Have a dreamy European summer vacation just around the corner and need a packing list for Europe?
Deciding what to pack for Europe takes some practice— especially if you’re packing for hot European summers with jam-packed itineraries. You need to pack for a variety of activities, but it’s also essential that you do your best to pack light and keep it to a carry on (if you hear this and think there’s no way, I can help! Check out this article about exactly how I pack for 2+ weeks in Europe in just a carry on, step by step). You don’t want to be that girl— the one trying to drag your 50lb bag up uneven cobblestone streets or up 7 flights of stairs (European hotels notoriously lack elevators).
Make sure that you have everything you need by using my tried and tested complete summer European packing list for women! Pack for 2 weeks in Europe or more using this list with the travel must-haves to stay stylish and comfortable. This Europe packing list includes many of the things that you’ll desperately wish you’d brought if you don’t, like tinted face sunscreen, a portable fan, a collapsible sun hat, and the best travel safety gadget I’ve ever used!
Whether you’re embarking on a sun-soaked adventure across Europe’s cities and cathedrals or heading to the picturesque beaches on the Mediterranean coast, here’s what to pack for your European summer holiday.
What to pack for Europe in the summer
Clothing:
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Lightweight tops and t-shirts (around 5-7)
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Sundresses (around 2-3) Here’s the pretty summer dress I wore to the Vatican, and here are some of the cutest summer dresses for Europe on Amazon!
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Shorts (2-3). I did one pair of “breezy” high waisted shorts from Abercrombie, one pair of black jean shorts, and one pair of blue jean shorts
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Basic black day dress (one that can be dressed up or down from day casual to night) I have this one and this one from Amazon and live in them when I’m in Europe!
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Light cardigan, jean jacket, or cropped leather jacket for cooler evenings
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Maxi skirt or dress for cathedrals or religious sites (many of these require you to cover your knees and shoulders— again, this is the pretty summer dress I wore to the Vatican)
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Scarf or shawl for covering up at religious sites like cathedrals or temples
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Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers and sandals) Here are the 5 best white tennis shoes for travel and sightseeing!
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Underwear/bras (enough for the duration of the trip)
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Socks (enough for the duration of the trip)
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Swimsuit (2)
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Raincoat (this is the one I use— on sale now on Amazon)
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Comfy romper or leggings for any train or travel days
Travel essentials and accessories:
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Passport, passport holder (like this cute one with card holders and RFID blocking) and travel documents like visas, travel insurance, etc.
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Copies of passport and travel documents
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Papasafety personal safety alarm (this is a GREAT personal safety gadget! If you’re like me and typically only travel with carry on luggage when you fly, then you know the struggle of not being able to bring most personal safety produts, like pepper spray, with you on flights to your destination. The Papasafety personal alarm is compact, SO loud, and even has a strobe and flashlight! It also pairs easily via Bluetooth with the Find My app)
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Phone charger (2)
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Water bottle (collapsible— this is such a handy travel and packing hack, because when the bottle is empty, it folds up really small!)
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Crossbody purse or fanny pack for carrying essentials
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Cash and credit cards (WITHOUT foreign transaction fees- I use the Capital One Venture card. Get 75,000 BONUS points for a limited time by applying here. Exclusions apply.)
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Sunglasses
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Classic beige sun hat, or this stunning wide brim PACKABLE sun hat!
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Baseball hat
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Jewelry (simple and versatile)
Toiletries:
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Toothbrush (with protective cap)
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Toothpaste
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Floss
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Shampoo
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Conditioner
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Moisturizer
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Sunscreen
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Deodorant
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Razor (with protective cap)
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Makeup
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Hairbrush
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Clean skin towels (they are SUCH a lifesaver— not all hotels in Europe have hand towels or replace them frequently)
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Tide to Go pen
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Mini hair dryer (this was one of my top 5 travel purchases— I never travel without it!)
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Make up remover
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Curling wand
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Nail file/clippers
I know what you’re thinking: “This is great for you, but how can I afford to travel more?” I’ve been there!
It’s easier than you think to travel on a tight budget if you have the right tools. From scoring cheap flights to saving on hotels, here’s my free guide with ALL my best budget travel tips and tricks! ✈️
Looking for more? Don’t miss out on the best-of-the-best travel hacks, travel products, and itineraries!
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My Amazon storefront! I’ve tried & tested an embarrassing amount of travel products for comfort, durability, & style and rounded up the best-of-the-best travel must-haves just for you!
Sarah is the passionate solo female travel blogger behind Wait, Where is She? She’s a full time traveler, scuba diver, foodie, and adventure seeker with a deep love for sharing the special places and bucket list destinations that she’s found herself in.
She LIVES for tasty street food market grills, quiet ocean sunrises, pour over coffee, long train rides with a Taylor Swift album, that feeling when you shower after a salty beach day, and living with an insatiable curiosity for the wonders of the natural world and all of its vibrant cultures.
Wait, Where is She? serves people with the information and inspiration to confidently seek out their own adventures and make the joys of travel easier, more accessible, and budget-friendly. Come along for the laughs while she makes all the mistakes (so you don’t have to). Let’s go!
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