Top 11 Travel Essentials for a Comfortable & Stylish Trip to Europe
When I set out for an unforgettable journey through Italy, France, and the Netherlands earlier this year, I knew I had to pack smart as I was going away for 22 days!
After several trips to Europe, I’ve definitely learned my lesson when it comes to planning and packing.
This time, I managed to fit everything into just a carry-on and a hiking backpack, 28 L so not a huge one.
After testing various products across bustling cities, scenic countryside, and unpredictable weather, I’ve narrowed down my top travel essentials, including specific product recommendations for each.
These are my tried-and-true items that made my trip smoother, comfier, and more stylish—and I think they’ll be perfect for your next adventure too!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and believe will add value to your travel experience. Thank you for supporting my work!
1. The Perfect Walking Shoe for Long Walks and All-Weather Adventures
This was one of my best purchases ever! These Adidas shoes kept up remarkably through long days of exploring. I walked over 20,000 steps multiple days without a single sore foot. Rain or shine, they kept my feet dry and supported. I still wear them almost daily, and they’ve proven to be worth every penny and they are very affordable! I got the White/White/Gold Metallic option.
Recommended Product: Adidas Women's Tennis Shoe
2. Waterproof Breathable Trench Coat
A good raincoat is a must for any trip, especially when European weather can be unpredictable. I recommend a waterproof and breathable trench coat that’s lightweight enough to carry but tough enough to withstand a downpour.
Recommended Product: Waterproof Breathable Trench Coat
3. Travel-Sized Toiletries with Clean Ingredients + Toiletry Bag
I prioritize clean, organic ingredients (as much as possible) in all my products, so finding travel-size versions that met my standards was essential. Having my favorite lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, face lotion, and toothpaste on hand made me feel refreshed and comfortable every day, without compromising on quality or purity. This travel bag was also perfect, it folded well - didn’t get super bulky - and had a hook for hanging!
Recommended Travel-Size Products:
Travel Body Lotion
Travel Face Moisturizer - love this product, I got it for the trip then it became my everyday moisturizer!
Travel Shampoo
Travel Conditioner
Travel Dry Shampoo
Travel Soap
Travel Toothpaste
4. Curling Wand or Straightener with Correct Voltage
I have to bring my curling wand with me on any trip! NOTE: European outlets have higher voltage than American outlets so ALL electronics need to be properly rated, even if you have an adapter! Double-check your electronics are rated up to 240 volts (V). For those who like their hair straight, there’s a recommendation below for you!
Recommended Products:
5. Travel Laundry Bag
A travel laundry bag kept my clean and worn clothes separate, especially after longer days of exploring. It folds flat, takes up minimal space, and made mid-trip laundry so much easier.
Recommended Product: Travel Laundry Bag
6. Wrinkle Release Spray
This wrinkle-release spray was a lifesaver for freshening up clothes packed tightly in my suitcase. Just a quick spray and shake, and my clothes looked ready for any occasion!
Recommended Product: Wrinkle Release Spray
7. Quince Black Pants
These black pants were perfect for both comfort and style. I wore them on travel days and while exploring; they’re stretchy, versatile, and easy to dress up or keep casual. I got the pair without pockets, but I definitely wish I had gotten the version with pockets for extra convenience when walking around!
Recommended Product: Quince Black Pants
8. Light Sweater
This lightweight, soft sweater was essential for layering. It kept me cozy on chilly evenings and paired beautifully with almost everything I packed. The sweater below isn’t the exact sweater I got (I couldn’t find it online), but it’s very similar!
Recommended Product: Lightweight Sweater
9. Supplements: Vitamin B, Zinc, and Turmeric
Keeping up with energy, immunity, and inflammation management is essential during travel, especially when jet lag and long days hit. I made sure to pack vitamin B, zinc, and turmeric supplements, each playing a unique role in keeping me at my best:
Vitamin B-Complex: This powerhouse is crucial for energy production and helps combat travel fatigue. It also supports brain health, which is great for staying sharp and alert during busy days.
Zinc: Essential for immune support, zinc helped me stay resilient against all the new germs I encountered while traveling. It’s particularly important when you're on the go and want to avoid getting sick. Also helpful to prevent hangovers! It’s important to get a good form of Zinc, gluconate is one of the best!
Turmeric (Curcuminoids): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helped keep joint and muscle pain at bay after long days of walking. The active compounds in turmeric, curcuminoids, are even more potent in supplement form, offering targeted support for inflammation and recovery.
Recommended Products:
10. Stylish, Space-Conscious Scarf
A versatile scarf is a must-have! This one kept me warm on unexpectedly cool days and added a pop of style to my outfits. Despite being so lightweight, it doubled as a blanket during chilly flights and took up minimal space in my bag, making it perfect for travel.
I recommend a plain, neutral color that can go with most outfits. I took an off-white scarf.
Recommended Product: Scarf
11. Electronics Adapter
Europe uses higher voltage outlets than the U.S., so it's crucial to ensure all your electronics are properly rated—even if you have an adapter! European outlets typically run at 220–240 volts (V), so check that any device you bring can handle this voltage to avoid potential damage. If you plug in an electronic that is only rated to 110 V into any adapter in Europe, it will fry your electronic and render it unusable, even when you’re back in the US. Your phone will be fine as long as it’s newer, just check your plugs.
All that said, an adapter is a must-have for charging your essentials!
Recommended Product: Electronics Adapter
Final Thoughts
Packing smart doesn’t mean overpacking; it’s about choosing versatile, quality products that keep you comfortable and prepared. From the streets of Rome, to the lights of Paris, to the canals of Amsterdam, these recommendations made my trip so much smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning your first European adventure or your next, consider these essentials for a stylish, stress-free journey!
Questions?!
Let me know in the comments!
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