What to Pack for a Trip to Europe, According to a Shopping Editor

What to Pack for Europe: Luggage

CALPAK Evry Carry-On Luggage

Buy Now $195

My parents bought me a CALPAK Evry Carry-On Luggage for Christmas a couple of years ago, and it’s one of the best carry-on suitcases I’ve ever had. Not only is it super durable, but it can also magically fit a lot of stuff. I’m the queen of overpacking and buying too many souvenirs and I never have a problem when I bring my CALPAK on a trip.

CALPAK Luka Duffel

$128 Buy Now

Every time I say I am going to bring a different personal item, I panic and reach for my CALPAK Luka Duffel in Matte Black. I’ve used this bag exclusively for around two years now and love how much stuff it fits. I stow my laptop, tablet, needlepoint projects, books, headphones, and so much more inside this bag. Plus, it fits comfortably under the airplane seat, so I can keep all of my essentials close by.

BAGSMART Foldable Travel Duffle Bag

$20 Buy Now

As I mentioned, I am a bit of a souvenir shopper. Because of that, I always bring a packable bag with me just in case I need to check my luggage and use it as a carry-on (along with my CALPAK Luka Duffel). On a recent trip to Vancouver, I brought the BAGSMART Foldable Travel Duffle Bag and was pleasantly surprised by its quality (especially considering that $20 price tag), all of the pockets, and the comfortable straps. To ensure enough room in my luggage, I actually take the bag out of its carrying tote and lay it flat at the bottom of my suitcase. This worked well and didn’t take up any extra room.

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

$45 Buy Now

I don’t always use packing cubes when I travel but, since I plan to save as much room as possible for souvenirs, I’ve decided to take advantage of their space-saving perks for this trip. I love the Away The Insider Packing Cubes because they come in a pack of four different sizes for all of your packing and organizing needs. They also have a mesh material, so your clothes won’t have that stale scent to them upon arrival.
What to Pack for Europe: Clothing

Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket

$228 Buy Now

I’m headed to Dublin and Amsterdam, so I’ll likely run into some rain during my travels. I love this Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket because it provides excellent shelter while also packing down to take up as little space as possible. The jacket comes in six colors (I have it in black) and is constructed from a completely waterproof material with a moisture-wicking liner that will come in handy when working up a sweat while seeing all of the things in Europe.

Vuori Daily Legging

$89 Buy Now

The Vuori Daily Legging is a piece of clothing I don’t leave home without. I love the buttery soft material, drawstring detail, and flattering fit. On top of that, the material is moisture-wicking, so it’s a great choice for those travel days that are a tad sweatier than you planned for. Out of all the leggings I’ve tested—and, trust me, there have been a lot—this is by far my favorite style.

Just Black Denim The Throwback Straight

$118 Buy Now

Whenever I travel, I pack a bunch of pants but end up wearing the same jeans over and over again. To keep my luggage light, I’m planning to bring only the Just Black Denim The Throwback Straight jeans since they’re versatile enough to wear with so much and are super comfortable. I plan on styling these pants with sweaters and graphic tees for everyday casual looks.

Madewell The Tailored Crop Tank in Sleekhold
On Sale 29% off

$25 Buy Now

I have The Tailored Crop Tank in Sleekhold from Madewell in several colors and have lived in them all summer long. I’m planning to bring my cream and yellow tank with me to Europe because they’re super comfortable, easy to style, and don’t take up a lot of space. Since it’s going to be a bit chillier, I’m planning to wear them under sweaters and cardigans, such as the Sézane Emile Cardigan and the Sézane Barry Cardigan.

Old Navy Canvas Barn Jacket

$60 Buy Now

I am completely and utterly obsessed with Old Navy lately. The retailer makes some of my favorite basics—including this Madewell-esque tank that I have been living in this summer—and just came out with some super cute pieces for fall. One of those is the Old Navy Canvas Barn Jacket, which I picked up in-store last week specifically for this trip. First of all, the material is of such good quality and feels much more expensive than $60. I also love that it’s a great in-between seasons layer that is not too light but not too heavy, which is perfect for this time of year.
What to Pack for Europe: Shoes

Cariuma Salvas White Leather Sneakers

$129 Buy Now

To ensure I have enough room in my suitcase, I’m only packing two pairs of shoes on this trip. The first is the Cariuma Salvas White Leather Sneakers, which are comfortable enough to wear while exploring and versatile enough to style casually with athleisure or dress up with skirts and dresses. These sneakers are also ultra-durable and feature a cork and bio-based foam insole for added support and cushion, which is a need while sightseeing. They also come in men’s and women’s sizes, and my husband and I have matching pairs!

Merry People Tully Ankle Rain Boot

$140 Buy Now

Since we’re expecting rain on our trip, I decided to forgo another fashion shoe and be a bit more practical with a pair of rain boots. I’ve tested several styles in the past, and out of all of them, the Merry People Tully Ankle Rain Boots are the only ones I want to and can walk miles and miles in. These boots are 100 percent waterproof and have ultra-durable rubber outsoles. On top of that, they’re specifically designed with arch support, so they prioritize foot health (and comfort) in addition to keeping soles dry.
What to Pack for Europe: Accessories

Los Angeles Dodgers Overhand Rope ’47 Hitch Hat

$40 Buy Now

Baseball hats have been one of my go-to accessories this year and I can’t travel without one of my many favorite styles. Right now, I am obsessed with the Los Angeles Dodgers Overhand Rope ’47 Hitch Hat, which comes in a creamy white color with golden brown stitching. The LA Dodgers style keeps selling out, so if it is currently out of stock, you can find lots of other cities and teams in the same Overhand Rope ‘47 Hitch Hat style.

Ray-Ban Nina Sunglasses

$191 Buy Now

I picked up the Ray-Ban Nina Sunglasses at Sunglass Hut a couple of years ago after seeing Kathy Hilton wear the same pair. I love the slight cat-eye silhouette, lightweight construction, and more compact size (especially when considering my Poppy Lissiman Jimbob Sunglasses that I don’t leave home without). These are great because they’re versatile enough to go with any outfit, and they fit into smaller crossbody bags while sightseeing.

Poppy Lissiman Jimbob Sunglasses

$135 Buy Now

I bought these back in 2021, and to date, they are my most-worn and most-loved sunglasses (here I am wearing them on a trip to Palm Springs earlier this year). The Poppy Lissiman Jimbob Sunglasses feature an aviator-inspired silhouette with black frames and orange lenses. I have light blue eyes that are super sensitive to light, so I love wearing these in overcast weather to cut some of the brightness. They’re also super comfortable and have Category 1 UV protection.

CALPAK Terra Small Sling Bag in Obsidian
On Sale 34% off

$42 Buy Now

Usually, I won’t travel without my beloved Baggu Crescent Bag , but I am headed to Dublin and Amsterdam and rain is in the forecast. For a more weather-friendly bag that I can wear during the day, I’m bringing my CALPAK Terra Small Sling Bag in Obsidian. This bag fits a lot and packs down well, so it won’t take up a ton of room in my carry-on.

WanderFull Crossbody HydroBag

$59 Buy Now

The WanderFull Crossbody HydroBag is another bag that packs down well, and I love it because it’s a water bottle holder and crossbody bag in one. I use this a lot at Disneyland (see pictured) and find that it’s one of the most convenient bags for when you’re on the go. Plus, the strap is super comfortable, which is a must when you are carting around a jug of water.

Melie Bianco Frieda Blue Recycled Vegan Crossbody Bag
On Sale 40% off

$66 Buy Now

If I can fit it, I always try to pack at least one fashion bag so that I have a chic and stylish option that I can dress up when headed to dinners. On this trip, I’m bringing my Melie Bianco Frieda Blue Recycled Vegan Crossbody Bag, which is ultra-durable and spacious enough to hold all of my essentials. In addition to the blue color, you can also find it in white. And right now, it’s on sale for 40 percent off with code SUMMER.
What to Pack for Europe: Jewelry

Clean Origin Minimalist Tennis Bracelet

$825 Buy Now

I don’t plan on packing a ton of jewelry for this trip, since I’ll spend most of my days sightseeing and don’t want to keep things simple. One thing I am planning to wear, though, is my Clean Origin Minimalist Tennis Bracelet. This bracelet is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry in my collection because it’s super dainty yet durable, and adds a subtle shimmering touch to my wrist. It also has one of the best prices I’ve seen for a solid gold and diamond bracelet. However, if $825 isn’t within your budget or you’d prefer to test drive the tennis bracelet trend without the big investment, I found this cute Dainty Tennis Bracelet dupe on Etsy for $60.

Local Eclectic Solid Gold Australian Opal Huggie Hoops

$279 Buy Now

I also plan on bringing my beloved opal huggie hoops with me. Mine were a gift from my grandparents from the Downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District, but the Local Eclectic Solid Gold Australian Opal Huggie Hoops are almost exactly the same (and a better price, to be honest). These feature solid 10K gold, so they’re great if you have metal sensitivities and are decorated with four stunning 3mm opals.

Gorjana 14k Gold Classic Huggies

$196 Buy Now

When it comes to more subtle jewelry, I always opt for a pair of gold huggie hoops. I bought mine from Jenni Stuart while on a trip to Salem, Massachusetts, but it looks like they’re (sadly) sold out. For another minimalistic hoop earring, I also love the Gorjana 14k Gold Classic Huggies.

BaubleBar Bubble Initial Necklace

$58 Buy Now

I wear the same Communion By Joy Burst Necklace every day, but I always like to pack a fun, trendy piece of jewelry in case I want to switch it up. On this trip, I plan to bring my gold BaubleBar Bubble Initial Necklace. This reminds me so much of that iconic Hailey Bieber B Necklace, but much more budget-friendly.
What to Pack for Europe: Skincare and Makeup

Herbivore Botanicals BAKUCHIOL Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

$56 Buy Now

I don’t plan on packing a lot of skincare and makeup items because I like to keep things minimal when I travel. So, for this trip, I’m bringing the Herbivore Botanicals BAKUCHIOL as much one serum. This is a natural retinol alternative that has improved my skin significantly since I started using it earlier this year. The serum targets dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, and dryness and leaves my complexion looking a lot more refreshed.

Glossier Priming Moisturizer

$26 Buy Now

Every time I add the Glossier Priming Moisturizer to my skincare routine, I wonder why I stopped. I’ve used this moisturizer on and off since it first launched around ten years ago, and it’s always a go-to when I do not use a lot of skincare products at once. This formula is rich enough to provide my dry skin with ample hydration but lightweight enough to layer well with sunscreen and makeup during the day.

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

$24 Buy Now

I do not leave home without my tiny jar of LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask —it’s seriously the best skincare product ever. This is technically an overnight mask for dry lips, but I use it as a lip balm because my pout is prone to dehydration and I love the glossy finish this gives, especially when I have more of a fresh face.

Herbivore Botanicals STAR SEED Sheer Glow Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

$38 Buy Now

To be honest, I don’t love having foundation or even BB cream on my complexion. While I’ll apply it for short-term wear, the thought of slathering on a full face makes my skin feel claustrophobic. Instead, I prefer tinted moisturizers and sunscreens to provide a nice glow—and the Herbivore Botanicals STAR SEED Sunscreen is one of the best I’ve tried this year. I am obsessed with the way this feels on my skin (it’s lightweight and hydrating) and how it has just the slightest tinge of color to even out my skin tone.

Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer

$22 Buy Now

On days when my dark circles are looking a little too ripe, or I have a pimple pop up, I reach for the Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer. This concealer provides lots of great coverage while still looking and feeling natural on my complexion.

Saie Mascara

$26 Buy Now

Mascara is quick to irritate my eyes, so there are few that truly get the stamp of approval from me. The Saie Mascara is one of those formulas. I love it for its non-toxic formula and lash-enhancing ingredients like beeswax for lengthening, shea butter for hydrating, and a Hydra-Mineral Complex for strengthening.

Twenty/Twenty Beauty Full Brows Tinted Gel

$26 Buy Now

I’ve used Twenty/ Twenty Beauty Full Brows Tinted Gel religiously for a couple of years now and it’s one of my favorite eyebrow gels on the market. I love the colors, I love the clean ingredients, and I love the spoolie brush. It’s a great backup for when my eyebrow lamination wears off, or when I want to add a little extra oomph to my brows.

Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes
On Sale 12% off

$23 Buy Now

To avoid adding more liquid to my suitcase, I always bring makeup remover wipes with me when I travel. The Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes are one of my favorites, and I made sure to stock up on them for this trip. These wipes come in a pack of 20 on Amazon and feature clean and gentle ingredients to remove makeup and the day’s dirt and debris. Plus, they smell like a literal spa day.
What to Pack for Europe: Electronics

Apple AirdPods Max

$549 Buy Now

My Apple AirdPods Max is one of my tried-and-true airport staples. I love the headphones’ noise canceling abilities, which drown out the airplane sound and other disturbances while in-flight, making sleeping on long flights much easier. They’re also one of the most comfortable headphones I have ever tried because they fit over my entire ears without pushing them into my skull (an important detail when you have lots of ear piercings that usually end up jabbing your head while you listen to music).

Urban Armor Gear Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank

$100 Buy Now

I don’t always bring a portable charger with me, but on trips when I know I am going to take tons of photos and videos, I always make sure to toss one in my bag just in case I need it. For this trip, I’m packing the Urban Armor Gear Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank, which has enough battery capacity to charge phones 2.5 times before it needs more juice.

Glocusent Book Light
On Sale 10% off

$18 Buy Now

I usually work on a needlepoint or cross-stitch project while in-flight, and the overhead lights don’t always cut it for me. The Glocusent Book Light is one of my favorite travel gadgets because it provides tons of light, is easy to maneuver for a better look, and sits comfortably around my neck.

Oura Ring

$499 Buy Now

The Oura Ring isn’t something that you need for Europe, but I love wearing mine while traveling because it allows me to track my sleep and other health markers, including my basal body temperature, which I use to track my cycle in the Natural Cycles app. My favorite thing about the ring, though, is that it tracks your steps and tells you how many miles you walked, which is always fun to see after a full day of exploring new cities. In addition to the ring, I always pack a few Oura Ring covers to protect the metal and prevent scratches caused by carrying luggage.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

$65 Buy Now

Whenever I am headed somewhere special, I always try to remember to toss my Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera in my carry-on so I can snap fun instant prints of my favorite memories. This camera is super easy to travel with and always makes for great keepsakes (especially if you junk journal!).
Other Things I Need to Bring to Europe

Drowsy Silk Sleep Eye Mask
On Sale 25% off

$59 Buy Now

Nothing has changed my sleep more than the Drowsy Silk Sleep Eye Mask. I’m a relatively deep sleeper and am lucky enough to fall asleep just about anywhere, but this eye mask helps me block out light so that I actually stay asleep. Whether it’s snoozing on the place or taking a cat nap once I land, I won’t leave home without adding this mask to my bag.

Cabeau The Neck’s Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

$50 Buy Now

I don’t always travel with neck pillows, but they’re essential on long-haul flights. For this trip, I’m packing the Cabeau The Neck’s Evolution S3 Neck Pillow, which has a seat strap system designed to keep your head upright in a comfortable and supportive position, plus plenty of cushion to help you forget that you’re sleeping on a plane.

DavidsTEA Cream of Earl Grey Tea

$10+ Buy Now

As a tea drinker, I am not always in luck when it comes to caffeinating. In most situations, the tea provided in hotel rooms (and even some cafes) isn’t that great of quality, so I like to bring a few tea bags with me when I travel. The DavidsTEA Cream of Earl Grey Tea is my current fixation, which you can purchase in loose leaf for $10 per ounce and steep using a tea infuser or buy in tea bag form. I also usually travel with a portable kettle because I find that a lot of the hot water carafes provided by room service have a lingering coffee task, but I might leave mine behind this time to make some room for souvenirs.

Hydro Flask 24-Ounce Standard Mouth with Flex Straw Cap

$40 Buy Now

A reusable water bottle is always at the top of my packing list when I travel (which is funny since this is quite literally at the bottom of my list—I digress). I have a few Hydro Flask bottles, but I prefer to take my 24-Ounce Standard Mouth with Flex Straw Cap on trips with me because it’s not as big and, therefore, not as heavy when filled with water. This one also fits perfectly in the side pocket of my CALPAK Luka Duffel and WanderFull Crossbody HydroBag .

I’m Traveling to Europe This Month & Here’s Everything I’m Packing in My Carry-On

Jessie Quinn

Europe Trip Essentials at a Glance

What to Pack for Europe: Luggage

What to Pack for Europe: Clothing

What to Pack for Europe: Shoes

What to Pack for Europe: Accessories

What to Pack for Europe: Jewelry

What to Pack for Europe: Skincare and Makeup

What to Pack for Europe: Electronics

Other Things I Need to Bring to Europe

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