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Embarking on a European adventure in 2024? Are you curious about what Europe travel essentials you should pack? Well, our family just returned home from a two-and-a-half-week trip to Europe. We spent time in Paris, Brussels, Bruges, Amsterdam, Bath, and London, which was incredible.

I am excited to share our adventures in several blogs and Instagram posts in the coming weeks. Follow along here at OurLittleLifestyle.com and on social media for all the photos and fun details.

And I am seeing more and more people on their Bucket List Europe trips this year! Do you remember how I predicted this in my 2023 travel predictions blog post?

So, if you are one of those planning or considering planning a trip overseas for your family, you have come to the right place! 

Preparing For Your Trip To Europe

Things went incredibly smoothly on this trip. We didn’t encounter any delays or travel-related issues. I credit that to some simple planning and preparation. Before sharing our adventures, including everywhere we stayed and everything we did, I want to share a handful of items essential to a successful European vacation.

There is a lot to consider when packing for a three-week trip to Europe. Today, I want to share some of my travel tips and part of my Europe packing list.  In addition, you will also need basic luggage!

Europe Travel Essentials: Must Haves For Your Trip to Europe 

I want to stress the importance of having the necessary essentials to make your trip hassle-free and enjoyable. In this blog post, we will explore the top Europe travel essentials you must pack to ensure your family can make the most of your trip. From electrical converters to Apple Pay, I’ve got you covered.

Here are nine items that you should not go to Europe without in 2023 /2024!

Portable Charger

A reliable portable charger is one of the most important items to have with you in Europe. With all the photos, maps, and navigation tools you’ll be using on your smartphone, keeping your devices fully charged throughout the day is essential.

And as I will mention in just a while, almost everywhere uses Apple Pay. You will want your phone usable at all times. And trust me, you don’t want to miss capturing those stunning European moments due to a dead battery.

Opt for a high-capacity portable charger that can provide multiple charges and has compatibility with your device. Make sure it can fit in your bag or purse. My family uses this Anker Slim Powerbank, which I highly recommend.  

If you want a more slimmed-down version, try this credit card-size portable charger. However, having one great charger that can power up multiple devices, such as the one we have, can be overall easier than everyone having their own to keep track of while out and about.  

We have these mini usb cords on hand to use with ours. Another option is to buy a portable charger with built-in charging cables. 

Travel Wallet

Ok, this is neither fashionable nor sexy, but hear me out. A dedicated travel wallet will make your life so much easier. We use the ZOPPEN RFID Travel Passport Wallet & Documents Organizer Zipper Case with Removable Wristlet Strap, and it is where we store our passports, vaccine cards, travel insurance documents, travel-related credit cards, foreign currency, and important documents at all times.

And I must mention that it is the perfect place for my Southwest Airlines drink vouchers. Because until now, I only had them when I needed them! 

I always keep this somewhere safe, like the back zippered pocket of my Way B Ready to Roam backpack, which I never travel without. Using a travel wallet helps me keep our travel documents organized and easily accessible.

Look for a wallet like the one we have, with RFID-blocking technology to safeguard your cards from unauthorized scanning, providing an extra layer of security against potential digital theft.

I want to add that you should also have digital copies of your passports. Before your trip, please take a minute and scan each passport into your phone or simply take a photo of it. If you ever lose a passport or find yourself in an emergency, this will be very helpful to have at your fingertips.

Electric Converter

Europe operates on a different electrical system than many other regions, so packing an electric converter is vital if you want to do anything beyond just charging a mobile device. A converter is different than a simple European plug-in. This device allows you to safely plug in and charge your electronic devices, regardless of the voltage differences.  

We learned this the hard way after not purchasing one before our family trip to Greece last November. We lost our favorite CHI hair straighter after it melted. Luckily, the smell of melting plastic made us aware that our daughter had plugged it in downstairs. 

Ensure you choose a converter that covers many plug types commonly found across Europe. We purchased the ALLWEI International Travel Adapter for our recent Europe trip, which worked perfectly. I liked how there were numerous plug-in types on the device and for the device itself since the UK uses a different type of plug than the rest of Europe.  

European Plug-Ins

Besides an electric converter, a set of European plug adapters is necessary. Europe uses various plug types, such as Type C, Type E, and Type F. Carry a set of adapters to ensure you can plug in your devices and charge them seamlessly regardless of your destination. Adapters are small and lightweight, making them easy to slip into your luggage or day bag.

We have several TESSAN European Travel Plug adapters, which worked great for us in Greece, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. But always double-check which type of plug is used in the country or countries that you are visiting. For example, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands used the Type C plug on our recent trip, but when we went to England, we had to use the Type G plug. We didn’t buy an extra set and just used the converter mentioned above for everything since it had a Type G adaptor.

Cross Body Bag 

You do not need a large or oversized purse when traveling in Europe. A cross-body bag or a fanny pack is an excellent choice for your European journey. It offers both convenience and security, allowing you to keep your essentials close at hand while keeping your hands free to explore. Look for a bag with multiple compartments, sturdy zippers, and an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit like these.

An added bonus would be a waterproof bag to wash after your trip, such as the Lululemon Belt Bags. I have found myself using a small cross-body purse daily these days. It’s so nice not to be bogged down with a bunch of extras when out and about. If you want to invest in a luxury bag for both everyday and travel, the Saint Laurent Lou Mini Quilted Leather Camera Bag is one of my favorites! 

Apple Pay

I was very surprised to see that Apple Pay was the preferred payment method almost everywhere we went in Europe. We even used it to board the local transportation trams and trains in most places, including Amsterdam. 

In recent years, contactless payments have become increasingly popular across Europe. Apple Pay can be a lifesaver when you want to make quick and secure transactions without worrying about carrying cash or dealing with foreign currency. Before your trip, make sure that you are comfortable using Apple Pay and set it up on your phone for easy and hassle-free Visa, MasterCard, and American Express payments.

Also, do some advanced research, determine which of your credit cards do not charge foreign translation fees, and always use those. And when given a choice, always process the transaction in the local currency and not USD to save a little money on the conversion.  

We do make sure to bring some foreign currency along with us and like to order it in advance through our bank, Bank of America. It is delivered in a day or two, and the conversion rates are usually the best you’ll get.

Packable Jacket 

Unless you are 100% certain you will not need one, a packable, lightweight puffer jacket is a smart buy. I have the Pack it Down jacket from Lululemon, but we have also bought the Amazon Essentials coats. And Abby’s is just a basic one from TJMaxx.

We used these throughout our November visit to Greece and brought them to Europe this summer. They came in handy on a few chilly mornings and doubled as pillows on long-haul flights. Make sure to buy one with a hood for rainy days! 

Comfortable Tennis Shoes

Many of you are shocked when I mention on social media that we only use carry-ons when we travel! One of the secrets to doing this boils down to shoes. Having a great pair of tennis shoes for day-to-day wear and a cute pair of neutral flat sandals for everything else would be best. Packing bulky shoes like wedges and boots not only consumes quite a bit of your luggage space, but you will likely not even wear them. 

Plus, Europe is known for its charming cobblestone streets and extensive walking tours. We walked over 15,000 steps most days on our recent trip. To ensure your feet stay happy throughout your journey, invest in a comfortable pair of tennis shoes and make sure to break them in before your trip. Opt for lightweight, breathable options that provide excellent support and cushioning. I love wearing my On Cloud tennis shoes when traveling. 

And one not too glamorous thing to point out is that the streets can be very dirty in these big cities, especially after some rain. So, leave the fancy shoes at home. 

Packing Cubes

This is one of those “once you know, you know” things.  Color-coded packing cubes make it easy to pack and unpack while on the go in Europe. We use these exact ones, and everyone gets a color. This allows me to combine suitcases along the way yet still keep everyone’s clothing organized.

I have recently discovered these compression packing cubes and plan to invest in those in the future. 

Laundry Bag 

I always travel with two portable laundry bags. It keeps dirty clothes separate from clean ones and makes it easy to transport items to a laundromat if you want to do a mid-trip load. As we moved from city to city on our last trip, we merged our packing cubes of clean clothes into fewer suitcases while stuffing our dirty laundry into the others. 

Additional Europe Travel Essentials

While the abovementioned essentials cover the basic needs for a trip to Europe, every traveler has unique requirements. Depending on where your travels take you, consider packing a few extra items like a compact umbrella, a versatile scarf, a universal travel adapter, microfiber beach towels, a reusable water bottle to save money with tap water, and a small first aid kit.

I also put a small roll of 3-4 trash bags in my bag as well. I typically use these for wet swimsuits between stops and to put dirty shoes in between cities.

Considering and packing some of these extras can enhance your travel experience and prepare you for unexpected situations.

Below, I made a printable checklist for you with a couple of extra slots for these items!

What Shouldn’t You Bring On Your Trip to Europe

It can be tempting to pack everything under the sun, but remember that there are many things you can buy while overseas, such as toiletries, especially when visiting big cities.  

What is not a Europe Travel Essential?

When embarking on a trip to Europe, it’s important to pack smart and avoid carrying unnecessary items that could weigh you down or hinder your travel experience. Here are a few things you should consider leaving behind:

Don’t Bring Bulky Guidebooks: While guidebooks can be informative, carrying heavy guidebooks can become burdensome. Instead, opt for digital travel resources or lightweight, pocket-sized guides that provide essential information.

Leave Excessive Valuables at Home: Avoid bringing expensive jewelry, unnecessary electronics, or flashy accessories that may attract unwanted attention. It’s best to leave valuable items at home to minimize the risk of loss or theft.

You Don’t Need Multiple Pairs of Shoes: While comfortable shoes are essential, packing an excessive number of footwear options can take up precious space in your luggage. Stick to versatile and comfortable shoes suitable for various activities and occasions. Two or three pairs are enough!

Ditch the Full-Sized Toiletries: Travel-sized toiletries are your best friend when saving space and adhering to airport security regulations. Leave behind full-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries, opting for travel-sized alternatives or just purchasing them upon arrival.

Skip the Bulky Towels and Blankets: Most European accommodations provide towels for guests, so there’s no need to pack large, bulky towels. Instead, carry a lightweight, quick-drying microfiber towel that takes up minimal space in your luggage. And, on pretty much every long-haul flight, the airline provides guests with a small pillow and blanket to use.

Avoid Packing Excessive Clothing: Resist the urge to overpack. Europe offers numerous laundry facilities and services, allowing you to refresh your wardrobe during your trip. Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, minimizing the number of clothes you need to bring.

Remember, traveling light and efficiently can enhance mobility and enjoyment of your European adventure. Focus on essentials and prioritize comfort, flexibility, and convenience when deciding what to bring along.

Grab these Europe Travel Essentials and Enjoy Your Trip

Don’t overthink, and don’t stress while preparing for your trip to Europe! But by packing these Europe travel essentials, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your journey and avoid any unexpected surprises in European countries. 

Bon voyage, and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!