My family is no stranger to international travel. In fact, JB and my father-in-law just arrived back home from golfing in Scotland. In addition to inquiries about my favorite travel essentials, I often receive questions regarding how and what to pack for international travel. While I can’t say I’ve always packed like a pro, I do think I’m getting better at it. So today I wanted to share my Europe packing list. I’m going to highlight the pieces that I’ll be bringing for our month-long stay in Europe this summer. The good news is that most of the items are timeless. So whether you’re gearing up for a trip next month or a few years from now, this Europe packing list is a great post to bookmark and look back on!
Our Europe Travel Plans
This will be our third year spending a month in Spain for the boys to attend El Aula Azul, a Spanish immersion school in San Sebasián. We have had such a wonderful experience at this school in the past and the boys are so excited to go back again this year! Check out this post to read more about our summers in Spain.
Last year we started our summer travels in Lisbon, followed by Marbella with friends, then London, and lastly, we went to San Sebastián for the boys’ summer school. This year we will begin in France where will will visit Paris, Biarritz, and Colmar. Next, we are heading to Spain for school in San Sebastián along with trips to Rioja and Pamplona for the running of the bulls. We are finishing off this year’s trip in Switzerland with visits to Basel, Lucerne, and likely one other spot. With all of the different stops during our trip, I wanted to start working on my Europe packing list early this year to avoid last-minute stress.
Tips for a Successful Europe Packing List
Even just thinking about packing for a trip is part of the fun for me. Of course, it’s a challenge, but I like to think of it as a fun challenge! This year will take an extra amount of planning and preparation because we will be traveling with just carry-ons for part of the trip. Since this is our third year spending the summer in Spain, along with many other trips mixed in between, I’ve learned some tips for creating a successful Europe packing list. These are a few things I’ve noted along the way:
- Pack for all types of weather, as it can vary greatly from day to day. We’ve experienced chilly sweater weather one day followed by pouring rain the next. And oh goodness, last year’s heat wave was no joke! This is all within the month of July. It’s best to be prepared and bring at least 1-2 items for all weather scenarios.
- On a similar note, layers are essential. No matter when or where I’m traveling, I always dress in layers. I’ve found it’s better to be able to remove items and layer them back on as needed rather than not have this option at all.
- Focus on classic pieces for your Europe packing list. If you include timeless pieces then I think it’s easier to mix and match them together to create multiple different outfits. Classic pieces tend to blend well with one another.
- Be sure to include the typical travel essentials checklist items including a handheld mini fan, a pill organizer, a portable steamer, etc.
- Leave room to do some shopping! I always love shopping Spanish brands for kids, especially in July when everything is on sale!
- Before starting your Europe packing list, check to see if your accommodations have a washer and dryer on site. If these appliances are available, they can significantly cut down on your packing needs.
- Try to plan out your trip activities as much as possible before leaving. This will ensure you have everything you need whether you plan on hiking, playing tennis, walking around the city, or laying on a beach.
The Ultimate Europe Packing List
Keeping these tips in mind, it’s time to get to the fun part – my Europe packing list! While I’ll be using this list for a long summer stay, I do believe it can easily be used for a weeklong European vacation as well. This is due to the fact that we will have a washing machine to use in San Sebastián, so my main focus is just packing for the first week in Paris and Bilbao. Beyond that, I plan on washing and re-wearing the clothing.
European travel has been a part of my life for many years and now sharing it with my family, especially my boys, makes it extra special. After each trip, I try to jot down a few notes, even if it’s just on my phone, about what worked and what didn’t work packing-wise. These are my tried and true items that always make it on my Europe packing list, no matter the time of year or the destination.
1. Shoes
There are four types of shoes that are “musts” on my Europe packing list. Sandals, tennis shoes, a classic pair of heels, and a stylish sneaker for walking around. However, if you’re traveling in the wintertime you could sub sandals for boots.
I will be bringing a pair of Ancient Greek Sandals, which I have really loved wearing. They look great with everything from dresses and matching sets to jeans and shorts. Plus, they’re surprisingly very comfortable! My exact pair is sold out, but this Raffia pair is beautiful and currently on sale (but hurry, there are only a few sizes left!)
For special nights out, I plan to bring a classic pair of small block heels in a neutral color to match everything. I’ve found that shoes with a smaller heel are easiest to wear on European cobblestone streets.
For a more casual option, I’ll be packing my white Veja sneakers. I love my Vejas…now! But I do think they take some time to break in, so I would advise wearing them around your home and neighborhood before taking them on a big trip. Now that mine are broken in, they’re the shoes that I reach for whenever I want something with support that are also cute enough to pair with a dress.
And lastly, my On Cloud sneakers always make the cut for my Europe packing list. I found a gym in San Sebastián last year that allows you to pay by the session and it has a thermal spa. So I’m planning to go at least a couple of times each week. Plus, we love to hike while we’re there, so tennis shoes are a must.
2. Tops
The key to choosing tops for a Europe packing list is to focus on the classics. I’ve found if I pack timeless tops, especially in neutral colors, then I can easily create multiple outfits by pairing them with different bottoms.
First up, a classic striped shirt. I will never get tired of stripes and they always feel so European! This blue and white striped three-quarter length sleeve top is comfortable while also being chic. I love it paired with jeans or shorts.
I will also be packing my favorite linen button-down top in this fun new pink and green tropical print. Versatility is the name of the game when packing, so I love that this top can double as a swim cover-up!
This short sleeve bodysuit and this white cap sleeve top are two basics that always make my Europe packing list. I’ve tried a few different bodysuits over the years and this one is my favorite. The fabric is excellent, the fit is comfy, and the style is chic and elevated. And I love this white cap sleeve top so much that it made my top 23 list of classic staple pieces. It is so easy to throw on with shorts, jeans, or trousers. It can be hard to find a white top that isn’t sheer, but this one looks great!
Lastly, I always pack a cashmere wrap. This one is my favorite – the fabric is truly luxurious and I love all of the pretty color options!
3. Bottoms
When it comes to the types of bottoms on my Europe packing list, once again I keep it pretty simple. I plan on packing two pairs of jeans, one pair of trousers, and a few pairs of shorts.
These ankle-length wide straight leg jeans have been my favorite lately and will definitely be coming with me. They are so comfortable and seem to go with so many different types of tops. Plus, I love the light wash for summer. I also plan on packing these high-rise relaxed jeans.
As for trousers, I will be bringing these crepe pleated straight wide leg pants – I love them so much that I now own them in two colors! They instantly make you feel elegant and they wash up incredibly well. Plus, certain shades are currently on sale! For a similar option, this pair of crepe wide leg pants also look really nice.
I plan to bring at least two pairs of shorts and I’m focusing on neutrals to pair with everything. First up, I’ll be packing this pair of cream shorts. The scallop details are darling and I love the flattering (and comfortable) paperbag waist. Plus, the color basically matches everything! And lastly, I always add a classic pair of jean shorts to my Europe packing list.
4. Matching Sets
I will be packing two different matching sets for our summer in Europe – a pants set and a shorts set. The wonderful thing about sets is that not only can the pieces be paired together, but also as separates, allowing for versatility and multiple outfits.
For a pants set, this pair of navy gauze pants paired with this cotton gauze top is on my Europe packing list. These pieces are incredibly lightweight and as their name implies, as soft as a cloud! This set is the one you need if you’re looking for superior comfort while still being put together.
As for a shorts set, I wore this cactus green vest and shorts set to chapel for the boys’ last day of school and I absolutely loved it! I plan on wearing it out for dinners during our time in Europe, but it’s honestly comfortable enough to wear for days spent sightseeing or shopping.
5. Dresses
My Europe packing list is always a bit heavy on dresses. This is because dresses are what I wear most days we are there. I find it easy to throw on a dress and go and I am always comfortable in them. However, if dresses aren’t your thing you could always pack a few extra tops in their place.
I’m not sure exactly how many dresses I’ll be packing, but there are three that I know for certain. First up, this black maxi length shirt dress. Chances are you’ve seen me wear the white version of this dress, as it’s one of my all-time favorite silhouettes. I’m loving this new fabric and color option! Next up, is this green puff sleeve midi dress. The print is so fun and the style feels very European. And you can take 15% off with code sarah15! Last, but not least, this chambray mini shirtdress, which is so easy to throw on and go with sandals or sneakers.
6. Swimwear
Adding swimwear to your Europe packing list is a great idea if you’re traveling during the summertime. However, if you’re visiting a destination that is cold or you simply know you won’t be visiting a beach or pool, you can always leave this off. I plan on keeping it simple and packing one swimsuit (this turquoise one piece) and one cover-up (this blue and green pareo). For additional swimwear favorites, be sure to check out my list of the best swimsuits for moms.
7. Jackets
For a summer trip to Europe, I advise packing a lightweight jacket along with a raincoat. But once again, if you are traveling during the fall or winter, you will probably want to adjust this and bring a heavier coat.
For a lightweight jacket, I plan to bring either this linen lady jacket or this striped sweater lady jacket. I can’t decide which I’ll bring, as I love them both – they’re so chic and timeless! And for a raincoat, I plan to bring this packable hooded rain jacket. I love that it packs up easily, but is also a classic style with great coverage.
8. Pajamas
The very last must-bring item on my Europe packing list is pajamas. You certainly don’t want to forget pjs! I plan on bringing a few different styles of my favorite LAKE pajamas including this Pima long-short set, this tank-long set, and this pointelle shorts set.
Europe Packing List Bonus: Suitcases
I know this list might seem long and I also know that packing can be stressful, so I don’t want to overwhelm you. However, I do want to add a small section about suitcases and carry-on bags because I often get questions about them. For my checked luggage, I have used these durable and lightweight suitcases for a few years and absolutely love them. And for carry-ons, we have used these affordable suitcases for over ten flights in the past few years and they have held up great! I also add these vinyl alphabet stickers to our luggage and passports to quickly note which items belong to each family member.
Today I’m not going to get into the nitty-gritty details about what I pack in my carry-on, such as toiletries, electronics, etc. However, be sure to check out my list of travel essentials to help with that aspect of packing.
Essentials for Your Europe Packing List
There you have it – all of the essentials that I plan to include on my Europe packing list. These are all items that I will honestly be packing for our trip this summer. I also feel confident in saying that I could easily pack them all again next summer (and the next) and they would still be relevant and perfect for the trip, due to their timeless nature.
If you have an upcoming European vacation, I hope you find this list to be helpful! If you have questions about packing for Europe that I didn’t cover today, feel free to leave them in the comments below or send me a DM. And for additional packing tips and inspiration be sure to check out these posts:
Classic Staples for a Timeless Wardrobe
