What To Pack For Europe: Spring & Summer

This packing guide to Europe is super helpful! Headed to Europe in the fall or winter?! Click through for a comprehensive packing guide of all the basic clothes, electronics, and other must-haves!

My favorite time to travel in Europe is the spring and early summer, as the warmer weather opens up the possibility of going to the beach, boating around islands...basically anything summer-related! Here's a packing guide for what to bring when you travel to Europe in the spring and summer.

Traveling in the fall or winter as well? Check out this packing list for fall and winter in Europe!

Europe Spring & Summer Packing Checklist

This packing guide to Europe is super helpful! Headed to Europe in the spring or summer?! Click through for a comprehensive packing guide of all the basic clothes, electronics, and other must-haves!

Spring & Summer-specific Pieces!

1-2 Swimsuits
Something to wear over your swimsuit - a pair of shorts with a flow-y top is nice, or a sundress of a material that doesn't show wet stains (from your wet swimsuit after being in the water)
1 Light scarf
1 Jacket - you don't necessarily need an actual coat in the spring depending on where you're traveling in Europe, but a jacket that you can layer with on chillier days is a must!
1 Pair of sunglasses
1 Hat

Clothing

5-6 Tops: Consider bringing the tops you wear all the time so you bring clothes you'll actually wear! For spring and summer, a couple tanks, a dressier top, and a light sweater are good to start with - whatever is great for layering
2-3 Bottoms: a skirt and a pair of skinny jeans are great staples to have for Europe! Leggings are nice to have on hand for long plane and train rides are nice too.
1 Dress: easy way to dress up or dress down your outfit
1 Hoodie or light, comfortable jacket to throw on for long train rides or chilly nights at the beach
Socks, underwear, etc.
1-2 Exercise outfits: Leggings, shorts, and tanks for hikes

Shoes

1 Pair of sandals
1 Pair of flip flops for the beach
1 Pair of athletic shoes for any outdoor/exercise activities
1 Pair durable sneakers (like Converse or Nike) and/or 1 pair of booties
1 Pair of heels (optional) - if you bring heels, I highly recommend bringing wedges or heels that have a thicker heel for the cobblestone streets

Personal Items/Toiletries

Any medication you take regularly
Cold medicine or other items you stock in your medicine cabinet at home
Towel - I always travel with a towel while traveling. A towel is a MUST-have if you will be going to the beach (or staying at a hostel/Airbnb)! Tesalate beach towels are perfect for traveling as they have sand-free technology (you read that right!) and are absorbent, lightweight, and hardly take up any space in your luggage.
Vitamins
Toothpaste, toothbrush
Travel-sized shower products (shampoo, body wash, razor, etc.) - you can restock abroad when you run out
Face moisturizer - this brand is my favorite. It's very hydrating which is especially great for flying
Deodorant
Hairbrush
Hair products or tools
Febreze To-Go (a must for keeping your clothes smelling fresh)

Electronics

Phone and charger
Laptop/tablet and charger (if desired)
Camera and charger (if desired)
Kindle or book
Earbuds/headphones

Travel Must-Haves

Passport! Can't leave without it
Your travel itinerary (flights, accommodations), written down on pen/paper in case you lose your phone
Proof of onward travel - only if required to enter the country/countries you're visiting
The right adapter (watch this video to learn how adapters work)
Lock for hostel lockers

Which of these items should you bring in your carry-on? Check this post out!

What else do you need to pack for Europe in the spring or summer?

Hiking? Beach days? Boat cruising? Make sure to tailor what you pack to any specific activities you'll be doing!

For example, if you know you'll be on the beach for a majority of your trip, you'll probably need more options to wear over your swimsuit than multiple pairs of skinny jeans, ya know?

How much stuff is this, really?

This may seem like a lot when you have it all written out, but I usually fit the above into carry-on only luggage (I got a new Away carry-on luggage for Christmas and also use my Tumi shoulder bag). I haven't had to use a larger-sized luggage since when I lived in Italy for six months.

Using space bags or packing cubes can help you stay organized and save space! Also, always roll your clothes instead of folding to maximize your luggage space.