Europe Tour Packing List: What to Take on a Multi-City Trip

The secret of a good suitcase on a multi-city European tour is a few layered clothes, a single case that is easy to carry and a small backpack that stays with you during the day. Mix-and-match pieces, comfortable walking shoes you have already worn in, a light raincoat, a plug adapter and both paper and digital copies of your documents form the backbone of the list. The list below was prepared for trips where you change hotels every few days.

Strategy first: why pack light?

On a long European tour, your suitcase travels with you every day: onto the coach, into the hotel, into lifts and sometimes along cobbled streets. A heavy, overstuffed case costs you time when packing every morning and settling in every evening.

A practical rule: pack a week's worth of clothes, and on longer tours wash and reuse them. Even on a two-week route, a week's worth of clothes is usually enough. Days when you stay two nights in the same city are a good opportunity for some light laundry.

Suitcase and bags

• Medium-sized wheeled suitcase: An easy-to-carry model with sturdy wheels. Check the airline's or transport company's baggage rules in advance.
• Daypack: For water, a charger, a light top and documents.
• Bum bag or small bag worn close to the body: For your passport and cards.
• Foldable tote bag: For shopping and dirty laundry.
• Vacuum or packing bags: Keep your suitcase tidy and save you unpacking everything at every hotel.

Clothing: layered and mix-and-match

On a multi-country tour, the climate changes during the day and from city to city. So thin pieces you can layer are more practical than single thick items.

A basic list for one week:

• 4 to 5 T-shirts or light tops
• 1 to 2 long-sleeved tops or shirts
• 1 cardigan or light fleece
• 1 light windproof and waterproof jacket
• 2 pairs of trousers (one can be smarter)
• 1 pair of shorts or a skirt, depending on the season
• Enough underwear and socks
• Nightwear
• In winter, also a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves

For religious sites: In many cathedrals and churches in Europe, especially in Italy and the Vatican, shoulders and knees are expected to be covered. Even in summer, keep a light shawl or shirt in your bag.

Shoes: the most important decision

European cities are explored on foot, and most historic centres are cobbled. Walking long distances during the day is normal.

• Comfortable walking shoes you have already worn in: Do not wear new shoes for the first time on the trip.
• A second pair: In case your shoes get wet or rub.
• Slippers: For the hotel room.

On trips in winter or late autumn, waterproof shoes make a big difference in rainy cities such as Amsterdam and Bruges.

Documents and money

• Passport and required travel documents
• Photocopies of your documents (kept separately from the originals)
• Digital copies of your documents on your phone and in your e-mail
• Travel health insurance policy
• A debit or credit card that works abroad, plus a spare card
• Some local currency

As visa, passport and health-related entry requirements vary by country, check the current situation before travelling with the official sources of the countries concerned and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Remember too that the countries you pass through may use different currencies.

Electronics

• Plug adapter: Most of continental Europe uses round-pin plugs similar to those in Türkiye, but not every country uses the same type. The United Kingdom and Ireland use different, three-pronged plugs. A multi-type adapter is the most practical solution.
• Power bank: On days spent using maps and taking photos, your phone runs down quickly. Check your airline's rules on carrying power banks in hand luggage.
• Multi-port USB charger: Hotel rooms may have a limited number of sockets.
• Headphones and charging cables

Health and personal care

• Regular medication (enough for the whole trip, in its original packaging)
• A small first-aid kit with painkillers, stomach remedies and plasters
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Travel-size shampoo, toothbrush and toiletries
• Tissues and wet wipes, hand sanitiser

Hand luggage rules on liquids can vary from airport to airport; if you are flying, check the current rules.

Small comforts for long travel days

Things that come in handy on days travelling between cities:

• Neck pillow
• Water bottle
• Light snacks
• A book, an e-book or series and podcasts downloaded in advance
• Eye mask and earplugs

This list is especially useful on long routes such as the 13-night, 14-day Grand Europe Tour. For a shorter programme, the Benelux, Paris and Germany Tour is a 5-night, 6-day option. We explain the logic of building a route in our article How to plan a Europe tour.

Frequently asked questions

How many clothes are enough for a two-week Europe tour?

About a week's worth of clothes is usually enough. On days when you stay two nights in the same city, you can wash small items and wear them again.

What type of plug is used in Europe?

Round-pin plugs are common in most of continental Europe, but there are differences between countries. The United Kingdom and Ireland use three-pronged plugs, so buying a multi-type adapter is the most practical option.

What shoes should you wear on a Europe tour?

Comfortable walking shoes with sturdy soles that you have already worn in. On cobbled streets, thin-soled or new shoes quickly tire you out.

Is there a dress code for entering churches?

In many churches and cathedrals, shoulders and knees are expected to be covered. Carrying a light shawl or cardigan easily solves this.