If you have a planned trip to Europe, you need to know about these Europe travel essentials! No matter where you’re going or how you’re getting there, these travel essentials and gadgets can make your travel planning much easier. All items are available to buy from Amazon.
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Hi 👋 I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger based near London, in England. I have travelled solo throughout most of Europe, and I’m here to help you do the same. Over the years, I have tried and tested various travel essentials for Europe, and these are my favourites.
From packing cubes to a great carry-on bag, these are the 20 things that will make your next Europe trip a breeze.
1. A good carry-on bag.
A good carry-on bag is essential for any Europe trip, long or short. Ideally you want one with padded pockets and USB charging capabilities. I recommend luggage with plenty of pockets so you can stay organised on the go.
I love this stylish black quilted bag, and this waterproof rucksack is perfect for trips where you need to carry shoes separately.
2. Packing cubes.
Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. Not only do they help you keep your belongings organised, but they also help you maximise space in your suitcase or carry on. There are two types of packing cubes; standard cubes and compression cubes.
3. Noise-cancelling headphones.
Noise-cancelling headphones are amongst my must-have travel essentials for late flights and long waits. With these headphones, you can block out all sounds on a flight (even screaming babies) and enjoy some rest.
4. Portable charger.
A portable charger (or power bank) is a must-have travel essential in Europe if you rely on your phone for navigation, or keeping in touch with your travel companions.
There’s nothing worse than having your phone die right when you need it most, so make sure you’ve got a charger that can keep up with you. It will keep your devices charged and give you that extra piece of mind.
You can also buy a case for your portable charger, I’ve included one below for you.
5. Airport-approved clear liquids bags.
Airport liquids bags are great because you can pack them in advance, they are much more durable than the thin plastic bags they give you at airports and the lock always stays sealed.
These bags clearly state ‘CAA, TSA and EU Approved’ although some security officials still might not want to accept – so be prepared to quickly switch to an airport-issued bag if necessary.
6. Scarf or sarong.
The most underrated of all the travel essentials, a scarf or sarong can be used for everything from keeping warm on a chilly flight to providing extra privacy when you’re sharing a hotel room with someone else.
They also come in handy as impromptu towels if you find yourself caught in the rain without an umbrella.
I have also used a scarf as a cover up when visiting religious buildings, to cover my head in extreme sun and also to avoid burning my legs on a very hot metal seat! All three of these things were required when travelling in Europe.
You can also get scarves with hidden pockets (see below) which are very useful.
7. Travel steamer.
A travel steamer might not seem like a very obvious choice in comparison to the other travel essentials. However I once went on a long cruise around Europe, and to my horror, there was no iron in my cabin and none available anywhere on the ship. I had to wear creased clothes for the entire trip!
I couldn’t understand how the glamorous women at dinner all had such perfectly pressed clothes. A travel steamer is the answer.
Now I don’t go anywhere without my travel steamer. Once I arrive at my destination, I hang all my clothes up and steam them – it takes a few minutes and is well worth it. Things like jackets and delicate items can’t really be ironed with a traditional iron anyway, but they can easily be steamed.
8. Neck pillow.
A familiar addition to a list of travel essentials, a neck pillow can be a lifesaver on long flights or road trips. There are lots of different types, but these two are my favourite, as they help prop your head up when you are sitting upright in a plane seat or airport chair.
I have also got an essential travel blanket further down my list, which can be used as a pillow too.
9. In-flight wireless transmitter.
A wireless transmitter is a travel essential for anyone who uses wireless headphones/ear buds. It allows you to use your AirPods/wireless buds on the plane without having to plug in the airline headphones or any other wired headphones.
A really cool feature of these transmitters is you can pair two sets of Airpods at the same time – great if you are watching one screen with a companion.
10. Travel blanket.
I am only recommending one blanket, and that is the Ever Snug Travel Blanket and Pillow. This is an excellent product and it is so soft and snuggly!
It comes with a clip for your backpack, and a luggage strap on the back too. You can use it as a pillow or take it out and use it as a blanket on the plane. Once you have taken the blanket out, you are left with the empty pillow case, so you can put the airline pillow (or something else) inside it.
Make sure you wash it before use, to get rid of any lint.
11. Folding bluetooth keyboard.
For a while, I stopped taking my USB keyboard on trips, because it was too bulky. I really struggled trying to write blogs on the road during that time.
These portable bluetooth keyboards fold up small and connect via USB to your phone, tablet, laptop and other devices. There are minor issues associated with bluetooth (they use batteries) but if you suffer with joint/wrist issues, then a portable keyboard is a must.
The second keyboard pictured here is slightly sturdier and has a 24 month warranty. The first one is a bit more flimsy. They are both very useful.
12. Travel towel.
I simply cannot recommend another travel towel other than the Dock & Bay Travel Towel. These microfibre towels are essential for your European travels.
They dry almost instantly, sand doesn’t stick to them, they are great quality, they pack away really small and they come in a range of 40 pretty designs!
I’ve included two striped versions below but there are lots of floral prints too.
13. RFID blocking pouch.
As travel essentials go, this one is the most important for anti-theft measures. It is very important that you keep your bank cards safe by storing them in an RFID blocking pouch or an RFID travel wallet.
RFID tags are a data transmission feature stored in bank cards and identification cards. Thieves can access your information if you do not have a barrier to stop the RFID signal being picked up by a remote scanner.
When you’re in the airport, thieves can scan your cards from a distance, and you wouldn’t know until it was too late. You may also want to consider an anti-theft sling bag or an anti-theft backpack.
14. Collapsible water bottle.
A water bottle is always going to feature on a list of travel essentials, but a collapsible water bottle is even better. These are excellent for their space-saving properties once your water is finished.
I recommend going for something that is not made of plastic, is FDA approved and BPA free. The black version below folds up the smallest.
15. Electronics organiser
No list of travel essentials would be complete without an electronics organiser. These pouches help you keep all your electronics accessories and various cables together. They can accommodate cables, flash drives, memory cards, USB drives, charger plugs, headphones, power banks, pens and more.
Gone are the days of fiddling around with tangled up cables and headphones! The pink one below fits slightly more items.
16. Sunglasses organiser.
A relative newcomer on my list of travel essentials for Europe, I now cannot travel without a sunglasses organiser. I still have nightmares about the time I opened up my hand-luggage to find two pairs of my favourite sunglasses broken in their soft cases!
These excellent organisers are great for both sunglasses and normal glasses, and you never have to worry about them being broken. Plus it helps to keep them all in the same place so you know where they are.
By the way if you are interested, my favourite sunglasses are here and here.
17. Hat clips.
The day I discovered hat clips was an enlightening day indeed. No more struggling with packing hats in suitcases or carrying them through airports in addition to your luggage. You can use these hat clips to attach your hat to your bag, backpack, luggage or even attach them to your clothing.
18. Mini travel umbrella.
Being British, I am well-versed in the importance of having a small fold-away umbrella in your bag at all times. Even in the height of summer in the UK, you can never rule out a downpour.
For those from more temperate climes, you might not realise how often it can randomly, suddenly, and very heavily rain in Europe! A compact umbrella is one of the most savvy travel essentials if you are visiting a country with unpredictable weather.
19. Luggage scale.
A veteran of the travel essentials, you can avoid costly overweight baggage fees with a luggage scale. You can easily weigh your bag before heading to the airport to ensure that it meets the weight requirements for carry-on bags. Different airlines have different rules (budget airlines have more weight restrictions) so this is a simple but important device for your travels.
20. Universal travel adaptor
I used to have different plugs for different countries, but soon I discovered the universal travel adaptor which is much more efficient, small and compact. You can’t go wrong with these items. I’ve included an Apple travel adaptor for those who only travel with Apple products.
FAQs about Europe Travel Essentials
Below are some frequently asked questions about European travel essentials.
Q: What are the must-have Europe travel essentials for any trip?
A: Your Europe travel essentials should include a universal power adapter, a secure crossbody bag, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and weather-appropriate clothing. A lightweight travel umbrella and a portable charger are also great additions.
Q: Do I need a travel adapter for Europe?
A: Yes! Most European countries use Type C, E, or F plugs, so a universal travel adapter is a must-have item. The UK and Ireland use a different Type G plug, so be sure to check your destination’s requirements.
Q: What kind of luggage is best for traveling in Europe?
A: A carry-on-sized suitcase or a backpack is ideal, especially if you plan to take trains or navigate cobbled streets. Many travellers consider a lightweight, wheeled suitcase or a sturdy travel backpack essential for ease and mobility.
Q: Is a carry-on bag enough for a trip to Europe?
A: Yes, a well-packed carry-on is often enough, especially if you follow a minimalist packing approach. Many airlines in Europe have strict baggage policies, so a carry-on-sized suitcase or backpack can save you time and extra fees.
Watch out for the low-cost airlines though (like Ryanair and Easyjet) as they only allow one very small bag which fits under the seat in the front. For these flights you may need to pay for a checked bag.
Q: What kind of shoes should I pack for Europe?
A: Comfortable walking shoes are a Europe travel essential, as you’ll likely be walking on cobblestone streets and standing in long queues. Sneakers, trainers, comfortable flats, or supportive sandals (in summer) are great options. If you plan on hiking or visiting colder regions, consider packing waterproof boots.
Q: Do I need travel insurance for Europe?
A: Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. It can cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellations, and other unexpected situations. Some European countries even require proof of insurance for entry, especially if you’re travelling on a Schengen visa. Try Visitors Coverage or EKTA for European travel insurance.
Q: How do I keep my belongings safe while travelling in Europe?
A: A secure crossbody bag with RFID-blocking features and anti-theft zippers is a smart investment. Money belts or hidden pouches can also help keep valuables secure. Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas where pickpocketing is common.
Q: What should I wear to blend in while travelling in Europe?
A: Europeans tend to dress smartly, even for casual outings. Avoid overly sporty or touristy outfits like baggy shorts and bright sneakers. Opt for neutral colors, stylish yet comfortable clothing, and layers to adapt to changing weather.
Q: Is a reusable water bottle a Europe travel essential?
A: Yes! Tap water is safe to drink in most European countries, so carrying a reusable water bottle can save money and reduce plastic waste. Some cities (like Rome in Italy) even have public water fountains where you can refill your bottle for free.
Q: Should I bring cash, or is card payment widely accepted in Europe?
A: Card payments are widely accepted, but it’s always good to carry some cash, especially for small purchases, tips, or markets. Many places in Europe prefer contactless payments, so consider bringing travel-friendly credit cards or debit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Q: Do I need to bring my own toiletries, or can I buy them in Europe?
A: You can easily buy toiletries in Europe, but if you’re travelling light, bring travel-sized versions of your essentials. Keep in mind that some brands or products may differ from what you’re used to, so if you have specific skincare or haircare needs, pack accordingly.
Q: What should I pack for different seasons in Europe?
A: For summer, bring lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. In winter, pack warm layers, a coat, gloves, and a scarf. Spring and autumn can be unpredictable, so layers and a waterproof jacket are key Europe travel essentials.
Q: Are there any packing tips for train travel in Europe?
A: If you’re taking trains, pack light and use luggage with sturdy wheels for easy mobility. Keep valuables in a secure bag, and if you’re on an overnight train, bring a travel lock and a small blanket or scarf for extra comfort. Book your train tickets with Rail Europe or Omio Europe to get the best prices.
Q: How can I create a Europe packing list?
A: Start by listing the essentials based on your destination, season, and activities. Break your list into categories: clothing, toiletries, electronics, documents, and miscellaneous items.
Prioritise versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, and remember key Europe travel essentials like a travel adapter, comfortable shoes, and a reusable water bottle. A decent set of packing cubes can help organise your items efficiently.
I recommend taking one pair of flip flops with arch support if you are going somewhere with a beach or pool, and a trench coat for most of Northern Europe where it rains!
Q: What’s the best way to stay connected in Europe?
A: If your phone plan doesn’t include free EU roaming, consider getting a local SIM card or an eSIM for affordable data. Portable WiFi devices are another option if you need multiple devices connected at once. Try Airalo or DrimSim for eSIM cards in Europe.
Q: What is the easiest way to read books whilst travelling in Europe?
A: If you love reading books whilst you are travelling, have a look at the free trial offers below from Amazon. These are amazing deals and just perfect for holidays. You can always cancel after 30 days.
Free trial of Audible: 30 days access to thousands of audiobooks, and one free premium title of your choice.
Free trial of Kindle Unlimited: 30 days access to unlimited ebook reading on any device. Unlock access to over two million titles instantly.
Free trial of Amazon Prime: 30 days free trial with free two-day shipping on all Amazon purchases, plus access to hundreds of new eBooks each month.
Free trial of Amazon Prime Video: 30 days of free video streaming, HD movies and shows, watch anywhere on any device, including all downloads and other Prime benefits.
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General Travel Resources:
Booking.com is the best site for hotels with free reservation and cancellations.
Viator and Get Your Guide are the best sites for tours and activities.
Discover Cars is the best comparison site for car rentals.
Trip.com is good for booking flights and packages.
See my Travel Resources page for a full list of helpful booking links.
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