The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List for Summer in Europe

The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List for Summer in Europe:

Best Women’s Travel Clothes for Europe

Bottoms

Pants (3-4 pairs)

1. Jeans (1) ~ I love my Levi’s as well as jeans from Madewell. They are good staples that you can mix and match with everything. Opt for a classic silhouette that pairs with everything over trendy cuts. In Europe, people generally opt for a classier look, so avoid distressed jeans if you really want to blend in.
2. Lightweight cotton/linen pants (1) ~ These are great for cooler summer nights, as well as for visiting churches in Italy that require you to cover your knees.
3. Leggings (1) ~ Europeans generally don’t wear athletic clothing unless they’re actually exercising. However, leggings are great for travel days, if nothing else! I love my leggings from Lululemon and Fabletics. Both brands are durable and super comfortable.
4. Hiking pants (if you’re going to be doing some hardcore hiking ~ You know yourself, ladies. If you’re going to be doing some hardcore hiking, a durable, lightweight pair of hiking pants is a good investment. I personally own and love my Patagonia Quandary hiking pants, but a cheaper alternative that’s still good is the Unitop breathable outdoor quick-dry pants.

Shorts (3 pairs)

1. Comfy shorts (1) ~ You can’t go wrong with a comfy pair of shorts. These adorable mauve drawstring shorts are one of my favorites (and perfect to loosen when you’ve eaten too much Italian pasta!). Consider getting a pair that can double as pajama shorts for sleeping.
2. Denim shorts (1) ~ High-waisted denim cut-offs are a classic. Denim shorts are also a versatile piece that can go with pretty much anything. And they definitely fit into European style.
3. Athletic shorts/biker shorts (1) ~ Good for lounging, hiking, and exploring.

Skirts (1-2)

1. Midi skirt (1) ~ A midi skirt allows you to dress things up a bit while maintaining maximum flexibility to pair it with your tops. Opt for a midi skirt over a maxi skirt when it’s really hot and/or you don’t need to worry about covering your ankles. But if you’re somewhere you do need to worry about, like a religious site in Italy, opt for…
2. Maxi skirt (1) ~ A maxi skirt allows you all the same flexibility as a midi skirt. However, as I mentioned above, these are the most flexible, as you can cover your ankles if going to the Vatican, for example. Check the weather of your destinations and decide if you’ll need a maxi skirt and/or if it will be too hot at your destination for this. If you don’t need to cover your ankles, it might be best to opt for 1-2 midi skirts.

Helpful tip: While there can be extreme heat waves in Europe, it’s also not uncommon to have some cooler, rainy days in the middle of the summer, too. You’re less likely to need longer bottoms if you’re exclusively staying in southern Europe during peak summer. However, I’d still recommend bringing at least one pair.

1. Tanks (3) ~  When I’m in hot weather, I find that I only wear tank tops. Use these during really hot days! Also, make sure at least one of them is really comfortable and breathable for activities like hiking or exercising.
2. Tees/blouses (3) ~ Mix and match short sleeve and 3/4-length sleeve shirts to bring some variation into your outfits.
3. Crop tops (1-2) ~ Crop tops are perfect for those really hot days when you just can’t deal. They’re also great for beach parties in Croatia and Greece!
4. Button-up shirt (1) ~ Button-up shirts are one of my favorite travel hacks. The key for this backpacking packing list is to layer, layer, layer, and a neutral button-up shirt is the perfect thing to throw on in air conditioning or on a cooler day.

Sweaters & Jackets (3)

1. Cardigan (1) ~  This can be worn by itself or layered over another shirt in case it gets a bit chilly at night.
2. Pullover (1) ~ A classic pullover crewneck sweater is perfect for layering.
3. Lightweight rain jacket (1) ~ A rain jacket rightfully belongs on this backpacking packing list because it will rain at some point during your trip. Don’t get completely soaked by investing in a high-quality rain jacket – you’ll thank yourself later!

Dresses, Rompers, & Jumpsuits (4-6)

1. Dresses (2-3) ~ Dresses are some of the most comfortable clothes to wear during hot weather and are a staple of this backpacking packing list. I love to throw a dress on to go out at any time during the day or night. Pack a combination of mini, midi, and maxi dresses to make your wardrobe as varied as possible.
2. Rompers (1-2) ~ I love that rompers have come back since we were kids. They’re great because they can look like a dress, but give you the coverage of shorts! If you’re the kind of gal who doesn’t really like to wear dresses, then opt for packing more rompers and fewer dresses.
3. Jumpsuit (1) ~ A jumpsuit is a perfect solution when you get weird in-between summer weather in some parts of Europe (I’m looking at you, England). They’re also great for dressing up for slightly cooler nights out on the town. Just make sure you can get it on and off yourself!

Helpful tip: If you’re the kind of girl who loves to live in dresses in the summer, consider bringing even more dresses than I recommend. Then, cut down accordingly on the number of tops I suggested above.

Swimwear (3-5)

1. Bikinis (2-4) ~ I used to be a bikini minimalist, but now I can’t bring myself to only bring two! If you can manage with just two, go for that, and kudos to you. But this backpacking packing list allows you (and I encourage you) to bring up to four if you want!
2. One-piece (1) ~ I don’t often wear one-pieces because of the weird tan lines. However, they can still be useful sometimes, especially if you’re doing more sporty water activities. They also do double-duty as a cute bodysuit! So, if you’re like me, make sure to bring at least one one-piece swimsuit. However, if you prefer one-pieces over bikinis, by all means, bring 2-4 one-pieces instead, and leave the bikinis at home!
3. Sarong/cover-up (1) – This isn’t a necessity, but if I have the space, I like to bring a cover-up. If you know me, you know I love the beach, so you bet I’ll be walking around in my swimsuit between town and the beach frequently! A cover-up, or at the very least a sarong, allows you to maintain some modesty while doing this.

Helpful tip: After struggling for a while to find cute, quality swimsuits made from sustainable materials, now Monday Swimwear is my favorite swimwear brand. I love the variety of cuts, colors, and patterns available, as well as their messages of body positivity and inclusivity.

Undergarments

Bras (5-6)

1. Proper bras (1-2) ~ Once again, know thyself. If you are bigger chested and/or prefer to wear properly structured bras, then bring two proper bras. Otherwise, just bring one.
2. Bralettes (2) ~ I am the bralette’s number one fan. Seriously – I love these things! They provide just enough support and coverage but they’re cute and lacy and you can barely feel that they’re there. They’re on every one of my backpacking packing lists. For reference, I’m a B/C cup and wear them practically every day! There are lots of options to choose from, depending on how much support you want and need. While I love my Adella bralette from Free People, the Claudia bralette is great for women who need a little more support.
3. Sports bras (2) ~ Sports bras are great for hiking and other active activities. If you’re a regular gym rat and plan to visit gyms in Europe on-the-go, maybe bring a few extras. Again, you know yourself, so adjust accordingly.

Underwear (12)

1. Thongs (10) ~ Bring neutral thongs that won’t show under light-colored clothing.
2. Regular panties (2) ~ This pair is designed not to show under your clothing. These are good for those days you want a bit more coverage and nights in the hostel when it’s too hot to wear real shorts.

Shoes (5-7 pairs)

1. Sneakers ~ Bring a pair of sneakers that are comfortable for walking and running ALL over the place. Wear these on the plane ride over to save space in your bags.
2. Flip-flops/shower shoes ~ Flip-flops that can get wet are ideal for the beach and are a must in hostel showers.
3. Comfortable sandals ~ If you’re like me and overheat in warm weather with a pair of sneakers, a pair of sandals is the perfect solution. They are super stylish and can dress up any outfit if needed. During my summers backpacking Europe, I wear strappy sandals almost all the time.
4. Low block sandal heels ~ If I can fit them, I love to bring my low block heels when I travel to warm destinations. They are a cute yet still comfortable way to dress up a maxi dress in the evening. If you’re not planning to dress things up at any point on your trip or absolutely hate heels, no matter how low, then you can skip these.
5. Hiking/water sandals ~ I LOVED my Teva hiking sandals, and now I equally LOVE my Chaco’s. They’re super useful for warm hikes when you don’t necessarily need to cover your toes, but still need a good tread. These hiking sandals are also meant for going in the water. This is perfect for crossing rivers or going into the ocean when there’s a rocky bottom (like in much of Greece)!
6. Hiking boots (if you’ll be doing some hardcore hiking) ~ You only need to bring these if the hiking you’ll be doing requires some solid ankle support. I’ve been wearing my Mom’s Eddie Bauers all over the world that have been in use since the 1980s. They’re still going! Really, you couldn’t destroy them even if you tried. I love these boots and I think you will too!
7. Slippers ~ Many places in Europe have cold tile floors. This might be nice during the day, but you’ll want a way to keep your tootsies warm come nighttime. These Snoozies slippers take up barely any room in your bag but still keep your feet warm. Bonus: they’re perfect for the plane ride there, too! No backpacking packing list is complete without them.

The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List for Summer in Europe:

Best Outfit Accessories for Europe

1. Lightweight scarf ~ A lightweight scarf has so many uses: it can be used to easily cover your shoulders in a church. It can be a pillow or blanket on the plane or bus or an extra sheet on your bed. And it can also be a cover-up for the beach or a towel in a pinch. Bonus: it’s also an easy way to add variety to your outfits! I never travel without my pashmina scarf.
2. Belt (if needed) ~ Bring a belt if you need it for any of your pants or shorts.
3. Watch ~ Especially when you’ve got lots of planes, trains, and buses to catch, you’ll be happy to have the time conveniently on your wrist! While a regular ol’ analog watch works fine, I think a smartwatch makes organization even easier. Besides more easily seeing what travel plans I have on for the day, I’ve definitely also upped my productivity and improved my fitness with my smartwatch! I love the sporty-chic look of my Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 4 and also the Apple Watch Series 7.
4. Jewelry ~ I didn’t use to be a huge jewelry wearer, but I became one when I realized it’s one of the easiest (and lightest!) ways to change up any outfit while traveling! From necklaces and chokers to rings, earrings, and more, there are endless options. My favorite jewelry collections for a boho, wanderlust vibe come from Lulu’s.
5. Sunglasses ~ It’s summer, after all! Make sure to add some stylish sunnies to your backpacking packing list to protect your eyes from the sun. Also make sure to get some that are polarized to really block out harmful rays!
6. RFID-blocking credit card wallet ~ More and more European countries like Denmark and the UK are moving mostly or totally away from cash, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. A credit card wallet is perfect in these situations to organize all of your cards without taking up much space. Not only can you slide out all of your cards conveniently with a pull of the trigger button, but it also blocks thieves from stealing your information. Especially for staying safe while solo traveling, an RFID-blocking credit card wallet is a must for your backpacking packing list. 
7. Change purse ~ However, there are still countries that use a fair amount of cash in Europe, like Austria and much of eastern Europe. For these countries, you need a non-bulky way to organize all of that moola. Enter: the change purse.
8. Bandana/headband ~ This is actually one of my top travel essentials! I wear a headband or bandana on my head practically every day that I’m traveling in hot weather. It keeps my hair out of my face and also blocks sweat from getting in my eyes (gross, yes, but useful – also yes).
9. Hat ~ Bring a cute, foldable hat that will protect you from the sun while you’re out exploring or lounging on the beach.

The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List for Summer in Europe:

Essential Toiletries for Europe

General

1. Toiletry bag ~ I didn’t expect how much I would love my toiletry bag from Baggallini. It has so many compartments to organize even the smallest items. It also has a metal hook on the inside for hanging it when the main compartment is open, which is super handy for keeping organized with limited space!
2. Carry-on liquids pouch ~ Skip the disposable, flimsy Ziploc bags and get yourself a TSA-approved liquids pouch that you can use again and again. I love mine because it’s clear, so it’s easy for airport security as well as me to know what’s in it.
3. Makeup + cosmetic bag ~ Try to be minimal about the makeup that you bring, if any. Whenever I go to hot countries in the summer, I promptly remember that I’m often sweating off my makeup anyway, so it’s not worth putting a lot on to begin with. You look more natural and beautiful with less makeup on anyway (and yes, as a former severe acne sufferer, I know it takes time to embrace this perspective)! While soon I’ll write a post dedicated to my glowy, minimalistic travel makeup routine, here are the essential makeup items I usually bring traveling:
   1. Glossier Stretch Concealer ~ very natural-looking, glowy concealer with buildable coverage
   2. BECCA bronzer
   3. Tarte cream blush ~ I use the mini to save space
   4. Charlotte Tilbury highligher
   5. Glossier Boy Brow ~ The best eyebrow makeup you’ll ever find
   6. Glossier Lidstar liquid eyeshadow ~ Effortless, minimalist glow for your eyelids
   7. Maybelline The Rocket waterproof mascara ~ My go-to waterproof mascara
   8. Honest Beauty mascara ~ For non-waterproof days, this is the first mascara layer I put on, since it’s completely non-toxic and has no nasties in it
   9. L’Oreal Beauty Tubes mascara ~ Then I layer this mascara on top of the Honest Beauty mascara, as it’s completely smudge-proof! No more raccoon eyes!
   10. M.A.C. Prep + Prime Fix+ primer and setting spray ~ The best way to set your makeup that will give you the most beautiful natural glow! It’s been my go-to for years.
4. Razor + blades ~ While I used to use men’s razors since they’re better than conventional women’s razors and I could avoid the pink tax, now I don’t have to with my Billie razor! They offer razor handles and blades with built-in soap(!) at a super affordable price, since their main mission is to avoid any pink tax. Since their blades have charcoal soap built-in, you don’t have to worry about having extra soap to shave! What’s not to love?
5. Nail clippers + file ~ Nail clippers are necessary if you’re traveling for even just a few weeks.
6. Reusable makeup remover pads ~ You know the Beauty Tubes mascara I mentioned above? If you use it, you’ll also want some machine-washable bamboo makeup remover pads that you can soak in water to easily remove the mascara. Since the mascara is smudge-proof, this means that conventional oil-based makeup removers won’t remove it – instead, just add water.
   1. Note: I’d avoid typical cotton rounds and opt for these reusable makeup remover pads, because when you rub your eyelashes with disposable cotton, there’s a tendency for little bits of cotton to get in your eyes! This happened to me once when I was on a snowboarding trip, and let me tell you – it was not fun.
7. Feminine hygiene products ~ Ladies – you know what you need. For example, I love L. organic cotton tampons and their BPA-free applicators. However, it’s likely that most European countries will have products very similar to the ones you have back home. So don’t worry too much about this, especially if you’ll be traveling for an extended period of time. Also, if you’re not using an IUD/coil for contraception, consider using a menstrual cup! Many girls rant and rave about theirs. It’s better for the environment because it produces less waste.

First-Aid Kit

A good first-aid kit is a must for any backpacking packing list. You hope that you won’t need it, but you’ll be happy that you have it when you do! Seriously – it is well worth the space in your bags!

1. Prescription medications (e.g., contraception, altitude sickness meds, etc.) ~ Make sure to get enough for the duration of your trip. Request them a minimum of 2 weeks before your trip, just in case!
2. Antihistamines/decongestants ~ For allergic reactions, itchiness, colds and congestion, and more.
3. OTC painkillers ~ Bring the painkillers that you know work best for you, especially for your headaches.
4. Anti-inflammatory/fever-reducing painkillers ~ Okay, Neuroscience PhD student talking here: not all painkillers are created equal. For example, while aspirin or caffeine works well for some, they don’t have any anti-inflammatory effects. Ibuprofen, as well as acetaminophen, are great anti-inflammatories as well as fever-reducing medications.
   1. Travel Hack! I actually combine ibuprofen with acetaminophen/paracetamol to beat a headache. Studies show that combining two types of painkillers is more effective at treating pain than one alone! Of course, just don’t go above the recommended dose.
5. Antidiarrheals ~ The unfortunate truth is that sometimes food poisoning or other stomach illnesses strike while you’re on the road. Have antidiarrheal medication on hand and you won’t have to worry as much about sharing a hostel bathroom with 18 other people.
6. Anti-nausea meds ~ Whether or not you get motion sickness, having some anti-nausea medication is also useful for those random times that stomach illness strikes. Especially when traveling, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Anti-nausea medication will combat further dehydration from vomiting.
7. Supplements ~ I religiously take supplements every day to balance my hormones and stay healthy. At the very least, I make sure to take my multivitamins, probiotics, B-complex, DIM for hormonal balance and to keep hormonal acne at bay, and antioxidant CoQ10 to prevent migraines and aging.
8. Band-aids (some waterproof) ~ Blisters, scratches, scrapes – whatever small wounds the world inflicts upon you, band-aids will keep you protected.
9. Q-tips ~ Good for makeup, applying a cream, or whatever else you like to use Q-tips for. They’re a very versatile first-aid kit essential.
10. Neosporin wound disinfectant spray ~ This on-the-go antiseptic and pain-relieving spray is perfect for traveling. Spray on your wound before putting a band-aid on and infection will be out of the question.
11. Vaginal antifungal cream ~ Not fit for polite conversation but a very important topic nonetheless is feminine hygiene while traveling. For anyone who has gotten a yeast infection before: you know it is super not fun. Now imagine getting this while on the road, when it might be difficult to get what you need right away. Just add this super-small 1.5 oz. miconazole nitrate 2% vaginal antifungal cream to your first-aid kit. You will be so happy you have it if you end up needing it.
12. Elastic bandage ~ You might be thinking, “Woah, Claire, you are going OVERBOARD with the first-aid stuff! An elastic bandage? Doesn’t that seem a little unnecessary?!” Listen: I get you. But no joke, the first time I went backpacking in Europe, I was frolicking in a field in Salzburg, Austria (with hiking boots on with ankle support, mind you!). Proceeding to twist my ankle, I was really lucky I had an elastic bandage with me then. I suppose if you’re not a very active backpacker/are incredibly graceful/will be staying mostly in cities, you might be able to skip this one.
13. Compeed blister cushions ~ A British girl I met while traveling in Costa Rica introduced me to Compeed and OMG! How did I not know about this before (shoutout to Kate)?! Unlike so many other blister pads that claim to cushion your blisters, these actually work. They have a technology that literally puffs up at the site of the blister, completely cushioning it from pressure and pain. I went hiking for a day in the middle of the most unexplored jungle in Costa Rica with, like, four of these on, and my feet didn’t hurt at all!
14. Tweezers ~ Not just good for tweezing your eyebrows, tweezers are also good for taking out any splinters. This set is perfect for both purposes.

Electronics

1. SIM-unlocked phone + charger ~ Even if you’re in a country for just a couple of weeks, getting a local SIM card is almost always cheaper than paying for data from your provider back home. Just double-check with your provider before you go to make sure that your phone is SIM-unlocked! Also, bring a lightning-fast braided charging cable that’s long. That way, the cable won’t tangle, and you can still browse your phone even when the outlet is far away.
2. Laptop + charger/tablet + charger ~ I love my Macbook, and especially as someone who’s constantly working on the go, it’s a necessity to bring it whenever I travel. However, if you’re traveling for a short period of time and/or know that you just won’t use a laptop, a tablet can be a good option still. 
3. E-reader/tablet ~ Do not, I repeat, DO NOT bring physical books when you travel! Yes, I much prefer reading a physical book over a digital book, but physical books’ weight and bulkiness just aren’t worth it. Kindles are well-loved globally. Otherwise, consider using your tablet as an e-reader.
4. GoPro + accessories ~ Capture the moment on all of your adventures with a GoPro! These little guys are great for biking, ziplining, snorkeling, surfing, skydiving, and more. And there’s an awesome selection of accessories for each one of these activities. The GoPro Hero Black 10 is the worldwide standard in action cameras and there’s no doubt that it’s awesome! I’ve used mine to capture my favorite moments in Spain, Greece, Costa Rica, and more. I never travel without it! I protect mine with this simple purpose-built carrying case.
5. Power bank ~ No matter where you are, at some point you’ll need more power for your electronics. So, keep your devices charged with this quick-charging power bank from Anker. It’s slim, lightweight, and can charge your phone to full battery up to five times! Keeping your phone charged at all times is one of my top solo travel tips for staying safe, and you can do that easily with one of these power banks!
6. High-quality digital camera + accessories ~ In my opinion, no backpacking packing list would be complete without a high-quality digital camera to document your travels and capture beautiful memories. While DSLR cameras are a bit cheaper these days, if you have the money, definitely purchase a mirrorless DSLR! Upgrading from my Canon T6s Rebel to my mirrorless Sony a7R IV has seriously stepped up my photography game. I don’t know how it does it, but it has this amazing habit of making anything you take pictures of look stunning. Besides my camera, the accessories I bring along for it are equally important. So, here is a list of the camera accessories I carry while traveling:
   1. Sony G Master 24-70mm F2.8 lens ~ A great all-rounder lens that can get decently wide landscape shots as well as zoomed shots. I’m a lens minimalist, so this is the one lens I carry with me when I travel.
   2. Batteries ~ Always carry extra batteries so your camera doesn’t die while you’re out and about!
   3. Memory cards ~ Bring back-ups for your back-ups! It’s not uncommon for memory cards to fail. Because of this, I love that the Sony a7R IV has dual memory card slots so I can write to them in parallel.
   4. Lightweight travel tripod ~ For taking those Instagram-worthy selfies while solo traveling!
   5. Remote shutter ~ My ultimate hack for taking photos of myself while solo traveling. It’s a small receiver I mount on the hot shoe of my camera, along with an even smaller remote I can hide in my hand. It allows me to initiate interval shooting on my camera, with each shot perfectly focused (unlike the built-in burst mode on most cameras)!
7. External hard drive ~ At the end of every day while traveling, I back up my photos to an external hard drive. This keeps them safe and sound and less susceptible to damage due to a memory card failure or theft. I was definitely happy about this habit when my camera was stolen in Saint Martin! That way I only lost my photos from that day. If you’re a passionate photographer like I am, I absolutely recommend you bring an external hard drive to back up your photos on every trip!
8. Drone + accessories ~ I have been massively enjoying playing around with a drone. It steps up your photography and video footage to another level and gets those unique shots that very few people will come home with from Europe! DJI is the industry standard when it comes to drones. They make drones geared towards the consumer, so much of your flying can be automated, making it very easy to learn. I love my DJI Air 2S with its 1-inch sensor that allows up to 5.4K(!) video and sharp photos in both RAW and JPEG.

Read more: My basic travel photography essentials

General/Miscellaneous

1. Travel towel ~ This travel towel has three different uses, all-in-one: a body towel, a hand towel, and a zipper bag with a handle that you can use as a shower caddy! Because of its multiple uses, this travel towel is a must-have for this backpacking packing list.
2. Sand Cloud towel ~ If you have the room in your luggage, a Sand Cloud towel is so worth bringing if European beach destinations like Croatia and Greece are on your itinerary! It really is such a versatile accessory that not only keeps sand away, but also can be used as a sarong or a blanket if the hostel AC is set a little too high. I love that they’re made from super soft Turkish cotton and dry easily. No more damp towels in your bags!
3. Backpack rain cover ~ Assuming you are traveling with a backpack for your main luggage, make sure you have a rain cover. Some of them come with one already, but a lot don’t! I thought a rain cover was silly until I really needed it. Once I got one, I was able to keep my peace of mind, knowing that all of my expensive electronic equipment and clothes were dry.
4. Bags (in addition to your luggage, carry-on, and personal item):
   1. Small going-out purse/fanny pack ~ This just needs to be big enough for fitting your phone, wallet, and maybe some lip balm.
   2. Reusable tote bag for groceries ~ Save the planet (and money, and plastic!) by bringing a compact, foldable reusable bag for groceries. In almost all places in Europe, you have to pay for a plastic bag anyway. So, this is also a great budget travel tip!
   3. Day pack ~ You may or may not need this, depending on the carry-on and personal item you bring. I use my Peak Design Everyday 6L Sling as a day “pack” when I’m not bringing my camera out and about in the backpack. But, if you don’t have or like these, I suggest you make sure you have a day bag or pack that can at least carry a water bottle along with your phone, wallet, and keys. I like this purse style day bag as well as this backpack style from Osprey.
5. Padlock ~ You’ll need this for any hostel you stay at so you can lock your valuables away! This padlock is a 4-digit code lock, so there’s no chance for you to lose any keys.
6. European travel plug adaptor ~ European plugs are not the same as plugs in the U.S. So I love this universal travel adaptor with four USB ports which will be good for all of your worldwide travels, not just in Europe!
7. Headlamp ~ Headlamps are actually super useful in hostels. You can hang it above your bed for some extra light, hands-free, and without waking up anyone else with a phone flashlight! It’s also great for more remote areas when you’re walking around at night. 
8. Larq UV water bottle ~ Another great money-saving tip that’s also good for the environment is to bring a reusable water bottle! I love my Larq UV water bottle which kills 99% of biocontaminants like E. Coli. It’s the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle, so no more stinky, dirty water bottles on-the-go! Especially if you’re traveling to some countries in Europe where the tap water isn’t safe to drink, you can be sure it is with your Larq bottle. That’s why I don’t travel anywhere without mine!
9. Earbuds (bluetooth for regular use and wired for the plane) ~ As a music-lover, I never go anywhere without my earbuds. I love my bluetooth Galaxy buds for staying wire-free and blocking out noise when I’m on the plane, train, or bus. However, bring an inexpensive pair of wired earbuds too so you can enjoy some movies on the plane without having to pay for a pair!
10. Important documents folder ~ Bringing the below information ensures you have everything you need in the unlikely event of an emergency. While it may seem overkill, I’ve seen multiple travelers devastated when I worked at the U.S. Consulate in Berlin after having their passport or luggage stolen and they didn’t have the below information to get a replacement passport, prevent identity theft and credit card fraud, and more.
    1. Photocopy of passport ID page (the page with your photo on it) + signature page above it
    2. Departure + return flight information (and any flight tickets for airlines that charge you for print-outs)
    3. Insurance cards + information
    4. Photocopy of all credit + debit + ID cards
    5. Vaccination list
    6. Any special prescription memos from your doctor
    7. Printout of your first accommodation’s information (address, phone number, etc.)
    8. Any transportation and/or tour reservations you’ve made ahead of time
    9. List of important contact information for you + your family
11. Sleep mask ~ A sleep mask will help you get some much-needed shut-eye on the plane, bus, or hostel without having to worry about the light being on. I love this sleep mask because it has special pockets underneath the eyes to actually block out all the light! Plus, it’s silky soft.
12. Earplugs ~ Earplugs are also important for getting sleep, especially if your hostel has loud guests or people staying up late partying. I just carry one pair of these earplugs in a small plastic bag to keep them clean; no need for a fancy carrying case.
13. Journal + 2 pens ~ Bring pens so that you can fill out any immigration paperwork traveling to and from the U.S. A journal is great for documenting your travels, taking notes, and practicing The Miracle Morning.
14. Passport + passport cover ~ Of course, don’t forget your passport! Make sure that it’s valid for at least six months past your return date. I cover my passport with a passport cover which keeps it in great condition despite having to whip it out all the time while traveling.
15. Umbrella ~ This umbrella takes up very little room so you’ll barely notice it occupying the side pocket of your backpack or inside your purse. You’ll be happy you brought this because it can still downpour in many places in Europe during the summer.
16. Inflatable hybrid neck pillow ~ This neck pillow deflates and folds up, helping to justify bringing it. Just clip it onto the outside of your backpack. I easily get neck pain if my neck lays the wrong way, so this half microfiber, half inflatable neck pillow helps with that on long plane or bus rides.
17. Travel clothesline ~ If you’re backpacking for more than a couple of weeks, you’re going to be doing plenty of clothes hand-washing in the sink, my friend. This travel clothesline is braided and comes with two loops on the ends, so not only can you hang it anywhere, but you also don’t need any clothes pins! I loved having this with me when I backpacked Albania.
18. Clothes hand-washing soap ~ While you’re at it, bring some soap designed to wash your clothes in the sink. It will keep your clothes cleaner and in better condition than regular hand soap.