Europe Trip Packing List for Spring, Summer & Winter

Planning a trip to Europe and worried about what to pack & what not to? Your worry ends here. We have come up with Europe trip packing list for all seasons.

Europe is a dream destination for many and for reason so we don’t want that you spoil your trip by confusing between what to pack & what not to.

Packing is no doubt a daunting task when traveling abroad. It requires proper planning. To make it easy for you, we compiled this blog post on packing list for every season when going to Europe.

Learning About Europe Trip Packing List

As a European travel blogger, I get so happy out of helping people plan aspects of their trips to Europe. Among other questions, there’s one question that often asked by tourists “what to pack?”

Packing for Europe for each season is not as easy as it looks. You have to keep a lot of factors in your mind like seasonal changes, current weather and how long you would stay?

My packing rule is simple: only bring the things you truly want and can’t live without. Free yourself from packing unnecessary essentials that you really don’t need of. Let’s get started what to pack for every season.

Year-Round Essentials for Europe

1. Travel Documents & Money

Passport & Visa: Without these essentials, you can’t even get your boarding pass. Before fly to any European country, I highly recommend check if your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond or not. Moreover, thoroughly understand the visa requirements for the countries you are visiting.

Travel Insurance: It’s natural that medical emergencies and unfortunate incidents can happen at any time. So, it would be good to carry your travel insurance.

Printed Copies: Just like keeping original documents in your hand, it would also good to keep printed copies of passport, visa and original ID card in case your wallet gets lost.

Credit/Debit Cards & Cash: Credit or debit cards are must for doing online shopping or online transactions. But with debit/ credit cards, I personally advise you to bring some cash in local currency to use where cards are not accepted.

2. Luggage & Bags

Suitcase or Backpack: Backpack is an ideal option if you want to travel frequently. On contrary, suitcase is highly recommended if whole packing essentials are of heavyweight. Suitcase with sturdy wheels and grip could be better.

Day Bag: Just like suitcase or travel backpack, day bag is also essential to carry minor items like mobile phone, wallet and maps.

3. Electronics and Chargers

Universal Power Adapter: All over the Europe, there are multiple plug charging ports like Type C, E, and F) so universal adapter is must to avoid any charging issues.

Phone & Charger: Your smartphone is your map, calculator, and camera so keep it powered or at least bring charger with you.

Portable Power Bank: This will keep your phone charged all the time.

Headphones or Earbuds: Try to bring noise cancellation headphones for flights or noisy accommodations.

4. Personal Care and Health

Basic Toiletries: Pack personal items in your Europe Trip Packing List that you use regularly like Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner etc. Also, must pack travel-sized bottle.

Medicines: To stay active and healthy while on the go, bring all must-have medicines. Must pack mini first-aid kit that includes pain relievers, plasters, anti-diarrheal medicine, and allergy tablets.

Reusable Water Bottle: Water bottle is must to stay get hydrated in summer, fall or winter. When bottle gets empty, you can easily refill from nearby water pumps where water is purified.

5. Clothing and Accessories

Lightweight Rain Jacket or Compact Umbrella: Europe weather can be changed anytime so it is good to bring waterproof jacket or umbrella.

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Comfort is a key to successful travel. To walk on cobblestone streets and narrow paths, sturdy walking shoes are must.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Even in cooler months, UV protection is important for European vacation.

Spring Packing List (March to May)

6. Layered Clothing

In Europe, spring is like chilly mornings, sunny afternoons and cold nights. Pack those items that you can layer easily. Long-sleeve tops & t-shirts are perfect for flexibility.

To beat warmth, bring Light sweaters or cardigans. Other things to pack in layered clothing or packing cubes:

• Medium-weight jacket or trench coat
• Comfortable jeans or travel pants
• Lightweight scarf

7. Footwear for Walking and Weather

Comfort is must no matter where you are & want to go.

• Water-resistant sneakers or ankle boots.
• Slip-resistant soles for rainy days.

8. Rain Gear

In spring, rain is common in several parts of Europe like France, UK and Netherlands. You should pack.

• Travel Umbrella, easy to open at any time.
• Lightweight and easy to fold rain jacket.

9. Accessories for Spring Travel

Here are few of the best Accessories for Spring Travel to add in your Europe Trip Packing List.

• Sunglasses to wear during brighter afternoons when light is dark.
• Gloves of lightweight nature for northern destinations.
• Reusable tote bag, perfect for shopping at markets.

10. Seasonal Toiletries & Care

• Allergy is common in Europe so allergy care items are a must-have.
• SPF moisturizer or sunscreen when sunrays hit your body.
• Lip balm and cream to use in dry weather.

Summer Packing List (June to August)

11. Lightweight & Breathable Clothing

I experienced European summer once and literally it’s too hot and humid. During my stay in Europe, I preferred to wear light weight and breathable clothing that includes:

• Cotton or linen shirts and tops
• Breathable dresses or skirts
• Lightweight shorts or capris
• Tank tops and t-shirts

12. Sturdy and Comfortable Footwear

European summer is like exploring famous attractions, historical sites and evening walks. So, it is good to pack:

• Sandals with utmost comfort & arch
• Sneakers or slip-ons (breathable)
• Flip flops for beach activities

13. Swim & Beach Essentials

European trip in summer is incomplete without going on a beach. Pack these things for beach days.

• Swimsuit
• Quick-dry towel
• Beach bag
• Water shoes
• Cover-up or sarong

14. Must-Haves Sun Protection

In southern parts of Europe, the weather is extreme so to protect yourself from sun, you must have:

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sun hat or cap
• Aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion

Winter Packing List (November to February)

15. Warm & Layered Clothing

In winter, layering is must. Without layering, you might come up with sudden weather changing difficulties. Try to wear thermal layers inside regular clothing when temperature is freezing outside.

What to Pack?

• Thermal base layers both top & bottom
• Fleece or wool sweaters to stay warm
• Long-sleeve shirts and turtlenecks
• Insulated pants or jeans with thermal leggings underneath
• Windproof winter jacket or coat to stop cold air touching your body

16. Cold-Weather Accessories

Besides warm clothing, there is an importance of cold-weather accessories.

• Wool hat or beanie
• Thermal gloves or touchscreen gloves
• Scarf or neck gaiter
• Warm socks
• Earmuffs or ear warmers

17. Footwear for Snow

In winter, warm & sturdy footwear is must so your feet won’t get cold quickly. Pack footwear:

• Insulated & waterproof shoes
• Anti-slip soles to avoid slipping on icy sidewalks
• Thermal insoles

18. Health & Skincare

Cold and dry skin is not good in winter as it may come up with skin allergies and other types of irritation.

You need to take care of few items for good skin care routine while traveling.

• Use quality hand cream for dry or cracked skin
• Moisturizer for body & face
• Lip balm with SPF to prevent chapping
• Immune boosting medicines or Vitamin-C to stay healthy

In a Nutshell!

Travel planning is hectic and takes time especially when talking about packing. Every time you plan your tour, you might be thinking what to pack?

We solved your problem by giving Europe trip packing list in detailed and comprehensive way. Hopefully you liked this blog post and got an idea of how to pack for each season.

Frequently Asked Questions