Do you want to know what the must-have travel items for Europe are?
You are in the right place!
I have travelled throughout Europe and now live there.
There are items I have packed before and never used and there are others that I cannot survive Europe without.
Europe is an amazing destination, but you need to make sure you are exploring it safely. And the best way to do this is to not look like a tourist!
To help you have the best trip and guarantee your Europe getaway goes without a hitch, this guide has got you covered.
Here you will find everything you need for a trip to Europe any time of year to travel safely and confidently.
So let’s get started and make sure you have all the essentials for European travel!
1: Anti-Theft Day Bag
If you want to know one of the most important things you need to take to Europe, it’s a good day bag!
It doesn’t matter if you are planning on visiting Paris or Athens, unfortunately, pickpocketing happens in Europe.
And this is the only way to really guarantee you won’t have any of your belongings stolen!
Pros:
✔️Your belongings are always safe
✔️Budget-friendly
✔️ Amazing value for money
✔️ You will not look like a tourist
Cons:
❌ Don’t be too forceful with the zippers if you want them to last
“I’ve taken it everywhere. 60 flights, all kinds of travel, around town, to friends’ places. I’ve abused the hell out of it, and it still looks as good as the day I bought it!”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For Your Anti-Theft Bag Here!
2: Airtags
This is one of the travel necessities for Europe you need to pack!
From airport transfers to day trips, your luggage can easily get lost if you are not careful.
But fear not, this is where Airtags will save you time and time again!
Pros:
✔️Peace of Mind
✔️Easy to set up
✔️Cheaper than buying individually
Cons:
❌Can only be tracked from one phone. Make sure you have a good E-Sim to help you do that on your trip!
“I can check where my items are at any time and it’s incredibly accurate and even warns me if I have left something behind!”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For AirTags Here!
3: Portable Travel Door Lock
This is a recent travel item I bought and it is amazing!
No matter where you are staying, it is the best way to guarantee you and your possessions will be safe.
Pros:
✔️Portable
✔️Works on most doors
✔️Sterdy design
Cons:
❌Sometimes it is too secure
“Buy one for each family member and keep them close”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For The Portable Travel Door Lock Here!
4: Life straw
Whenever someone asks me “What should I take to Europe?”, I tell them to pack a Lifestraw!
There are places across Europe like Greece where it is not recommended you drink the water. It can make you sick and seriously ruin your trip!
But using a compact straw to filter your water will guarantee that any water you end up drinking is clean!
Pros:
✔️Lightweight & Compact
✔️Budget-friendly
✔️Can put it in your glass or drink it directly from the water source
Cons:
❌Takes a bit of time to clean
“Buy one for each family member and keep them close”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For LifeStraws Here!
5: Reusable Water Bottle
When thinking about what to pack for Europe, this may not be the first thing you think of.
But it will be something you will need and use constantly!
In destinations like Italy, there is plenty of free tap water you can drink with no issues, so you should make the most of it.
Pros:
✔️Saves you so much money as you don’t need to buy bottled water
✔️Budget-friendly
✔️ You can ensure you have water on you constantly
Cons:
❌ None- so make sure you pack this item for your Europe trip!
“One of the best purchases I’ve ever made!”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For Iron Flasks’ Here!
6: Multi-Country Power Adapter
This is a must-have travel item for any type of European trip!
Not all countries across Europe use the same power outlets.
So if you do not pack the right power adapter, you won’t be able to charge your phone or other devices.
This is why a Multi-Country Power Adapter is essential to take to Europe.
No matter what country you are in, you will be able to use your electronics with no issues!
Pros:
✔️Easy to use
✔️Charges devices really quickly
✔️Budget-friendly
✔️ Amazing value for money
✔️ Has different ports depending on where you travel to
Cons:
❌ Great for Europe, doesn’t work as well in India
“It comes with a USB slot, it comes with all the other plugs for international too. I wished I had come across this one instead of the others I had wasted my money on!”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For Your Power Adapter Here!
7: Revolut card
If you take anything away from this guide- Revolut is king for card payments in Europe 😍
This is a Europe travel essential that not enough people know about!
There are some places that do not accept payment cards from other countries, but they accept Revolut.
You just top it up from your phone which is super useful and you won’t get charged any fees for using it abroad.
And did I mention it is completely free?
8: Sun Protection Set
This is one of the top essential items for Europe travel in winter and summer!
It’s super handy to have around if you are driving in warm places like Italy too.
Pros:
✔️Super easy to travel with
✔️Budget-friendly
✔️Smells Amazing
Cons:
❌Don’t purchase just for the chapstick
“Love this set! I’m all ready for the beach now!”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For Sun Bum Set Here!
9: Black Raincoat
You are probably thinking “Why on earth am I being recommended a black raincoat?”
But hear me out.
One thing I have noticed when living in Europe is that everyone owns a black raincoat like this one.
So it is the perfect thing to wear in Europe to stay dry, and warm and not look like a tourist!
Pros:
✔️High Quality
✔️Warm and Lightweight
✔️Can put it in your glass or drink it directly from the water source
Cons:
❌Takes a bit of time to clean
“It’s incredibly light weight and perfect for weather protection”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For Europe Raincoats On Amazon Here!
10: Lightweight Suitcase
This is without a doubt one of the best travel items for Europe you can buy.
And even though there are so many options out there, I would be lost without The American Tourister!
Pros:
✔️Lightweight & Compact
✔️Travels amazingly
✔️Can easily be expanded
✔️Great for all types of travel
Cons:
❌May get some minor scratches over time
“Looks fab, easy to manoeuvre & light”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Get The American Tourister Here Today!
11: Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are not the most exciting purchase, but they are an essential travel item for any trip to Europe.
And are super useful if you are staying in a hostel or shared accommodation!
Pros:
✔️Lightweight & Compact
✔️Budget-friendly
✔️Can put it in your glass or drink it directly from the water source
Cons:
❌Takes a bit of time to clean
“Buy one for each family member and keep them close”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Get The Best Packing Cubes For Europe Here!
12: Flip Flops
Even if you are not travelling to Europe during the summer, these are one of the travel essentials you need to pack!
Pros:
✔️Comfortable
✔️Budget-friendly
✔️Good quality
Cons:
❌Like most flip-flops, they are prone to give blisters
“They are really comfortable and sturdy. They also dry really fast!”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For Flip Flops Here!
13: Anker Rechargeable Battery Pack
I absolutely love this battery pack and has saved me so many times 😍
You never know if there will be a charging point available so this is absolutely an essential must-have travel item you should have for any trip to Europe!
Pros:
✔️Battery lasts a long time
✔️Solid design
✔️Can charge multiple devices at once
Cons:
❌Can feel heavy
“It’s the charger that keeps on going. Very durable and high quality product.”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For The Anker Battery Pack Here!
14: Long Sleeve Shirt
There are a lot of religious places around Europe you may visit on your trip.
So one of the top Europe travel essentials I always recommend is a lightweight shirt.
It is the cheapest and easiest way to make sure you are prepared for all dressed codes.
So if you are wondering what to pack for Europe, make sure you have one of these!
✅ Get Your Europe Proof Long Sleeve Shirt Here!
15: Headphones (Similar To Apple If You Can)
![Wireless Earbud, Bluetooth 5.1 Headphones Sport Wireless Bluetooth Earphones in Ear Noise Cancelling Earbud with Mic Deep Bass, Earhooks Ear Buds IP7 Waterproof 48H Headset for Running Gym[2021 New]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ups6VMf1L._SL500_.jpg)
This is one of the most important Europe travel necessities everyone should have!
If you want to listen to music or use Google Maps, this is the best way to not look like a tourist and become a target for pickpockets.
Pros:
✔️Works great with Android and Apple
✔️Budget-friendly
✔️Good Battery Life
Cons:
❌The touch functionality is overly sensitive
“I’ve had these for 2 months now and I LOVE them. Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For Earpods Here!
16: Electrolyte Tablets
This is one of the top things to take to Europe to make sure you stay healthy during your trip!
I’m awful at remembering to stay hydrated when exploring because I get too excited- so I always use these for a quick solution!
✅ These Are The Tablets I Always Take To Europe, Get Yours Here!
17: A Black Pen
This is the cheapest item you can pack for your trip to Europe!
Hotel check-in, immigration documents or even asking for directions. At some point, you are going to need a pen.
And there is nothing worse than trying to find one when you are in a hurry, so make sure you add one to your Europe packing list!
18: Jet Lag Relief Pills
So I never knew how bad jet lag could be until I flew from the US to Europe.
Now, these tablets are my must-have travel item for any long flight!
✅ Get Your Jet Lag Relief Pills Here!
19: Quick Dry Towel
This is one of the best travel items to pack for any European travel!
From exploring Greek beaches to showering before you go to the airport, having something that is light and dries quickly is essential.
Pros:
✔️Super soft
✔️Absorbent
✔️Compact
Cons:
❌ Colour bleeds on the first wash
“They are super compact, effective at drying me and they dry quickly in between uses.”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For Quick Drying Towels Here!
20: Activated Charcoal
I have no idea why but I seem to be prone to getting sick when I travel- and it is so frustrating!
But then I discovered Activated Charcoal and now it comes everywhere with me.
This is one of the essentials for travelling in Europe everyone needs to have on their packing list. These are super helpful in places like Corfu where the water isn’t safe.
✅ Get Your Activated Charcoal Today Here!
21: Motion Sickness Tablets
For anyone planning on using a bus to get around Europe- buy these now!
In certain areas of Europe like The Balkans, you will have to rely on public transport.
And speaking from experience, there is a strong chance you will feel motion sickness at some point.
✅ Check Prices For Motion Sickness Tablets Perfect For Europe Here!
22: Windproof Umbrella
There are some places across to continent where a normal umbrella and raincoat will be useless!
I lived in Wales for most of my life and I will always tell you how important it is to take a windproof umbrella to Europe.
So If you are looking for one of the best travel items to pack for any European travel, this is it!
Pros:
✔️Convenient size
✔️Dries Quickly
✔️Well built
Cons:
❌A little heavy
“They are super compact, effective at drying me and they dry quickly in between uses.”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For The Umbrella Here!
23: Travel Insurance
No one plans to have their flight cancelled or become sick on any getaway, but things can happen!
So to make sure you are covered and will not have to pay a fortune for any inconvenience, get travel insurance. I hear all the time about people trying to risk it and not purchase travel insurance, but it never works out well.
There are so many travel insurance options out there, but one of the best for European travel is SafetyWing!
With flexible options for all types of travellers and 24/7 emergency assistance, getting your insurance through them will make your trip less stressful.
To make sure you are covered, get this travel essential!
24: Pickpocket Prevention Clips
I always talk about how important it is to not make yourself a pickpocket target- so I take these everywhere!
You are more likely going to need them in big cities like Paris or Milan. But they are a must-have item to have with you all throughout Europe.
Pros:
✔️Totally worth buying
✔️Easy to use
✔️Good quality product
Cons:
❌ Found no negatives so far!
“This is a great idea when traveling or walking around the world carrying a backpack.”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For Prevention Clips Here!
25: Clear Sealable Bags
These are always the first thing I buy when I am planning a trip to Europe!
They are great for preventing spills and making sure you don’t have to buy any at the airport.
✅ Get Your Airport Approved Sealable Bags Here!
26: EverSnug Travel Blanket
No matter if you visit Europe during the summer or winter, a travel blanket is always handy!
I have been to so many hotels and woken up cold, so now I always make sure I take a spare blanket.
It’s also really handy for any long flights so make sure you pack this Europe travel essential before you set off!
And if you love a good road trip, this makes the perfect companion for your travel pillow.
Pros:
✔️Totally worth buying
✔️Easy to use
✔️Good quality product
Cons:
❌ Found no negatives so far!
“This is a great idea when traveling or walking around the world carrying a backpack.”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For The EverSnug Travel Blanket Here!
27: Smart Phone Remote
Whoever invented this has helped me take the best photos, even if I’m alone!
This hands-free remote is super compact and is a Europe travel essential for everyone planning a trip here.
Pros:
✔️Amazing value for money
✔️Easy to use
✔️Good quality product
Cons:
❌ Not great for taking high-quality videos
“You need this!”- Read More Reviews Here!
✅ Check Prices For The Smart Phone Remote Here!
Must have travel items for Europe final thoughts
So there you have it, the 27 essentials for travelling Europe!
No matter what time of year you are visiting Europe or how many countries you decide to explore, all of these items will make your trip so much easier.
But if there is just one item you should pack, Airtags will be the most useful!
✅ Check Prices For AirTags On Amazon Here!
I hope you found this article useful! To help you make the most of your Europe getaway, here are some more posts:
✔️Where Are The 9 Best Places To Visit In April In Europe?
✔️The Ultimate 3-week European Road Trip Itinerary
✔️What Countries In Europe Speak English?
✔️The Best Backpack For All Types Of European Travel
✔️The Best Wizz Air Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight
✔️What Are The Best Greek Islands To Visit In September?
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
