There’s something special about a summer trip in Europe — the air is sweet, the days are longer, and it seems wherever you go, the atmosphere is buzzing. With a suitcase in hand, the packing begins and often I look no further than a few easy dresses. Days at the beach, afternoons at cafes, and morning strolls are staples of a summer trip in Europe.
I find clothes that can be mixed and matched are ideal for packing a suitcase that isn’t spilling over — as we all know it’s hard to resist shopping in Europe. With a few staples, those fun tops for a night out, and the simple dress does just fine for a great summer trip in Europe.
Here’s what I recommend packing for a summer trip in Europe:
1. Bottoms
This time of year in Europe tends to run hot, hot, hot. Picture flowy pants like this, or a midi-skirt that can pair well with a number of tops. I always throw in one pair of denim, like a white or ankle-cut for an evening occasion. During the day, I stick to denim or linen shorts.
2. Tops
Running on the theme of a hot summer, an easy off-the-shoulder top is my ultimate European top. I always pack a few t-shirts, two to three loose tanks, and you can never forget a light blouse to throw over.
3. Dresses
Nothing says summer like a flowery-print dress, this one or this maxi is the ultimate one to toss in the suitcase. A few easy dresses like this one or this, make for an easy day to night look. I always pack a romper as well.
4. Shoes
There’s the basics to a Europe trip, and one that cannot be overlooked is a good walking shoe. I edge towards a white sneaker that can pair with shorts. I always have a pair of sandals, often two like this or this. My favorite summer shoe is an espadrille in the form of a flat and a wedge.
5. Accessories
The first accessory in the bag is always a pair of sunglasses that will pair with just about everything, like these black Ray-Bans or these. A straw-summer hat is also in order for the sunnier days and to match, a straw bag for those trips to the farmer’s market. For when it’s time to walk around town, I love this little backpack to stash a camera and necessities.
6. The Essentials
With more time in the sun, I always opt for a good SPF cream like this one or this. I always toss in a dry-shampoo and my favorite body oil (a French classic!.)
7. Tech
I always travel with my camera and 35 mm lens. I would recommend bringing a Kindle for an afternoon read, an extra SD card, a camera cleaning kit (<$10) for on the go, an extra battery pack for your phone, and extra batteries for your camera.
8. Travel Insurance
The last thing I never leave the country without is travel insurance, and my preferred is World Nomad’s. Book here:
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
