Packing Tips for Summer in Europe

Ever since my “Passport to Europe” days, one of the questions I get asked the most is, “How exactly should I pack for summer in Europe?” And while I can’t give you a specific packing list to follow because everyone’s trips will look different, I can give you some tips I’ve accumulated over the years! 

Packing Tips for Summer in Europe

Check the weather of your destination.

Europe is a pretty big continent, which means the weather in one country can be drastically different in another. As a general rule of thumb, the more northern countries will be cooler even in July and August while the more southern ones will be very, very hot. You might need a jacket if you plan on going to Norway or Sweden but you definitely will not need one in the south of France or Italy.

Also, check the terrain of where you’re going.

Are you going to be hiking a lot? What will the paths look like? What about the city streets – are there going to be a lot of uneven sidewalks or cobblestone paths? How about beaches? Are you going to a typically sandy beach or a rockier one where you’ll want swim shoes? Always good to know so you know what shoes you’ll actually need.

Try to keep things carry-on only. 

This is a hard one for me too, it takes effort but makes everything easier if you can swing it, especially during summer travel, and most especially if you have a tight connection. This is high season for most countries, which means everyone from airport workers to hotel staff is working at much more stressful levels than at any other time of year. Every year, there are horror stories of checked luggage going missing and people being stranded without their clothes for the entirety of their trip. I promise, carry-on travel is a lot easier than you’d think!

Do not feel the need to buy a whole new wardrobe.

If you’re trying to figure out what to wear in Europe and keep getting inundated with videos and advice that seems out of your comfort zone, don’t worry. A lot of it is noise meant to sell you on the latest fashion trends by making you self-conscious. You’re probably going to look like a tourist no matter what you do or where, because, well, you’re a tourist! There are regular people in Europe who dress casually, and there are regular people in Europe who like to dress up – just like where you live. Wear what you’re comfortable with and don’t feel the need to buy a new wardrobe to try and fit in.

Think loose and comfortable

A good rule of thumb when it comes to packing for hotter European climates is loose and comfortable. Remember, not only are temperatures up in the 90s in some places, but most European countries do not have central A/C like you might be used to in the US. Think of wearing linen and cotton fabrics. Dresses that flow and don’t really touch your skin. Loose crochet throws if you need to cover your shoulders instead of sweaters or jackets

Have one travel bag with Anti-Theft features

Being a traveler means you are always distracted: by sites, artwork, architecture, a good-looking croissant, you name it, a perfect time for pickpockets to take advantage. It’s good to have a bag that has an anti-theft zipper, RFID protection, and other features to make your items more secure and hard to get at. The good news is I have a bag that I designed for travel that does just that. It launches July 27th, so I’ll keep you up to date.

I also prefer longer clothing items.

Consider loose pants over shorts or a midi/maxi dress over one that hits above my knees. They’re just much more comfortable whenever I sit down anywhere. Think about it, what’s better? Sitting on a bench in shorts where your skin will touch the hot concrete, or sitting on that same bench wearing linen pants? As an added bonus, if you plan on visiting any religious sites with dress codes, your knees will be covered!

Extend the use of your clothing with some sink washing.

Depending on how long I’m gone, I like to try to get two uses out of my clothing items. That means some light sink washing when I have the time. With looser dresses, I might just quickly wash the top half that’s sitting on my skin and has gotten sweaty. Underwear and socks are easy to handwash swiftly and will usually dry overnight. You can pack a small bit of detergent powder or pods, but the hotel soap usually does a good enough job as well!

Pack sturdy sandals.

European cobblestone streets are notorious for absolutely tearing up cheaper, thinner sandals! I know too many people who pack flip-flops or slides and wind up with them all broken and ruined within a few days. You want to pack sandals that are actually sturdy. A shoe with a thicker sole that is both comfortable enough to walk in all day and durable enough to withstand the various streets. I’ve mentioned it many times, but I’m a big fan of FitFlop sandals. They have so many styles and mine have lasted through many, many trips!

Don’t forget an umbrella.

Pack a little travel umbrella even if it doesn’t say rain on your forecast. They come in handy when the sun is high and there’s not an inch of shade to be found. 

Handheld fans will also help keep you cool.

Again, most places do not have central A/C or there is no breeze in the building. Places get stuffy fast, so it helps to have something to keep you cool. Pack a fan that you can whip out when needed. I promise, it makes all the difference the moment you feel that sweat start beading around your hairline.

Always bring a swimsuit.

Even if you don’t think you’ll be swimming on your trip, you never know. And it’s always better to have a suit than to have to sit there and miss out. I like to pack mine in a ziploc bag, so if it’s still wet when I have to pack up, it won’t affect the rest of my suitcase.

Pack a washcloth.

In most European hotels I’ve been to, washcloths are not the norm. And I don’t know about you, but just soap alone doesn’t cut it, especially if I’ve clocked 20,000 steps in a day and come back with sticky skin! It’s one of those little things you don’t think about until you have to do without and don’t feel as clean. (European bathrooms in general are… not my favorite.) And just like with a swimsuit, pack it in a ziploc bag so if it’s still damp when you leave, it won’t get the rest of your suitcase damp as well.

And there you have it, some of my best packing tips for your European summer! Let me know if you have even more tips to add!