Bring on Sunshine! - A Summer Packing List for Women (2024)

Packing for a summer vacation in Europe is not easy as Europe is huge and summer (or even spring) here comes with the occasional rain spell.

Most of the time, even though almost all of my notepads have my packing list ready, some items are missing, and I curse myself over them later.

I have created separate travel essentials Europe lists for this exact reason.

So, here is a list of travel essentials for women, for almost all the destinations in Europe and also in Asia.

I hope this works as the to-go women travel essentials list for you (and me If I can’t find all my notepads at hand!). Feel free to add or take off items depending on weather predictions, your style and your itinerary.

Women’s Summer Packing List

Essentials

Passport + Visa – I know I do not need to state the obvious, but come on, we all know the fear of forgetting the passport and realizing it after reaching the airport.

In fact, it is so common for frequent travellers that there should be a name for it. (Let’s call it passophobia or is it too lame?)

 

Tickets and Addresses – Make it a point to carry your tickets and necessary addresses in a purse or wallet and keep them handy.

 

Itinerary – Printed or digital, doesn’t matter. Just ensure you have a detailed itinerary with you at all times to avoid confusion and to keep you on your toes.

 

Wallet + Cards + Cash – All the travellers (or even commoners) keep these three things together. And then keep it on the table at home instead of in the bag while travelling. Let’s not do this mistake and carry everything important with us.

 

Travel towel – You can carry a thin, microfiber towel while travelling, which will dry off easily. It will save space and will also do the job effectively. Travel towels can easily be one of the travel essentials for women.

If you do not want to carry a damp towel, you can also consider disposable, biodegradable towels.

 

Universal adaptor – With so many different voltage ranges for each country, it is necessary to pack any universal adaptor to convert them to a standard range and is one of the essentials for European travel. It will be beneficial for everything from a phone and a laptop to a camera and a hair dryer.

 

Refillable bottles – I cannot stress this enough, but carrying refillable bottles is an important part of sustainable travel. It is time to be a little more mindful and not use plastic bottles whenever we can.

Refillable bottles are Europe travel essentials as there are numerous water fountains around the continent where you can get water for free.

 

Maps (best sourced at destination) – Instead of relying on online maps all the time, purchase a local copy of a printed map. It will give you all the updated information and will come in handy if and when there is no internet connection.

 

Glasses + Case – When packing sunglasses, do not leave the case behind or else you will end u with glasses so scratchy that the only option will be to buy new ones. (been there, done that! Don’t be like me.)

 

Contact lenses + Solution + Case – I know this option is not for everyone, but it is important to pack solutions with contact lenses without fail.

 

Any personal keys – House keys, car keys, safe keys, anything you don’t want to leave behind should be included in your packing list.

 

Luggage locks – This may seem an unnecessary step, but there is nothing wrong with being safe.

 

Packing cubes – These are simply smaller or larger organizers that will help you keep everything sorted. One for toiletries is a must and another for documents is needed.

It will save you a lot of hassle while searching through your bag, making it one of the women travel essentials. You can also consider these for smaller clothing items like innerwear and socks.

 

Face mask and sanitiser – I used to carry hand sanitiser before Covid also, but now that I have seen what these little viruses can do, face masks and sanitisers have become travel essentials 2024.

Toiletries

Sun-screen – Mineral or chemical, SPF 30 or SPF 50, sprays or sticks, no matter which you choose, sunscreens are counted as essentials when travelling to Europe. Be it for beach-y days or city tours, it is recommended to use sunscreen all the time.

 

Salt-Spray – This one is completely optional, but I would suggest carrying a salt spray if you have used it previously and it suits your hair texture. It will help you style your dry hair anytime and chic photos with different looks are guaranteed for your ‘gram! You can pack a simple hair spray if you are not sure about a salt spray.

 

Makeup – Depending on your skincare routine and comfort level, you can carry the necessary makeup items. Choose travel skincare essentials considering the weather and activities you have planned. Keep everything in one of the packing cubes and opt for travel-sized tubes to save wastage and space.

 

Toothbrush+ Toothpaste – I know many hotels will offer these two, but carrying your own set will not take much space and it will be convenient if you are having overnight journeys or layovers.

 

Razor (best to buy at destination) – For safety reasons, you are not allowed to keep razors with blades in carry-on luggage with blades. You can always pack these in your checked-in bags, but instead, you can simply buy a basic razor at the destination and throw it away when your trip is completed.

 

Face wash – New place, different weather, different water, and all the wandering around are bound to wreak havoc on your skin. But a simple face wash, especially one of the travel essentials for girls, will save you from a breakout and will help keep your face clean and fresh.

 

Deodorants – Whichever is your fragrance, do not leave it on your dressing table. Pack a deodorant after checking flight guidelines and choose a bottle that fits all the criteria.

 

Shampoo + Conditioner – Even if you are going on a weekend getaway, always carry your shampoo and conditioner. You never know when humid weather will turn your hair frizzy or if the snow will come with a gift of dry hair. I won’t recommend relying on hotel hair care products as you do not know if they will suit you. Why ruin a perfectly good vacation with a bad hair day, right? You can also consider adding dry shampoo to the list.

 

Feminine products – Tampons, panty liners, sanitary pads, a menstrual cup, or any cleansing lotions you use are considered travel essentials for women. Even if you are not expecting your menses anytime soon, it is advisable to carry a few feminine products while travelling.

 

Body wash – Again, not something I like to use from hotel toiletries. But I understand it is a personal preference.

 

Tissues and wet wipes –  I always carry a small pack of tissues and wet wipes in my carry-on luggage. It is a great alternative for travel towels and can be used for different purposes as well.

 

Lip balm – This has always been my life-saver. I forget to drink enough water while wandering and when paired with sunny or dry weather, I usually end up with chapped lips before my trip ends. Lip balm is amongst the top Europe trip essentials for me.

Day wear travel essentials for women 

Dresses – You can look effortlessly good in dresses. All you have to do is pair them with simple accessories, nothing over the top. Keep it comfortable and do not let it take much time while getting ready.

 

Shorts – If you are comfortable wearing shorts, then almost all your travel outfits are sorted. Throw in a simple t-shirt or a stylish crop top and your look will be complete. Keep in mind that many churches and places of religious worship do not allow clothes which do not cover shoulders and knees. So, dress according to your travel itinerary.

 

Tops/Blouses – I would suggest lightweight, wrinkle-free tops/blouses as essentials for travelling to Europe. Up your basics game here and try to pack at least a couple of tops that can be used to create different outfits.

 

Light Jacket/Coat – With a bit of unpredictable weather and chilly evenings in winter, light jackets or coats are must-have travel items for Europe. Pair it with boots and it will also help you look stylish without any effort.

 

Denim/trousers – Basic black or blue denim can work wonders with different tops. You can consider trousers if needed for the occasion.

 

Tank tops – These do not take much space and can be paired with skirts, denim, and shorts. If the weather is chilly, you can always add a jacket and almost all the tank tops work well with layers.

 

Inner-wear – Be it a basic t-shirt bra or stylish lingerie sets for romantic getaways, choose your inner-wear while travelling carefully. You do not want a bra that keeps on slipping or one with underwires poking your ribs.

A travel bra with pockets has been a game changer and one of the important travel essentials for women. It will help you keep everything from cards to tampons safe. And do not forget travel organizers to keep your delicates neat.

 

Footwear – Be it hiking for hours or taking a leisurely walk through a cobble-stone alley, you need comfortable footwear. With so many old town areas, footwear is travel Europe essentials now.

I would suggest carrying a pair of trainers and sandals each so that you can choose whichever suits your outfit. Do not forget to throw in a few pairs of socks too!

 

Belts – I wouldn’t want to be caught in a foreign country trying to adjust denim that keeps on slipping down every few steps. So, yes, belts are one of the ladies’ travel essentials for me.

 

Mini Backpack – A small hike or a half-day trip to villages cannot be completed without your trusted mini backpack.

 

Strappy Bag – Ok, make fun of me for choosing comfort over style, but a strappy bag is a must when vacationing. (And I think it looks stylish if paired correctly!

Women travel essentials evening Wear

Evening dress – Are you interested in attending a cultural show or going on a romantic dinner when travelling? Then why not pack your favourite evening dress to make it special?

 

Cardigan – Be it a skit, a denim, or even a dress, a cardigan goes well with almost everything. It will help you if layering is necessary as it is one of the travel essentials Europe.

 

Thin Stockings – Weather can be moody and a sunny day can turn into a chilly evening in a couple of hours. So, pack a pair of thin stockings as these are female travel essentials no matter where you are going in Europe.

 

Heels/Wedges – I believe that a pair of heels can make wonders if paired with even a simple dress. So, remember to pack your heels or wedges, because who said you cannot look chic while travelling?

 

Sticky Bra (if needed) – Now this one is entirely up to you. You can pack a sticky bra depending on the dresses and your comfort. It will help you pull off any outfits with good support, making it one of the travel essentials for women.

Tech/Electronics

Camera + charger + extra battery – No matter how good your phone camera is, nothing can beat a DSLR. So, carry your camera and don’t forget its charger and an extra set of charged batteries. You can also pack another SD card if you are worried about running out of storage.

 

iPad – Now I know you are not going to forget this one at home. But if we are making a list of essentials for travelling to Europe for your vacation, let’s add everything that is important.

 

Wireless earbuds – Remember to charge your earbuds fully before catching your flight. I consider earbuds as essentials for travelling in Europe as it helps me stay hands-free while exploring all the nooks and corners.

 

Go Pro + accessories (Waterproof case, float if required) – A digital creator can never go wrong with using Go Pro. It is among the top essentials to pack for Europe so that you can record all your exciting adventures.

 

Kindle – Connecting flights, overnight journeys, waiting for your bus, whatever is your excuse, Kindle can be your answer to everything. Download your favourite book and you are good to go on a long flight without risking boredom.

 

Laptop + Charger – This one depends on your preference and the type of trip you are planning for.

 

Hair-iron/Curler/hair dryer – Any of your hair styling tools can be considered women travel essentials. As I said, no one needs a bad hair day on a good vacation.

When indoors

Pyjamas – Imagine walking through cobblestone lanes for hours, then taking tours of different museums, and then taking another food tour to end your day on a scrumptious note. What do you need after coming to your accommodation? Your comfy pyjamas are enough to make you feel at home.

 

Loungewear – Please do yourself a favour and carry a set of loungewear while travelling. Do not rely only on pyjamas and do not try to use them for lounging also.

Medications

Band–Aids – Know matter how old you are, scrapping your knee never gets old. So, pack band-aids while travelling without fail.

 

Sanitiser – Peeps, we are living in a post-covid world now. Sanitisers are the new travel essentials for Europe. One bottle or spray in your purse will do for a week-long vacation.

 

Vitamins – No need to skip your vitamins when you are travelling. In fact, take extra care of yourself and pack whatever medication you need. Just check the flight rules before deciding what to carry and what to skip.

 

Paracetamol, Ibuprofen – Anything from a toothache or a migraine can be treated with these. Even your period cramps will stay away with paracetamol or ibuprofen, making them women’s travel essentials wherever you go.

 

Sanitary napkins/Tampons/menstrual cup – We have already covered these, but I consider tampons or sanitary napkins solo female travel essentials when packing your medication box.

You may not have anyone to help you in a new city to go and grab a box of tampons; sometimes, new brands tend to give rashes. So, why experiment, right?

 

Common medications – Are you worried about hyer acidity? Upset stomach? Puking while travelling in a bus? Ensure to pack a strip of each tablet you are used to.

I consider these as things to carry while travelling to Europe from India because no matter how toughened up my immune system is, I know travelling can mess it up.

Travel essentials for women for the beach

Bikinis/Swimsuits – You never need to get a beach body, you only need your swimsuit or bikini! I would say these are the travel essentials Europe with so many beach destinations Europe has to offer.

 

Beach Towel/beach mat – Now you do not want sand to get every-freaking-where, do you?

 

Sundress – Believe it or not, I know many who go to a beach mostly to flaunt a sundress. So, when it comes to ‘what to pack for a summer trip to Europe?’, this is your answer.

 

Beach Bag – A little obvious, I know, but need to cover everything peeps!

 

Hat/Cap + sunglasses – This combination will save you from getting dry eyes after your beach day is over and of course, it will also help you get good photos.

 

Hair clips/ Hair ties – No matter how gorgeous you look with open hair, I would always suggest getting that hair tie out of the bag while going to the beach. These hair accessories are travel essentials for women if you want to save your hair from salty water.

 

Flip-flops – Looking forward to taking a romantic walk with your loved one on the beach? Then flip-flops are your best bet or else all you can do is worry about getting the sand out of your boots.

 

Sarong/Cover-Up/Scarf – These versatile clothing pieces take up less space and brighten up a simple beach day. I call it among the top women travel essentials as I have used these quite often during my beach vacations.

 

Plastic bag (for wet clothes) – Do not let your vacay spirit dampen with the worry of wet clothes. Carry an extra plastic bag and stop worrying about ruining your beach bag.

 

Comb / Tangle Teezer – If you decide to take a dip in the water or if it is exceptionally windy, then a comb or tangle teezer will save you from messy hair.

 

Water Bottle – Catching a tan or sun-worshipping is all good only until you are staying well hydrated. So, pack that water bottle in your beach bag without forgetting.

Europe travel essentials extras 

Pepperspray – A small container of pepper spray that’s less than 120 ml is permitted in checked baggage. It is one of the best solo travel essentials, no matter where your trip takes you.

 

Pen + Notepad – If you are a digital freak who uses a phone for taking all the notes, then good for you. But if you are an old soul like me, then a pen and notepad are your best friends.

 

Safety pins and bobby pins – This one is actually my grandmother’s travel tip and I have been following it up religiously ever since I started travelling. It never fails to amaze me how these small pins can save a day anytime.

 

Floats/Snorkel gear/Snorkel fins – You can either rent these items at the beach or you can consider carrying your own depending on your luggage and vacation type. I recommend these gears as travel essentials Europe because the continent is blessed with numerous beach destinations.

 

Books – If you prefer books over Kindle, then carrying a book will save you from boring layovers and long journeys.

 

Umbrella – With weather notorious for being unpredictable, an umbrella is one of the European travel necessities. Or you can also consider a rain jacket, but it will take more space and will be hard to store after the rain is over.

 

Ear plugs – As soon as the plane takes off or starts landing, I used to get uncomfortable with all the air pressure variations. But these little travel accessories have become my favourite and save me from all the trouble during flights.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Summer Packing List

• If you’re looking for a good salt spray, Charles Worthington is a good buy

• The toothy tabs from Lush are the best if you’re looking for something different and looking to avoid liquids

• The Tangle Teezer is superb to get rid of messy hair specially if its salty and wet!

• GoPro 5 is your best bet if you’d like to avoid a waterproof case up-to 10 metres

• I always swear by moisturisers from Clinique!

 

ADDITIONAL READS

Looking to head off to the islands to catch some sun and sea? Why not head to Mykonos? All details here!

Thanks to Simply Be for providing some fabulous items! Can’t wait to use them on my next getaway!

Any other items I should add to the list that I missed? Let me know!

So there you go! The most comprehensive list I’ve ever made!

If you’re someone living in India, I could even tell you what I carry in my medicine pouch (a little something, for anything that could go wrong while travelling, nothing worse than being ill when away!).

While this one is one of the best when it comes to Europe, skip the cardigan if it’s Asia – however, the umbrella is needed no matter where you are for unexpected thundershowers! Are you dreaming of your next vacation now? 🙂