Are you planning a first time adventure to explore the highlights of Europe? Not sure what to take, or leave behind? Get all the important tips with our packing list.
What to Consider Before Departing
These questions can help shape a packing list:
- Where will you be visiting
- How long are you going for
- What budget do you have
- How much can you carry
- What season will you be visiting
Suitcase or Backpack
Luggage should be restricted to a frameless backpack which must not weigh more than 20kgs (ideal – 15kg). We recommend a backpack over a suitcase for ease of transportation if interrailing Europe.
Essential List
- Passport/Tickets + online backups
- Certificates/Spare passport photos
- Travel insurance
- Money belt
Recommended General Packing List
- Travel towel (i.e microfibre material)
- Toiletries
- Umbrella/thin raincoat
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Phone – portable batteries/charger
- Reading material/Guide Books
- Padlocks
- Travel pillow
- Travel clothesline
- Universal sink plug/Laundry soap
- Student ID (if applicable)
Clothes & Footwear
- Light versatile clothes – cotton and quick drying (dark colours recommended) for summer in Europe
- Underwear/socks Swimwear 2 x long trousers, these should be lightweight and comfortable, preferably cotton.
- 2 x shorts Skirt/dress Sarong/headscarf (particularly useful if you need to cover up quickly)
- 4 T-Shirts/2 Long-sleeve t-shirts Fleece (for cooler evenings)/Thermal underwear for high altitude areas 1 smart/casual outfit for evenings out
- 1 Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes – trainers/sandals
- Flip flops (even out of summer these can be handy in hostels)
- For winter in Europe consider warm clothing, heat tech clothing and a thick coat
Recommended First Aid Supplies
- Sunscreen
- Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips
- Antiseptic Blister pads
- Pain killers
- Diarrhorea remedies
- Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
- Any prescription medication required
- Contact lenses and solution
- Cold/flu decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Travel motion-sickness tablets (i.e. natural ginger tablets)
- Contraceptives
- Tampons
- Tweezers
- Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
What If I Forget Something
Remember, if you do forget anything, you will probably be able to buy it in your destination as there are shops throughout the continent and also the option to buy online.
Europe Travel Inspiration
If you like the idea of visiting Europe but need some inspiration for where to go and things to do, we can help. Search our Europe gap year trips for options from group tours to working holidays.