Packing for Europe? Here's Your Checklist

We've sorted all the essentials for you, from what's truly important to what you can leave behind. Pack without the stress and travel without the heavy bags.

DO FIRST

  • Check passport expiration date

    Ensure it's valid for 6+ months after my return date.

  • Apply for any required visas or travel authorizations

  • Purchase travel insurance

  • Notify my bank and credit card companies of my travel dates

  • Arrange an international phone plan or eSIM

  • Purchase European plug adapters

  • Gather passport, ID, and other essential documents

  • Break in new walking shoes before the trip

  • Pack prescription medications in their original containers

  • Charge all electronics fully before leaving

  • Do a final review of my packing list before I go

PLAN THIS WEEK

  • Make digital copies of important documents

  • Make physical copies of important documents

  • Download offline maps and travel apps

  • Purchase packing cubes

  • Research the weather for my destinations

  • Plan outfits that I can mix and match

  • Check electronics for dual-voltage compatibility

  • Print copies of flight, hotel, and train reservations

  • Get some local currency for small purchases

  • Pack a money belt or secure bag for valuables

  • Pack a portable door lock for extra security

  • Pack a small day pack for daily sightseeing

  • Select comfortable walking shoes

  • Choose one pair of dressier shoes for evenings

  • Choose several versatile tops and blouses

  • Select a few pairs of pants, jeans, or skirts

  • Pack a light, water-resistant jacket with a hood

  • Pack a sweater or cardigan for layering

  • Pack a small travel umbrella

  • Pack a scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites

  • Pack sunglasses and a sun hat

  • Pack enough underwear

  • Pack enough bras

  • Pack enough socks

  • Pack comfortable sleepwear or loungewear

  • Pack travel laundry supplies

  • Pack my travel toiletry bag

  • Prepare a small first-aid kit with band-aids and pain relievers

  • Pack sunscreen

  • Pack hand sanitizer

  • Pack electrolytes to help with jet lag

  • Pack an empty reusable water bottle

  • Pack phone and its charger

  • Pack headphones and their charger

  • Pack a portable power bank

  • Place tracking devices like AirTags in my luggage

  • Organize my clothes and gear with packing cubes

  • Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles

  • Pack essential toiletries in my carry-on

  • Pack a change of clothes in my carry-on

  • Pack TSA-approved locks for luggage

  • Attach luggage tags to all my bags

  • Weigh my luggage to ensure it's within airline limits

DELEGATE

  • Pack a swimsuit

  • Pack flip-flops

  • Pack a quick-dry travel towel

SKIP IF NEEDED

  • Pack a foldable tote bag for souvenirs

  • Pack a book or download movies for the flight

  • Pack some snacks for the flight and travel days

  • Pack a journal and pen to record my trip

  • Pack a neck pillow for the flight

  • Pack an eye mask for the flight

  • Pack earplugs for flights and noisy hotels

checklist

That's a lot to remember!

Save your progress and never lose track of your tasks

✓Based on the Eisenhower Matrix framework
✓The task list and priorities are clear at a glance
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How to Use the Priority Matrix

local_fire_department

Start with Red (Important + Urgent)

Tasks in this quadrant are highly important, and the deadline is right around the corner. It's like having a paper due tonight or a client's system suddenly going down. You have to drop everything else, get on it right now, and give it your full focus. This is your top priority.

calendar_month

Schedule Yellow (Important + Not Urgent)

This is the foundation for your long-term success. These are things that matter for your future but aren't urgent right now, like learning a new skill, exercising, or planning for next month. Because they're not urgent, they're easy to forget. What you need to do is put them on your schedule, set a fixed time for them, and stick to it.

group

Delegate Blue (Not Important + Urgent)

These tasks may seem urgent, but they're not important to you. They're the kind that interrupt your flow, like unnecessary meetings or small favors others ask of you. The best approach is to let someone else handle them or deal with them quickly, and don't let them steal your valuable time.

delete

Skip Gray (Not Important + Not Urgent)

Tasks in this quadrant are neither important nor urgent. They're purely a drain on your time and energy, like mindlessly scrolling on your phone. The best approach is simply not to do them, and save that time for the tasks in the Yellow quadrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the absolute essentials I can't forget for a Europe trip?

Focus on the four non-negotiables: your passport (valid for at least 6 months post-trip), comfortable walking shoes you've already broken in, a universal plug adapter for your electronics, and a versatile jacket. With these four things, you can handle most situations and buy anything else you might need there.

How can I pack light for Europe and avoid a massive suitcase?

The secret is to pack clothes you can mix and match. Stick to a simple color palette of neutral colors. Plan your outfits in advance so you only bring what you'll actually wear. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves a surprising amount of space, and using packing cubes helps compress everything down.

Can I really travel Europe for two weeks with only a carry-on?

Absolutely, and it's the best way to do it! The trick is a smart capsule wardrobe and using packing cubes to compress your clothes. Plan to do laundry once. You'll be so relieved when you're navigating train stations and narrow hotel stairs without a heavy bag slowing you down.

What kind of shoes are actually good for walking on cobblestone streets?

You really only need two pairs. First, a pair of comfortable, broken-in sneakers or sturdy flats for all the daytime walking. Second, a pair of stylish-but-sensible shoes like loafers or block heels for evenings. Leave the brand-new shoes and stilettos at home; your feet will thank you after a 20,000-step day.

Do I need a power converter or just an adapter for Europe?

For most modern electronics like your phone, laptop, and camera, you only need a simple plug adapter. Check the fine print on your chargers; if they say 'INPUT: 100-240V', you're good to go. Remember that the UK and Ireland use a different plug style than the rest of continental Europe, so a universal adapter is your best bet.

How do I dress to not look like an obvious American tourist?

Think 'smart casual' instead of 'athleisure'. Europeans tend to dress up a bit more for daily life. Opt for well-fitting trousers or dark jeans, a nice top, and a stylish jacket or scarf. It's less about specific brands and more about looking put-together. Swapping the baseball cap for a nice hat and the gym shorts for chinos or a skirt makes a big difference.

How should my packing list change for summer versus winter?

For summer, pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, but always include a light sweater or jacket for cool evenings or chilly museums. For winter, layering is your best friend. Start with a thermal base layer, add a sweater, and top it with a warm, waterproof coat. A hat, gloves, and a scarf are non-negotiable for winter travel.

How do I keep my passport and money safe while sightseeing?

Don't keep valuables in your back pocket. A crossbody bag worn in front of you is a great option for keeping your phone and daily cash handy. For your passport and extra cash, leave them in your hotel safe. If you must carry them, use a money belt worn under your clothes for deep security.

What documents do I need besides my passport?

It's smart to have a few other things. Bring your driver's license as a secondary ID. Also, have digital and printed copies of your passport, flight/hotel reservations, and travel insurance information. Keep the copies separate from the originals, just in case.

Are packing cubes actually helpful for organizing my suitcase?

Yes, they are a game-changer! Think of them as drawers for your suitcase. You can group items together—like all your tops in one, and socks/underwear in another. It makes finding things so much easier without having to unpack your entire bag. They also help compress your clothes, giving you a little extra space.

What should I include in a basic travel first-aid kit?

You don't need a full paramedic bag. Just pack a small pouch with essentials: pain relievers (like ibuprofen), band-aids for blisters, antiseptic wipes, and any personal prescription medications. This small kit can be a real lifesaver for minor issues on the road.

Should I bring all my toiletries or just buy them there?

Bring travel-sized containers of your absolute must-have products, like a specific face cream or foundation. For basic items like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, it's often easier and more fun to just buy them at a local pharmacy or supermarket when you arrive. It saves space and lets you try new things.

What are some useful items people often forget to pack for Europe?

A few small things make a huge difference: a portable power bank for recharging your phone mid-day, a reusable water bottle to save money and stay hydrated, a small pack of tissues for public restrooms that might lack paper, and a foldable tote bag for groceries or souvenirs.

Do I need to bring cash or are credit cards accepted everywhere?

You'll want a mix of both. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for most of your spending at hotels, restaurants, and shops. But, you should always have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases at markets, for a quick coffee, or for tipping where cards might not be an option.

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