Packing List for Europe: Pack Light & Travel Right, in Summer or Winter

Max Travel Abroad

These are must-have items for a 10 days to 2 weeks European trip, whether it’s warm or chilly. I've found that once I'm packed for 10 days I can extend that out to several weeks, especially if I have access to a washing machine every once in a while.

Packing for a trip to Europe can be a game of “Do I really need this?” It’s easy to imagine needing everything from hiking boots to a tuxedo, but trust me—your trip will be better without the extra weight (and fewer funny looks at customs).

We’ve curated a packing list for all seasons, plus extra essentials for cold weather or warm weather summer travel. Follow along, pack smart, see below for more packing tips and hacks. Don't start filled to the brim because if you are following our 7 tips for European Travelers you'll want to save room for some (authentic) souvenirs!

I don't know anyone who came back from a trip and said "On the next trip I am going to bring more clothes!"

Max Travel Abroad Essential Packing List (for All Seasons)

Clothing

• Tops: 4-5 tops in colors that mix and match with other items.

• Dressier Tops/shirts: 1-2 options for evenings or special outings.

• Pants: 2-3 pairs of versatile pants.

• Camisole/T shirt: Great for layering under any outfit.

• Underwear and Bras: 4-5 pairs of underwear and 2 bras, enough for wash-and-wear rotation.

• Pajamas: 1 or 2 pairs - depending if you can do laundry during the trip

• Socks: 4-5 pairs for comfort and durability.

• Lounge Outfit: Optional for relaxing after a hard day touring.

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: 2-3 pairs, with at least one weather-appropriate for rain or colder days.

• Slippers: Optional, nice for tired feet

• Hat: Pack a hat suited to the season, whether for sun protection or warmth.

• Coat or Jacket: Season-appropriate, preferably waterproof or wind-resistant.

Max Travel Abroad Packing Tip:

 Skip packing your coat—carry it on and stash it in the overhead bin. It's a space-saver in your luggage and keeps you ready for chilly moments at takeoff and landing!

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Summer Packing List Add-Ons

For warm weather, bring these extras to keep cool and comfortable.

Clothing

- Dress, Skirt, or Shorts: One item in a conservative length for versatility and avoid athleisure type shorts

- Extra Shirts: 5-6 total, including one long-sleeve for cooler evenings.

- Lightweight Cardigan, Hoodie, or Jean Jacket: For breezy evenings or mountain weather. - Swimsuit: Optional, perfect for beach or pool days.

- Light Coat or Windbreaker: For mountain weather or sudden cool snaps.

- Sun Hat: Essential for protection from strong sun.

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Winter Packing List Add-Ons

To stay warm and cozy in chilly European winters, pack these additional items.

- Thermal Base Layers: 1-2 sets (top and leggings) for layering under clothing.

- Heavier Pants: 1-2 pairs, ideally fleece-lined or thermal for added warmth.

- 3 Sweaters or Cardigans: Choose a mix of heavier and lighter options for layering.

- Thick Winter Coat: Mid-thigh length, insulated, waterproof, and hooded if possible.

- Festive Accessories: Optional, like a holiday scarf or sweater for winter markets.

- Winter Boots: Waterproof or warm boots, especially if you expect snow or rainy conditions. - Cold-Weather Accessories: Warm gloves, a thick scarf, and a winter hat that covers your ears.

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Suggested Toiletries & Personal Items

• Electric Plug Euro adaptor w/round plugs, e/f is best for central Europe. One with USB connectors is very useful.

• Small travel sized or sample bottles (3.4 oz or less) for moisturizer, shampoo, hair spray 

• Bar soap or liquid body soap

• Travel size toothbrush and toothpaste – avoid bringing electric toothbrushes

• Deodorant 

• Hairbrush/comb

• Prescriptions (don’t travel with these in your suitcase) & vitamins

• Band-Aids &/or blister second skin (for sore feet)

• Pepto Bismol or similar for occasional heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhea

• Razor & 3 oz shaving cream 

• Make-up 

• Small Hand sanitizer  

• Pocket-size tissue packet

• Tide/Stain stick or packets

• Emergen-C or Liquid IV packets (for weary days and good to combat jet lag)

• Melatonin or  sleep aid (an over the counter sleep aid helps with sleepless nights while adjusting to  the +7 hour time difference)

• First aid supplies – don’t buy one, compile your own in a gallon zip-lock bag. Suggested items to include a few band aids, blister-band aids, a few sanitizer wipes, a few anti-diarrheal, a few antihistamine tablets (for allergic reaction, and allergies and even a sleep aid for some), Tylenol or Ibuprofen (headache/pain and fever) and travel size antibiotic ointment.

Don’t forget Important Documents

• International Travel Health insurance proof

• Airline itinerary 

• Max Travel Abroad Travel itinerary (w/accommodation addresses)

• Passport

• Driver’s license (to use as identity while touring)

• International Driver's license - if you are planning to rent a car

Additional Options Items that could be useful

• Money belt –able to hold passport, credit card &  money 

• Ear Plugs: silicone type, not the foam squishy kind

• Luggage locks (useful to secure items even while in hotel rooms)

• Washcloth – not common in European hotels

• Jewelry – Don’t bring any jewelry which you will only wear once, or which you’ll be super upset if lost

• Travel safe purse – make sure the purse you take has secure closures

• Relative/Friends phone numbers & addresses– bring snail mail addresses for postcards 

• 4 or 5 Ziplock bags -(large ones, 2-3 Gallon size) with the slider, very useful for packing and food

• Digital Devices, Cell phones, tablets, etc -– Most digital devices are universal now, with built in voltage converters for charging. 

• Electric Plug Euro adaptor type e/f for Central Europe, possibly with extension cord

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Items to Leave Behind

It is also important to know what NOT to pack for a European trip—these are items that may seem practical at first but often end up being dead weight or out of place on on a European trip.

- High Heels & Fashion Shoes: Cobblestone streets are unforgiving to narrow heels and fragile shoes. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a much better choice.

- Athleisure Clothing (Leggings, Workout Tops, Athletic Shorts): Though perfect for yoga class, athleisure can stand out as overly casual outside of gym time. Instead, aim for simple, comfortable trousers or skirts for a more versatile look.

- Cargo Shorts/Pants: While the extra pockets seem useful, these bulky styles aren’t always practical. A crossbody bag or a daypack with compartments works better for organization and accessibility.

- Halter Tops, Crop Tops, or Strapless Styles: These styles are perfect for beach destinations but often aren’t ideal for most places in Europe, especially when visiting historic sites, churches, and more conservative areas. Pack tops with at least short sleeves for both style and cultural sensitivity.

- Excessive or Delicate Jewelry: Aside from being a theft target, elaborate jewelry is easy to lose in transit. Bring minimal, versatile accessories instead.

- Expensive Designer Handbags: They’re flashy and can attract unwanted attention. Instead, a stylish, secure, crossbody bag or anti-theft bag is both practical and safe.

- Bulky Toiletries & Full-Sized Bottles: You can easily buy essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, and conditioner at your destination, freeing up space in your luggage, and a fun souvenir of your trip.

- Sweatpants & Joggers: Comfy for lounging, but they’re too casual and bulky for Europe’s city streets. Opt for versatile, comfortable jeans or tailored pants that work day-to-night.

- Hair Dryers: Most hotels provide them, and if not, compact travel dryers are available, which also help avoid voltage issues. By skipping these items, you’ll save space, lighten your load, and be better equipped to blend into local culture—without sacrificing comfort!

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Max Travel Abroad Packing Hacks, Tips & Tricks

• If you don’t think you will wear or use an item at least 2 or 3 times then don’t bring it  (unless its for a special one time use, like a ball gown to attend the Vienna New Years Eve Ball!)

• In general, Europeans are not as casual most people in the US. In Europe dressy-casual clothes are the norm, however wearing sport shorts and activewear (yoga pants, gym wear, etc) are generally not seen in European cities, except in the highest tourist areas (mostly by tourist Americans), and in rural areas (i.e. hiking), however it's your trip, so you do you! 

• Pack complimenting clothing. Choose versatile pieces that you can mix and match, rather than packing multiple different outfits. If one item doesn’t match the other items, then leave it at home.

• Build your wardrobe around layers which allow you to warm up or cool off as necessary. Plan to mix and match various pieces and layer up or down based on the weather. Plan to wear each piece several times. With layers, your wardrobe will be versatile enough for any weather. Just add or remove clothes as the temperature changes.

• Bring neutral colors (black, navy, browns, cream, white) that complement each other and are easy to dress up or down. 

• Choose clothes that don't wrinkle easily and are quick-dry fabrics.

• Plan on washing a few clothing items in the hotel bathroom sink (wash with shampoo) and drip dry in the shower.

• Put any medications or other must haves in your carry-on NOT your checked luggage– that way if your luggage is lost or delayed you aren’t lost.

• Use every inch of space in your suitcase, including the pockets and corners. Put socks or items inside of shoes. 

• Consider packing a small bag or backpack as your personal item, which can hold additional items that won't fit in your carry-on. A small bag or tote that can also be used as a day bag.

• Bring a small collapsible water bottle, 12 oz is just enough to keep you hydrated and small enough to put in your pocket. Fill it up in the bathroom.

• Put a TSA approved suitcase lock on your luggage, then when you are traveling, and use it in the hotel room so you can lock your valuable items, extra cash & cards, in your suitcase.

• Put one of your outfits in your carry-on OR cross pack with another traveler to each take an outfit for the other person.  

• Don’t pack your coat, carry it on the airplane and store it in the overhead compartments.

•  To save space ack your suitcase using a combination of rolling your clothes and stuffing. 

• Pack bulky items, like sweaters inside compression packing cubes.

Ready to put that packing list to the test? Join us on an unforgettable European adventure where we promise you’ll need every item—except maybe the kitchen sink! Book your spot on one of Max Travel Abroad small group guided tours and let’s make packing light but memories heavy.