The Best European Packing List For Your Summer Vacation 2023 by Priscilla December 22, 2022 written by Priscilla Packing precisely what you need for your vacation to Europe is hard! As you may know, Americans get a bad rap for sticking out like a sore thumb. We wear bright, flashy, white Nike’s, baseball caps, and sweatshirts with our favorite sports team plastered all over the front, to name a few. The aesthetic there is very different. If you’re like me, a solo female traveler, blending in with the crowd isn’t about getting made fun of or talked about in another language right in front of your face. Although, that’s not a very fun experience either. But making yourself look the part is a safety measure. Among dressing the part, there are so many other things you need to know to bring with you to save yourself some major headaches! Here is the ultimate European packing list for Summer 2023 What are the “Do’s and Don’ts” of European Aesthetic? Do’s As I mentioned above, Europeans dress for fashion rather than for comfort. I have seen some people wear colors, but they’re mainly muted primary colors, soft greens, pinks, or bold gem colors. Depending on what part of Europe you’re traveling to, the weather can change instantly. So, here is a comprehensive list of what fashionable items you need in your suitcase! A black or neutral peacoat or long trench coat. A white, beige, or cream blouse or sweater. A nice pair of jeans. These can be skinny fit or regular fit. I didn’t see a single person with baggy, holey jeans, however. Some kind of hat. In America, the festival hats are big and would fit in perfectly with the European style. Also, berets go with any classy outfit, especially in Paris! Platform shoes are HUGE right now. It doesn’t matter what brand. If the weather will be warm, bring a couple of sundresses. Do bring these in a color! Dark yellow, sage green, blush pink, burnt orange, any shade of blue, or maybe red if you feel spicy! To pair with the sundresses, bring a pair of cute sandals you can walk long distances in. Most people in Europe either walk or ride bicycles everywhere. If you’re rocking the sundresses, may I suggest bringing a pair or two of biker shorts? They will keep you from chafing, or if you do decide to ride bikes, you’ll be ready. A pair of black, brown, or neutral-colored pants or shorts. Maybe a pair or two of leggings. A small or medium crossbody purse. Pickpocketing happens everywhere, but when you’re in a foreign place, keep all your legal documentation close to you and within your eyesight at all times. Don’ts As you can gather, Europeans love neutrals and dark colors. And rightly so, they go with everything, and you can mix and match all you want. However, some things are on the “do not bring” list if you’re trying to blend in. Remember, you can bring these and still be fine, but for those who are aesthetic conscious, these are some don’ts on the ultimate European packing list for Summer 2023! Flip flops Hoodies with big graphics Extremely bright tennis shoes or sneakers with white dad socks (you know what I’m talking about, ladies and men). The European fashion is that your socks match your pants; for men, shorts are only for school-age boys. Baseball hats. Baseball doesn’t exist in Europe, and you’re a dead giveaway as an American. Loose-fitting t-shirts. In Europe, they like t-shirts, but with a snugger and more fitted look. Gym clothes unless you’re exercising. Fanny packs What Other Items To Pack? Here’s The List! A universal power adaptor Anything you bring with an American plug will not work in Europe. Fortunately, these are very easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Look up a universal power adaptor or click here for the one I bought and have had zero problems with. Keep this with you in your purse if you have connecting flights to different countries. Money I HIGHLY suggest going to your bank a week or two in advance and ordering money for the country, or countries, you will be visiting. You will pay a lot less in exchange fees and automatically have some cash in your pocket. Most places in Europe accept Visa credit cards but remember there will be an exchange rate fee associated with every purchase unless you have a specialty card that waves these fees. I have only seen American Express work a handful of times, so I don’t suggest it. Also, they do use change in countries that use Euros. They have two-cent, five-cent, ten-cent, 20-cent, 50-cent, one-euro, and two-euro coins. I could not find this information about coin money or change anywhere. Keep in mind, when out in public, sometimes you have to pay to use the bathroom! There, it’s also called a water closet, and you will see a “WC” abbreviation. Offline Maps When you’re connected to WI-FI, download an offline map on google maps of everywhere you will be. You will thank me later! Sunglasses Shampoo Bar and Conditioner Bar These are fantastic. They eliminate some liquid in your bags, and you can wash your body and clothes with them, too. An extra quart-size Ziplock bag in case yours fall apart or rips. Google Translate App Medication Bring any Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, Nyquil, or prescription medication. Remember, your prescription meds have to be in the original packaging, and you have to show proof of your prescription if these are in your carry-on. You don’t need a prescription for Tylenol or Advil, etc. That is wonderful if you trust the airlines not to lose your checked bags (I do not) with your prescriptions, but I suggest keeping them with you. **Europe doesn’t have the medication selection that we do in the U.S. You have to go to an actual pharmacy to get Tylenol and basic medications you can buy in any grocery store or convenience store in America. The pharmacies are also not open on Sundays and close at about 5 pm every day. This includes Nyquil or Dayquil! Makeup Underwear Don’t forget undies! Deodorant Headphones Chargers for all electronic devices The universal adaptor I linked above comes with four USB ports built-in 😉 Sunscreen Feminine hygiene products I suggest being eco-friendly and using a menstrual cup. It’s not as bad as you might think! Chafing stick For my thick thighed ladies out there, this chafing stick will save your legs! https://www.bodyglide.com/product/for-her/ There you have it! Here is my best European packing list for Summer 2023. Remember, you don’t have to bring every item I mentioned. Additionally, these are all things that I would have loved to know before I went. I’m sure you will add and remove some things here and there. And remember to leave some room in your carry-on and checked bag for souvenirs to bring home. If you don’t feel like packing anything except the clothes you wear to the airport, that’s perfectly fine, too. Furthermore, what better way to dress like a European than buying outfits from local stores? European aesthetic is totally different than what we wear here in America. It almost takes you back in time and has a very classy feel and look about it. Embrace the culture, take all the pictures, eat the food, and live your absolute best life! December 22, 2022 3 comments 1.7K views 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestRedditStumbleuponEmail