Travel Essentials to Pack for a Trip to Europe in Only a Carryon Bag:

For the country you visit, you may need an adapter to plug any of your electronics into an outlet.

TIP: buy an adapter for that country since they all have differently shaped outlet holes.

When to Use a Converter:

  • You only need to use an adapter if you will be using your curling iron or your hair dryer.
  • CPAPs only need an adapter – not a converter

Find out if you need an adapter or a converter!

Watch the video here!

If you fly internationally, you will have a long flight. I recommend these essentials for your airplane seat. In my personal item bag, I pack an airplane pouch for mid-flight.

Watch the entire video here if you need to know what to pack for a flight to Europe.


What’s In My Long-Haul Flight Pouch:

  • Airpods
  • AirPods cord in case I fall asleep
  • Pen for journal or customs form
  • Charging cord but also block but I could have just packed my charger for my phone. I was worried my watch would shut down since it was a 7 hour night flight after being powered all day
  • Eye drops and a lotion container for dry air during a long flight.
  • Cord for my airpods in case I fell asleep. If they fall out while sleeping, I will not lose one.


My minimalist packing tips for Europe:

  • Packed fewer pants but if you cannot do that, limit the number. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the rule of only packing 1 pair of pants, just change your thinking. Limit the amount of pants for example.
  • If limiting still sounds too restricting, just start with your shoes you have to wear and make everything match with those 2 pairs of shoes and the ones you wear in the airplane.


Crossbody bag contents:

  • umbrella
  • wads of toilet paper in a sandwich baggie for touringantibacterial wipes if no soap but also for sticky fingers
  • euros
  • thin RFID wallet
  • charger
  • charging cord in inside pocket that zips so no tangling
  • kleenex
  • chapstick and lipgloss

Other Packing Tips

  • I also packed leggings
  • water-resistant pants, water-resistant gloves for chance of rain
  • a water-resistant jacket.
  • Do not skimp on shoes. Pack at least one pair of water-resistant shoes in case it rains.
  • All shoes should have a rugged sole for cobbled roads and uneven pavement

Other Considerations

  • When using Uber, find the map before trip
  • If you are older on a foreign airline or if you are connecting in another country, make a note when you book a flight if you cannot use stairs.

You can grab my ultimate packing list here!