Are you looking for a perfect packing list for Europe with all of your travel essentials? Get ready to dive into the heart of Europe with just your trusty backpack and a thirst for adventure! As a woman gearing up for a summer trip, packing becomes a fun puzzle of practicality and style. Join me as I spill the beans on what you absolutely need to bring along to make your European escapade a breeze. From trendy must-haves to clever packing tips, I’ve got you covered so you can wander those cobblestone streets and bask in the sun without a worry in the world. This post will help you out with practical packings and list the “must-haves” of traveling, Let’s pack light, pack smart, and pack with a touch of flair for the ultimate summer journey!
The hardest part about backpacking through Europe is the weather difference in each country. While most countries in the summer are pretty warm, going up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, other places will be quite chilly, requiring a puffer jacket! The key to success here is layering so that you’re not packing too heavy. This will save you from taking up all of the room in your backpack with huge jackets and scarves. The other biggest tip I have is to pack versatile outfits rather than statement pieces. You’ll save a ton of room and still manage to get great outfits if you have a pair of linen pants with three neutral tank tops instead of three fun pairs of pants with three different tops. Focus on neutral colors that match with multiple items of clothing! Here’s your packing list for Europe on your backpacking trip.
Before We Get Started…
If you need some itineraries or just ideas of WHERE TO GO in Europe… here are a few of my top favorite places!
Bottoms
White linen pants
- These are perfect for Europe. They’re super lightweight and won’t carry heat since they’re white. Another great aspect is that since many churches in Europe require knees to be covered, you can wear these cute and stylish pants while staying cool and being modest.
Jeans or black trousers
- These are great options for chillier days or for more formal settings. I wore black trousers with a button up to museums, castles, and on the streets of Paris. I wouldn’t bring both for the sake of room in your backpack. I prefer lack trousers because I think they look more classy; more Europeans wear them as well so you’ll blend in better.
Jean shorts
- These are great for hot days and also very easy to style with different tops
Joggers
- I wore joggers to bed every night and also on travel days for comfort! Europeans don’t wear sweatpants or athleisure around town like Americans do. Aim for a cute and sleek pair of joggers rather than sweatpants.
Dresses
Dresses are your BEST FRIEND! Especially in the summer. It’s an easy outfit and lightweight in the heat. I recommend bringing four dresses total in your packing list for Europe.
- Two sundresses (three if you’re feeling crazy)
- I wore the same four sundresses on repeat. I probably brought too many, but they’re such easy and cute outfits!
- One going out dress
- If you’re planning on hitting the town, you will want one nicer short dress.
- One fancier dress
- For nice dinners, castles, parties, dates, etc.
Tops
- Tank tops
- Again, much of Europe is HOT!!! I recommend 2-3 tank tops (that match with trousers, linen pants, jean shorts) for hot days. Go for neutral colors; I had a black tank, brown tank, and an orange one.
- Striped button up
- This works perfect with trousers and jean shorts! Plus it seems that Europeans are full-time striped dressers!
- White button up
- A great neutral.
- 1-2 tee shirts
- For sleeping and comfy moments.
- One nicer tee shirt to wear with jeans/trousers.
- I brought a striped tee that I wore a ton.
Jackets
- Rain jacket
- Warm fleece
- Either a puffer jacket or long jacket
- If you’re headed to Northern Europe where it’s chillier, I would bring a puffer jacket and an extra warm fleece to layer. However, if you’re staying relatively southern, I would bring a longer blazer or trench coat for chillier days!
- If you won’t be traveling to chillier areas, then switch the puffer jacket for a sweater.
- You’ll need some kind of sweater if you are planning on going in churches since many churches have a dress code of no shoulders or cleavage showing.
Activewear
If you’re a hiker, runner, yoga girl, or even planning on long walks on the beach, I recommend bringing a few active tanks and shorts!
- One long sleeve top
- 1-2 active tank tops
- One pair of workout / athletic shorts
Other
- One bathing suit
- Wrap/shawl
- This is an optional item; it’s nice to have something to put over your head or face while you sleep. It also acts as a blanket, something to sit on, or an extra layer of modesty for a church or a more conservative area.
- An extra long sleeve
- If you get chilly easily, I would bring an extra long sleeve shirt to layer.
- Hat
- I had a black hat that I wore with my dresses on my travel days and my many dirty hair days that was a life-saver!
- Packing cubes
- These help conserve space and also help you stay organized!
- Day pack
- If you’re heading out for a long day, it’s nice to have a smaller bag (either backpack or tote) that you can put all of your things in so you don’t have to empty and drag around your big backpack!
- Fanny pack / cross-body bag
- Perfect to keep your money, passport, and other important items close.
Shoes
- COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES!!!
- Trust me… if you opt for cuter shoes that are less comfortable, you will 10000% regret it! I wore my white Hoka tennis shoes nearly the entire summer I spent in Europe.
- Shower shoes / waterproof sandals
- I brought a pair of waterproof colorful sandals that were perfect for water hikes and beach days. I also wore these in the shower when we stayed in hostels. This is a must have!
- Other shoe options
- Chacos
- Tevas
- Flip flops
- This one really depends on how much room you have…
- I was feeling crazy and wanted to look cute with my dress outfits so I brought a pair of $12 Walmart white sneakers that were super comfy that I stuffed into the bottom of my bag. Not sure if it was worth it or not. I also brought a pair of Tory Burch super thin flip flops / sandals for my nicer outfits. But I’m a bit of a material girl so this one is up to you.
A GOOD ATTITUDE!
Yes it’s going to be tight but its going to be SO FUN!!! HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE OUT THERE! Conquer this packing list for Europe. I’m so excited for you. Stay swaggy AnitaBelleBlogs Fam <3
