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Need a packing list for Europe in the summer? We have several helpful guides to help female travelers choose the right items without overpacking. Get started with this one!
Packing List for Europe in Summer
by Vanessa Yates
You’ve read about it, dreamed about it, and almost everyone you know knows someone who has done it: a Euro-trip.
After working countless extra hours, you have finally decided to take the plunge and travel Europe. It took you weeks to plan the perfect itinerary (that you changed at least 20 times) and now you are moving on to the hardest part: planning your Europe packing list for summer. I’m sure you’ve wondered,
“How do I pack enough clothing to get me through my entire backpacking trip through Europe?”
I, too, struggled with this the first time I backpacked. But after 5 months of traveling in Europe, I learned a lot. I hope these packing tips will help make the process a bit easier for you.
Creating an interchangeable capsule wardrobe is the key to traveling light, which should easily fit into your backpack with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing
Don’t forget, there are opportunities to shop in every city and town, so save space for new purchases.
Please read our Ultimate Packing List for Europe featuring travel outfits and travel tips for multiple countries.
Shirt | Tee | Tank | Top | Dress | Jeans | Shorts | Denim Shorts | Raincoat | Sweater | V neck | Skirt | Sandals | Slip On | Satchel
PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE IN SUMMER: CLOTHING
- 2 or 3 short sleeved tops
- 1-2 long sleeved tops
- 2 tank tops (summer)
- 1 dress
- 2 or 3 shorts/skirts (any length is fine)
- 1-2 pairs of light trousers
- 1 swimsuit
- 2-3 pairs of socks – I wear Toms and sandals, so socks are just for preventing bug bites
- 10 travel underwear
- 3 bras – I recommend 1 dry fit sports bra
- 1 sleepwear – Pajamas that can double up as regular clothes
TFG recommends: J.Jill makes amazing travel pants that are functional and look sophisticated, which is perfect for Europe.
I’ve worn their Skyler travel pants with heels for drinks in LA, in Spain with boots for sightseeing, to play in the snow with waterproof boots in the UK, for everyday travel in Thailand with flip flops, and on hikes with trainers.
They are the ultimate multi-functional travel pant, offering form, function, and fashion (and a good cost per wear value)!
Scarf | Pant | Sneakers | Backpack
PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE IN SUMMER: ACCESSORIES & EXTRAS
- 1 raincoat
- 1 knit or light sweater – I like a button up cardigan because it can dress up and down.
- 1 scarf
- sunglasses
- jewelry – Nothing too expensive but enough to glam up any outfit
- waterproof sandals
- cute and comfortable flats that can be worn casually/dressy
- comfortable walking shoes – I prefer women’s casual sneakers as they are lightweight, comfortable, and cute. I don’t typically do a lot of rugged hiking in Europe.
Stylish trainers like Nike Free or sneakers like Superga are popular, ideally worn with a polished outfit, not workout clothing like leggings.
Bra Stash | Travel Guide | Adapter | Backpack
PACKING LIST FOR EUROPE IN SUMMER: GEAR
- anti-theft products
- universal adapter
- music, podcasts, or audiobooks (for long journeys)
- neck pillow (Also for long journeys)
- headlamp / flashlight
- 1-2 small locks – To use in hostel dorms
- sink stopper – The flat ones work in all drains
- bobby pins – Great for easy travel hairstyles and as clothing line pins
Please read our top 10 hostel travel essentials when backpacking Europe!
I have used this packing list for Europe in summer every time I travel and have always been more than prepared. Anything else you need you can buy along the way. Congrats on your adventure and have fun in Europe!
What’s on your Europe packing list? Share and comment below!
Please note: Most of Europe’s budget airlines have this carryon bag allowance: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Always check your airline’s individual baggage rules and regulations in advance.
For more tips, please read these Europe packing lists:
- Athens
- Amsterdam
- Budapest
- Copenhagen
- Cologne
- Dublin
- Edinburgh
- Estonia
- Italy
- London
- Lithuania
- Paris
- Rome
- Spain
- Zurich
Suggested travel resources:
Please read our Ultimate Packing List for Europe featuring stylish outfits and travel tips for 9 countries.
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Author Bio: Vanessa Yates and her backpack and have traveled 28 countries throughout North America, Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Her adventure continues in South-East Asia where she will soon begin working at a Canadian international school in Malaysia. She hopes to never stop traveling!
This information was so helpful for my European river cruise this past June! Wonderful site!
Love all of these articles! I find this information so helpful and it has been priceless for my recent trip to Europe!
Love Travel Fashion Girl! This 2 week Europe in Summer 1 packing list was SO helpful for my daughter and I. I always check out your super helpful advice like the packing for France list as well, and you haven’t steered me wrong yet. I will pass Travel fashion girl onto all my friends and family! Thank you so much!!
Thank you for the information. I now feel confident in packing for my upcoming 12 day trip to Europe. So many helpful hints!
Your articles eased my worries and helped me pack just a carry on for 15 days in Europe! Traveling by train from Barcelona through multiple destinations in France and Italy was much easier with minimal luggage. I had all I needed to enjoy an exceptional trip!!
I just wanted to say thank you so much! This post was a lifesaver for my two week trip to London and Paris this past summer.
Hi
I am travelling to Europe in the month of Aug for 15 days covering east to west.
What kind of clothing should i carry and shoes too.
Hi Savitha,
A good place to start is to take a look at TFG’s Four Signature Packing Lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ The packing lists show you how to pack light and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey.
The point of our capsule wardrobes is that you use the principles behind them, not the exact clothing shown. Depending on your preferences, you can choose more bottoms, fewer dresses, more tops – you can adjust the combination based on your needs!
Then for tips to help you adapt your packing list for your trip, check out this 10 step guide which also includes links to all our European destination guides: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-europe/
I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and recommendations and this is a common query.
Hope this helps. Happy travels! 💜
Thank you, I’m going on a 3 week trip central and eastern Europe June and July, thank you for reminding me of some travel tips that will help me out.
Hi Joey, so pleased you found this post helpful, have an amazing trip to Europe! ?
We will be traveling to Europe in June for two weeks n what to pack
Hi Nan, thank you for reaching out! Have a look at what I packed for my trip to Europe: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/clothing-for-2-weeks-in-europe-summer/ You might also find our ultimate packing guide to Europe in the summer helpful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/packing-for-europe-in-summer/ The weather is not that predictable, the best tip is to monitor the forecast for your specific trip dates to ensure that you have the most appropriate clothing. If you need any more packing tips, I would recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It is a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and suggestions to share. Hope this helps you with your packing. Have an amazing time! ?
Thanks so much for your packing lists! We’re going to France in early June and it looks like we’ll have a lot of rain. Are the waterproof sandals the footwear game plan for sightseeing inclimate weather? Just making sure! Again, thanks for your indispensable tips!
Hi Karen, thank you so much for your comment, so glad you like the packing lists!! You should pack the shoes which you find the most comfortable wearing, so as long as your waterproof sandals are comfy, then you should be fine. Have a look at this article about what shoes to wear in Paris: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/parisian-shoes-6-trends-for-summer-2014/ Have a fantastic trip to France! 🙂
Sure wish Anatomie and others would carry petite pants and jackets, a must for me.
Do you have a PDF or document version of your full list that I can print and use? Thank you!
Hi, I am travelling for 10 days in France, Belgium and Holland, looking at all the war memorials and sites,by car but also using bikes. It is at the back end of July into August. What would you recommend. And I’ve had a look online and it says the average temperatures range from mid 50’s to mid 70 degrees.
Thank you
Hey Katie 🙂 This sounds like a really interesting trip! We have a few different articles on packing for Europe that might be helpful for you, including this France packing list http://bit.ly/290iVqU and our 10 step guide for Europe – http://bit.ly/28U5J65! Also as these temperatures can feel a lot colder for some people, take a look at some of our cold weather guides for help – http://bit.ly/28TJ07V! Have a great trip and I hope you find these tips helpful 🙂
I used this list when I travelled Europe and it was super helpful! I successfully travelled carry-on only for an 8 week adventure and I was incredibly proud of myself. I love having so many great products and ideas all on one website. This is a travellers dream site, even if the fashion level is above mine, it inspires me to reach that little bit higher and reach for just a bit more adventure in my packing!
Thank you Gillian 🙂 I am so pleased you find the site useful!
Love your tips. Travelling to Paris & London early Sept for 7 weeks then Hong Kong for 4 days. Need some tips for packing light for all 3 destinations.
Hi Tiffany, first read these posts:
https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-for-paris/
https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-london-on-your-trip-to-the-united-kingdom/
https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-hong-kong/
Then apply your clothing research by using this packing strategy: https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-guide-to-packing-for-different-climates/
Have a wonderful trip 🙂
I don’t know how I found your blog but it’s amazing. I will go to europe in June until September and I’m going to stay in Switzerland. You rocks \m/ Maybe I will do sone trips around but now I have an idea to what to pack. Thanks!
Hi Alex,
I am still looking for a packing list for Norway for July.
Thanks,
Cassie
Hi Cassie, I’m still looking for someone to make it for you
Hi! A lot of people are telling me a definite no on the shorts. I keep hearing different things so I’m unsure what to do. I’m going to Italy (Rome and Florence), London, Paris, and Germany in May and I know it’s going to be warmer in some places. It’s a month trip with probably no stops for laundry so I’m trying to pack light and easy to wash. So any advice on any of that would be awesome! Thanks!
Hi Katie, here is some insight on whether or not to wear shorts in Europe: https://travelfashiongirl.com/should-you-wear-shorts-in-paris-ever/ I think when people say no shorts they mean no outdoor-type shorts like knee length cargo shorts. Planning what to wear to Europe is more about how you style something versus the actual clothing item. Here are more tips: https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-europe/
This post was so super helpful! Cant wait to pack for my next trip!
Thanks Morgan 🙂
Great article! Do you know what brand trousers those are? I’m on the hunt for comfy/stylish pants for my trip to Germany/Switzerland/Prague :).
Thanks! They’re Lala Classic Chino Pant Rp8 from Only.com
Hi, i’m from Romania (Europe) and I’m going to Grand Canyon South Rim for 3 months to work, and 2 weeks in California and New York to party. Unfortunatelly I only have a 23 kg suitcase allowance and I really don’t know where to start. I will travel with my boyfriend and I guess I’ll put some of my stuff in his suitcase 😀 but still…there are sooo many clothes I want to take with me. Ps…i’m leaving in a week
Hi Lori! What time of year are you traveling?
shirt: farfetch.com/shopping/women/cats-by-tsumori-chisato-striped-t-shirt-item-10246801.aspx
shorts: nelly.com/uk/womens-fashion/clothing/trousers-shorts/estradeur-1043/roma-shorts-104324-14/?utm_source=affwin&utm_medium=cpo&utm_campaign=affwin_92295 and aliceandolivia.com/
Hiya, I’m going to Turkey for 3 months in 5 weeks and even though I’ll be staying in my own apartment I only have a 20kg suitcase allowance and a carry on suitcase crammed full of stuff (unlimited weight)
Looking at what you have recommended I’m starting to think ill over pack! I have at least 10 bikinis and 8 pairs of denim shorts alone as well as about 12 pairs of sandals/flip flops. Not to mention I still have to pack towels, toiletries and loads more clothes! Whoops.
Any advice on what to cut down or cut out?
Hopefully it will about 30+ degrees everyday so there’s no need for an umbrella or coat etc.
Also I don’t have a washing machine so the majority of things will be hand washed but there is lots of laundrettes nearby i could use should I feel the need.
Ronni x
Hi Ronni, sounds like you have quite the packing list going on. I think you should start here: https://travelfashiongirl.com/maximista-packing-list-spring-2013/ and also sign up to download my free packing e-book.
Do you really need those quantities? You can create countless outfits by choosing the right clothing. You can rotate 2-3 pairs of denim shorts. At the very most I would recommend to choose 5 pairs of shoes that match best with your clothing.
Check out how I made 3 weeks worth of clothing with just 8 clothing items here: https://travelfashiongirl.com/fsjet-22-days-8-countries-8-clothing-items/
It sounds like you’re quite the fashionista so focus on your accessories to make your outfits.
As for toiletries, you can buy what you need there and just pack the essentials such as special products you can’t live without for 3 months.
Also, you should really consider packing cubes to help maximize your limited space: https://travelfashiongirl.com/packing-cubes-video-tutorial-learn-how-to-pack-light/
Hope this helps! Have a great trip!
HI,
I am going to Germany, Poland and Amsterdam this summer for 2 weeks. Mostly going to Holocaust sites and the Anne Frank House. Any packing/clothing suggestions>
Hi Cassie, stay tuned. Many Europe packing lists coming in May 🙂
This is a great site, and a fantastic packing list!
What changes or additions would you make for a 2 week honeymoon with Paris, Venice and Munich as the main destinations? We are going in September.
Thanks Amie! Stay tuned for Europe packing lists in May 🙂
Hi! I’m going to be spending around 3 months in Europe and am severely struggling with luggage… On that note, what luggage do you recommend? I know for sure I want a backpack but I don’t want to scream “tourist.” Also, do most backpackers carry their luggage around with them everywhere? Or are there places to lock up your things?
Sorry if these questions are basic! Really need advice tho! :\
Hi Erika
Thanks for your message!
For Europe, 100% backpack! I brought a suitcase with me on my first 2 trips and it was just a nightmare running up and down the train or underground stations with a heavy suitcase. Plus, the hotels we stayed at in Italy had a million flights of tiny stairs so that wasn’t very fun at all.
With that being said, pack light! I like Osprey bags like the Farpoint 55 because it’s a nice looking quality bag that works: https://travelfashiongirl.com/the-travel-gear-i-cant-live-without/
Usually, you can leave your backpack in your hostel dorm. While some places do have lockers for your bag, many don’t but they do offer services to store your valuables in either individual safes or with reception. out of the 5 years I’ve been on the road, I’ve only had something taken out of my bag once while traveling so it’s not a common occurrence, plus it was really my fault for leaving cash in my unlocked Aura 65 bag. The bag that I now use Farpoint 55 has lockable zippers which actually did prevent a theft this year so highly recommend it.
I’ll be releasing a new Europe packing List soon. Send me an email with your countries so I can have your itinerary in mind when I put it together 🙂 travelfashiongirl at gmail dot com
Thank you! This is so helpful for my 5 day (I know it’s short) to England and Germany!
Thank you Mollie!
You might also like this new packing list specifically for budget airline travel in Europe https://travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-for-europes-budget-airlines/
Hope you have a great trip!
This is a great list as we’re leaving for Eastern Europe in a week. So how much more do you pack for a Europe in Winter?
Layers layers layers. Since you don’t sweat as you would in the heat, maybe yo maximize your warmth layers and reuse them so you dont need to change every singe day…
If you’re not trekking, then just one pair of comfy trainer/going out shoes and one flip flops for hostels?
A coat that you wear on the flight and you wear every single will probably never have to go inside your bag so that shouldn’t take room…
Maybe you two will share some of your packing insights when you get back? 🙂 How long are you gone for?
Thanks! I was worried about shoes too since I don’t have any ‘waterproof’ shoes. I was hoping my regular sneakers would be fine. We’re gone for 5 weeks. Eastern Europe and NYC! =)
That’s awesome! Just avoid wearing fabrics and colors that would get ruined liked white colors or suede fabrics. Leather is a good option. Any footwear you’d wear outdoors in the winter in Northern California would probably work too 🙂
Have fun 🙂