Many guides tell you what to pack for Europe, but through this one, we’ll show you how to pack your travel essentials for Europe trip. It’s natural that we want to prepare well because preparation lets us make the most of every moment.
So, we stress out and pour over so many blog posts, articles, and guides in hopes of finding practical advice. This can get overwhelming especially for first-timers because of the surplus of resources. We also end up a lot more confused because they all tout to be the ultimate checklist.
But you don’t need to stress because it really just boils down to what’s essential and what’s not. Meaning, what’s relevant to you and the kind of trip you’ll be going on.
What Are Europe Travel Essentials?
Merriam-Webster defines essential as something that’s basic, indispensable, necessary. Something that’s so important your trip won’t happen or won’t roll out well.
Examples of necessary, indispensable, and basic travel essentials are:
- Visa, money, travel insurance, clothes, and travel advisory knowledge.
Why should you include these in your things to pack for Europe? Here are a few Europe travel tips that will help you get the principles behind essential and non-essential.
VISA
The Schengen Visa is your document for entry to European countries in the Schengen area. Entry isn’t possible without it. Northern region countries like Denmark, Finland, and Sweden require a Schengen Visa. Southern region countries such as Italy and Spain require this visa too.
But you won’t need a visa for entry if you’re from a country who has an agreement with the European Union (EU) for a visa-waiver. Read more about Schengen Visa requirements on the European Commission’s official website.
MONEY
Opinions vary whether travelers should purchase Euros before the trip or simply withdraw via ATM upon arrival. A good rule of thumb is to have enough cash to get you by. Pro Europe travel tips are bringing cash and your credit card too.
Bring cash that’s at least a day’s worth of meals and transportation in case the ATMs or your credit card won’t work. Then upon arrival, withdraw in local currency using the ATM. Use your credit card to pay for larger expenses like hotels and restaurants.
Additionally, make sure your cards (ATM and credit) are activated or eligible for international use so you can withdraw and swipe without hassle.
Travel Insurance
This will cover the costs of any mishap that may occur (that’s included in the policy) like accidents and hospitalization, lost or stolen items. An insurance is a travel essential you’d want to keep handy so you’ll always be ready.
If you travel without one and then something unexpectedly happens, you might end up spending your budget on those mishaps. Save your money and spare your piece of mind by letting a travel insurance cover you for those.
Seasonal Clothes
Packing the right kind of clothes for the season will determine how much you’ll enjoy your trip. The chill factor of winter is different from the climate of fall.
And so is the breeze of spring different from the balmy weather of summer. You’d want to have the appropriate clothes in your travel essentials so the weather won’t get to you. But rather, add enjoyment to you and your trip.
Travel Advisory Knowledge
Get to know the European Commission’s latest travel advisory. Travel advisories are like your Europe travel guide, they update visitors about official tourism information about the country. Knowing the allowed activities will help define what items you’ll need to prepare for your Europe travel revenge.
You’ll also get to know what countries are allowed for non-essential travel to Europe. And also, the specific travel guidelines of each European country.
- Pro Europe Travel Tips
- Check out the European Commission’s website for these. It’s best to get info from an official source.
- Additionally, visit the Re-Open EU website. This is the European Commission’s official website that gives travel advisories for the European Union’s reopening. Updates are per country. Just click the dropdown list, choose the country, then you’ll find the travel advisory of the country you’re visiting.
Travel Essentials for Europe Starter Pack
In this section, we’ll share Europe travel essentials in context of its top destinations. We’re sharing these Europe travel tips because we want to set you off on a great start. Let’s go!
- Northern Europe
- Southern Europe
- Western Europe
- Eastern Europe
As you choose what to pack for Europe, keep in mind the European country you’re visiting because each one’s local setting has its own needs. Bring this together with the country’s current season or climate and this will help you narrow down to only the most essential.
Northern Europe
Northern Europe Top Destinations: England, Scotland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden
This region is where you’ll find the Northern Lights, the London Bridge, the Midnight Sun, endless hills to ski, beautiful fjords and landscapes amidst bustling modern cities.
Being up in the north makes these countries really cold during spring and winter so make sure to bring layers like coats, jackets, gloves, and sweaters to keep you warm. Remember to pack clothing items that are neutral in colors as well to blend in with the European fashion style. Pops of color are alright as long as they’re in taste.
Umbrellas and rain jackets are a must too because these areas experience moderate amounts of rain.
- Wind-breaker jacket, rain jacket
- Coats, gloves, warm jackets, thermal tops and pants, long sleeves
- European power adapter
- Sturdy city boots or hiking boots
- Comfortable and stylish loafers, boat shoes, ballet flats
- Light-weight backpack for nature trips, stylish daypacks for the city, backpacks you can wear in front
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
Southern Europe
Southern Europe Top Destinations: Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia
Southern Region offers a Mediterranean Europe travel experience that indulges you with fresh seafood, turquoise waters, warm summers, and mild winters.
Things to bring for Southern region involve a more relaxed checklist for the warm enjoyable weather. Include your trench coat, gloves, jackets, and boots if you’re visiting during winter.
- Sunscreen, sunhat, umbrella
- Stylish sandals, loafers, walking shoes and flats
- Plain tops and bottoms in neutral colors, avoid shirts with graphic logos
- Daypack
- Beach wear: shorts, swimsuits
- Power adapter, power strip
- Light scarves, sweaters
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe Top Destinations: Hungary, Poland, Russia, Romania, Czech Republic
Eastern Europe is where you’ll find Europe top destinations like Budapest in Hungary, Russia’s historical and richly cultural St. Petersburg, and the fascinating architecture of Prague at the Czech Republic. Art, history, culture, and panoramic nature scenes greet you in Eastern Europe.
Eastern Europe enjoys a continental climate where winters are colder compared to other its Mediterranean counterparts. But summers enjoy some heat too which makes for pleasant walks around the city.
- Jackets: Parka, hoodie jacket, down jacket, insulated jacket, rain jacket
- Dark or neutral-colored t-shirts and dress shirts, long sleeves, slacks
- Sunhat, sunscreen
- Beanie hat, ear muffs for winter
- Sandals, ballet flats, comfortable dress shoes
- Walking shoes
- Hiking boots, snow shoes
- Thermal socks
- Daypack or small backpack you can wear in front
Western Europe
Western Europe Top Destinations: France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland
Home of the iconic Eiffel Tower, the majestic Swiss Alps, the medieval architecture of Belgium, and the awe-inspiring blue mountains of Austria. Western Europe enjoys a generally mild climate throughout the year in its cool summers and comfortable winters. You’ll get to enjoy warmth and chill in Western Europe.
You might notice that the list will contain clothes that are a notch higher than the usual casual. It’s because the locals’ way of styling in Europe is a bit dressier than normal.
Blend in like one by dressing up in classic shades, staples, and shoes. It will be good for the pictures too! Additionally, having a light carryon daypack will make transit in between cities easier as you tour Eastern Europe.
- Wool coat
- Dress shirts, slacks, elegant dresses or outfits
- Sweaters, cardigans, scarves, neutral-colored t-shirts, pants, jeans
- Dress shoes, pumps, stylish walking shoes
- Rain jacket, umbrella
- Water bottle
- Daypack
- Power adapter
So there you go, travel tips and travel essentials for Europe trip! We hope you learned a lot from this article. Bon voyage! You got this! If you have any ideas to share on travel essentials or travel experiences, please share them in the comments beloworcontact us
