Essential European Packing Checklist

This list was created by the team at Italian Fix. 

We’re professional travelers and we organize Italian travel for thousands of guests on our tours & consults. This checklist is for all seasons.

Your stress-free European adventure starts here—download the printable PDF checklist now!

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1. Luggage & Bags

• Personal Item or Purse
• 1 carry on Luggage: Max size is 55 cm (21.5 in) in height, 23 cm (9 in) in depth, and 40 cm (15.5 in) in width. Consider a backpack that loops over the handle of your checked luggage.
• 1 Checked Luggage (If Bringing): Max weight per bag: 23kg (50lb). Max linear dimensions per bag is 158 cm (62 in).
• 1 Extra Bag: Either a Daypack / Beach Tote / Reusable Cloth Bag: This is your “around town” bag that could fit some shopping or a beach towel. Make sure it’s lightweight — no need to carry around a rugged backpack with extra weight. Store your bag in your luggage while traveling.  
• Watch this packing video from our CEO.

2. Phone & Electronics

• Phone With Data Roaming
• If Applicable: Laptop / Tablet / Kindle
• Cords, Chargers & Power Bank
• European Outlet Adapter (Check Amazon)

3. Clothes

• Daily Outfits. For trips of more than 8 days, use hotel laundry services.
• Nightly Outfits. A “business casual” look is suitable for evenings out.
• Comfortable Footwear for Uneven Surfaces. Even for nighttime attire (if you can’t walk 20 blocks in the shoes, don’t bring them).
• Flip Flops / Slides
• Underwear & Socks
• Pajamas
• Swimwear (Women: Beach Coverup)
• Coat / Jacket 
• Sweater / Blazer
• Nov. – Jan. Hat & Scarf
• Jewelry (But nothing you would be devastated to lose.)

4. Toiletries / Health

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Dental Floss / Mouthwash
• Deodorant
• Cotton balls/swabs
• Tweezers
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Nail Care Supplies
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover / Makeup
• Hair Brush / Comb
• Hair Products
• Lip Balm
• Contact Lenses & Supplies
• Medications & Pain Relievers
• Vitamins & Supplements
• Sun Protection
• Bandaids (Some For Blisters)
• Hand Sanitizer / Wipes
• Feminine Products

5. On The Plane (Place In Carry-on and/or Personal Item)

• Phone
• Passport
• Visa to Enter
• Pen
• Printed Directions & Important Phone Numbers For Arrival (Name of the hotel as a backup if you lose your phone.)
• Reading Material
• Snacks
• Earplugs / Noise Cancelling Headphones
• Sleeping Mask & Socks
• Sunglasses
• Change of Clothes (If your checked luggage goes missing.)
• Moisturizer / Lip Balm

6. Physical Documents 

• Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure.
• Visa (If required – check requirements from your country of origin.) 
• Driver’s License (If  you’re driving, bring an International Driver’s Permit.)

7. Documents To Email To Yourself 

• Photo of Passport
• Photo of Credit Cards
• Medical Insurance
• Travel Insurance
• If You Lose Your Phone, Do You Know Your Password To Access Your Email? 

8. Cards & Cash

• Wallet
• 50 Euros Cash: Available for pre-order at most banks (other currencies not accepted in Italy). Use the ATM in the airport when you land, but if there are issues, you already have some cash.
• Credit Card #1 (Plus #2 Backup)
• ATM Card #1 (Plus #2 Backup)

9. Choosing the Right Luggage Setup 

Option 1: The Minimalist
>> 1 Purse/Personal Item & 1 Carry-On (check the size on your airline website; international luggage sizes may be different from domestic).

• Secure zippered purse/personal item for essentials.
• Carry-on with space for extra purchases.

Option 2: The Maximalist
>> 1 Purse/Personal Item & 1 Carry-On  & 1 Checked Bag (medium or large size; check the size on your airline website as international luggage sizes may be different from domestic).

• Checked luggage for liquids, clothing, and heavier items.
• Ensure you can still carry everything solo; you cannot wheel 3 luggage comfortably on your own, but you can wheel 2, so don’t overpack for Europe. 
• Before you leave home, don’t fill your luggage full. Leave space for extra purchases while abroad. 

Pro Tips:

• All luggage should be tagged with your name. 
• Place AirTags in checked luggage.
• Packing cubes & compression sacks can help organize your clothes; see how here.