The Ultimate Packing List for a European Summer Vacation: What to Pack Traveling Internationally this Summer
Are you planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, Greece, or any beach vacation in Europe this summer? Trying to figure out what to pack? Then you’ve come to the right place! Packing for a domestic trip is one thing, but when you have to pack for a trip across the pond, potentially in a carry on only, and for an extended period of time, it can be a little overwhelming figuring out what to pack. I am planning a Europe trip this summer, so packing is at the top of mind! When doing my own research and looking for Italy packing guides or Greece packing guides, I found a lot of the packing lists to be overly simplified / basic things I had already thought of. SO, this European summer packing guide is going to be very in-depth, include ALL of the different options under each category, and hopefully show you or remind you of some things you hadn’t thought of yet. Like all packing guides, take this with a grain of salt, use what works for you, and make adjustments based on your personal needs, the location you’re visiting, and time of year!
Travel and important documents you need to pack when traveling abroad
Of course, there are the no-brainers, like your passport or visa, and driver’s license or ID card. But what other travel or important documents should you bring abroad with you, just in case? *Some of these may seem like overkill, but if you have the space in your suitcase for a folder with these printed documents, it’s better to err on the side of caution. You never think you’ll need any of these, until you do, and you’re without them. Definitely do research on the specific destination you are visiting, to determine how strict they are, see if there are any specific guidelines you need to follow, etc. I should also note that I do not have children, so if you are traveling with kids, you may want to do some research and ensure you have all the appropriate documentation for them as well.
Travel & Important Documents to Pack:
Passport
Driver License
Travel insurance
Health Insurance
List of prescriptions from doctor*
Emergency contact list (include someone IN the US, not just your travel partner)
Photo copies of passport, birth certificate*
And/or a piece of official mail with your name on it. I know this sounds weird, but if you happen to lose your ID or passport, or have it stolen, this is going to make the process of getting a new one that much smoother. This will vary by country, but you can read up on what to do if you lose your passport abroad here.
Extra passport photo*
Again, this goes back to being helpful if you lose your passport. Most of the time when you get a new passport, they will give you an extra photo, so just make a habit of bringing it along!
Printed reservation confirmations for the big things in case you don’t have service, forget to screenshot them, or your phone dies*
Hotel reservations, flight boarding passes, excursion reservations, train or ferry tickets
Medications to bring with you on your trip abroad
Of course there is always the option of visiting a pharmacy during your trip if you need something, but personally, I always feel better having my bases covered with medication on hands while traveling. Especially for long travel days when you’re stuck on a plane, train, or ferry, or if you’re visiting a remote area where you may not necessarily have access to a pharmacy close by. Between jet lag, tons of walking, and trying new and different cuisines, I always make sure to pack ibuprofen and medication for any stomach/digestion issues. If you have motion sickness, or worry you might, especially for any boat excursions, make sure to pack non-drowsy dramamine and maybe even sea bands. The regular dramamine is great for long flights though, as it will make you drowsy! Which speaking of, I do recommend packing Melatonin or some form of sleep aid to help you sleep if you’re on a long overnight flight, and to help with fighting off jet lag once you reach your destination.
If you have prescription medications, consider bringing them in the original packaging, and even getting a list of your prescriptions from your doctor or printing it off from your patient portal. Anecdotally, you’ll read about lots of people who never had any issues putting their prescription pills into pill boxes or sandwich bags, but just because it worked for them, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you. If you have prescription medication you really can’t function without, I highly recommend leaving it in the original packaging at the very least. You may also want to pack a little bit extra in case you experience any travel delays. Different countries classify prescription medications differently, so be sure to read up on the local laws wherever you are going, and reach out to the local embassy if you are concerned. You can read up on the CDC’s recommendations for traveling abroad with medication, along with their official packing checklist.
MedicaTIONS / HEALTH PRODUCTS:
Prescription medications (in original packaging)
Ibuprofen / pain relief
Allergy relief
Stomach / digestive relief
Tums, Pepto Bismol, Immodium, Dramamine
Sleep aid
Prescription eyeglasses and/or contacts
Blister bandaids and/or moleskin
Sunscreen
Aloe
Eye drops
Hand sanitizer
Bug spray (location dependent) & itch cream
Liquid IV / electrolyte powders or tablets
Compression socks
Tampons / feminine hygiene products
Travel-friendly toiletries to pack for your trip to Europe, especially if only bringing a carry on
If you’re anything like me and have an insane amount of skincare, makeup, and beauty products, it can be hard to narrow down what to bring! Especially if you are only packing a carry-on and must keep all of your liquids in a quart size bag. Not to mention, toiletries always seem to be the one thing that can add a ton of weight to your suitcase! You may think that you’ll be motivated to do a full skincare routine and glam makeup every day/night, but realistically, you’re probably not going to want to mess with a bunch of products. Especially after being in the sun all day or doing a lot of activities. You’ll be tired! My number one recommendation is to get mini-sizes of your favorite products, especially if you shop at places like Sephora or Ulta, you can sometimes get these as free rewards. Or, purchase travel-size cosmetic containers! These are going to help you save a ton of room.
Here are some of the “mandatory” toiletry items I will be packing, along with “nice to haves” if there is room:
SKINCARE:
Makeup eraser cloths
I swear by these, they’re a good alternative to a makeup remover wipe when you’re feeling lazy, or help to remove makeup before cleansing if you only have room to pack one cleanser
Cleanser
If you only have room to pack one, consider one that will both remove makeup and cleanse your face. I personally like this one from Clinique for this purpose
Makeup remover / oil cleanser / balm
Hydrating toners or serums
If you’re headed to the beach or somewhere warm, I’d personally leave the retinol, and any harsh actives at home, since they can make you more susceptible to sun damage!
Again, use your best judgment here depending on how much room you have! Don’t bring a ton of actives and serums, just 1 or 2 that you really like
Moisturizer
If room is limited, only pack one. If you have room for two, opt for a lighter weight moisturizer during the day, and something heavier/more moisturizing in the evening, especially after spending the day in the sun
SPF
Along with regular sunscreen, bring a face specific SPF. Even if this is in your makeup or moisturizer, make sure you are applying a full strength SPF too!
Lip balm
Facial oil
Definitely a “nice to have” if you have space, and regularly use
Under eye gel patches & moisturizing face masks
Love packing a few of these for the plane/long travel days, and for those first days after you reach your destination and are dragging from the jet lag
Makeup:
Lightweight skin tint or tinted moisturizer
Perfect for the daytime, hanging out at the pool or beach, and you can wear into the evenings for a natural look
Full coverage / regular foundation
I like having a second, fuller coverage or “regular” foundation to wear in the evenings, or to mix in with my skin tint
Concealer
Contour stick
Bronzer
I like doing both a bronzer stick or cream, like this one, AND a powder bronzer to set with. One of my favorite powder bronzers is by Hourglass, and they make minis!
Blush
Again, I like to do a cream or stick, AND a powder blush to set with
Some of my favorite cream blushes: Westman Atelier, Merit, Nudestix minis
I’m a big blush girlie, so normally I will pack a redder/oranger tone, along with a pinker tone for variety!
Eyeliner
Mascara
Eyebrow stick and/or gel
Eyeshadow
Sometimes, I don’t even pack eyeshadow. I’ll use my bronzer, blush, or pack a multipurpose palette to use as eyeshadow. But if I do pack any, I would do a small singular shade, OR a small duo or quad palette like this one by Charlotte Tilbury
If I have room, I sometimes throw in a cream or liquid eyeshadow for a quick and easy eye look
Highlighter / multi-use palette
Something like an hourglass ambient palette, Dior backstage palette, etc!
Lipstick
Lip gloss
Setting powder
Setting spray
Hair PRODUCTS:
Brush
Love a mini one to save space, like this one from wet brush
I’ll usually throw in a wide tooth comb as well
Hairspray and/or texture spray
Leave in conditioner
Something to help with tangles / dry hair especially if you’ll be swimming in a pool or ocean
Blow dry cream / thickening cream
This is optional, but I have very thin, fine, hair. So if I have room, I’ll pack a thickening spray or cream, mousse, or blow dry cream that also has heat protectant in it.
Curling iron
Make sure it’s dual voltage! Otherwise it won’t work in Europe, and it can be sketchy even if you buy a converter. I usually just pack a cheap one I don’t worry about getting damaged
Blow dryer
Most hotels have these, so I don’t pack one. But if you have a specific style you like, just make sure it’s dual voltage so it will work. Or, look into getting one of those multi-use tools (like a cheaper version of Dyson)
Shampoo & conditioner
Another thing most hotels have, unless you are picky! I usually throw in some small sample-sizes of these
Ponytail holders
Headband
For doing skincare / to wear at beach or on especially hot days
General toiletries:
Travel size toothpaste
Toothbrush (you could even get a travel one)
Dental floss
Q tips and cotton swabs
Tweezers
Tide to go pen
Laundry sheets to wash clothes
Especially if you’ll be on a long trip and only bring a carry on
Travel-friendly steamer or wrinkle release spray
For anything that gets wrinkled in your luggage and you can’t use a hotel iron on
Travel size tissue packs
Just have one in your purse at all times, because a lot of times the bathrooms won’t have TP
Deodorant
Razor
Clothing and accessories to pack for your summer trip to Europe (specifically Italy and Greece)
This list was made with travel to the Amalfi Coast and/or Greece in mind, so note that if you are traveling to bigger cities, or somewhere northern where it’s a bit cooler, you’ll need to account for that! When going on vacation, I personally LOVE to wear dresses. They’re easy to throw on, look put together, and can often be dressed down during the day or dressed up for the evening with the right accessories. Some people say not to pack too many because you can’t mix and match, but honestly I find doing a mix of dresses and then interchangeable neutrals to be the perfect formula for me.
Clothing:
Dressy tops
In black, white, and beige. I love these ones from Dissh or any basics from Abercrombie or Aritzia. They are basic, but the material makes it look a little dressier / more put together than a regular cotton tank or t-shirt
I also will pack a few colorful or printed tops, like this green one from Abercrombie
Neutral colored tops - casual
Definitely throw in some more casual t-shirts and tanks, because these will be good for sleep, going to the beach or casual daytime activities, and travel days. Again, I’ll bring white, black, and beige, and usually a color I wear a lot like blue or green
Dresses
Make sure you are aware of the culture of the specific region where you are visiting, as there may be different expectations in terms of the level of modesty. Some restaurants have dress codes too!
Bring a mix of mini and midi/maxi length
One black dress
One white dress
And as many fun/colorful/printed dresses as you’re able to fit :)
Travel/exercise dresses are also great for more extraneous activities like hiking or intense walking around town, or for travel days with a button up thrown on top
Matching sets
I love a matching set, either in neutrals, or a fun color. These are great to mix and match, and more casual sets like a pair of shorts and button up can also be worn for sleep or to the beach/pool
Swimsuit cover ups / beach outfits
Love a unique knit or crochet cover up or outfit for a beach club or places you want to be more stylish
Long sleeve button down shirt
I will pack at least one in case it gets chilly in the evening, or to protect myself from the heat. I’ll check the weather closer to the trip and throw in an extra or even a light weight / open knit sweater if it looks like it will be colder than I originally anticipated
Normally I do linen or a lightweight material. This is great to wear on the plane in case you get cold, and to save room in your suitcase
Linen trousers
In white, cream, beige, or another light colored neutral
I pack at least one pair, but again, might throw in a second pair if there is room or it looks like it’ll be colder
Wear these on the plane too!
Linen and/or tailored shorts
One thing I’ve noticed is jean shorts and activewear shorts aren’t as big of a thing outside of the US, so I’d opt for some linen shorts instead. There are great options at DISSH, Abercrombie, Aritzia, Zara, H&M, etc.
I’d do at least one light neutral like white or beige, and one dark neutral like black or navy
If you have any “active” things planned like hiking, then definitely throw in some athletic shorts
Skirts
White maxi skirt
Colorful/fun/printed maxi skirt (if you have room)
Neutral mini skirt in black and/or white
Swimsuits
Socks/underwear
Pajamas
Usually I try to avoid packing “pajama only” items, but instead pack casual clothes that I can wear to sleep in, or only bring smaller pajama sets that take up little room
ACCESSORIES:
Hat
Straw beach hat (love a bucket hat!) or baseball cap
Sunglasses
One black pair
One brown pair
One “fun” pair that is a unique color or shape
Jewelry
Gold hoops or other dainty earrings for everyday
One or two statement pairs of earrings for the evening
Any other basic/everyday jewelry you wear like bracelets, necklaces, etc. Just don’t go overboard, especially since you’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach!
I love a thin, gold or silver watch too, to dress up an outfit!
Shoes
You can read about my shoe recommendations in more depth in this blog post
Comfy but cute pair of white tennis shoes
Water shoes
Chunky sandals that are comfy to walk in
Dressy pair of sandals for the evening, that are flat or platform and again, comfy!!
Purses/bags
Crossbodies or sling bags are the way to go! Make sure to bring at least one “travel friendly” purse
One black purse
One brown or light neutral purse
Beach/tote bag
If room allows, a fun/dressier purse for evenings
Technology and other miscellaneous things to bring with you on your Europe summer vacation
And for everything in-between!
Technology:
Phones and phone chargers
Portable charger
A travel plug adapter, like this one
Digital camera and charger
Extra memory cards
IPad/tablet and charger
Headphones (ideally with noise cancellation)
Bluetooth adapter like this one for headphones so you can use your own on the plane
Laptop and charger (personally I would leave this at home, unless you HAVE to have it)
Disposable camera
Kindle and charger (if you’re a reader)
Air tag (to stick in your suitcase)
MISCELLANEOUS:
Ear plugs for sleeping on the plane / if it’s loud at your hotel
Eye mask
Neck pillow
Personally I plan to try out this one on our upcoming trip this summer. Neck pillows in general can take up a lot of space, but I would make sure you have something to help you with sleeping on the plane. They make inflatable ones too!
Airplane foot rest/hammock
Another new thing I’ll be trying on our upcoming trip, after reading positive things about them
Playing cards
Great to pass the time on long travel days
If you have room, look into other small card games to bring along as well, especially if there’s just two of you
Snacks for the plane
Granola/protein bars especially, if the food on your flight isn’t good. You’ll just have to finish eating anything you bring before you land due to customs
The full, in-depth packing list of everything you should bring with you on a trip to Italy or Greece (or anywhere abroad) this summer
Travel & Important Documents to Pack:
Passport
Driver License
Travel insurance
Health Insurance
List of prescriptions from doctor*
Photo copies of passport, birth certificate*
Extra passport photo*
Printed copies of boarding passes, hotel reservations, excursion bookings, etc.
MedicaTIONS / HEALTH PRODUCTS:
Prescription medications (in original packaging)
Ibuprofen / pain relief
Allergy relief
Stomach / digestive relief
Tums, Pepto Bismol, Immodium, Dramamine
Sleep aid
Prescription eyeglasses and/or contacts
Blister bandaids and/or moleskin
Sunscreen
Aloe
Eye drops
Hand sanitizer
Bug spray (location dependent) & itch cream
Liquid IV / electrolyte powders or tablets
Compression socks
Tampons / feminine hygiene products
SKINCARE:
Makeup eraser cloths
Cleanser
Makeup remover / oil cleanser / balm
Hydrating toners or serums
Moisturizer
SPF
Lip balm
Facial oil
Under eye gel patches & moisturizing face masks
Makeup:
Lightweight skin tint or tinted moisturizer
Full coverage / regular foundation
Concealer
Contour stick
Bronzer
Blush
Eyeliner
Mascara
Eyebrow stick and/or gel
Eyeshadow (optional)
Highlighter / multi-use palette
Setting powder
Setting spray
Hair PRODUCTS:
Brush
Hairspray and/or texture spray
Leave in conditioner
Blow dry cream / thickening cream or spray
Curling iron that is dual-voltage
Blow dryer (optional - hotel probably has)
Shampoo & conditioner (optional - hotel probably has)
Ponytail holders
Headband
General toiletries:
Travel size toothpaste
Toothbrush (you could even get a travel one)
Dental floss
Q tips and cotton swabs
Tweezers
Tide to go pen
Laundry sheets to wash clothes
Travel size steamer or wrinkle release spray
Travel size tissue packs
Deodorant
Razor
Clothing:
Dressy tops - neutrals and a few colors/prints
Casual tops - neutrals and a few colors/prints
Black dress
White dress
Colorful/fun dresses
Exercise dress
Matching sets
Swimsuit cover up / beach outfit(s)
Long sleeve button down shirt
Linen trousers
Linen shorts
Exercise shorts (if doing an activity like hiking)
White maxi skirt
Colorful/fun/printed maxi skirt (if you have room)
Neutral mini skirt in black and/or white
Swimsuits
Socks/underwear
Pajamas (optional)
ACCESSORIES:
Hat - beach hat, baseball cap, or both
Black sunglasses
Brown sunglasses
One “fun” pair that is a unique color or shape
Small gold hoops or other dainty earrings for everyday
One or two statement pairs of earrings for the evening
Thin gold or silver wristwatch (optional)
Any other basic/everyday jewelry you wear like bracelets, necklaces, etc
Comfy but cute pair of white tennis shoes
Water shoes
Chunky sandals that are comfy to walk in
Dressy pair of sandals for the evening, that are flat or platform and again, comfy!!
One black purse
One brown or light neutral purse
Beach/tote bag
If room allows, a fun/dressier purse for evenings (optional)
Technology:
Phones and phone chargers
Portable charger
A travel plug adapter, like this one
Digital camera and charger, extra memory cards
IPad/tablet and charger
Headphones (ideally with noise cancellation)
Bluetooth adapter for headphones on plane
Disposable camera
Kindle and charger (if you’re a reader)
Air tag (to stick in your suitcase)
MISCELLANEOUS:
Ear plugs for sleeping on the plane / if it’s loud at your hotel
Eye mask
Neck pillow
Airplane foot rest/hammock
Playing cards / small card games
Snacks for the plane
