Europe Packing List Summer - Life of a Passion

In need of a packing list when traveling Europe in the Summer? Always forgetting something when packing? Well here is my list!

Making a list is the first thing I do when packing for a holiday. I don’t want to forget anything important on my travels. But my list also brings me in the holiday vibe already because I know that I’ll be leaving soon. So why not share it with you?

Let me know if you see something I forgot to put on my list!

Tip: Make sure to print them out twice! One before you leave for your vacation and one leaving for home, in order to not forget anything!

Passport, Visa, Vaccinations and Travel Insurance

The following things must be on the top of your packing list!

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and must obtain one blank page.
Visa: Check if you have to buy a visa upfront or not.
- Not needed for EU citizens
Vaccinations: Check your vaccinations, this is very important!
Travel insurance: To be fully covered for having an accident or disease while traveling, make sure to have insurance. It might come in handy!
Attention: Beware of pickpockets. They are everywhere in Europe trying to scam you. You have it in Amsterdam, Rome, Barcelona, Paris, London, …
- Examples: Don’t try to exchange money with someone from the street, you don’t have to buy a bracelet in order to enter a church, watch out for performers (make sure no-one can rob you when watching) …

Backpack or Luggage

Your backpack is also an important item on your packing list. Do you want a backpack or luggage?

Backpack: Invest in a good backpack. I have an Osprey backpack of 40L. This one is perfect for a two-week trip, but it was just a bit small for a 3-week trip (I managed by rolling my clothes). So maybe buy the 50L backpack if you plan on going away for more than 2 weeks. Also, bring along a day backpack. It comes in handy for your camera equipment, a bottle of water, and other stuff.
Luggage: If you prefer luggage that’s fine but we aware that most European cities have cobblestone roads.
Packing cubes: Bring packing cubes! This has been so easy for me! I have the compression packing cubes from Osprey. They are so easy to use and I can put in 14 pieces of clothing per bag (how? roll them!).

Medicine and toiletries

Okay so this one is actually the most important thing on my packing list now since I had Salmonella in Thailand.

Mosquito Repellent and Sunscreen: This is a must in summer.
First aid kit: Bandages will most definitely come in handy!
Diarrhea tablets: Just in case
Hand Sanitizer: I used this every time I used a public bathroom or right before dinner, comes in handy.
Quick-drying towel: Invention of the year! Put your wet towel on a chair and it’s dry within an hour. It’s also not that thick as a normal towel, so it’s easy to pack.
Wet wipes: I always bring my wet wipes on my holidays. If you’re in a public toilet that’s dirty or where there is no toilet paper, wet wipes are a blessing.
Small bottles: I always pack small, reusable bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. You save space and weight!
Lip balm: During the flight, my lips become very dry. I always pack my Buttercream lip balm and my lips are soft in no time!

Clothes

I don’t think anyone would forget to put these items on their packing list.

Clothes: You’ll be sweating, so try to pack linen clothing.
Sweater: Sometimes I find myself shivering in the airplane from the cold, that’s why I always pack my sweater. You can also use it as a pillow.
Travel pillow: I have a neck pillow that comes in handy for those long flights.
Washing powder: Washing time! If you pack light, then you must also wash your clothes from time to time. You can do it in a shop or do it yourself in the hotel room.
- Tip: You can also wash your clothes with shampoo.
Rain jacket (foldable): This is so handy! You can hang it to your purse and have the purse filled with an umbrella and wallet.
- Tip: when folded, it can be used as a pillow!

Electronics

Camera and GoPro: Pack those babies for having HD photos and videos.
Chargers: Check if you need a plug adapter!
- The most common outlets in Europe are Type C, E, F, and G.
Europe SIM card: You can buy a SIM card for having wifi during the day but this is not per see necessary as most hotels have good wifi.
- Not needed when you’re a citizen of the European Union. Us Belgians can have wifi all day long without having to pay higher costs.
Powerbank: Bring along a power bank!
Waterproof bag: I used a waterproof bag to put my power bank, smartphone, and chargers in. Everything is in one little bag, easy to find and protected from water, sunscreen, …
- Warning: Not protected from thieves