What to Pack for a 3-Week Trip to Europe: Essentials, Must-Haves & What to Skip
Heading into a 3-week trip through Europe?
Packing can feel like a puzzle—especially when you’re crossing countries, climates, and cultural expectations. Toss in airline baggage limits and unpredictable weather, and suddenly you’re dragging a bloated suitcase up five flights of stairs in Lisbon.
Whether you’re train-hopping through Italy and France, exploring fjords in Scandinavia, or mixing cities and beaches across Spain and Croatia, this guide covers what to pack for a 3 week trip to Europe, what to leave behind, and how to keep your bag manageable.
1. The Golden Rule: Pack Light, Pack Smart
You don’t need 21 outfits. You need a capsule wardrobe that mixes, matches, and layers across cities and seasons. Think adaptable, not over-prepared.
Start with this:
1 light jacket (ideally water-resistant for Northern/Central Europe)
2 pairs of shoes (comfortable sneakers + 1 sandal or boot)
3–4 bottoms (pants, shorts, or skirts depending on the trip)
5 tops (mix of tanks, tees, and one long-sleeve)
1 dressier outfit (for dinners, events, or modest venues)
7 pairs of underwear and socks
Pajamas + swimsuit
Light scarf (great for churches, chilly evenings, or flights)
🔗 Recommended: This compressible packing cube set keeps your gear neat and your bag zen.
2. Toiletries & Health Must-Haves
You can buy most things in Europe, so don’t haul your whole bathroom.
Bring these:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Deodorant
Solid shampoo/conditioner bar (TSA-friendly & leak-proof)
Sunscreen
Razor
Period products (if needed)
Prescription meds (in original containers)
Motion sickness pills (trains, boats, buses)
Optional but helpful:
Small first aid kit
Travel laundry detergent
Nail clippers & tweezers
🔗 Try: These leak-proof travel bottles for carry-on liquids.
3. Electronics & Travel Accessories
What you’ll actually use:
Universal power adapter (different plugs across the EU/UK)
Phone + charger
Portable battery bank
E-reader or one good paperback
Earplugs + sleep mask
Travel lock
Packing cubes or compression bags
🔗 Upgrade: This USB-C multi-port charger fast-charges multiple devices.
4. Important Documents & Apps to Download
Don’t forget:
Passport + photocopies
Travel insurance details
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Health card (for EU residents)
International driver’s permit (if driving)
Offline booking confirmations
Apps to install before you go:
Google Maps (download offline maps)
Google Translate
Trainline or Omio (for rail)
FlixBus (cheap intercity buses)
Wise or Revolut (for spending abroad)
Check out out list of the best travel apps to make your trip easier before you go!
5. What NOT to Pack for Europe
Leave these behind to save space and stress:
Heavy books (use an e-reader)
Hairdryers or hot tools (voltage mismatch & hotels usually have them)
Bulky towels (opt for a quick-dry travel towel)
More than one pair of heels (hello, cobblestones)
Flashy designer items (unnecessary + potential theft target)
Too much denim (slow drying, bulky)
Anything you’ve never worn before (now’s not the time)
🔗 Instead: This microfiber towel dries fast and fits in a side pocket.
Bonus: Packing for 3 Months in Europe?
The same rules apply, just scaled for time:
Prioritize laundry access: Pack clothes that wash easily and dry quickly.
Swap seasonally: Adjust layers if you’re crossing from spring to summer (or fall).
Choose dual-purpose items: A sarong becomes a beach wrap, scarf, or blanket.
Leave room for local finds: You will buy something along the way.
Final Tip: Pack for the Trip You’re Actually Taking
Don’t pack for every worst-case scenario. Pack for what you’ve planned—and be ready to adapt with what’s available locally. You’ll move easier, feel lighter, and avoid suitcase regret.
Want a printable checklist for your 3-week Europe trip?