Europe Summer Packing List: My 15 Essential Items

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I’m no packing expert. I’ve packed horribly and I’ve also learned to pack not so terribly. While I used to be a carry-on only type of traveler, now with two kids I’ve learned to be a minimalist packer who still checks bags. 

While I am a minimalist packer, there are still a handful of things that I make sure to pack. They make our trip easier and better and are worth the little extra space that they take up in the bag. 

We’re on a 6 week trip with our kids and this is exactly what we packed.

Europe Summer Packing List Essentials

Compression packing cubes

I’ve been a packing cube loyalist for years. They have absolutely changed how I pack with kids and keep me organized. But now that I’ve found compression packing cubes, the game has been changed. 

No more loose packing cubes. No more wasted space. And with these, hopefully no more ripped cubes because these feel rock solid. 

I bought these compression packing cubes and I’ve only used them so far on this trip but they have exceeded my expectations so far.

Laundry detergent sheets

The key to packing minimally for six weeks is to make sure you can do laundry multiple times while on the trip. We stay in a mix of hotels and vacation rentals and while some vacation rentals provide laundry detergent, it’s not always enough. 

I love these laundry detergent sheets. No more running around trying to find a small box of detergent. And they’re so small that if I don’t actually use them, it’s no big deal carrying them around. 

Win, win. Honestly, add these to your suitcase immediately. 

Day pack

Sometimes my carry on bag is small enough to carry around during the day. But sometimes my carry on is huge and not something I want to lug around all day. 

I always have a slim, foldable day backpack that I can easily pack in my suitcase. Right now I’m using this backpack but I used to always travel with my Longchamp bag because it’s just so packable. 

Shampoo and conditioner bar

This is kind of like the laundry detergent sheets. A small way to carry something you’d hate to have to go out and buy. We use them pretty often and even if they are barely used, they take up such little space it’s not a big deal. Plus, they make washing my kids’ hair extremely easy. 

Carabiners 

Put this in the super weird section of this article. I always bring a carabiner and it’s shocking how often it gets used. 

Copies of all information 

I always, always have a copy of our passport and our credit card information. Just in case. 

Portable charger

We have full days and a portable charger has come in handy so often. I’m on my phone a bit trying to navigate London or Paris public transport and my phone often dies quickly. Being able to charge on the go has really made our days easier. 

Stasher bags

Pack snacks for me or for the kids. This is an easy thing to bring and it’ll get used at least a few times during the trip. 

Baby blanket

Stay warm on the flight, use it as a picnic blanket, clean up things, dry off a wet slide. This blanket is multi-purpose and very small to pack.

Adapter

If you’re going to charge your devices while abroad, an adapter is necessary. We always have one universal adapter but we really should bring two. 

Cross body bag

This bag does not leave my body during travel days and I keep all important documents and credit cards in here. I also take this out during the day and keep my phone and wallet in here. I keep it on the front of my body to help deter anyone who wants to get in there. 

Grocery bag

We go to the grocery store a lot when we travel (especially when we’re in Switzerland). Most stores in Europe charge for grocery bags so it’s helpful to have your own. Beyond that, I just prefer taking a solid bag that I can haul down city streets with a heavy load. 

Pen

So simple but so easy to forget. I’ve seen many people scrambling for pens if they need to fill out paperwork. 

Basic Medical Kit

This is super basic because if we really need something, we can go to a pharmacy and get it. But in case we need something and the pharmacy is closed, I carry a few essentials:

• Ibuprofen for kids and adults
• Bandaids
• Neosporin 
• Thermometer

Air tags

I feel like nearly everyone throws an air tag in their checked bag and I’m no exception. But I take it a little further and I keep one in my carry on and my cross body bag. 

Europe Packing List Summer Clothes

We’re heading to London, Paris, and Scotland so we’re in for a mix of rainy, chilly days, with some days that are sunny and warm (hopefully). 

Here’s what I’m bringing to stay warm, dry, and also hopefully enjoy some summer weather. I have one rule for clothes: every shirt needs to work with every bottom and every layer.

• 2 long sleeve shirts
• 5 t-shirts
• 2 tank tops
• dresses
• 2 jeans
• 2 shorts
• Workout clothes
• Sweater
• Swimming suit
• Patagonia jacket
• Rain jacket
• 1 pair of tennis shoes and 1 pair of Rothys