{"id":103553,"date":"2022-10-16T13:57:08","date_gmt":"2022-10-16T13:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=103553"},"modified":"2026-09-16T19:35:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T19:35:44","slug":"europe-packing-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/europe-packing-list\/","title":{"rendered":"The Only Packing List For Europe You’ll Ever Need For Your Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"

A backpackers haven full of medieval towns, archaeological sites, some of the world\u2019s best beaches, mountains and incredible cities full of endless possibilities. Fantastic public transport infrastructure and seamless transitions between borders, this is Europe! So you\u2019ve decided to book your trip to Europe and can\u2019t wait to start your exciting adventure, but unsure of what exactly needs to go inside your backpack? No need to fear, we\u2019ve got all your essential needs covered and this is our ultimate packing list for Europe<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo: Kateryna Hliznitsova<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Packing list for Europe:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Sunglasses<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Camera<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. Maps.me App<\/strong><\/li>\n
  4. Beach Blanket<\/strong><\/li>\n
  5. Omio App<\/strong><\/li>\n
  6. Money belt<\/strong><\/li>\n
  7. Quick drying towel<\/strong><\/li>\n
  8. Reusable water bottle<\/strong><\/li>\n
  9. Sunscreen<\/strong><\/li>\n
  10. Headphones<\/strong><\/li>\n
  11. Eyemask and earplugs<\/strong><\/li>\n
  12. Laundry bag<\/strong><\/li>\n
  13. Basic first aid kit<\/strong><\/li>\n
  14. Keychain flashlight<\/strong><\/li>\n
  15. Padlock<\/strong><\/li>\n
  16. Photocopies of important documents<\/strong><\/li>\n
  17. \u00a0Plug Adaptor<\/strong><\/li>\n
  18. Travel Insurance<\/strong><\/li>\n
  19. Hostelworld travel app<\/strong><\/li>\n
  20. Clothes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    1. Sunglasses<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Most of our absolute favourite European destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Italy and France are all blessed with copious amounts of sunshine, especially during the summer seasons. With the amount of time you\u2019ll be spending in the sun, you\u2019ll definitely need a pair of sunglasses. You\u2019ll want to find something that\u2019s fashionable but not overly expensive as sunglasses are often the first casualties of travelling, and are likely to get broken. So you\u2019ll want to make sure you bring a hard case to help protect them in your bag. At most European summer hotspots you\u2019ll be able to purchase a decent pair of sunglasses from a street vendor.<\/p>\n

    \"Europe<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @Christopher Czermak<\/em><\/p>\n

    2. Camera<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    While your smart phone might be adequate enough for taking pictures, take your photography to the next level and invest in a camera for your European trip. Europe is a photographer\u2019s paradise and you\u2019ll never be at a shortage of things to shoot. If you already own a camera and are uncertain if you\u2019re going to bring it or not, because you\u2019re worried it might get stolen or lost that\u2019s understandable. However, in my opinion, what\u2019s the point of owning a camera if you don\u2019t take it where the opportunities are? You\u2019ll regret not bringing it with you on your packing list for Europe.<\/p>\n

    3. Maps.me App<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    For most of us travelling on a shoestring budget, we like to turn off our data roaming and mostly stick to using Wi-Fi on our phones to save money on ridiculous international data roaming fees. This can make it a tad tricky when you don\u2019t have regular access to Google Maps to find your way around a foreign city. Thankfully there\u2019s a fantastic app you can download called Maps.Me<\/em>, which is essentially an offline version of Google Maps that works without using data or relying on Wi-Fi. Sounds a little too good to be true, doesn\u2019t it? The app is free to download, and while in Wi-Fi you will need to download the city map you\u2019re in so it can then work offline. The app was designed for backpackers, showing you all the ATM\u2019s, Wi-Fi points, hostels and public transport stations on the map, along with many more useful points of reference. I wouldn\u2019t travel Europe again without downloading this little gem!<\/p>\n

    4. Beach Blanket<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    This is actually something that\u2019s best saved until you get to Europe, rather than adding for your packing list for Europe. On any Mediterranean beach, or summer destination, it\u2019s safe to assume there will be a lot of street vendors selling products for tourists. While most of their products aren\u2019t of a terribly high standard, one of the best purchases you\u2019ll make is one of their beach blankets. These are usually a large square blanket with a funky design on it, that allows up to 3 people to lounge on comfortably. They usually sell these beach blankets for around \u20ac15. They are multi-purpose, and carrying one with you during your travels will allow for easy access to picnics no matter where you might be! These beach blankets are a very useful investment and a great souvenir to bring home.<\/p>\n

    5. Omio App<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Another great app for travelling through Europe is Omio<\/em>, which is a super convenient and easy to use search engine that compares all major forms of travel throughout Europe. This includes flights, buses, trains and car journeys and not just in major European cities, but also the smaller, more remote areas of Europe off the beaten path. Omio <\/i>figures out the overall travel time and cost associated with all the transport options making it easier for you to budget and plan your Europe travels! If you haven\u2019t already, download it now for free!<\/p>\n

    \"Europe<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @Andrea Maschio<\/em><\/p>\n

    6. Money Belt<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    A lot of major European cities can unfortunately be a hotspot for pickpockets who prey on vulnerable tourists, so carrying a money belt is a great way to help protect yourself while backpacking in Europe. Most money belts are worn around your waist underneath your shirt. Although they might not be the most fashionable thing to wear in Europe, you\u2019ll know that you\u2019re money is safer than in your pockets.<\/p>\n

    7. Quick Drying Towel <\/strong><\/h2>\n

    A quick drying towel is a lifesaver while travelling, and this should be a nonnegotiable when packing for Europe. Although they can feel a tad odd against your skin after a shower, they absorb a lot more water than a regular towel and will air dry super quickly compared to a regular towel. A quick drying towel is also a good option because they\u2019re not as bulky in your backpack as carrying a regular towel. If you\u2019ve got long hair you might consider bringing two of these with you, one for your body and the other for your hair.<\/p>\n

    8. Reusable Water Bottle<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    We live in 2018 guys, it\u2019s about time we all start to clean up our act and be conscious of our global footprint and the environment. I see way too many travellers go out and buy a plastic water bottle while exploring a city, and then throw it in the rubbish bin and buy another one a short while later. This really grinds my gears. Travelling with a reusable water bottle is a fantastic idea and should be one of the first items that you add to your packing list for Europe.<\/p>\n

    \"Europe<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @Heidi Sandstrom<\/em><\/p>\n

    9. Sunscreen<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Doesn\u2019t matter what time of year you choose to travel to Europe, travelling with sunscreen is always a good option. In summer, sunscreen is a nonnegotiable, but even in the spring and fall the sun in certain European countries can be intense and have high levels of UV. You don\u2019t need to go crazy with the amount of sunscreen you bring; there are plenty of travel-sized sunscreens available for purchase from drugstores and supermarkets.<\/p>\n

    10. Headphones<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Stuck on a long train and the person next to you is snoring? Yep, we\u2019ve all been there. Or what about when that weirdo won\u2019t stop talking to you? Ah. There\u2019s a simple solution, headphones! In all seriousness, I wouldn\u2019t ever travel without them. One of the best feelings in the world is just taking some time for yourself, relaxing and listening to some of your favourite music. This shouldn\u2019t be any different when you\u2019re travelling, if anything, it\u2019s more important! While travelling we\u2019re exposed to different people, cultures, foods and languages. It can be quite overwhelming and a bit daunting at times, but exciting nevertheless! Taking some time at the end of the day, to reflect and unwind is important for your mental health and well-being and one of the best ways to do this is to find a quiet spot and listen to some music. Sit on a park bench, lie on your hostel bed or go for a walk, whatever you decide to do, having a pair of headphones while you travel is a great idea!<\/p>\n

    11. Eye Mask and Ear Plugs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    No matter where in the world you are, people can be loud and annoying. Picking up a basic sleeping eye mask and earplug combination is usually super cheap, and you should be able to get one from any drug store or supermarket. No matter what hostel you\u2019re in, people will be coming in and out of the room during the night or in the mornings. Having access to an eye mask can make the world of difference.<\/p>\n

    \"santorini
    Photo by Joshua Rondeau<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    12. Laundry Bag<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    When you\u2019re living out of a backpack, things can quite quickly get disorganised and messy. It\u2019s been a long day of travelling, and those socks you\u2019ve been wearing all day are really starting to smell. That pair of underwear that you\u2019ve already worn twice, once normally and once inside out (yes, you know the one) are definitely ready for a wash. Keeping your dirty clothes far away from your clean clothes is essential while living out of a backpack, and the best way to do this is by always travelling with a laundry bag, to help separate your clothes. It\u2019s also super handy when it\u2019s time to do your washing, as you can just grab your laundry bag and head to the washing machine. This one is essential, not just for your sake but for everyone else!<\/p>\n

    13. Basic First Aid Kit<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Now, I don\u2019t want to sound like your nagging grandmother and preach safety, but it is always a smart idea to travel with a basic first aid kit, as accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere! Some useful items to include in your basic first aid kit should include:<\/p>\n

    ~ Band Aids<\/p>\n

    ~ Paracetamol<\/p>\n

    ~ Prescription medication you might be taking<\/p>\n

    ~ Small pair of scissors<\/p>\n

    ~ Motion sickness tablets (if you suffer from this)<\/p>\n

    ~ Basic bandages<\/p>\n

    ~ Allergy tablets if you suffer from hay fever<\/p>\n

    ~ Gauze swabs<\/p>\n

    ~ Tweezers<\/p>\n

    ~ Antiseptic wipes<\/p>\n

    ~ Condoms (staying sexually safe)<\/p>\n

    ~ Tampons (feminine hygiene)<\/p>\n

    14. Keychain Flashlight<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    This one is important and easily clips onto your backpack, making it super convenient while you travel. As a community of travellers, we understand that sometimes you need to get up early to make that flight, get to the train station or see the sunrise, and nobody likes it when you switch on the light in the dorm room. Having a flashlight in these situations will make you much more popular with other travellers. Another great use for a flashlight is late at night walking home. In some European cities, especially in the quieter suburban streets, can be quite dark, so having a flashlight can help make you feel safer, but also help you navigate your way through the dark.<\/p>\n

    \"Europe<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @Javier M<\/em><\/p>\n

    15. Padlock<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    While most hostels will offer a padlock\u00a0 to rent or to buy from their reception, travelling with your own padlock is always a smart idea in Europe. Whenever I spend time in cities that have a history of pickpockets (Rome, Barcelona, Paris etc) I will always use my padlock to lock my daypack while exploring the city. Whenever you stay in a hostel, you\u2019ll always have access to a locker to keep your valuables in, so having your own padlock that you feel comfortable and familiar with makes a big difference, even just for peace of mind!<\/p>\n

    16. Photocopies of important documents<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    For anyone that has ever had to deal with losing a passport or visa document, you\u2019ll know the importance of having photocopies of important travel documents with you! Luckily this has never happened to me (touch wood) but it has happened to close friends of mine while travelling, and all of a sudden your whole trip can turn into a disaster. Having a backup of your passport, travel insurance, important ID cards and other documents is a smart idea. You can either travel with a hard copy of these documents that have been printed off, or have digital access to them as an email. Although this might take a little bit of organisation before you embark on your trip, if the worst was to happen, you\u2019ll be glad you went to the added effort!<\/p>\n

    17. Outlet Plug Adaptor<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Keeping your gadgets and gizmos in full charge while travelling is a necessity in this day and age. While abroad it\u2019s important to know that outlets work differently. The majority of European countries (with the exception of the United Kingdom) all use the same power outlet plugs. But if you\u2019re from any part of the world outside of Europe, none of your electronics will work in their power point sockets. One of the best purchases you can make before travelling is a \u201cuniversal\u201d outlet plug adaptor that allows you to charge your electronics on every continent. These always have a universal design that allows for a multitude of plug options.<\/p>\n

    18. Travel Insurance<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Sometimes things are completely out of our control and you might need to change or cancel your plans at the last minute. We get it! We definitely recommend you get yourself some travel insurance for the duration of your European adventure! This will help cover your travel gear, flights, medical emergencies and other useful things. There are plenty of great travel insurance options out there, so spend some time finding out which one is the best fit for you. Getting stuck in a sticky situation overseas can be a nightmare, and an expensive nightmare at that. Always travel with the comfort of travel insurance.<\/p>\n

    19. Hostelworld App<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Hostelworld is a popular app<\/strong><\/a> for backpackers looking for affordable accommodation options in Europe. With Hostelworld<\/strong><\/a>, you can search and book thousands of properties such as hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses in real-time, read reviews from other backpackers, and get real-time availability updates. One of the standout features of Hostelworld is its social aspect. The app allows you to connect with other travelers through a built-in chat feature, making it easy to meet new people and plan activities together.<\/p>\n

    \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDownload Hostelworld App<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

    \"Europe<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @Tom Grimbert<\/em><\/p>\n

    Summer Clothing <\/strong><\/h2>\n

    So you\u2019re travelling in Europe in summer, well lucky you! These are some of the items you\u2019ll definitely want to consider packing:<\/p>\n