20 Best Things to Pack for Your First Trip To Europe

20 Best Things to Pack for Your First Trip to Europe

Heading overseas for the first time is an exciting adventure! But the last thing you want is to be burdened by an overstuffed suitcase. In this guide, we’ll cover the 20 essential items you need to pack for a hassle-free and unforgettable European journey!

The Perfect Backpack for European Travel

For previous trips to Europe, I used a 60L backpacking pack that I had been using for camping trips. I got this pack for a great price through Steep & Cheap.
I traveled around with the Granite Gear Crown 3.

It was my very first proper backpacking pack and had done very well for myself while walking around these beautiful regions of Europe and the Middle East. This pack is great for its price, and Steep & Cheap is always carrying this brand. You can get this pack for $119.98, and it’s usually on sale. Currently, it’s 50% off, so MOVE QUICK!

Price: $119.98

At the moment, for my travels in the Balkans, I wanted something effective for long-term travel, as I will be staying in Europe for the next year. I wanted something that could pack more effectively rather than stacking. I also had in mind that I wanted a day pack while traveling. As I am doing volunteer work, I wanted something that I could use while my main pack is at my accommodation.

What I’m Using Now:

Currently, for my travels in Montenegro, I am using Salkan’s “The Backpacker.”

This pack is absolutely amazing and has everything that I need for traveling light and traveling effectively. The main pack is a 45L bag that comes with a 20L attachable day pack. This pack is durable, comfortable, and packs well. I will make a video soon on a review for it. Link to my channel right here https://www.youtube.com/@samhenry7531

Price: €352,95

This is the Salkan detachable 20L day pack in the photo

A Portable Rainjacket

During your travels, you never know when it is going to storm on you. If you do a lot of adventuring around like myself, you find out that you are going to need a good rainjacket that can pack down small. I didn’t do too much research on this rainjacket before buying it. It was a blind purchase on Amazon. I ended up making the right purchase after using this rainjacket and realizing how well and effective it is. Walking down the road from my accommodation to the village of Virpazar during a mass thunderstorm, the top half of me stayed dry. It’s a good thing that the skin on our legs is waterproof. Anyways, this rainjacket can be packed down small and barely takes up any space.

What I’m Using Now:

I use Oudoor Venture’s Men’s rain jacket.

Price: $36.99

A Durable Water Bottle

When traveling overseas or anywhere, you are going to want a reusable water bottle. Through my 23 years on this planet, I’ve come to understand that Nalgene is the best water bottle company out there. These water bottles are durable, can hold up to many liters, and you develop a connection with this water bottle over time. I know a lot of people will get filter bottles, but even with filters, I still use my Nalgene.

What I’m Using Now:

I have just gotten a brand new Nalgene Sustain Tritan.

Price: $15.70

Portable Charger

This is a very important thing to have with you while you are traveling around Europe. Today, when traveling, we use our phones for everything! When first getting to Montenegro, I was using Google Translate to get around, Google Maps to know when to get off the trains, and WhatsApp for communication. Traveling can become a full-day thing, and your phone battery may not be the best. I was given this portable charger as a gift from my father, and it has worked wonders for me and saved me many times. It’s slim, has a long battery life, and gets the job done.

What I’m Using Now:

This particular battery pack is called the INIU Portable Charger.

Price: $17.99

Chacos (Water Shoes)

One of my favorite parts of traveling is establishing my chaco tan. I absolutely live every day in these shoes throughout the summer. They are comfortable, great for hiking, and great for water. These shoes are 100% multifunctional. I swear by these shoes and will forever keep buying new pairs. Highly recommend for countries by water.

What I’m Using Now:

I have another color variation, but this is the same kind of Chaco Mens Z/2 Classic Sandal.

Price: $49.83

Vans MTE (Hiking Shoe)

Before moving my life over to Europe, I was living in Gunnison, Colorado. Through the tough, snowy, rugged landscape, I found that the Van MTEs are the best multipurpose everyday/hiking shoes. As the classic winter MTEs are mostly for colder areas, I had purchased the low-top version, which can’t be found on Amazon. I struggled to find the pair I was looking for, but you can’t go wrong with the high tops.

What I Suggest:

For the best everyday/hiking shoe for Europe, go take a look at Vans Unisex Adults' Sk8-Hi Trainers.

Price: $124.99

Practical Travel Pants

My suggestion for good travel pants would be the Kuhl Renegade Pant. These pants are great for a number of scenarios from camping, to hiking, to just having a comfortable everyday pant. I’ve worn these pants for about a year now and will never switch back. They are soft, lightweight, and breathable. I loved the pair so much I got another pair so I could have another color.

What I’m Using Now:

This link isn’t through Amazon, but you can find these pants directly on Kuhl’s website. The pants are called the Kuhl Renegade Pant.

Price: $99

Camera Gear: Capture Every Moment

When traveling in today's world, some people like to bring a camera. Studying some film during my time in college and making some films myself, I wanted to bring something that filmed in good quality while packing down nicely and not taking up too much space. I got myself a GoPro 10, and it’s the perfect travel/action camera for traveling.

What I’m Using Now:

This camera is 100% worth it with long-lasting battery life, shooting in 4k quality, and easy to offload the video/images to your phones through the GoPro app or through the SD card. I am in love with my Go Pro Hero 10 Black.

Price: $225

Travel Adapter

Being American, I needed a way to plug in all of my tech with the European plugs. This is a very vital part of traveling. It can be hard sometimes to find these, so I would come prepared.

What I’m Using Now:

I have an International Travel Adapter.

Price: $29.94

Headlamp

When seeking real adventure in the dark, you can’t be the one person using your phone to walk up a mountain to see the full moon! It’s important to carry a headlamp with you anywhere you go. This also comes in handy if you are traveling around on a bike and it gets dark. You are going to want something to let cars know you are around. This is a super reliable headlamp. The battery life is great. 22 lumens is the perfect amount of light for getting where you need in the dark.

What I’m Using Now:

I use a Noreast Outdoors Headlamp.

Price: $11.50

Headphones

I’ve tried AirPods, big headphones, and many other brands. I could never find the right headphones. I found a version of headphones that look like AirPods that have great sound quality, feel nice in my ears, and have a great charge. When traveling around Europe on trains, taxis, and by plane, you are going to want some headphones to listen to music or watch your favorite movie.

What I’m Using Now:

These headphones are great; I’ve been using them for many years now. Best Bluetooth Headphones.

Price: $17.88

Here's another great pair: Bluetooth Earbuds.

Price: $19.99

Lockbag

When taking a lot of planes and trains in Europe, you are going to want to stay on the safer side and carry your cash, credit cards, and your passport in a lockbag. Just to be safe! These are your valuables; the world would end if you lost them. Better to put them in a safe locked bag that nobody can get to but you.

What I’m Using Now:

I got this awesome lockbag off Amazon; it’s not too bulky and can fold, which is nice. The BankSupplies Laminated Nylon Locking Deposit Bag.

Price: $31

Fanny Pack

I found that having a fanny pack that you wear around your chest or waist when you are on the move is very convenient. That way, you can stay extra safe by keeping your passport, cash, and credit cards close where you can see them when getting from point A to point B.

What I Suggest:

I use an REI fanny pack, but any fanny pack works. I found an affordable one on Amazon you can check out: Fanny Pack for Men Women, Crossbody Waist Bag.

Price: $11.19

Travel Toiletries & Organizer Bag

When folding your life up in a backpack, you are going to want a dedicated spot for your toothbrush, shampoos/conditioners, etc. It’s also nice if you can get it to fold out so it’s not all so compact all the time.

What I Suggest:

I couldn’t pull up the exact brand of doc kit that I got for Europe but found one that looks exactly like it for an affordable price: Buruis Large Capacity Toiletry Bag.

Price: $19.99

Backup Chargers for All Devices

Whenever I travel, I feel like I’m always losing chargers. It’s important to bring a backup for everything: extra iPhone chargers, USB to micro, and USB type C. I bring one extra of all of those just to be safe.

What I Suggest:

I won’t put the exact chargers I use but found some cheaper ones on Amazon that I’ll add the link for:

iPhone charger

USB to Micro

USB type C

Price: Around $7 for each

Travel Insurance

Very smart idea to get some insurance before you go out on your travels, just to be safe and have that safety net in case something goes bad. Once you get the insurance, you can adventure safely.

What I’m Using Now:

At the moment, I am using VisitorsCoverage.

Price: Depends on plan

The Right Computer for Digital Nomads

If you like making video content, have a digital work-from-anywhere job, or just like having a computer handy, it might be a good idea to bring one when spending a long time in Europe. I put this further down on the list because you don’t truly need one unless you really want to bring one. Since I do a lot of video editing, I decided to bring one, and I honestly do a lot of work with it.

What I’m Using Now:

I currently use a 2019 MacBook Pro. I’ve used it since my first year of college, and it functions great. I run mainly Premiere Pro on it as well as do a lot of writing, and it gets the job done. Highly recommend.

Price: $499

Sunglasses for Sunny Days

I usually go through many pairs of cheap sunglasses that I tend to find at gas stations. My father gave me an old pair of his sunglasses that I use now that are a pair of Ray-Bans. Any sunglasses will do for your Europe trip.

What I Suggest:

Sunglasses.

Price: $9.33

Books to Inspire Your Journey

One thing that I’ve really come to enjoy while I’ve been here in Europe is my love for reading. Something about being in a new country makes you eager to read.

What I Suggest:

Two books that I would heavily suggest are both by my favorite author of all time, Jon Krakauer. This man is a true American Alpinist, journalist, and author. His reads truly motivate me and get me excited to travel more.

Check out these two books while you travel:

Into the Wild

Into Thin Air

Price: Both paperbacks will cost you $10 to $12 each

Cash: The Essential Backup

It is very important that you don’t come to Europe with just cards. Make sure to pull out some cash beforehand. You can always exchange at a bank. For example, during my time here in Montenegro, it’s a real cash-driven economy. I took about $400 in cash out before coming here to get around. 6 weeks later, it has worked very well for me. Taxi drivers only take cash here, smaller markets only take cash, and a lot of services mainly take cash. This obviously changes per area, but it’s good to stay safe.

Conclusion

I hope this guide makes your first trip to Europe a breeze. With the right gear and essentials, you’re set for an unforgettable adventure. Safe travels! I will provide all of the links below. Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the content I create and maintain this site. Thank you for your support!