Whether you already have your trip planned or you’re in the daydreaming stages, don’t forget these essential items to pack for a trip to Europe.
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1. Universal Adapter
A universal travel adapter is an absolute must on our list of items to pack for a trip to Europe.
Sure, you can buy “europe adapters” that will work in most places, but the confusing thing about European plugs is that there are actually multiple types!
Buying a universal adapter will ensure you always have the right plug.
A plus for this adapter is that you can charge multiple items at once with this one charger using the plugs and usb adapters.
Even better, you can bring it with you on any international trip in the world and have everything you need.
2. Hanging Toiletries Bag
Many hotel rooms I’ve stayed in don’t have enough counter space for all of my and my husbands toiletries, resulting in a jumbled mess of products all over the place.
My favorite solution to this problem is a hanging toiletries bag. It opens up in three sections and can hang just about anywhere (like a shower rod, towel rack, or even on the back of a door).
I recommend this one that has a detachable makeup bag that can be used solo for shorter trips.
With this bag, all of your products can be consolidated into one space. For even more organization, use these liquid containers that are airline approved.
3. Kindle
Packing a book for vacation is a must for me, but I find that books end up being a huge use of space in my carry-on that I just with I could use for something else.
The best solution is a Kindle, where you can bring tens of books with you all on one device. It saves space, it’s lightweight, and it holds a great charge.
Whether you’re lounging on the beach in Thailand or have some extra downtown on a train in Europe, you’ll be glad you brought a book!
If you love reading and are looking for a great library of books, add a Kindle Unlimited subscription to your Kindle and you have the perfect reading companion for your Europe trip.
4. Sunglasses
You don’t realize how necessary sunglasses are until you don’t have them and your retinas are being burned out of your head by the sun. Not a pretty picture.
I have taken these Le Specs sunglasses with me to 20 countries, and they have held up beautifully. Le Specs has tons of high quality styles for both men and women.
It’s helpful to also have a tiny eyeglass screwdriver with you to be able to tighten up your sunglasses at any time.
5. Portable Charger
Truly a big fear of mine is finding myself in an unfamiliar place with a dead phone and no common language to help me get back to my hotel.
Avoid such a dilemma by having a portable charger with you in your day bag. This Anker portable charger has traveled with me to countless countries and has saved my butt as many times.
Be aware that you should never pack a portable battery in your checked baggage while flying. It should travel with you in your carry-on bag, where it’s more useful anyways!
6. Packing Cubes
I can pack so much more in my suitcase when I organize and consolidate my clothes with packing cubes. Plus, it makes finding what I need easy as well.
I will never not rave about packing cubes and how they make packing, and unpacking, so easy.
On top of that, packing cubes can be pulled right out of your suitcase and thrown straight into your hotel closet or dresser, so you don’t have to live out of a suitcase your whole trip. Then, when it’s time to pack up, they easily transfer right back to your bag.
7. Jewelry Organizer
While a jewelry organizer may seem frivolous, you’ll wish you had one when all of your necklaces and earrings are in a tangled mess as you’re getting ready to go out to a nice dinner in, say, Florence, Italy.
This jewelry organizer is compact and simple, and will make bringing your favorite pieces with you a breeze.
8. Crossbody Bag
While you’re out and about on your Europe vacation, you’re going to need a small and secure bag to carry the essentials.
Choose a bag that sits close to your body, is secured with a zipper or buckles, and that can’t be snatched off of you on the street.
This Fjallraven crossbody is a great option and a popular brand in Europe, so you’ll fit right in! I took it with me to 18 countries on “the trip“.
I prefer a small crossbody bag that sits comfortably on the front of my body and that is adjustable. Inside, I carried my phone, wallet, chapstick, metro tickets, etc.
9. Medicine Organizer
I always bring a small medicine box with me when I travel so I don’t have to go searching for basic meds on vacation.
This pill organizer is small and easy to carry in a smaller bag so you can keep it close.
This box can also be used to organize any other tiny necessities you bring with you on your trip, like small earrings.
10. Mini Hair Straightener
While most hotels provide complimentary blow dryers, you’ll likely want to bring some of your hot tools to style your hair while on vacation.
Instead of bringing your large hair straightener that isn’t compatible with European plugs, opt for this mini travel straightener.
The typical European plug voltage is 230V. Note the voltage of whatever product you decide to bring, and if necessary buy a voltage converter so your products will work properly.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list, so if you have any recommendations of items to pack for a trip to Europe, please feel free to share in the comments!
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