My time is quickly approaching for my summer adventures in Europe for three-month – less than a week. I’m beyond excited about exploring the different culture, trying the best foods and restaurants, and seeing of course the best views that many only read about.

It’s time to start packing!

While accommodation and traveling around Europe can be done cheaply, I dont want to have the added cost of checking a suitcase every time I take a hopper flight or train ride. I’ll definitely live out of a carry-on bag for this type of summer adventure. My goal will be to be smart about how I pack! By knowing what essential items I need, and what items can be optional, so I can make the most use out of my carry-on space.

Keep reading for the ultimate guide to for what to pack on your next trip to Europe, with a checklist provided at the end!

The Ultimate 3 Months in Europe: Carry-On Summer Packing Guide (with Free Checklist)

Why Use a Carry-On

There are a lot of benefits to using a carry-on when doing long term travel. The first, and maybe the most obvious, is that it will be the cheapest option for you as you go on various flights, trains, and ferries on your trip. A big reason a lot of people like traveling throughout Europe for extended periods of time is because its so cheap once youre on the continent. But airlines and train companies typically have added fees for checking bags. So having to pay 30 or 50 EUR for each leg of your journey will add up over the summer.

It is also more convenient for you. For starters, you will always have your eyes on your bag as you put it in overhead compartments. There wont be a fear of an airline losing your one bag that you plan on living out of for a summer. It will also be a lot easier for you to get off of a flight or train ride and into a cabor even start walkingto your accommodation without dragging a large suitcase behind you. And when you get to your accommodation, especially if youre staying at hostels, you can easily fit your carry-on bag into a locker or secured space under a bed way easier than any full-sized luggage.

There are some things you will need to be aware of that come with using a carry-on bag for an extended summer trip like traveling around Europe. You will most definitely need to use laundromats when you get to new cities, or maybe before you leave for a new city. You will be repeating outfits and will probably only be able to pack a couple staple items (more on that below!). But ultimately, these were things you would have had to accept anyways. No luggage would be big enough to fit three months worth of clothing, so you would have had to use laundromats and repeat outfits anyways.

What Type of Bag Should You Use

While a lot of discount airlines do vary on their requirements for carry-on bags (and you should always review their guidance before investing in a carry-on bag), there are some options on the market that you can assume would be allowed by most companies. If youre traveling for three months, the carry-on bag that you use will become the most important piece of gear that you own, so you want to make sure you get a sturdy bag that fits your needs.

For some people, this means a travel backpack. Popular travel backpacks on the market are within the carry-on limits of most airlines. A lot of these bags will have organization compartments, suspension systems, padded straps, and hip belts to help make transportation of everything you have easier on you. They are going to be more expensive than a normal backpack, but thats because there is a lot of technology in them that make them a great travel option.

You can also invest in a wheeled suitcase. Truthfully, you will probably always be able to fit more into a travel backpack, but if you know you can compromise on some items coming with you, a wheeled bag is easier to transport.

No matter what type of bag you ultimately end up investing in, you will also want to look into purchasing packing cubes. These help you organize your bag and compress your clothing a bit so you can put more into your pack. This isnt the most necessary if youre only bringing a few outfits and using your bag for more technology, but they can be very helpful!

Clothes and Shoes

Depending on what type of trip you plan on having will determine what type of clothing you should bring. If you think youll be going to fancy restaurants, museums, and taking the best Instagram fashion photos your whole trip, youll need more blouses than t-shirts. Similarly, if you plan on hiking a ton, youll want to pack more activewear. These suggestions assume youll be doing a bit of everything on your trip

You should probably start your trip with three to five t-shirts. You may want to leave some room if you know youll be buying some on your trip. Similarly, five blouses or button downs will get you far for museums and dinners. And its safe to assume that you should have two or three going out tops, too.

Since your trip is during the summer, you should probably only pack one or two pairs of jeans (remember, air conditioning is not standard in a lot of Europe). Bring more shorts, whether denim or some other breathable fabric, about five pairs. Depending on your preference, four pairs of active bottoms (shorts, leggings) will make your travel more comfortable and let you have options for hikes or relaxing days.

Again, air conditioning in Europe isnt a norm. If you feel comfortable wearing dresses, they are a great option for both exploring new cities, visiting sights, and relaxing in. Having four to five dresses will give you options throughout the week. Biker shorts or thigh cream can also help if you chafe!

Underwear and socks are ultimately going to decide how many days in between laundry you plan on going. If you only pack a weeks worth of underwear, you will be at a laundromat at least every 7 days, maybe less if you work out or something happens and you need to change mid-day. Packing about 10 to 14 pairs of each give you a little wiggle room in case you do change your undergarments more than once a day while also saving you some money by not needing to go every single week.

If you wear bras, you should pack two sports bars, one or two bralettes, and two normal bras (whatever that means for you!). This is also a preference thingif you prefer washing your bra after every single wear, treat this like underwear and pack more.

No matter what type of trip youre planning, you will be doing a lot of walking. For this reason, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is very necessary. A nice white pair is versatile and will go with everything. One pair of going on neutral-colored shoes is enough. And if youre staying in hostels, make sure you pack flip flops for the showers! Shoes are also one of those things that you may just want to buy when you get to your first stop in Europe, and then throw them out before you leave. They will get a lot of miles in during your trip, so it will be worth it.

Thankfully visiting Europe in the summer means no heavy coat. You may want to bring a light raincoat, or you can just purchase one if necessary while on your trip.

If youre traveling through Europe during the summer, you will definitely be going to some stunning beaches. If you think youll be going to the beach on back-to-back days, bring two or three pairs of swimsuits is worth it. If youre only planning on here and there beach trips, one is plenty. Most beaches will have cheap towel rentals, so you dont have to worry about that.

And finally, bring something to sleep in (dont be the naked sleeper in your shared hostel room!). This could be one of the t-shirts and shorts you already packed, or it could be your traveling outfit that you wash when you get to a new place.

And if you want to bring accessorieslike a watch, jewelry, or sunglassesmake sure you have some type of organizer so you dont lose them in between travels. You wont want to bring your most expensive items, but if you always wear a smart watch and a set of rings or earrings, keep it minimal.

Toiletries

Taking a carry-on means you will have to follow the 3 oz/100 ml rule if you are flying to cities. If you are taking mostly trains or buses, you should buy your shampoo and conditioner and body wash when you get to your first city. Bringing 3 oz of shower care items wont get you past the first week on your trip. But if you are flying a lot, you can get carry-on sized items in each city as necessary.

Pack stick deodorant if you dont want to use the European spray deodorant. You should pack your toothbrush and purchase new toothpaste as necessary.

Because of the liquid rules, it is best to transition to powder makeup as much as you can (mascara counts as a liquid!).

Technology

You will of course want to pack your phone and laptop and their chargers. If you dont think youll need your laptop and can get away with a tablet, that would be the better option. Headphones will also be very helpful. And a multi-country travel adapter is crucial, or else none of these items will work!

Documents

Of course, the first you should pack if your passport. Make sure where you are going doesnt require any additional visas! Across Europe, you may find that you have to use your passport and not your countrys ID to get into bars or purchase alcohol. You will still want your home countrys ID or license, a student ID if applicable (you will notice a lot of student discounts), and your insurance cards.

It is smart to convert some money to Euros before leaving, in case something happens with a credit card once over there. Tell your bank and credit card provider that you will be traveling so they dont place a hold on your account.

And finally, if you have planned out the trip and arent doing spontaneous moves across Europe, print out your itinerary and any receipts for flights, trains, buses, and accommodation you have coming up.

Other

You will absolutely need to pack a lock if you plan on staying in hostels. Take advantage of the lockers they provide, even if they charge a small fee. Your whole life is in your bag, and you need to protect it.

You should also bring a small bag or fanny pack to use as you walk around. It should only hold your wallet, phone, and sunglasses. You dont want anything too big or with an unsecure openingpickpocketing is unfortunately still a big thing in major European cities. A flap top bag that locks is the best.

One thing I pack when traveling overseas is a towel. Accommodations depending on the country won’t always have them available. Pack a microfiber towel incase for either for the beach or shower, just in case!

Free Carry-On Packing Checklist

Spending a summer in Europe is a dream for a lot and you can ensure that you wont be stressed if you pack correctly. By being prepared and putting in some work to figure out everything you will absolutely need, and everything that you probably wont use, you can take on less stress out of the trip of a lifetime.

As a thank you for reading this, here’s a free packing checklist!

Get a free download!

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