Seasoned travelers know that the destination and the season dictate how and what you should pack for a trip, and Europe is no exception to that rule. So, while general lists like The Ultimate Odysseys Unlimited Packing List provide a helpful base, more specific advice can better guide you in making the best packing decisions for your journey. So, we’ve put all our best advice in this Europe packing guide – from what type of clothing you should wear to the type of bag you should carry.
After you’ve read through our guide, head over to our Ultimate Packing List to build your custom, itemized packing list.
With so many variables at play – from season and climate to cultural norms, your itinerary, and personal preferences – we can’t tell you exactly what to pack. However, we do have suggestions, based on our own travel experiences and expertise. Therefore, we recommend that you use this as a general guide and choose what advice applies best to you and your trip.
Pack for comfort. When traveling to Europe, you can usually expect to do quite a bit of walking, and weather may be unpredictable (depending on your exact destination). So, bring broken-in walking shoes (preferably with some traction for slippery cobblestone paths), layering items, and a rain jacket or reusable poncho.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions.. In the U.K., for example, the weather is known for rapidly changing by the hour; it may be sunny and warm one moment and cold and rainy the next. This trend repeats itself across Europe, with varying degrees of severity. Always have a layer or two on hand and pack a rain jacket for unexpected downpours. We recommend visiting www.accuweather.com before your departure to check the weather forecast for your trip.
Pack as lightly as is reasonable. Packing lightly is always a good idea (note that on Odysseys tours, handling for one piece of checked luggage per person is included). Bringing only the essentials can be especially helpful in Europe, where hotel rooms tend to be smaller. Minimize the amount of clothes you need by choosing items you can mix and match; clothing in neutral colors like black, white, brown, cream, olive, beige, navy, etc. make great options. You typically need only one or two pairs of shoes: your broken-in walking shoes and, if needed, a dressier pair of shoes for “going out.” Also keep in mind that many hotels offer laundry service for a fee (if you have a reservation on one of our tours, check your Accommodations List in your My Odyssey portal for details).
Bring one or two nicer outfits. On Odysseys tours, the dress code is casual, and many of the destinations we visit are accustomed to tourists who dress casually. That being said, Europeans tend to appreciate looking put-together, and are typically more concerned with fashion than Americans. In many larger cities, the norm is to “dress up” when going out in public – even for simple errands. Though you certainly want to feel comfortable during the day, you may want to bring one or two dressier outfits (such as a knee-length dress, slacks, and/or a button-down shirt) for the evening. If you wish to blend in, opt for a “smart-casual” style; avoid brightly colored clothing and overly casual attire, such as gym clothes.
Research cultural norms. For example, at some religious sites, shorts are forbidden, and it may be appropriate for guests to remove hats and sunglasses before entering.
Plan your outfits. Make sure to plan outfits for any activities or events taking place during your free time – whether that be a mountain hike or a fancy dinner. On Odysseys tours, if we recommend special clothing items for your itinerary, they will be listed in the “What to Pack” section of your General Information document in your My Odyssey portal (available upon making a reservation).
Bring a compact, lightweight, comfortable backpack to use as a day pack. A small backpack or sling backpack are great options to store anything you may need during long sightseeing days: an extra layer and/or raingear, reusable water bottle, snacks, hat, camera, etc. Just keep in mind you don’t want your backpack to be too large or heavy, as you may be required to take it off and carry it by hand in crowded areas, while on busy public transportation, or when entering museums, memorials, and the like.
Be aware of the potential for pickpockets. In large cities, pickpockets are not uncommon. We recommend a small crossbody bag you can wear in front of your body for daily use; these are more difficult for pickpockets to target. You can also invest in a money belt to wear under your clothing, or an anti-pickpocket bag, which have mechanisms to discourage pickpocketing (such as interlocking zippers).
Build a mini first-aid kit. We recommend including antiseptic ointment, over-the-counter painkillers, hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes or antibacterial towelettes, bandages, Pepto-Bismol® or TUMS®, anti-itch cream in case of bug bites, anti-nausea medicine in case of motion sickness, and an anti-diarrheal like IMODIUM® in case of stomach issues.
Be aware of medication and/or medical supplies regulations. Always check your destination’s regulations on importing controlled substances, prescription medications, and/or medical supplies (such as CPAP machines, syringes, etc.). To be safe, keep prescription and over-the-counter medication in their original packaging.
Do not travel with CBD or THC products. The legality of cannabis products and enforcement of cannabis-related laws varies depending on location. Laws can also change without notice. It’s safest to leave cannabis products at home.
Do not bring expensive or sentimental items. You don’t want to ruin your vacation by worrying about losing valuable jewelry, watches, camera equipment, or other expensive belongings.
We hope this information is helpful to you as you prepare for your European adventure. For more advice, check out our blog posts about packing by clicking here.
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