Travel Essentials: Best Travel Gear for Europe
ARE YOU finally making that dream trip to Europe a reality?
That’s wonderful! Europe is full of history, culture, and countless adventures waiting for you. But before you start wandering through cobblestone streets and ancient castles, let’s talk about the best travel gear for Europe to make sure you’re ready for anything the trip throws your way.
Table of Contents
Essential Travel Items
First things first, packing smart is key. You don’t want to be that person lugging around an oversized suitcase through narrow alleys or struggling with bulky bags on public transport. Let’s dive into the must-haves that’ll make your European journey smooth and memorable.
The Perfect Travel Backpack
When it comes to exploring Europe, a sturdy, comfortable, and spacious backpack is your best friend. Forget the giant suitcase; go for a versatile travel backpack that you can easily carry. Look for one with multiple compartments to keep your stuff organized and with padded shoulder straps for comfort.
Recommendations:
- Osprey Farpoint 40: This one’s a classic. It’s compact enough to carry-on but roomy enough to pack your essentials. Two models are available: men’s model and women’s model.
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: Cotopaxi is known for not only its quality gear (Driven home by its slogan ‘Gear for Good’) but for its charitable and eco-friendly efforts. For every purchase made, 1% of the sale is donated to worldwide eco-friendly charities.
- If you need a budget-friendly option that you won’t be afraid to add a lot of wear and tear to, consider the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Bag for an affordable option.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Europe, whether it’s exploring the historic streets of Rome or hiking in the Swiss Alps. Comfortable and quality shoes are non-negotiable when it comes to foot health. Trusted and high-quality brands include: On Clouds and Brooks.
Recommendations:
- On Cloud: Lightweight, comfortable, and stylish. Perfect for both city strolling and light hiking.
- Brooks: Exceptionally comfortable. Brooks are fantastic for walking miles of city a day.
European eSIM or Portable Wi-Fi
Staying connected is essential, whether for navigating new cities or keeping in touch with friends and family. An eSIM for Europe or a portable Wi-Fi device can save you from hefty roaming charges.
Recommendations:
- Saily: Affordable and reliable eSIM for traveling Europe.
- Orange Holiday Europe SIM Card: Offers a good amount of data and works across Europe.
- Skyroam Solis Lite: A portable Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect multiple devices. More expensive than an eSIM but can be used for future trips.
Universal Travel Adapter
Different countries, different plugs. A universal travel adapter will keep your gadgets charged no matter where you go. Look for one with multiple USB ports so you can charge several devices at once.
Top Picks:
- Epicka Universal Travel Adapter: Covers over 150 countries and has 4 USB ports.
- Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit: Includes various plug types and built-in surge protection.
Portable Charger
Your phone’s going to be your camera, map, translator, and more. A portable charger ensures it doesn’t die on you right when you need it most. Go for a high-capacity one to last you through long days of sightseeing.
Best Choices:
- Anker PowerCore 10000: Compact but powerful. It can charge your phone multiple times.
- INIU Portable Charger: If you need even more juice, this one’s for you.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Europe’s weather can be unpredictable. A lightweight, packable rain jacket can save you from sudden showers without taking up much space in your bag.
Top Picks:
- Columbia Watertight II: Durable, breathable, and packs into its own pocket.
Columbia Women’s Arcadia Ii Jacket: A great option for women, known for its excellent waterproofing.
Recommended Travel Items
Though these items aren’t necessary for your European adventure, they can make a world of difference when it comes to convenience, peace of mind, or comfort.
Travel Insurance
Okay, it’s not exactly gear, but travel insurance is essential. Europe has amazing healthcare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Look for insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Suggestions:
- EKTA: Offers comprehensive coverage for travelers, including medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Known for its affordable plans and excellent customer service, EKTA is a popular choice among international travelers seeking reliable protection.
- SafetyWing: For Europe trips lasting a month or longer, SafetyWing is a fantastic option. Their insurance is designed specifically for digital nomads and long-term travelers, providing comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, trip interruption, and lost luggage. It features flexible subscription plans with the option for worldwide coverage, including home-country visits, making it a convenient choice for those with an on-the-go lifestyle.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Whether it’s a noisy flight, a bustling city, or a chatty hostel roommate, noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver.
Best Bets:
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Top-notch noise cancellation and sound quality.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Comfortable and with excellent sound.
- SoundCore Q30: Great sound quality and noise cancellation yet affordable.
VPN
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) while traveling protects your online privacy and security. When you’re accessing public Wi-Fi in a café or even your hotel’s network, a VPN encrypts your data and helps keep your personal information safe while accessing sensitive sites like online banking or personal emails.
Tip: It is not recommended to use a free VPN. According to CNET, “Many free VPNs generate revenue by collecting and selling your browsing data to third parties, which weirdly defeats the purpose of using a VPN to protect your privacy.” Always use a trusted and reliable VPN such as NordVPN.
Daypack
A small daypack is perfect for your daily adventures. Look for one that’s lightweight, comfortable, and has a few compartments to keep things organized.
Recommendations:
- Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote Pack: Versatile and durable.
- Osprey Daylite Pack: Comfortable and practical for day trips.
Packing Cubes
Say goodbye to the days of rummaging through your bag to find that one shirt. Packing cubes are a game-changer. They keep your clothes and accessories neatly organized and save you tons of space. Most packing cubes come in sets of 4, 6, 8, and 10. Browse packing cubes for travel on Amazon to find the perfect size and set for your travels.
Tips:
- Use different colors or labels for different types of clothes (shirts, pants, underwear).
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them to maximize space.
Travel Wallet
Keeping your documents, cards, and cash organized and secure is crucial. A good travel wallet can help with that. Look for one that’s RFID-blocking to protect your cards from electronic theft.
Favorites:
- Zoppen RFID Travel Passport Wallet: Sleek, affordable, and has compartments for everything.
- Buffway Slim Travel Wallet: Slim and functional.
E-Reader or Tablet
For those long train and plane rides or lazy afternoons in a café, an e-reader or tablet can be a great companion. Load it with books, travel guides, and movies to keep yourself entertained for hours.
Top Picks:
- Kindle Paperwhite: Lightweight and easy on the eyes.
- iPad Mini: More versatile if you want to use apps or watch videos.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated without buying plastic bottles all the time. Europe has plenty of places where you can refill your bottle with clean drinking water.
Recommendations:
- GRAYL UltraPress: GRAYL is one of the best reusable filter water bottles available.
- Hydro Flask Standard Mouth: Keeps your drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for 12.
- LifeStraw Go: Comes with a built-in filter, perfect for outdoor adventures.
First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit can come in handy for minor injuries or ailments. Pack essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Recommendations:
- Adventure Medical Kits Travel First Aid Kit: Comprehensive yet compact.
- Surviveware Small First Aid Kit: Well-organized and durable.
Convenient and Handy Travel Items
Travel-Sized Toiletries
Opt for travel-sized versions of your toiletries to save space. Many brands offer mini versions of their products, or you can buy empty travel bottles and fill them with your own stuff. Browse various travel-sized toiletry kits for your personal preferences.
Tip:
- Pack your toiletries in a clear, zippered bag to make airport security checks easier.
Quick-Dry Towel
A quick-dry towel is compact, lightweight, and dries much faster than regular towels. It’s perfect for hostels, beach days, or unexpected swims.
Top Choices:
- Rainleaf Microfiber Towel: Soft, compact, and dries super fast.
- Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel: Comes in fun colors and patterns.
Travel Laundry Kit
Especially useful for longer trips, a travel laundry kit allows you to wash your clothes on the go. Pack a small bottle of detergent and a sink stopper, and you’re good to go.
Recommendations:
- Scrubba Portable Wash Bag: A pocket-sized ‘washing machine’.
- Sea to Summit Trek and Travel Laundry Wash: Biodegradable and TSA-approved.
Travel Apps
While having a physical guidebook is great, travel guide apps can be incredibly useful. They’re often updated more frequently and can provide real-time information.
Top Apps:
- Google Maps: For navigation and discovering nearby attractions.
- TripIt: For organizing your travel plans in one place.
- Culture Trip: Great for finding local hotspots and hidden gems.
Compact Camera
Sure, your phone can take great photos, but if you’re serious about capturing stunning European landscapes and architecture, consider a compact camera.
Top Choices:
Canon EOS Rebel T7: Great for both photos and videos.
KODAK PIXPRO FZ55-RD Digital Camera: Excellent image quality and very portable.
Sleep Mask and Earplugs
If you’re staying in hostels or taking overnight trains, a sleep mask and earplugs can help you get some rest despite the noise and light.
Best Bets:
- Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask: Super soft and comfortable.
- Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs: High noise reduction and comfortable fit.
Travel-Friendly Snacks
Having some snacks on hand can save you when you’re hungry and in transit. Think energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit. They’re easy to pack and can be a lifesaver on long journeys.
Tips:
- Choose non-perishable items that won’t get squished in your bag.
- Pack a few local treats for an authentic snack experience.
Ready to Travel?
With these travel gear essentials, you’ll be all set to explore Europe comfortably and confidently. Remember, packing smart and light can make a huge difference in your travel experience. Happy and safe travels! 🌍
Looking for travel packing tips and recommendations? Give our essential travel packing guide a read.
FAQs: Best Travel Gear for Europe
Q: Do I really need travel insurance for Europe? A: Though it’s not required, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, giving you peace of mind.
Q: What type of shoes should I bring for Europe? A: Bring comfortable walking shoes that you can wear all day. If you plan to hike, consider packing a pair of lightweight hiking shoes.
Q: How can I keep my belongings safe while traveling? A: Use a travel wallet for important documents and consider safety items like a personal alarm or hidden money belt. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Q: Is a travel adapter necessary for Europe? A: Yes, Europe has different plug types and voltages. A universal travel adapter will ensure you can charge your devices wherever you go.
Q: What’s the best way to stay connected in Europe? A: Consider getting an eSIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device to avoid roaming charges and ensure you have internet access.
