The ultimate European holiday packing list

So you’re heading out on the trip of a lifetime to Europe – what a wonderful thing! You must be feeling very excited and filled with anticipation the all the sights, smells and sounds of the beautiful and diverse continent.

But with that variety comes some tricky situations i.e. you’ll need to pack for both hot and cold weather.

If you’re travelling around Europe, you’ll no doubt be stopping into chilly London before bouncing off to the hot Spanish coast.

So that you don’t overpack anything, we’ve come up with the ultimate European holiday packing list. Feel free to add any other recommendations for our readers below.

Tips before you pack

1. Coordinate colours and outfits

It’s a tried and tested packing tip but if you want to pack less, you need to pack smart. Think about what versatile items you have in your wardrobe and how they can match with other items. Ideally, each piece of clothing you bring with you on your Euro trip will be able to work with multiple items in your luggage.

2. Accessories

If you have one dress you love to wear, it could be great for Barcelona but never seen whilst you’re in the Swiss Alps. To change it up, wear wool-lined leggings, a pull over jumper and a scarf. You can transform any outfit into endless combinations with a few clever items

3. Buy as you go

You don’t have to pack everything all at once and you can leave things at home if you’re doubtful on how much you’ll wear them. You can also buy toiletries easily no matter where you go!

The list

Clothing

• Two pairs of pants (preferably ones with zippers to convert to shorts), one light coloured and one black. One can be a lightweight pair and the other thicker
• One pair of shorts for walking
• Two short sleeve plain shirts
• Two long sleeve plain tops
• One pair of jeans
• Two light blouses – one fancy
• One black dress or outfit for going out
• One day dress
• One cardigan
• One lightweight jacket to go with all shirts and pants
• One thick jumper or coat
• One singlet
• One hat
• One poncho
• Small handbag
• Up to 10 pairs of underwear
• Three bras
• One swimsuit
• Four pairs of socks
• Three pairs of shoes (wear one on the plane) – one for walking, one for going out, one for everyday
• 4 key accessories including two scarves (one light and one heavy), a beanie and one pair of gloves

Hygiene products

• Travel sized shampoo and conditioner
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Brush and comb
• Razor
• Nail kit
• Makeup in a small bag
• Cotton buds

Medication/first aid

• Sunscreen
• Bug repellant
• Medications – prescribed by your regular doctor or specifically for travel
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Bandaids (a small first aid kit will have these and other items for small cuts and bruises)

Electronics

• Power board – you’ll be thanking us later!
• Laptop/tablet and external hard drive
• Camera and extra batteries
• Memory cards
• E-reader
• Phone
• International travel adapter
• Chargers and cords

Other

• Small washing line (if backpacking)
• Sunglasses
• Contacts or glasses
• Travel towel – you can buy fast-drying ones
• Headlamp
• Multi purpose 3-in-1 laundry soap, body wash and shampoo (can buy from any good travel/adventure store)
• Passport + copies of it and photos
• Eye mask and ear plugs
• Padlock
• Travel insurance
• Credit cards

Tell us, what do you always make sure you pack when you go overseas?