Packing Like a Pro: Your Ultimate Packing List for Stress-Free European Travel

Packing for Europe: Do It Right!

Whether it’s a city break in Paris, a road trip through Scandinavia, or a beach vacation in Spain – packing smart means traveling stress-free! Europe has many faces, and the weather can be unpredictable. Here’s the ultimate packing list to keep you prepared – without an overloaded suitcase.

Below you´ll find 5 Tips that will help you create your perfect packing list. If that´s not enough at the end of the article you can download your packing list for Europe.

The Right Travel Companion: Backpack or Suitcase?

Backpack: Perfect for city trips since many old towns have cobblestone streets – and suitcase wheels don’t love those! Plus, it’s more flexible when navigating stairs or narrow alleys.
Suitcase: Great for longer stays in one place, giving you more organization. Just make sure the wheels are sturdy!

Documents: Don’t Leave Home Without Them!

Passport or ID card (depending on your destination)
Visa (if needed, e.g., for the UK or Turkey)
Driver’s license (important for rentals – some countries require an international license!)
Health insurance card & travel insurance

Weatherproof Clothing: Stay Flexible!

Southern & Central Europe (France, Italy, Spain): Light clothing, sun hat, but also a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Northern Europe (Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland): Wind & rain jacket, warm layers, waterproof shoes.
City trips: Comfortable shoes (cobblestones can be brutal), umbrella or rain jacket.

Tech & Gadgets: Travel Smart!

Power adapter (UK & Ireland have different plugs!)
Power bank (train & bus rides can be long!)
Offline maps (e.g., Maps.me or Google Maps offline feature – Google Maps works great!)
SIM card or eSIM for mobile internet – not everywhere has perfect coverage!

Extras for Road or Train Trips

Check tolls & vignettes! Some countries have toll roads (e.g., France, Italy), while others require a vignette (e.g., Switzerland, Austria).
Train travel: Book early to save money, using Interrail or country-specific rail passes. The DB Navigator app is a great travel app for trains & buses in Germany and across Europe.

Less is More!

Pack only what’s necessary – you can buy almost anything in Europe. And don’t forget: The real luxury is traveling light!