, the converter and adapter kit will have you covered!
Vitamins and Supplements
You’ve gotten this far.. and the last thing you want is to get sick on your vacation! A few weeks before take off, begin adding vitamin c-packs a few times a week to a glass of water, make sure to diligently take your vitamins and every other day add in a zinc tablet. And remember, it’s always a good idea to bring your vitamin regimen with you, so count out the days you’ll be gone and pack enough to take every day.
The day of your flight, down a c-pack and zinc tablet in preparation for all the germs on the plane, and plan to continue taking a zinc tablet every other day on your trip.
Additionally, it’s no secret that with the time change, your body will also struggle with adjusting…in all sorts of ways. You’ll be more tired (jet lagged), less regular (if you know what I mean) and probably not drinking enough water. This last trip, I tried a new daily routine which helped immensely with all of these issues! I’ve detailed it for you below.
Morning:
One large cup of peppermint tea on an empty stomach
Evening:
One Doctor’s Best Magnesium Supplement OR drink one serving of Natural Vitality Natural Magnesium Calm as you get ready for bed.
Keeping this little routine as your travel (and even at home!) as it will help you quickly overcome jet lag, have much more energy during and after your trip, plus help your body adapt/be more regular while you travel.
Tampons and Ibuprofen
If there is a chance you might be on your period while on your vacation, bring tampons! No one wants to spend a minute of their vacation going to a grocery store, only to find out you need to go to a pharmacy (in EU) to buy a box of feminine hygiene products. Additionally, who is going to translate said box into English so you know you aren’t (or are?) buying the super duper flow pack. Just pack accordingly and avoid the whole situation.
Ditto on the ibuprofen.
Thanks for reading! If you liked this post about packing for Europe, please feel free to share it with your friends and family. Also, if you have questions I might not have covered, feel free to leave your questions below!
XO,
M
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