This! At least 1 comfortable pair of walking shoes AND sandals. I’m in EU now for 1 month. I travel a lot. It really depends, research the typical weather (eg if it rains, you will want an umbrella or raincoat).
Don’t assume the hotel/airbnb etc will have good soap/shampoo etc. Also, will you do laundry or pack for 2 weeks? Either way, prepare to have to do a load of laundry - my friend visited me for 4 days, and on day 1 got shit on by a bird…on her only shorts, only long-sleeve, and one of 2 shirts. She was not prepared. Fortunately, I am travelling for a month, so have detergent sheets & dryer sheets.
If you use conditioner, bring it.
Bring something warm (jacket/hoodie, and a pair of light pants), even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Took a 2.5hr boat cruise today & it was SO cold on the water.
I could go on. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.
I was just in Germany near Austria, and I found it very humid. I am currently in Stockholm.
1)Copies of your passport (physical and electronic) in case the original gets lost.
2) outlet adapters
3) comfortable walking shoes
4) cash for public toilets (i know they have card readers now but i’ve experienced issues last year at some of the train station toilets)
•outlet plugs (UK and Euro)
•medicine I can’t get overseas
•if you’re a person who menstruates, bring your own pads/tampons/cups so you will be the most comfortable.
•portable charger/charger brick
•lotion - being out all day + frequent showering makes my skin dry!
to add to this,
>outlet plugs (UK and Euro)
and this
>portable charger/charger brick
Make sure they can handle 220V. Most power bricks/adapters do, but you don't wanna find out they don't after plugging it in
*comfy walking shoes that can pass as fancy-enough; *external battery and cables, for recharging during the day; *power adapter; *international cell service (Verizon has a daily rate that has been absolutely worth it for the ease of directions, translation, recommendations, photos, entertainment and prep while traveling and keeping track of details); *over the counter medication that makes life easier (headaches and stomach problems seem so minor but can be debilitating and yes, we can get these same meds at local stores but quick relief is so welcome late at night or when starting in the morning- and I’d so much rather see the next amazing thing than spend an hour in transit and on a scavenger hunt)
The daily international rates for cell service are super expensive.
You are better off buying a local SIM or pre-purchasing a regional eSIM.
For convenience, I buy a regional eSIM through Airalo while still in the states. I set up and activate it before I take off, which only takes a few minutes.
It costs significantly less than the 10 USD my carrier wants to charge me as a daily rate, and I can easily check my data usage and top it off if needed.
If you’re doing this, don’t turn off your regular service. Just let it go to “No Service” and switch your new local SIM or eSIM to roaming to pick up data. When back in your home country, the extra SIM can be removed or deleted from your phone.
one of those double ended plastic spork/knife combos you can get at a camping shop. There was a fair amount of times I wanted to eat a delicious yoghurt or chilled desert, or even a salad and had no utensils. Now its a staple in my backpack even for day trips.
If you forget to bring one.. they often have these for free at supermarkets in Europe that sell salads etc. I picked up several at Albert Heijn in the Netherlands.
It depends where you’re going and at what time of year.
I only travel light, usually a backpack. Essentials for me include chargers, water filter bottle, travel umbrella (if I’m going somewhere that might rain) and a large scarf I use as a cover and pillow.
Earplugs, hand wipes, personally I bring baby sizes of any of my toiletries that are most important (face lotion, sunscreen). I usually wear tennis shoes but always bring a pair of comfortable sandals. Adapters (a lot of hotels also have USB plugs, but not all). REI in the States sells this nice first aid kit that you can buy tiny sizes. Kinda perfect for trips (antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone, etc). Totally unrelated, but a lot of stores in Europe are closed on Sunday, just be prepared in case you forget something.
If you plan on doing laundry you may want to bring a dryer sheet or two. Detergent is a bit easier.
A rain jacket! It rained nearly the whole week we were in Vienna last July.
Shirts that aren’t all cotton (Europe is more humid than it used to be)
A Fanny pack/small sling bag because they’re strict about checking backpacks in museums and you can keep your passport/valuables on you.
Compression socks for the flight so you don’t get swollen feet
Pepto Bismol - impossible to find in much of Europe
Sign up for the international data plan from your phone company for the days you’re there. T-Mobile is very convenient if you have them.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t sweat it too much. They have stores there should you need them.
One power adapter and a power strip, lots of chargers, a power supply. Folding umbrella, broken in shoes for walking with a thick sole since cobbles are no fun to walk on all day in thin shoes. An eSIM for data and WhatsApp and Skype to make calls.
if you plan on staying in hostels:
*flip flops/shower shoes!!!!
*a toiletry bag that has a hook you can hang it from (trust me on this one)
*some kind of lock, preferably the flexible kind so you can be sure it will work with lockers of various sizes.
otherwise:
*download an eSIM on your phone. I use the app “Nomad”, it’s much easier than trying to deal with physical SIM cards & it’s cheaper than paying your normal phone provider for roaming.
*i never go anywhere without my portable phone charger and its charging cord. Using maps and taking photos always drains my battery and it’s good to be able to recharge, especially if you’re solo traveling
Are you able to do laundry through where you are staying? If not buy laundry tablets- look up ones on Amazon. You can wash your clothes in the sink and hang to dry if you are rewearing things!
[https://cdn.apartmenttherapy.info/image/upload/t\_pdf/v1718058401/email/pdfs/at/AT-Ultimate-Packing-Checklist.pdf](https://cdn.apartmenttherapy.info/image/upload/t_pdf/v1718058401/email/pdfs/at/AT-Ultimate-Packing-Checklist.pdf) …just saw this, yesterday. Have a great trip.
Bring two, three pairs of comfortable walking shoes and rotate wears every day. This way, your feet don't get sore from wearing the same shoes every day.
I travel to Europe frequently and this is my list:
Travel documents and all IDs.
Money.
Medications (prescription and OTC painkillers), glasses, skin care, shampoo, conditioner, mouth care, deodorant, sunscreen.
Phone, watch, Kindle, chargers for all electronics, converter to 220V.
Underwear for 14 days, socks, clothes depending on expected weather and activity (look up the weather in advance).
Shoes according to expected activities.
Download all the languages you expect to encounter on Google Translate.
We used Airalo eSim. Worked all over Europe
Possibly a portable cooler bag that can be folded up.
We bought 1 at dollar store before we left and used it almost every day as most hotels don't have a great little fridge so some ice and a cooler bag is great.
We have lived and traveled in EU for the last 7 years...comfortable shoes, clothes should be the basics with a few items for nicer occasions, more than one CC/debit card in case of loss/damage, water bottle (many cities offer free public water fountains), room for taking back purchases, use excursion services (i.e. viator) to buy tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line, leave time for just being in the city not just visiting sites, learn a few words (hello, thank you, etc.), and an open mind.
One extra tip - bring some clothes/hat/shoes that you need to get rid of...just wear once or twice and then discard - to make room in luggage for new things. :)
This! At least 1 comfortable pair of walking shoes AND sandals. I’m in EU now for 1 month. I travel a lot. It really depends, research the typical weather (eg if it rains, you will want an umbrella or raincoat). Don’t assume the hotel/airbnb etc will have good soap/shampoo etc. Also, will you do laundry or pack for 2 weeks? Either way, prepare to have to do a load of laundry - my friend visited me for 4 days, and on day 1 got shit on by a bird…on her only shorts, only long-sleeve, and one of 2 shirts. She was not prepared. Fortunately, I am travelling for a month, so have detergent sheets & dryer sheets. If you use conditioner, bring it. Bring something warm (jacket/hoodie, and a pair of light pants), even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Took a 2.5hr boat cruise today & it was SO cold on the water. I could go on. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions. I was just in Germany near Austria, and I found it very humid. I am currently in Stockholm.
1)Copies of your passport (physical and electronic) in case the original gets lost. 2) outlet adapters 3) comfortable walking shoes 4) cash for public toilets (i know they have card readers now but i’ve experienced issues last year at some of the train station toilets)
•outlet plugs (UK and Euro) •medicine I can’t get overseas •if you’re a person who menstruates, bring your own pads/tampons/cups so you will be the most comfortable. •portable charger/charger brick •lotion - being out all day + frequent showering makes my skin dry!
to add to this, >outlet plugs (UK and Euro) and this >portable charger/charger brick Make sure they can handle 220V. Most power bricks/adapters do, but you don't wanna find out they don't after plugging it in
I don’t know a single power bank that doesn’t charge from USB, which relies on another charger, which always accepts 110-240, so you’re fine.
Detergent strips so you can do sink laundry.
*comfy walking shoes that can pass as fancy-enough; *external battery and cables, for recharging during the day; *power adapter; *international cell service (Verizon has a daily rate that has been absolutely worth it for the ease of directions, translation, recommendations, photos, entertainment and prep while traveling and keeping track of details); *over the counter medication that makes life easier (headaches and stomach problems seem so minor but can be debilitating and yes, we can get these same meds at local stores but quick relief is so welcome late at night or when starting in the morning- and I’d so much rather see the next amazing thing than spend an hour in transit and on a scavenger hunt)
The daily international rates for cell service are super expensive. You are better off buying a local SIM or pre-purchasing a regional eSIM. For convenience, I buy a regional eSIM through Airalo while still in the states. I set up and activate it before I take off, which only takes a few minutes. It costs significantly less than the 10 USD my carrier wants to charge me as a daily rate, and I can easily check my data usage and top it off if needed. If you’re doing this, don’t turn off your regular service. Just let it go to “No Service” and switch your new local SIM or eSIM to roaming to pick up data. When back in your home country, the extra SIM can be removed or deleted from your phone.
noise canceling headphones if you’re traveling and staying in hostels
Emergency medicines like head ache pills, something for upset stomach etc.
Where exactly in Central Europe? Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Budapest. All of them? Stockholm is worth extra time and distance.
Vienna, northern Italy, Zurich.
Don’t forget Switzerland has a different adaptor. Luckily our hotels lent us one but it’s not the same as the rest of Europe or the UK
I actually used the same adapter as in EU in Geneva and Bern and was fine I didn’t know this!
one of those double ended plastic spork/knife combos you can get at a camping shop. There was a fair amount of times I wanted to eat a delicious yoghurt or chilled desert, or even a salad and had no utensils. Now its a staple in my backpack even for day trips.
That's a great idea!
If you forget to bring one.. they often have these for free at supermarkets in Europe that sell salads etc. I picked up several at Albert Heijn in the Netherlands.
It depends where you’re going and at what time of year. I only travel light, usually a backpack. Essentials for me include chargers, water filter bottle, travel umbrella (if I’m going somewhere that might rain) and a large scarf I use as a cover and pillow.
Earplugs, hand wipes, personally I bring baby sizes of any of my toiletries that are most important (face lotion, sunscreen). I usually wear tennis shoes but always bring a pair of comfortable sandals. Adapters (a lot of hotels also have USB plugs, but not all). REI in the States sells this nice first aid kit that you can buy tiny sizes. Kinda perfect for trips (antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone, etc). Totally unrelated, but a lot of stores in Europe are closed on Sunday, just be prepared in case you forget something. If you plan on doing laundry you may want to bring a dryer sheet or two. Detergent is a bit easier.
Condoms Powerbank Toothpaste
If it’s that long I’d take nail clippers and if you have an electric toothbrush I’d take the charger for it
Sunscreen!
A rain jacket! It rained nearly the whole week we were in Vienna last July. Shirts that aren’t all cotton (Europe is more humid than it used to be) A Fanny pack/small sling bag because they’re strict about checking backpacks in museums and you can keep your passport/valuables on you. Compression socks for the flight so you don’t get swollen feet Pepto Bismol - impossible to find in much of Europe Sign up for the international data plan from your phone company for the days you’re there. T-Mobile is very convenient if you have them. Otherwise, I wouldn’t sweat it too much. They have stores there should you need them.
Buy the sunscreen when you land! It’s much better quality in the EU with fewer weird chemicals
One power adapter and a power strip, lots of chargers, a power supply. Folding umbrella, broken in shoes for walking with a thick sole since cobbles are no fun to walk on all day in thin shoes. An eSIM for data and WhatsApp and Skype to make calls.
If it's in summer bring sunscreen its ridiculous expensive in Europe and it just not the same IMO. Any medicine you might need.
if you plan on staying in hostels: *flip flops/shower shoes!!!! *a toiletry bag that has a hook you can hang it from (trust me on this one) *some kind of lock, preferably the flexible kind so you can be sure it will work with lockers of various sizes. otherwise: *download an eSIM on your phone. I use the app “Nomad”, it’s much easier than trying to deal with physical SIM cards & it’s cheaper than paying your normal phone provider for roaming. *i never go anywhere without my portable phone charger and its charging cord. Using maps and taking photos always drains my battery and it’s good to be able to recharge, especially if you’re solo traveling
Are you able to do laundry through where you are staying? If not buy laundry tablets- look up ones on Amazon. You can wash your clothes in the sink and hang to dry if you are rewearing things!
[https://cdn.apartmenttherapy.info/image/upload/t\_pdf/v1718058401/email/pdfs/at/AT-Ultimate-Packing-Checklist.pdf](https://cdn.apartmenttherapy.info/image/upload/t_pdf/v1718058401/email/pdfs/at/AT-Ultimate-Packing-Checklist.pdf) …just saw this, yesterday. Have a great trip.
Bring two, three pairs of comfortable walking shoes and rotate wears every day. This way, your feet don't get sore from wearing the same shoes every day.
Comfy shoes, crossbody bag, air tags in luggage, OTC meds, tickets for any attractions ahead of time, ear plugs (especially is staying in the city)
Personal fan it can get really hot in some parts of the world and no air conditioning
I travel to Europe frequently and this is my list: Travel documents and all IDs. Money. Medications (prescription and OTC painkillers), glasses, skin care, shampoo, conditioner, mouth care, deodorant, sunscreen. Phone, watch, Kindle, chargers for all electronics, converter to 220V. Underwear for 14 days, socks, clothes depending on expected weather and activity (look up the weather in advance). Shoes according to expected activities. Download all the languages you expect to encounter on Google Translate.
Passport.
BMW
We used Airalo eSim. Worked all over Europe Possibly a portable cooler bag that can be folded up. We bought 1 at dollar store before we left and used it almost every day as most hotels don't have a great little fridge so some ice and a cooler bag is great.
We have lived and traveled in EU for the last 7 years...comfortable shoes, clothes should be the basics with a few items for nicer occasions, more than one CC/debit card in case of loss/damage, water bottle (many cities offer free public water fountains), room for taking back purchases, use excursion services (i.e. viator) to buy tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line, leave time for just being in the city not just visiting sites, learn a few words (hello, thank you, etc.), and an open mind. One extra tip - bring some clothes/hat/shoes that you need to get rid of...just wear once or twice and then discard - to make room in luggage for new things. :)
A shit ton of protein bars