Packing for Long Trips to Europe

Written By Jessica Schaefer

What to Pack for a Long Trip to Europe: The Smart Traveler’s Checklist

Packing for a long trip to Europe can be overwhelming—especially when you're dealing with different climates, cultures, and activities. Whether you're planning a month long backpacking adventure, a slow-travel sabbatical, or an extended remote work stint, smart packing is the key to staying comfortable, prepared, and stress-free.

Note: In our tours at Golden Grand Tours we make sure there are plenty of stays with washers and dryers so that you aren’t dragging around large overstuffed luggage.

Here’s your comprehensive guide on what to bring (and what to leave behind) for long-term travel in Europe.

The Essentials: Your Packing Foundation

Luggage

  • Carry-On Backpack or Rolling Bag: Look for something durable, lightweight, and small enough to meet airline size restrictions (especially for budget carriers like Ryanair or Wizz Air). If our tour includes a flight, we look for business class seats for free checked luggage, but some flights (especially island hoppers) don’t always have the option.

  • Daypack or Tote: For exploring cities, hiking, or trips to the market.

  • Packing Cubes: A game-changer for staying organized. Opt. for these instead of vacuumed sealed for easier moves from town to town.

Clothing: Pack Light, Layer Smart

Europe's weather varies wildly between regions and seasons. Layering is your best friend.

Core Clothing Items (adjust for season):

  • 7-10 shirts (mix of short and long sleeves)

  • 7-10 underpants (+a few bras for women)

  • 3–4 pairs of pants (1 jeans, 1 lightweight or dressier pair, 1 comfy)

  • 2–3 pairs of shorts or skirts

  • 1–2 dresses or smart outfits (for dinners or cultural sites)

  • 1–2 sweaters or cardigans

  • 1 light jacket (or down jacket if it's fall/winter)

  • 1 rain jacket or compact umbrella

  • 1–2 workout or hiking outfits (depending on your activity level)

Shoes:

  • Comfortable walking shoes (Europe = cobblestones!)

  • Lightweight sneakers or hiking shoes (depending on activity level)

  • Sandals or slip-ons (season/weather dependent)

  • One pair of dressier shoes (optional - No stilettoes * cobblestones)

Accessories:

  • Hat/scarf/gloves (if traveling fall to spring)

  • Sunglasses (no matter the season)

  • Compact laundry kit (travel size detergent)

Toiletries: Travel-Sized & Refillable

Europe has excellent pharmacies, so you don’t need to overpack.

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

  • Shampoo, conditioner, soap (solid bars to save space with a plastic box to transport it) in reusable travel bottles.

  • Razor, deodorant, nail clippers

  • Basic first aid: ibuprofen, allergy meds

  • You personal medications with prescriptions for travel

Tip: Consider a hanging toiletry bag for tiny bathrooms or showers.

Electronics & Travel Tech

  • Phone + charger

  • Universal power adapter (Europe uses 220V, type C/E/F plugs)

  • Power bank

  • Lightweight laptop or tablet (if working or journaling)

  • Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds for the long flight

  • Kindle or e-reader (saves weight!)

  • SIM card or portable Wi-Fi (optional; EU has good prepaid options) Or make sure you have international coverage with your phone carrier.

Documents & Travel Security

  • Passport + Visa - digital and paper copies

  • Travel insurance info

  • Debit/credit cards (plus backup) - *Call your provider before hand and tell them you are traveling

  • Travel wallet or money belt (especially for train stations and crowded cities)

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel journal or notebook

  • Compact day bag or foldable tote

  • Laundry bag or compression sack

  • Eye mask & earplugs (for flights, trains, hostels)

  • A few clothespins or a clothesline for delicates

  • Reusable shopping bag (plastic bans are common)

What Not to Pack

  • Too many shoes (stick to 2–3 pairs max)

  • Full-size toiletries (you can refill as you go or buy when there)

  • Hairdryer or straightener (many accommodations provide them or they won’t match voltage anyways)

  • Bulky guidebooks (download maps and guides instead)

  • Jewelry or valuables (travel light, stay safe)

Bonus Tips for Long-Term Travelers

  • Think Versatile: Items that can be dressed up or down = more outfit combos.

  • Go Neutral: Neutral colors make mixing and matching easier.

  • Layer Smart: Europe can go from warm to chilly in a day.

  • Buy as You Go: Europe is full of charming markets and stylish shops—leave space for new finds!

Final Thought

Packing for a long trip to Europe isn’t about bringing more—it’s about bringing right. Focus on comfort, practicality, and flexibility, and you’ll be ready for anything from a museum tour in Paris to a mountain hike in the Dolomites.

Bon voyage—and don’t forget to leave room for a few surprises along the way.

Jessica Schaefer
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