Planning a Summer Euro trip? Need help packing? Temps are high, crowds are bustling and what you pack will make all the difference. Read on to learn how to pack for Summer in Europe.

My first Summer in Europe was in 2015, and I vowed never to return again during summertime. Don’t get me wrong, it was an incredible experience. But I wasn’t prepared for the elements because I didn’t know how to pack for Summer in Europe.

Then I got the opportunity to study abroad in Italy, and found myself back in Europe for Summer!

Of course, it was hot and crowded, so I was sweating. A lot. A couple of times I thought I overheated, but I had an amazing time! Largely in part because I was wiser, and knew what to pack for a Summer euro trip.

Despite a lil heat rash, random shaded park bench naps, and gelato 3x a day, I went to Europe prepared. Now, I want to help you do the same. Here’s a packing guide for Summer in Europe.

Essentials to Pack For Summer In Europe

Sunscreen – Because, duh! 8 hours of walking around Paris should result in a sun kissed glow, not the hue of a vine-ripened tomato. But, we’ve all been there, right? No? Well, I’ve been there. A few times. Sunscreen is an essential item to pack for Summer in Europe, and I absolutely love this travel sized vegan sunscreen by Sun Bum, a kit that comes with sunscreen, soothing cocoa butter lotion and lip balm. Perfect to throw in your carry on, beach bag or purse for a day out in the sun!

Bug spray – Depending on where you go, you could be accosted by pestering mosquitos. I think I counted 23 bites after visiting Pompeii. I won’t even tell you the grand total by the time I left Venice. In the South, the summer months get humid and sticky… basically a hotbed for mosquitos. And those bites hurt! Don’t be me, bring bug spray and keep that Euro-tan smooth and bite-less. I like to pack Natrapel, an eco-friendly bug spray with a deet-free formula that’s actually effective and long lasting.

Wipes – Ok, this might be a little personal. But sometimes you’re not gonna have toilet paper. You don’t want to be in a vulnerable *and embarassing* situation, so pack travel sized wipes to refresh while on the go and if you’re in a bind in a public restroom… wipes to the rescue! Throw them in a pocket in your backpack and without getting too detailed, I’ll just leave biodegradable flushable travel wipes here.

Hats – Bring two, a casual baseball cap and a more dressy fedora or a straw hat for long days out in the sun. I personally always bring a packable travel hat that I can roll up and throw in my tote or carry on bag.

Sunglasses – As a former optician, sunglasses are a big deal to me. My eyes are super sensitive, and also wearing glasses that are too heavy start to hurt the nose and temples. I personally love to wear  classic RayBan clubmasters, which are lightweight and don’t slip down your nose when you sweat. Additionally, they are super stylish and comfortable. Plus, they come in a bunch of fun colors!

Scarves – Not only will you need to cover your shoulders in churches, but scarves can also block harsh rays from scorching your skin, plus they are the perfect accessory to add variety to your travel wardrobe. I recommend packing lightweight cotton or linen scarf, which rolls up small without wrinkling. Choose a color and pattern that goes with everything, or pick a bright solid scarf to add a pop of color to your outfit.

Clothing to Pack For Summer in Europe

What you pack will vary depending on where you’re traveling to, and for how long you’re going, and whether you’re checking your bags or backpacking. That said, there are certain items that you will wear over and over again no matter where you go.

Lightweight cotton – Your clothes are going to get wet. They are going to stick and cling to your sweaty body. You will be immersed in a sea of bodies who are also emitting the same volume of sweat. Stay away from tight, uncomfortable materials. I even found jeans to be on the border of too structured and hot. Items like lightweight cotton tops and linen pants are the best clothing material to wear if you’re packing for Summer in Europe.

I love this off the shoulder cotton blouse for traveling. It  comes in a variety of colors (I love the white and mint for summer) goes with everything, is lightweight and breathable, and Made In USA!

Maxi skirts and linen pants – You don’t want to be that awkward tourist who tries to enter a holy church wearing a mini skirt and crop top. They will put some variation of what looks like a trash bag or a paper sack over you and I will be one of those jerks laughing at you. Sorry, not sorry.

Instead, pack 2-3 breezy summer maxi skirts and/or cute linen culottes. You will look fashionable, sophisticated and won’t offend anyone by dressing too revealing.

Maxi skirts are a simple summer staple, throw one on with a cotton tee and accessorize with a cute scarf and sandals.

Sundresses – Need I say more? Bring a few otherwise you will look like me in 2015 and when you scroll through your pictures you realize that you’ve somehow spanned 6 European countries wearing the same sundress. Yikes!

Plenty of undies – I cannot overstate this. When I’m in Europe I walk EVERYWHERE. 30 minutes to lunch, 30 minutes to coffee, 20 minutes to shop, 15 minutes to a museum… 4 hours walking around the museum! You get the idea. Without being too detailed, I suggest you plan for two undies per day, you won’t always need them both, but it’s nice to stay fresh. I recommend a laser cut cotton variation. No seams, barely there, no fuss.

Shoes – Ahh the ever annoying shoe debacle. Opt for cute? Suffer miserably as you roll your ankle on ancient cobbled stone roads. Opt for comfort? Put on an adorably cute summer outfit only to trudge around in your grandmas sketchers/loafers/unforgivable ensemble of rubber and leather. Ew. Call me superficial, but I just don’t think you should have to choose one or the other, and the recommendations I found on other blogs were just… unmentionable. Here’s my 3 part shoe cocktail that won’t let you down.

• 1: Straps please – You can’t go wrong with trusty Birkenstock’s. Thankfully, they’re back in style and no longer exclusively for homely 1990s granola girls and grandmas. I have personally worn my birks through Europe and everywhere in between for the last 3 years and they’re still holding up. Dress them up, dress them down; they go with everything.
  

  “Mayari” sandals

• 2: Walk for days – These are my favorite summer sneaks. They’re chic and go with everything, plus the faux leather is easy to wipe clean.
  

  Guess “Byrone” sneakers

• 3: Active – If you crave adventure you’ll want a reliable and comfortable shoe for hiking, running, climbing, and living out whatever nature outings that come your way. I save space by packing a hybrid running/water shoe, as I’m a fish and if there’s water I’ll be in it! I can’t tell you how many times I have gone into water with friends where the floor is covered in algae, sea urchins, or coral that can cut your feet. Needless to say they watched me splash about from the shore. You never know what ecosystem awaits you, with these puppies you can swim worry free!
  

  Mizuno hybrid sneakers

• Bathing suit – because when you see water, you will want to dunk your body into it. Or you can just go in that one sundress you brought that also doubles as a bathing suit for a pool not meant for swimming in… But, I’ve never done that. *ahem* As you can see, a bathing suit is an essential item to pack for summer in Europe.

Stay hydrated

It seems so simple. Drink water so that you don’t pass out. But then, everything is so bright and shiny and exciting and wine tastes better than water.

Do: Bring your own water bottle and refill it. Big bottled water is an easy thing to get your hands on in Europe, but it comes at a cost of up to 3-4 Euro. Save yourself money and reduce your waste by bringing a bottled water. Plus, there is natural, refreshing fountain water abundant in Europe. Keep it in the refrigerator over night so that it’s cold in the morning!

Don’t: waste your hard-earned money on water at restaurants. You seriously can’t go wrong with bringing your own bottle!

Ok… confession: I didn’t bring my own water bottle to Europe, but after just traveling through Cuba and bringing a water bottle, I saved a lot of money and will definitely bring my own bottle next year when I return to Europe.

Otherwise, you can plan on this look everywhere you go:

“Do ya think 2 will be enough for the day, or should I bring one more?”

Planning Tips for Europe in Summer

Let’s face it, you won’t be the only one spending the summer in Europe. You will be but a speck of sand to a million other specks all going to see the same places you want to see. You can opt to avoid all tourist traps and explore off the beaten path. But part of you will regret this. How can you go to Rome and not see the Vatican? You may not forgive yourself.

Sometimes though, fatigue will simply get the best of you. When it sets in, don’t fight it nor let it ruin your enjoyment. Anytime I feel travel fatigued I plop my tush down at a cafe and people watch. Take a time out. Part of the reason you came here was to enjoy European culture, right?

The bottom line is that there is a balance. How to achieve that balance?

Plan – use your time wisely and route your stops so that they make sense and are geographically efficient. This will help you save time and avoid wandering about lost.

City cards – if you want to hit several of the city’s specialties, look into getting a city pass which includes entrance into 2-3 attractions, public transportation for a specified amount of time and discounts. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of city cards though, is the fact that they permit you to skip the 2-3 hour lines!

Compromise – I personally went to Paris without going to the Louvre. I was so exhausted that the idea of shuffling through a mass of bodies to see the Mona Lisa sounded like misery. Instead, I went to Musee Rodin and Espace Dalí. There were only a handful of other people there and both of these gems still resonate in my mind as profoundly enjoyable experiences.

Go early, go late, or don’t go at all – Pretty self explanatory, look up the hours of where you want to go and either be the first one there, or go within a couple of hours of closing. As always, research the best time to go as it is situational.

And lastly…

Anytime, and I mean ANY TIME, you get a chance to dunk your body in a sea of water… do it! And don’t ever underestimate the power of gelato. It’s refreshing, it’s tasty and above all, it’s cold! Now go plan that summer trip to Europe!

Kayaking in the Spanish town of Costa Brava.

Have hacks for how to pack for Summer in Europe? I would love to hear them!

Love European beaches during Summertime? Be sure to check out the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been to here. 

Christina Lyon

Christina Lyon is a coffee-sipping, word-obsessed business blogger, content writer, and blog consultant. She’s on fire for helping creative entrepreneurs and small biz owners build thriving blogs that enhance online visibility and convert to sales. When she’s not reading or writing, she loves to play music and explore the beaches and wild trails along the California coast with her husband Steve and rescue pup, Clio.