Packing light makes every European trip easier: you carry your own suitcase onto trains, up hotel stairs and over cobblestones. Here is the list we give our own guests, adapted for each season.
The basics for every trip
- A medium suitcase or trolley you can lift yourself, plus a small day backpack
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes for cobblestones and stairs
- A light waterproof jacket: rain is possible in every month
- A power adapter: type C/F for most of Europe, type J for Switzerland, type G for the UK
- Copies of your passport, visa and insurance, also saved on your phone
- A refillable water bottle; tap water is safe to drink
Spring and autumn
Temperatures change quickly between morning and afternoon. Dress in layers: T-shirt, light sweater, jacket. A scarf and thin gloves are useful in March, April and late October, especially in the mountains or on boat trips.
Summer
Days can be hot in cities but cool in the Alps. Bring sun protection, a hat and sunglasses, and a warm layer for mountain summits like the Zugspitze or the Jungfraujoch, where it can snow even in July.
Winter and Christmas markets
Bring a warm winter coat, hat, gloves and shoes with good grip for icy streets. Thermal underwear makes long evenings at Christmas markets much more comfortable.
Good to know
Churches and some palaces expect covered shoulders and knees. Many hotels in Europe have small rooms and showers, and air conditioning is not always available in older buildings, so tell us if this is important for you.
After booking, we send you a packing list with the expected weather for your exact dates and route.
