*This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn commissions.*
60+ Pre-Trip Ideas for Europe: What to Pack, Download & Book
A single page to skim before any Europe trip. Every product, app, and service worth knowing about before you pack. Bookmark it, search it, pull what you need.
A quick note before you scroll: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only list things I’d genuinely put in my own suitcase.
Packing & Organization
- Compression Packing Cubes for Travel — BAGSMART 6 Set /4 Set/2 Set Compression Packing Cubes for Travel, Lightweight Luggage Organizer Bags
- Vacuum Storage Bags for Travel (compression bags) — Spacesaver Jumbo Vacuum Storage Bags for Comforters, Blankets & Clothes – Vacuum Sealed Compression Bags with Hand Pump – Space Saver Storage Bags for Bedding, Moving, Travel & Organization (6 Pack)
- Travel Shoe Bags — Clear Shoe Bags for Travel 5 PCS, Drawstring Travel Shoe Bags for Packing | 15.7″ x 11.8″ Waterproof Dustproof Portable Travel Shoe Storage Bag
- Travel Jewelry Organizer Roll — Becko US Jewelry Organizer Roll Travel Jewel Bag case for Multiple Necklaces, Rings, Bracelets, Supple Leather & Suede, Large Capacity Without Crease, Lightweight, Portable & Practical
- Electronics Cable Organizer Bag — FYY Electronic Organizer, Travel Cable Organizer Pouch Electronic Accessories Carry Case for Cord, Charger, Phone, Earphone | Waterproof
- Pill Organizer — FYY Travel Pill Organizer, 7 Compartments Small Pill Box Medicine Case
- Travel Laundry Bag — 2 Pcs Large Travel Laundry Bags – Waterproof with Handle, Washable Dirty Clothes Bags
- Reusable Silicone Travel Bottles — Quatish Travel Bottles for Toiletries 6 Pack, Original Patented Leakproof 3 oz Tsa Approved Travel Size Containers, BPA Free
- Clear TSA Toiletry Cosmetic Bag — BAGSMART Clear Toiletry Bag 2-Pack TSA Approved Water-Repellent, Carry on Travel Accessories Bag, Airport Airline Quart Size Bags
- RFID Passport Holder & Travel Wallet — Zero Grid RFID Passport Holder & Travel Wallet, Fits Passport, Cards, Cash, Tickets, ID, Sim Card; Premium & Compact Travel Document Holder
- BAGGU Standard Duck Bag (foldable packable tote) — BAGGU Unisex Standard 100% recycled
- Lightweight Packable Backpack — ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L, Packable & Water Resistant
- Digital Luggage Scale for Travel — Etekcity Luggage Scale, Digital Suitcase Weight Scale for Travel, 110 lb | Hanging Hook, Rubber Grip, Battery Included, Easy-to-Read Display
Tech & Gadgets
- Power Bank for Travel — Anker Nano Power Bank, 10,000mAh Portable Charger with Built-in USB-C Cable, 30W Recharging, 30W Max Output with USB-C&A, for iPhone, MacBook, Galaxy, AirPods, and More (Pack of 2)
- 65W 3-Port GaN Wall Charger — UGREEN Nexode 65W GaN USB C Wall Charger, 3-Port Compact Foldable Fast Charger Power Adapter for iPhone 17/16/15 Series, Galaxy S25/S24, Pixel 10/9, MacBook Pro/Air, Dell XPS, iPad Pro
- European Travel Plug Adapter — VYLEE European Travel Plug Adapter, International Power Plug Adapter | 4 AC Outlets 2 USB Ports (2 USB C Port)
- USB-C Hub Multiport Ethernet Adapter— Anker USB-C Hub, 8-in-1 Multiport Ethernet Adapter | microSD/SD Card Reader, for USB C Laptops, MacBook Pro, XPS, iPad
- Apple AirTag, 4-Pack — Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) – 4 Pack: Tracker for Keychain, Wallet
- AirTag Luggage Tag Holder — UNBREAKcable AirTag Holder for Apple – 4 Pack Air Tag Case
- Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 (Bluetooth tracker for Android) — Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2, Bluetooth Tracker, Locator Tracking Device, Item Finder for Keys, Wallet, Luggage
- Noise Cancelling Earbuds — soundcore by Anker Space A40 Auto-Adjustable Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Reduce Noise by Up to 98%
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite — Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model)
- Adjustable Tablet Stand — Lamicall S1 Tablet Stand, Adjustable Tablet Holder
- Camera Cleaning Kit — Altura Photo Camera Lens Cleaning Kit, Lens Cleaner for DSLR & Mirrorless
- Flexible Mini-Tripod — Joby GorillaPod 3K Flexible Mini-Tripod with Ball Head Kit for Cameras
- 1TB Portable SSD — SANDISK 1TB Portable SSD – Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2
- SIM Card Eject Tool — eTECH Collection Sim Card Tray Remover Eject Pin Key Tool (5 tool)
- Multi-Connector Charging Cable — Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Lightning, USB C, Micro USB Cable (3 ft)
Comfort
- Travel Pillow — Cabeau Evolution S3 Airplane Travel Pillow for Long Flights – Supportive Memory Foam Body Positioner with Seat Straps to Secure Your Head and Neck
- Sleep Mask — MZOO Luxury Sleep Eye Mask for Side Sleeper Men Women, Zero Eye Pressure Soft Eye Shade Cover for Travel
- Merino Wool Socks — ANTSANG Merino Wool Hiking Socks
- Airplane Footrest — 2-Pack Airplane Travel Footrest Hammock – Perfect Airplane Foot Hammock to Relax Your Feet for Long Trip
- Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle, 21oz — TakeToday Collapsible Water Bottles, Foldable for Travel, 32oz, | TSA-Approved Leakproof Silicone, BPA-Free
- Travel Mug — Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Easy-Clean Lid 20 oz
- Collapsible Travel Cup — STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup – Reusable To-Go Pocket Size Silicone Bottle for Hot and Cold Drinks
- Handheld Mini Fan — JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Portable Fan with Power Bank & Flashlight Featured | 19H Max Cooling, USB Rechargeable, Pocket-Sized Handheld Fan for Travel
- Cooling Towel for Travel — Sukeen 4 Pack Cooling Towels (40″x12″), Cooling Neck Wraps, Ice Towel, Soft Breathable
- Memory Foam Seat Cushion — ComfiLife Premium Gel & Memory Foam Seat Cushion
- Compression Socks — Physix Gear Compression Socks 20-30 mmHg – Men & Women – Flight, Travel
Health
- Compact First Aid Kit — Surviveware Small First Aid Kit [ Thrive Mini First Aid Kit – Waterproof Rip-Stop Travel First Aid
- Blister Cushions — Compeed Advanced Blister Care Pads, Hydrocolloid Gel Cushions for Instant Pain Relief and Faster Healing, Mixed Sizes, 10 Count (2 Packs)
- Electrolyte Supplement — Liquid I.V. Sugar Free + Energy Electrolytes
- Motion Sickness Wristbands — Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Motion Sickness Bracelets, 1 Pair | Seasick bands, acupressure wristband, reusable and washable, HSA/FSA approved
- Natrol Melatonin (100% drug-free sleep aids) — Natrol Melatonin 5 mg Fast Dissolve Tablets, 200 Count | Sleep Support for Adults, for Occasional Sleeplessness, No Water Needed, 100% Drug-Free
- Dry Eye Relief Drops — GenTeal Tears Moderate Lubricant Dry Eye Drops, 15 mL, Twin Pack
- Hand Sanitizer for Travel — PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel, Clean Scent, 2 fl oz Travel Size Pump Bottle
- Sunscreen Stick — Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen Stick SPF 60, .47 oz |Fragrance Free, Water Resistant (80 Min), Travel Size
- Insect Repellent — OFF! Insect Repellent Lotion for Adults & Kids, Fragrance-Free Picaridin Bug Repellent for Everyday DEET-Free Protection from Mosquitoes and Ticks
- Mini Travel Sewing Kit — ARTIKA Travel Sewing Kit, 59-Piece Portable Kit for Travel, Includes Scissors, Thread, Tape Measure – Sewing Accessories and Supplies
- Instant Stain Remover Pen — Tide Liquid Stain Remover for Clothes, Tide To Go Pen, Instant Spot Remover for Clothes, Travel & Pocket Size
- Travel-Size Lint Roller — Scotch-Brite Retractable Lint Rollers 2-Pack, Portable Travel-Size Lint Removers
Safety
- Portable Door Alarm — SABRE 120 dB Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm, Extremely Loud Wireless Alarm Siren Audible Up To 1,500 Ft.
- Personal Safety Alarm Keychain — 140dB Personal Safety Alarm for Women, 3 Pack Safe Alarm Protection Keychain with Strobe Light & Low Battery Notice
- Zero Grid RFID Passport Holder & Travel Wallet — same as Packing & Organization above, cross-link
- Hidden Travel Money Belt — VENTURE 4TH Money Belt for Travel – Slim Hidden Under-Clothes RFID Blocking Anti-Theft Passport Holder & Travel Wallet Pouch for Men & Women
- Hotel safe organizer — Travelers use a spare packing cube or the clear TSA toiletry pouch above for this, so no separate product needed
- Retractable Cable Lock — SURE LOCK TSA Approved Luggage Locks with Open Alert Indicator, 3 Digit Combination Cable Travel Lock for Suitcase, Backpack & Travel Bag, 2 Pack
- Waterproof Phone Pouch — JOTO 2 Pack Waterproof Phone Pouch, Universal IPX8 Dry Bag up to 7″
- Cell Phone Lanyard, Crossbody & Wrist Strap 2-Pack — Doormoon Phone Lanyard, Universal Adjustable Neck Strap for Phone Case Keys ID Badges
- Emergency contact card — (DIY printable)
- Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag — Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
Post-Trip
- Handheld Fabric Steamer — HiLIFE Steamer for Clothes, 240ml Big Capacity, 700W, Strong Penetrating Steam, Removes Wrinkle
- The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo — The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, 31 Loads, Concentrated Luxury Liquid Laundry Detergent, Cedar Scent
- Leather Milk Conditioner — Leather Honey Leather Conditioner – Non-Toxic & Made in the USA Since 1968 | Restores & protects all leather
- Cedar Shoe Trees — Stratton Cedar Shoe Tree – Shoe Trees for Men & Women, Sneakers, Widener & Shaper | GROWN IN USA
- Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage — Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage, 16 PCS | 100% Aromatic Cedar, Natural Protection for Garments, Fresh Scented for Closets and Drawers
- Spacesaver Premium Vacuum Storage Bags — same as Packing & Organization above.
- Small clothing repair kit — same as the CraftLab Mini Travel Sewing Kit under Health, no separate product needed
- SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD (photo backup) — same as Tech above; alternative is a Google One cloud storage subscription.
Apps Worth Downloading Before You Leave
- Google Maps —
- Google Translate —
- WhatsApp —
- Citymapper —
- Omio —
- Trainline —
- Rome2Rio —
- FlixBus —
- Uber —
- Booking.com —
- Airbnb —
- TripIt —
- Wanderlog —
- GetYourGuide —
- Viator —
- XE Currency —
- Wise —
- Splitwise —
- DeepL —
- EU “Travel to Europe” app (EES pre-registration) —
Services Worth Booking Before You Leave
- World Nomads travel insurance —
- Saily eSIM —
- Priority Pass airport lounge access —
- Welcome Pickups (pre-booked airport transfer) —
- Eurail rail pass —
- Global Entry / trusted traveler program — (official US government site)
Frequently Asked Questions
A universal EU adapter, a portable charger, a crossbody anti-theft bag, and a compact first-aid kit cover the essentials most travelers overlook. Add a physical copy of key documents and a offline translation app. These items solve the problems that come up regardless of which country you’re visiting.
One universal EU adapter (Type C or Type E/F) covers the vast majority of mainland Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, and most of the continent. The UK and Ireland use a different plug type (Type G), so check that separately if your trip includes either.
A portable charger, a universal adapter, noise-cancelling earbuds for trains and flights, and an e-reader or tablet cover most tech needs. A small photo backup drive is worth it if you’re shooting a lot of photos and don’t want to rely on cloud storage alone while traveling.
A transit app for the specific country (like Trainline or Omio for cross-border rail), a translation app with offline packs downloaded, a currency converter, and a maps app that works offline cover the core needs. Country-specific apps matter more for driving zones and local transit than general Europe-wide tools.
A slim RFID-blocking wallet, a personal safety alarm, a doorstop alarm for hotel rooms, and a crossbody bag with a slash-resistant strap address the most common issues: pickpocketing and hotel room security. Europe is largely safe, but tourist-heavy areas do see targeted petty theft.
A basic first-aid kit, any prescription medications in original packaging with a copy of the prescription, motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to it, and a reusable water bottle cover most situations. Pharmacies are widely available across Europe for anything you forget.
Back up photos to a dedicated SSD or cloud storage before you fly home, not after, in case of a lost or damaged phone. Keep a digital copy of your passport, tickets, and confirmations in a separate cloud folder from your photos, so it’s easy to find in an emergency.
An eSIM works well if your phone supports it and covers most EU countries under one data plan, which is simpler for multi-country trips. A physical SIM from a local carrier can be cheaper for a single-country stay but means switching if you cross borders.
A compression packing cube system, a travel pillow that also works as lumbar support on trains, and noise-cancelling earbuds address the discomfort that adds up over a multi-city itinerary. These matter more the longer your trip runs and the more transit days it includes.