Europe Packing List: What to Actually Bring (2026 Guide)

The standard packing list advice for Europe trips is either maddeningly vague (“pack layers!”) or compulsively long (32-item lists that include both a rain poncho and an umbrella). This guide is neither. It’s what I actually bring on a 10–14 day Europe trip, based on having done this trip type repeatedly — and what I’ve learned to leave behind.

The constraints that shape this list: most travellers doing a first Europe trip are moving between 2–3 cities by train and possibly flying into the continent on a budget airline. You need luggage that works in Tube carriages, fits in train overhead racks, and may need to comply with budget airline carry-on restrictions.

Quick Takeaways

Start here: The standard packing list advice for Europe trips is either maddeningly vague (“pack layers!”) or compulsively long (32-item lists that include both a rain poncho and an umbrella).

Planning note: The constraints that shape this list: most travellers doing a first Europe trip are moving between 2–3 cities by train and possibly flying into the continent on a...

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Luggage First

The right setup for a 10–14 day Europe trip: One medium-sized suitcase (55–60L) or hardshell checked bag, plus one carry-on backpack (20–30L). The suitcase goes in the train’s luggage rack and in the hotel wardrobe. The backpack is your daily bag for city exploration.

If you’re flying budget airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air): These carriers charge for cabin bags above a small personal item. A 20L personal item is typically free; anything larger is charged at £8–30+ per flight depending on carrier and timing. If you’re taking more than one budget airline leg, either pack into a 20L bag, pay the carry-on fee at booking (cheaper than at the airport), or check a bag.

Rolling vs backpack: Rolling suitcases are standard. On cobblestone streets (Paris, Rome, Prague, Lisbon) they are less practical than a backpack, but the alternative — carrying a heavy backpack for 3 weeks — is also not ideal. Most people do fine with a rolling suitcase for city-to-city travel and accept the occasional cobblestone difficulty.

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Clothing: The Realistic List

For a 10–14 day trip, summer or shoulder season:

• 5–6 T-shirts or casual tops (mix of plain and something slightly nicer for evenings)
• 2 pairs of trousers / chinos (one that works for both walking and a nicer dinner)
• 1 pair of shorts (if visiting in June–August; skip for April–May shoulder season)
• 1 mid-layer (light jumper or merino wool — not a heavy fleece)
• 1 waterproof jacket (essential; European weather is variable even in summer)
• 5–7 sets of underwear and socks (you can do laundry or buy more cheaply)
• 1 pair of walking shoes (the most important thing you bring — see below)
• 1 pair of sandals or lighter shoes (optional for summer; adds significant bag weight)
• 1 nicer outfit for a restaurant reservation (can be a simple dress or a shirt and chinos)

What most people overpack:

• Multiple pairs of shoes: two pairs maximum (walking shoes + one other)
• Heavy jackets: unnecessary in May–September; a packable waterproof covers most situations
• Formal clothes: unless attending a specific event, you won’t need them

On shoes: This is the most important packing decision you make. You will walk 10–20 km per day in major European cities. Shoes that aren’t broken in, have no cushioning, or are uncomfortable after 3 hours will ruin the trip. Wear your walking shoes for 2–3 weeks before travel to break them in properly. If you arrive in Paris or London in new shoes, you’ll be limping by day 3.

Doing laundry: Most hotels will do laundry for a fee. Laundromats (launderettes in the UK, laveries in France) are in most European cities — a full wash and dry cycle costs approximately £4–8. Many Airbnbs and apartments have washing machines. Planning to do laundry once during a 14-day trip is standard; it allows you to pack 30–40% less clothing.

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Toiletries

Bring from home:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Deodorant
• Any prescription medication (with a copy of the prescription)
• Sunscreen (cheaper to buy at home; European pharmacy sunscreen can be expensive or hard to find in the right SPF)
• Any specific skincare you use reliably

Buy in Europe:

• Basic shampoo, conditioner, body wash: any European supermarket (Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Carrefour, Intermarché, Mercadona) sells these for £1–3 per item. Don’t transport them from home.

Airport rule: Liquids in cabin bags must be under 100ml and in a transparent resealable bag for EU/UK airports. If checking luggage, this doesn’t apply.

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Electronics

Essential:

• Phone (obviously) and charger
• Universal plug adapter: Europe uses Type C/F sockets (continental Europe); UK uses Type G (3-pin). These are different — you need both if visiting both UK and continental Europe. Buy a single universal adapter that covers both.
• Power bank: Useful for long walking days; 10,000 mAh is a good size and fits comfortably in a daypack.
• Earphones/headphones: For trains, flights, and city walking

Optional but useful:

• Camera or compact camera: Your phone is probably good enough; a dedicated camera is worth it only if photography is a specific interest
• Laptop: Leave it at home if at all possible. It’s heavy, a theft risk, and most travellers don’t actually need it.

Voltage: Europe operates on 230V / 50Hz. If you’re bringing Indian chargers (also 230V / 50Hz), voltage is the same — you only need a plug shape adapter, not a voltage converter.

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Documents and Money

Documents to bring (physical copies in your bag; digital copies in email/cloud):

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates)
• Visa documents if applicable (Schengen visa, UK visa — printed approval letter)
• Travel insurance documents (policy number and emergency contact)
• Flight/train confirmation printouts (backup for when your phone dies)
• Hotel bookings for the first night

Money:

• Notify your home bank of travel dates (some banks block foreign transactions as fraud prevention; a quick call or online notification prevents this)
• Wise or Revolut card: The best way to spend in Europe — no foreign transaction fees, interbank exchange rates. Load it before you go or use the app to top up. Available for Indian residents.
• Credit card as backup: Bring a Visa or Mastercard if you have one. AmEx is less widely accepted in smaller European establishments.
• Cash: Carry €100–150 on arrival. Most European restaurants, cafés, and museums accept contactless card, but some market stalls, street food vendors, and rural restaurants are cash-only. Withdraw cash at destination ATMs rather than exchanging at home — better rates.

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Health and Safety

• Small first aid kit: Plasters (bandaids), blister treatment (especially for new shoe days), ibuprofen/paracetamol, antihistamines
• Hand sanitiser
• Face masks (optional — no longer required in most European settings but useful on crowded trains)
• Any prescription medication with clearly labelled packaging and a doctor’s letter in English if a controlled substance

Blisters: The most common first-time traveller health issue in Europe. Compeed brand blister plasters (available at any UK/European pharmacy) are significantly more effective than standard plasters for walking blisters. Bring 4–5 in your daily bag from day 1.

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What to Buy on Arrival (Don’t Bring)

SIM card / mobile data: Buy a UK SIM on arrival at Heathrow if starting in London (Tesco, giffgaff, Smarty — from £5–8 for a month of data). For continental Europe, buy a local SIM or an EU-wide SIM (SIMLocal, Airalo eSIM). Roaming on your Indian SIM is possible but typically expensive — international roaming rates for data are usually €10–25/day per carrier.

Day-to-day toiletries: Shampoo, body wash, cheap sunscreen — buy at a supermarket for £1–3 each.

Umbrella: If you need one, buy a small folding one at any European supermarket or pharmacy for £3–7. Bringing one from home takes unnecessary bag space.

Rain poncho: Skip entirely. A compact waterproof jacket (packable to a fist-size) is significantly more useful and comfortable in rain than a poncho.

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FAQ

What luggage is best for a Europe trip? A medium rolling suitcase (55–60L) for 10–14 days is the most practical. If you’re moving cities frequently by train, ensure the suitcase fits in standard overhead train luggage racks. A 20–30L daypack for city exploration keeps your main luggage at the hotel while you’re out. Avoid oversized luggage — European Tube and Metro carriages are not always spacious.

What kind of shoes should I bring for Europe? Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes that you’ve tested over 10+ km before the trip. Sneakers with good cushioning or dedicated walking shoes (Merrell, Allbirds, Hoka) work well. Avoid new shoes, flat-soled fashion shoes, and any shoes that pinch after 3 hours. You will walk 10–20 km per day.

Do I need a universal adapter for Europe? Yes if visiting both the UK and continental Europe. The UK uses Type G plugs (3-pin); continental Europe uses Type C/F plugs (2-pin round). A single universal travel adapter that covers both is sold at most UK airports and online for £8–15. Buy before you leave or at Heathrow on arrival.

How much cash should I bring to Europe? Bring €100–200 in local currency (or have it accessible on a travel card for ATM withdrawal on arrival). Most European establishments accept contactless card payment. Cash is still needed for: market stalls, small local restaurants, churches with donation boxes, and rural areas. Withdraw from ATMs at your destination rather than exchanging currency at home.

Should I buy travel insurance before a Europe trip? Yes, without exception. Travel insurance for a 2-week Europe trip typically costs ₹3,000–8,000 (from Indian providers) or £20–60 (from UK/global providers like World Nomads). It covers medical emergencies (European hospital costs can be significant for non-EU visitors), trip cancellations, lost luggage, and flight delays. The Schengen visa application requires proof of travel insurance.

Last verified: 2026-04-27