1) Boots or Hiking Sneakers
Even if your tour doesn’t revolve around hiking, we’re willing to bet you’re going to be doing a lot of walking throughout your trip. Days spent sightseeing are super fun, but they can be a lot less enjoyable when your feet are killing you. Bring along some boots or hiking sneakers, and if you don’t have those, at the very least, bring walking shoes. (Or Dr. Scholl’s.)
2) A Scarf or Sweater
No matter what time of year you visit this continent and no matter what country, many places can have unpredictable weather. In addition to bringing a variety of clothing options for different weather, make sure you always have a scarf or a sweater, even if it’s just for the bus or plane rides.
3) Toiletries (or at Least Toilet Paper)
This one kind of goes without saying. Sure, you can find shampoo and conditioner at any local mart. But, it gets expensive, and you don’t want to have to throw out a whole bottle every time you need to move to a new place. Make sure you always have a travel-sized version of your basic toiletries in your pack, so if you arrive at your hotel late, you can at least shower. (And, let’s be honest, many hostels don’t come fully equipped.) Additionally, always have some toilet paper on hand. Public bathrooms in Europe often charge, and you don’t want to be empty handed when duty calls.
4) Headphones or Ear Plugs
Busses. Planes. Hostels. Sometimes, you just need moments of silence or solidarity. Headphones and/or earplugs, therefore, are a necessity when traveling on a tour through Europe.
5) A Good Book and/or Notebook
Like having a pair of headphones handy, it’s also nice to have a book handy, too. You’re going to have some downtime on your tour, and you might just be in the mood to relax. And, honestly, there’s nothing I love more than sitting in a cafe with a good book or notebook, reading a nice story or recording my adventures. Even if you don’t get time to do it too often, you don’t want to regret not doing it later on.
6) Snacks…Lots and Lots of Snacks
Touring makes you hungry, and there’s nothing worse than having that feeling come on and there’s nowhere — absolutely, nowhere — to get yourself a little snack. Make sure you’re always prepared and have some granola bars or nuts on hand. And, sometimes, it’s best to buy as much as you can before you go.
7) Your Favorite Pair of Jeans
Oh…jeans. They may seem overrated or too casual, but in Europe, jeans can really go a long way. Now, we’re not talking about a shabby pair that’s fringed at the bottom, has holes in it, and looks extremely washed out. Bring a nice pair of jeans that fit well, and you can match them with any top. Wear them on a day sightseeing or a night out, but change the shoes and the accessories. You’re good to go, without taking up so much room in your bag.
8) A Nalgene
Thirsty much? Even though your tour may provide water bottles for you every time you hit the bus, you can never be too sure. You don’t want to have to buy another water bottle every time you get parched, and you will be very thirsty after all that sightseeing. Bring a Nalgene or another water bottle so that’s something you never have to worry about.
9) A Power Bank
If your someone who wants to have access to your phone (even though we recommend disconnecting a bit while you’re on your tour), then don’t forget to bring a power bank. You don’t want to be ready for your snapshot in front of the Eiffel Tower when your battery dies!
10) Plenty of Underwear
Need we say more? When you’re busy touring, you aren’t going to have much time at all to do your laundry. And, there’s no guarantee that the accommodations you’ll be staying at will have laundry services either, even though it’s likely your tour will arrange some laundry days. So, just make sure you have plenty of undergarments on hand, and perhaps bring some travel-sized detergent, too. You never know when you’ll have to wash something in the sink!
Have any other ideas of things you should pack on your European tour? Right them in the comments below!
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in Mexico and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com
