Europe, my friends, is like a treasure chest of places that make you go “Wow!”—and also places where you wonder if you accidentally wandered onto a postcard. Whether you’re Instagramming the Eiffel Tower or somehow ending up in the middle of a sheep-filled field in Slovenia (true story), the right packing list can be a lifesaver. So, from one frequent over-packer to another, here are my top 10 essentials for a European adventure that won’t have you weeping over forgotten phone chargers or rain-soaked socks.

1. Comfortable Walking Shoes (Because Cobblestones Will Test You)

Let me tell you, Europe loves its cobblestone streets. They're charming and photogenic, but also a low-key foot assassin if you don’t have the right shoes. That time I tried to look cute in Paris with brand-new sandals?

Big mistake. My feet were crying by the end of day one. Trust me: grab something comfy, supportive, and bonus points if they’re stylish enough to keep you from feeling like a tourist lost in fashion purgatory. From the hilly streets of Lisbon to Prague’s Old Town, your feet will thank you.

2. Portable Phone Charger (Because Your Battery Will Die at the Worst Possible Moment)

Picture this: You’re standing in the middle of Rome, debating whether you should head left towards the Colosseum or right towards gelato (tough choice, I know). Then, boom—your phone dies. No map, no photos, no reservations.

It happened to me, and the only saving grace was that I bumped into a local who guided me to both. Get yourself a portable phone charger, people. Whether you're lost in Dubrovnik’s winding streets or snapping endless photos of Lake Bled, having extra juice is a must.

3. Reusable Water Bottle (Because You Don’t Want to Be That Person)

Europe has some of the best tap water, especially in countries like Switzerland and Austria, where it’s basically liquid gold flowing from the Alps.

Bringing a reusable water bottle isn’t just a money-saver—it’s also a planet-saver. (We’ve all seen enough plastic islands in the news to know better, right?) Plus, you get to feel a little smug when you casually refill at a picturesque fountain in Florence or Vienna.

4. Power Adapter (Type C, Because of Course They’re Different)

It’s 2024, and I still forget a power adapter every single time I cross the Atlantic. The outlets in Europe look like they were designed by an alien civilization—Type C plugs everywhere. Whether you’re charging up in Amsterdam or halfway through a train ride across Slovenia, make sure you’ve got the right adapter to keep your gadgets going. Because asking a local for a phone charge in broken German? Not ideal.

5. Lightweight Rain Jacket (Because Europe Loves Its “Surprise” Weather)

Ah, Europe and its unpredictable weather—especially places like Edinburgh, where it can go from sunny to monsoon in a blink. I once got caught in a downpour in Bergen, Norway, and let’s just say my “waterproof” jacket was more like “water-sponge.” Lesson learned: always pack a legit rain jacket that can double as a windbreaker. Whether you’re braving the elements atop the Eiffel Tower or hiking the Swiss Alps, you’ll be grateful for the extra layer.

6. Travel Insurance (Because Murphy’s Law is Real)

Let’s face it, travel can be chaotic, especially in Europe where public transport delays are practically a rite of passage. I once spent five hours stuck on a train somewhere between France and Spain because of a cow on the tracks. (Yes, really.)

Travel insurance saved me from pulling out my hair when I missed a connection. Whether you're getting lost in the streets of Barcelona or marveling at Slovenia’s hidden valleys, a good insurance plan can be your best friend.

7. Warm Clothing (Because Europe Gets Frosty Fast)

Even if you’re headed to Europe in the summer, don’t underestimate how quickly it can get chilly—especially in places like the Swiss Alps or Amsterdam at night. A good, cozy sweater and a scarf can make all the difference when the temperatures drop, and trust me, they will. But here’s the real MVP: warm pajamas.

Those drafty, charming European hotel rooms can get cold at night. So pack some snuggly flannel pajama pants—especially if you’re staying in a centuries-old Airbnb where insulation wasn’t exactly a thing back then! You’ll thank yourself when the cold hits.

8. European Train Pass (Because Trains are Basically Magic)

Europe is famous for its trains, and not just the Hogwarts Express kind. With a Eurail or Interrail pass, you can easily bounce between countries, whether you’re city-hopping from Paris to Munich or exploring smaller gems like Ljubljana or the French Riviera.

Pro tip: snagging a window seat on one of those long, scenic rides feels like stepping into a travel documentary. Just don’t fall asleep and miss your stop, like I may or may not have done once.

9. Local Currency (Because Cash is Still King in Some Places)

Contrary to what you might think, not all of Europe is a swipe-happy card society. Some spots—especially in the more rural areas like Portugal’s Douro Valley or Italy’s Cinque Terre—still prefer good ol’ cash.

Keep a bit of local currency on you, or get a currency card to avoid those painful transaction fees. Plus, you never know when you’ll need coins for an impromptu gelato run.

10. Translation App (Because Your High School French Won’t Cut It)

While many Europeans speak English, you’ll occasionally wander into a café in the French countryside or a Slovakian mountain village where the language barrier is as real as it gets. The first time I tried ordering coffee in rural Italy, I somehow ended up with a sandwich and no coffee in sight. Download a translation app—it’ll save you from awkward mime sessions and help you get what you actually want to eat.

Bonus Tip: An Open Mind (Because Europe Will Surprise You)

Look, Europe is incredible, but it’s also full of surprises. Some of the best places I’ve discovered were totally unplanned—the kind of spots you won’t find on any travel guide. One time I ended up in a tiny Croatian town where the locals were throwing a surprise music festival.

Moral of the story? Don’t just stick to the big-name cities. Be open to those little detours and happy accidents—you’ll end up with stories that no one else has.