Last updated on at 07:19 am
Here’s a packing list for Europe in the summer if you’re spending the sunny days on the continent.
We’ve prepared an infographic (see below) for easy reference and saving. We believe everything you need to ensure the best European experience is in there.
However, I want to highlight some things I believe are Europe travel essentials during summer. Things that are essentially needed for a summer trip. Don’t forget to pack them for a hassle-free and enjoyable European summer.
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Summer Travel Clothes for Europe
For clothes, you need to keep them light. Light as in those with thin materials like shirts, tank tops, shorts, light skirts, leggings and summer dresses. Summer in Europe can be really hot and stifling.
Men can go for shirts, shorts and jeans with light materials.
If you plan on dining in restaurants that require semi-formal attire, then it is best to bring a dressy outfit like a formal dress. For men, adding a lightweight jacket is usually enough.
If you plan to spend some time in elevated areas like in the mountains of Switzerland or in the Alps, bring a jacket or a light puffer coat since temperatures tend to drop in the evening and onwards no matter how hot it is in the day.
Bring a swimsuit and a cover-up in case you find yourself in a beach or in a place with a pool.
Scarves always come in handy as they’re versatile enough to be used for just about anything: a protection against the heat of the sun, a covering to ward off the cold, a blanket while sleeping during train travel, or even just as something to give oomph to your outfit.
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Shoes
A good pair of walking shoes like sneakers have always been a must when traveling. Sandals are good, too, but make sure you’ve broken them in before the trip to avoid getting injured.
Sunscreen
Summer heat in Europe can get intense. Don’t get yourself burned by the sun, so pack a bottle of sunscreen. Sightseeing means countless hours spent under the heat of the sun, so a bottle of sunscreen will keep you from getting toasted.
A lip balm is essential, too. It will provide moisture to your lips and keeps them from getting dry and cracked.
Sunburn Relief Medication
Bring a sunburn relief medication just in case the worst comes to worst and you get yourself sunburned. It’s always better to be prepared than to be sorry, as they say.
Sun Hat
A sun hat is a big help too as it is effective in protecting yourself against the penetrating and hurtful rays of the sun.
During my first summer in Europe, I made the mistake of not bringing one. I was sightseeing along the canals of Amsterdam on a hot afternoon and just couldn’t take the heat, so I looked for a sun hat to buy. With limited choices from where I was located at that time, I ended up biting the bullet and buying the pricey one at one of the stalls in a nearby market. My wallet took a beating but it was definitely better than getting sunburned.
So lesson learned. Since then, I always bring a hat whenever I’m going to Europe for the summer. In fact, I bring two: a wide-brim one like this because the wide brim keeps me shaded and cozy, and a cute one with a sun visor like this because it is just as effective in warding off the penetrating rays.
Handheld Fans
Some hotels in Europe don’t have air conditioning and if you happen to stay in one, then a handheld fan will be your best friend. Handheld fans are also handy wherever you go: lining up in a queue in a tourist spot, walking while sightseeing, on top of a hop-on-hop-off tour bus, etc. These silk, bamboo handheld fans are the perfect example.
Or you can opt for this portable, battery-operated mini fan. It is rechargeable and comes with a power bank and flashlight.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are important as well during the summer. They protect your eyes from the sun and keep them open when the sun’s rays are blindingly shining.
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Insect Repellent
It’s summer so insects are abundant, so keep your skin and yourself protected with an insect repellent. This is especially important if you’re trekking through grassy areas and swampy places, or even when just picnicking in the park.
Water Bottle
Keeping yourself hydrated while out and about in Europe in the summer is a must, so always bring a water bottle with you. Proper hydration keeps you away from a possible heat stroke.
Choose a water bottle that is travel-friendly such as this one which can be folded when not in use and is also easy to transport. It is durable and comes with a carabiner so you can easily attach it to your luggage or day bag.
Umbrella
Rain is always a possibility during summer in Europe, so pack an umbrella with you always. This is especially true if you’re spending your summer in the United Kingdom where rain showers seem to be an all-year affair.
Others
For the other things to bring, just refer to the Packing List For Europe in Summer Infographic below. I won’t anymore expound on them since they’re quite self-explanatory. I chose to highlight those particular things above because, on top of everything else that you need to pack, they are the summer essentials to make your summertime in Europe a doable event.
Wrap Up
So for the best European summer experience, don’t forget to pack up these things. And the best way not to forget is to plan ahead and pack early.
In closing, we hope you find this packing list for Europe in summer helpful and we wish you the best summer spent under the European sun.
Happy travels!
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This is a wonderful packing list! Very complete thank you!
Great post! Thanks for sharing!