Pack Smart: Essentials for a European Summer Adventure

I can speak for all of Europe when we say we hate it when Americans say they are going to Europe for their summer trip because that’s like saying I am going to America for a holiday. Is that Texas, New York, Blackpool, or Paris? That’s very different. Not just a different language but a culture and climate. So I would say this guide is for a city break in Europe in summer weather; I would not say this is what you bring to Mykonos, but more like Paris, Berlin, Madrid and Barcelona. This list is specific to trips where you complete a lot of landmarks with lots of walking and exploring.

This is the perfect list/guide for hand luggage, so if you need help with not overpacking with only a backpack and suitcase, this is the best place.

The first thing is your liquids. No matter where you are flying to or from, it is a good rule of thumb to follow the 100ml ruling. You can only have 1 litre worth of liquid. This can be of all sizes but cannot exceed 100ml per item. They also need to fit in a specific bag that can be provided at security at the airport. I had an experience where I put it in a bag; however, this was too big, and the staff at Terminal 3 Heathrow were kind and able to fit them all in to ensure I didn’t have to throw anything away. 

Next tip: packing cubes is a good idea if you are going for a significant time but do not want to pay for an arm and a leg for checked-in luggage. Sometimes, I am unsure if they are good as they are less mailable and not easily squeezed together as they become more rigid, but they would be helpful if they were going for longer than a week. Within this, I would have a bag for tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, and underwear; even label the bags so you know where everything is and use one bag for dirty clothes so you know the clean and dirty clothes are separate.

Firstly, which is very British, look at the weather. Remember that if you might be visiting religious places, you should have something to cover your shoulders. Remember that if you're out all day, it will also get more relaxed in the evening.

I am going to Berlin for four days so I would bring this for a 4-day trip. I have four different tops due to the heat, so I have backups if you want to be prepared for clothing to get sweaty and dirty. Different bottoms for different activities, especially with the heat, there could be chafing or rashes. I would suggest one jumper for travel day or when it gets cool at night. A jacket that can easily be worn on your shoulders, something lightweight like a linen blazer and a cropped trench. Like all the girls on TikTok and social media, I will always take more underwear than needed in case of accidents. It's better to be safe than sorry. Two shoes are unnecessary, but a pair of trainers you find supportive when walking for long periods. Then possibly some sandals or summer shoes for dinners or relaxing at a beach or pool if applicable for your trip or another pair of trainers to have options. This could be separate from your backpack you can use on the flight or the same one to save space; this could be something more compact with a cross-body or shoulder bag, which is more pickpocket-safe for you in cities like Paris. But remember, if you're shopping, bring a tote with you, especially if you are buying something designer so you won’t become a target. Sunglasses: you will need them. You do not want to be squinting the whole time while reading signs.

Most hotels have hair dryers; although outdated, they do the job. I will bring my heatless curling as it’s the type of curl that lasts the day with thick, heavy hair and is better for my hair than heat. Suncream is essential for everyone. Skin cancer does not discriminate. Remember different suncream for your face and neck and a body one, especially if you are in the sun all day, and remember to reapply it; I love Bondi sands for my face as Australia have stringent suncream rules due to the high UV raises down under so you know the suncream has gone through rigorous testing. Now, with skincare with the liquid minis, I love getting a Christmas beauty advent calendar so I can use those minis on trips like this for holidays. I also limit my makeup as much as possible; remember, you wouldn’t need much makeup. There is I'm no need for a foundation. Bring the basics. I am not a hat person. I get sweaty, and my head is small, but it is a good idea. If you travel from another European country, the journey to your destination wouldn’t be long, and there wouldn’t be inflight entertainment, so I will bring my iPad and possibly a book to read at the beach or pool for a change. A Kindle would be suitable for all weathers. 

In your backpack or Uniqlo crossbody, I would have your passport. Also, get your Europe payment card. This can be with the post office, Monzo, revolut or sterling. All work in Europe without converging charges and have withdrawals, but post-COVID, most places prefer cards nowadays. Remember to bring a first aid kit with suncream, pain relief, and antihistamine plasters and creams in case of any issues or injuries. Remember to bring all documents from health insurance and flight details. Also, have photocopies of your passport. This can be on paper or a file on your phone, so it’s organised if you need it and all the numbers you need for anything to happen.

Four tops

Two shorts

One skirt 

One dress

One jumper 

One jacket

Six underwear

Five socks 

Two shoes

One bag

Sunglasses

Entertainment-tablet book

Suncream

Skincare

Makeup

Summer hat

Hair products 

Plug adaptor

Health insurance 

Passport 

Travel documents

GHIC card

First aid kit 

This is my extensive detailed list that covers all trip lengths and seasons 

Holiday packing list 

Clothes 

• Bras
• Socks
• Underwear
• Jumpers 
• Tops 
• jeans 
• Smart clothing 
• PJs
• Coat 

• Jacket 
• Shorts 
• Dresses/jumpsuit/playsuit 
• Skirt
• Swimming costume 
• Bikini 
• Workout gear-Bra, leggings, top
• Hair turbine

• Waterproof coat

Accessories 

• Trainers, boots, sliders/flip flops

• Hair bands and bands scrunchie 

• Hairbrush and come 
• Necklaces
• Earrings 
• Handbag
• Purse 

• glasses 

• Belt

• Sunglasses 
• Water bottle 
• Beach bag

Technology 

• Phone 
• Laptop/tablet

• Charger 

• Adopter 

• Portable charger
• Camera 

• GoPro 

• Straighteners

• Speaker 
• Headphones and charger 

Beauty products

• Heat protector 
• Hairspray 
• Skin mask 

• Dry shampoo 

• Toothpaste
• brush 
• Cleanser 
• Face wash
• Cloth

• Spot cream

• Moistures 
• Serum
• Makeup- lips, eyebrows, mascara, concealer, blush, powder, eye shadow 
• Hand cream and sanitiser
• Eyebrow pluck 
• Deodorant 

• Perfume 
• Cotton pads
• Sanitary products
• Lip balm 

• Other medication- ibuprofen
• Plasters
• Face sun cream
• After sun 

Shower products 

• Shower puff
• Shower gel
• Scrub
• Shower cream

• Razor 

• Shampoo
• Conditioner 

Optional items

• Bedding
• Air bed
• Pillow 

• Hat, scarf, gloves,

• Torch
• Towel 
• Pen/pencil and notepad

• Book

• Walking boots
• Walking socks