The Essential Europe Travel Checklist

Never again have that 'oh on, I forgot' moment

09 Nov 2012 - Posted to Travel Tips, by Jess Stiles

The bottom line for any trip in Europe; pack light. You will be lugging your backpack from airports to hostels, so only bring what you need - ideally one backpack with an attachable daypack. But in our efforts to pack light, or just to pack in general, we often forget something. To leave on your trip well prepared without forgetting a thing, use our handy Europe travel checklist below.

Basics

  • Passport or ID card

  • Clothing (as appropriate)

  • ATM cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • House keys

Technology

  • Mobile phone (charged)

  • Camera with memory card inside (charged)

  • Multi-plug USB charger

  • Adapter

  • Headphones

Toiletries organiser bag with:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Roll on deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Soap or body wash

  • Razor

  • Plastic zip lock bags

  • Hair brush or comb and hair ties

  • Nail chippers

  • Tissues

  • Pain killers

  • Glasses or contact lenses and solution

As required

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • International drivers liscense

  • Raincoat or umbrella

  • Laundry bag

  • Laundry detergent or powder

  • Birth control and medications

  • Insect repellent

  • Lip balm

  • Hair styling products

Hostel specifics

  • Travel towel

  • Luggage locks and chord

  • Earplugs

  • Torch (or mobile app equivalent)

  • Deck of cards

Document sleeve with:

  • Printed flight / train / bus tickets

  • Photocopy of passport and visa

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Health documents (immunisations, allergies, etc)

  • 2 passport sized photographs

Optional, but not necessary

  • Money belt

  • Bandaids

  • Multi-vitamins

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel friendly snacks (eg muesli-bars)

Ladies only

  • Makeup

  • Sanitary products

  • Small mirror

  • Perfume

  • Facial cleanser and moisturizer

If you can fit all of the above in a 50L backpack, you are packing like a pro. Doesn't fit? Check if you are lugging around any of the following, chances are you won't need it.

  • Sewing kit - do you even know how to sew?
  • Travellers checks - this is not the 1980's
  • Toilet paper - surprisingly they have that in Europe now
  • Alarm clock - there is an app for that
  • Guide book - free online travel guides provide a wealth of more accurate information

Find our list useful? Think we have forgotten something essential? Let us by commenting below. And don't forget to share your travel plan with family or friends before you leave.


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