Want to have the best Euro Summer? Then you’ve come to the right place! I’ve just come back from five countries: Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, Croatia, and Montenegro, and had an amazing time! During my time, I visited flea markets, castles, old ruins, went ATV riding, sailed through the Mediterranean Sea, and so much more!

Before I went, I did a lot of research on what to bring to make sure that I had the best time ever. If you’re anything like me and want to make your Euro Summer a success, then I highly suggest that you bring these 11 essentials for your next trip. And the best part is that they can all fit in your carry-on with extra space to bring back souvenirs!

What to Bring on Your Euro Summer

1. Power Bank

I used my phone a lot during this trip. Taking photos and videos, for GPS, checking into my flights, and communicating with friends and family back home. It’s essential to have a power bank so you can charge your phone whenever you need to. I’ve met people along my trip who didn’t have a power bank and they were stuck looking for outlets and having to stay at random cafes or laundromats for hours waiting for their phone to charge. Don’t let this be you! Here is the exact power bank I used to charge my phone.

2. Good Walking Shoes

The hills and cobblestones in European cities are no joke! If you’re thinking of visiting cities like Lisbon or Dubrovnik, you need good walking shoes that won’t give you blisters. I know we all want to look cute and get the perfect Instagram outfit picture, but I recommend bringing those shoes in your bag and wearing comfy walking sneakers for when you’re running around. I brought my Dr. Scholl’s white sneakers and they were a lifesaver!

I was able to walk through multiple cities and five countries with no pain or blisters at all! If you’re looking for comfy sneakers with some color, Dr. Scholl’s has a great line that you can find here!

3. Digital Camera

I know that our phones have a great camera, but a good digital camera is essential for taking elevated pictures or vlogging your time abroad! I was a bit skeptical if I should even invest in a digital camera and bring it abroad, but I’m so happy that I did!

The low point of my trip is that my iPhone stopped working on my way to Montenegro, and I had no way to take photos of my time there. If I didn’t have my digital camera with me, I wouldn’t have been able to document my time in Montenegro, and that country is so beautiful it would’ve been heartbreaking not having those memories to look back at. Here is the digital camera that I brought with me!

4. International Power Adapter

When traveling to different countries, it is essential to have an international adapter that you can use without any worries! The plugs from the UK are very different than the ones in other European countries. Having an international adapter that you can use for any country/continent will make charging your electronics so much easier and give you less stress for when you travel!

5. Travel Journal

I’ve been to 25 countries so far, and a lot of the time, I never brought a travel journal. Looking back, I really regret not having one because I would’ve loved to have reread those memories. For this trip, I made sure to bring my journal and write daily (or tried to) about my trip, my feelings, places I’ve been to, and all of the people that I met. It’s honestly made it so much more memorable, and I’m really glad that I have those pages to look back on. If you’re thinking of bringing a travel journal, here are some options!

6. First Aid Kit / Motion Sickness / Electrolytes

Whether you’re traveling via boat, plane, or car, your travels in Europe can get bumpy! It’s also good to have a small first aid kit in hand that can also include motion sickness or electrolytes. I took my first Euro cruise through the Croatian islands, and I was very nervous about getting seasick. Luckily, it wasn’t too bad, but the motion sickness pills definitely did help!

Also, whether you’re planning to be in the sun or out all night long partying, stock up on electrolytes! It really makes a difference for the morning after, and will help you be able to enjoy your trip without feeling too ill.

7. Packing Cubes

I could not survive my three weeks in Europe without packing cubes! I did the entire trip with two small carry-ons and still had room to bring back clothes, souvenirs, and gifts! This was my first time truly utilizing packing cubes, and I now swear by them! I used to be such a big overpacker, but with packing cubes now, I don’t feel overwhelmed when packing for any trip. You can find great options here.

8. Capsule Wardrobe

Like a good packing cube, bringing a capsule wardrobe is so helpful for your trip! A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing and accessories that are easily interchangeable to create a variety of different outfits for multiple occasions. This will help you feel like you’re never running out of outfits to wear on your trip! I recommend bringing some basics that you can mix and match.

9. RFID Protector for Wallets & Passports

Unfortunately, scams are real, especially in busy tourist spots across Europe. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is by using an RFID protector. It keeps your credit cards and passport safe from sneaky scanners that can steal your info without even touching your wallet.

It’s a simple thing to pack and gives you peace of mind while you’re exploring. Better to be safe than sorry when you’re in a new country.

10. Fanny Pack

The only time I’ve ever been mugged was on the train in Paris. After that, I never wanted to experience that again. I invested in a fanny pack and made sure it was hidden underneath my clothes, and never had to worry about it again! Obviously, you still want to be careful, but having a fanny pack will give you peace of mind.

It’s small enough to stay out of sight but big enough to hold your passport, cards, and cash. I love having everything in one place and right in front of me, especially when I’m in a crowd or on public transportation. Look for one that’s lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear under your clothes for extra protection.

11. Cash

If you’re from the USA, you know cash is no longer king. However, when traveling throughout Europe, there is still a need for cash, especially in smaller towns or cities. I recommend bringing as much as you’ll need ahead of time, so you don’t have to keep using ATMs. If you do need an ATM, try to find one that doesn’t have a huge fee.

Remember, do not put all your cash in one place! It’s best to store it with your belongings, so you don’t lose it.

Euro Summer Essentials

That wraps up my list of what to bring on your Euro Summer trip! These are the exact things I packed that made traveling through five countries way easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re walking cobblestone streets, cruising through the Adriatic, or just trying to stay organized on the go, these essentials seriously came through.

The key is to pack smart, not heavy. You don’t need to bring your whole closet, just what’s actually going to help you have a good time. I hope this list helps you feel more prepared and excited for your trip. Wherever you’re heading this summer, I hope you have the time of your life!

Let me know in the comments what country you’re visiting first. I’d love to hear!