Going from the US to Europe can be scary, especially if you don’t know the language. These are the items that you absolutely need when traveling to Europe. Whether you are studying abroad or backpacking around the continent, these items will make your trip just that much easier. You don’t need much besides certain wardrobe pieces, technology, and sunscreen of course. I lived in Italy for over a month while traveling around to surrounding countries like Greece and France. These are a few travel needs for Europe I found myself needing frequently.

Wardrobe

Wardrobe is the most key part of traveling to Europe. My one piece of advice would be to bring 90% basics that you will wear everyday. Try to find comfortable clothing that looks nice. Neutral colors will be your best friend since it is easy to mix and match together. The the other 10% should be some statement pieces like dresses, jewelry, and pants.

90%

• Romper or jumpsuit- easy to throw on
• Linen pants and shorts- lightweight and easy to pack
• Maxi dresses- must have knees covered in most churches
• Button up shirt- layered over a dress or outfit to cover shoulders for churches
• Loose flowing shirts and pants- creates interesting shapes while keeping comfort

10%

• Patterned pants, shorts, and skirts- pop of color to wear out to dinner or the bars
• Colored Maxi dress- great for an everyday wear or special occasion
• Statement jewelry- this can help spruce up a neutral outfit
• Silk scarf- multi-use for covering shoulders, tied on hair, or used as a shirt

Adapters

Bring more than one! I would recommend getting a universal adapter rather than a Europe specific one. I use the Universal Travel Adapter from Amazon that is compatible with the US, Australia, Europe, and the UK. It is super affordable and easy to pack. Some hotels in Europe have different plugs for no reason, so I would suggest the universal one for sure.

I say bring two because one will get lost. You will let someone borrow one, leave it in the hotel room, or get it stolen. There are so many unpredictable events that happen while traveling so I would just be ready to lose one. I did not know where to find another adapter abroad so it’s best to bring two just in case.

Sunscreen

Sun protection is always key. If you are just visiting Europe, chances are you will be doing lots of exploring outside and walking the streets of the cities. Due to the ocean and atmospheric currents, Europe is much warmer than the US. Even though London and Chicago are at the same latitude, London winters are more temperate because of the currents.

Mineral sunscreen in much gentler on your skin making it safer for every day use. The Coppertone Pure and Simple Mineral Sunscreen Pack is perfect for a trip to Europe since it has the face and body sticks. Mineral sunscreen is reef safe, protects your skin from environmental pollutants, and does not contain the harmful chemicals in most other sunscreens. The sun is super strong in Europe and applying sunscreen will be your saving grace to not go to bed with a sunburn everyday.

Tennis Shoes

Of course you need a good pair of tennis shoes, You’ll be walking around all day and exploring the city. Do not buy a new pair of tennis shoes for the trip. You must use what you know will work for walking days on end. As well there are so many stairs in Europe that it just makes everyone’s life easier if you have no blisters. I used my trusty Airforce Ones that I wore so mush they were pretty much formed to my feet. I wore them out by the end of the trip, but I had no blisters to show.

Some of my friend bought some new walking shoes or some cheap shoes from Target because they looked cute, and they did not cut it. Their blisters were crazy. There is also no point in putting on band aids because they just rub right off with the rest of your skin along the trip. Just pull out your trusty old tennis shoes for the Europe trip. If you absolutely need to get some new ones, I found some from Amazon that have lots of cushion and look cute for Europe.

New Balance Women’s 237 V1 Classic Sneaker

Nike Men’s Low-Top Sneakers Basketball Shoe

Women’s Tennis Shoes Walking Sneakers 

Bags

Pick pocketing is the biggest thing ever in Europe. Many people have stories of catching people with their hand in their bag, not even noticing when something is taken, or having whole bags stolen. I would never leave your bags unattended in Europe.

In terms of an everyday bag, I would recommend a purse or bag with a buckle. Anything that is tight to your body or a cross body bag works great. I found a couple bags that I would use for Europe that are easy to use and anti theft.

When traveling to Europe, pack another empty duffel bag or backpack in your suitcase. You’ll need this for weekend trips, big hikes, days at the beach, or to take back all of your souvenirs. I don’t know how, but I left the US with two bags and came back with three full ones.

Reminders

Traveling to Europe from the United States is quite the journey and you need to have everything you need before you get there. Thanks for reading my travel needs for Europe. After living in Italy for a month and traveling to France and Greece I have found these are the best things to keep in your luggage. Have fun travels!