15 Travel Accessories for a European Summer Vacation

When packing for Europe in the summer, most travelers immediately think of portable fans, travel adapters, and breezy linen clothes. Although these items should definitely have a spot in your suitcase, packing some easily forgotten—but just as necessary—travel essentials will make your trip even more enjoyable.

Last August, I visited Milan, and temperatures reached as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. As it turned out, many of the game-changing items were last-minute, unexpected essentials I packed in my bag, such as a thin summer shawl that provided coverage for visiting religious sites without weighing me down. You might have sudden rainstorms that call for a packable umbrella or drastic temperature changes that’ll have you reaching for a lightweight cardigan. Here are 15 travel essentials that help me navigate European summer trips, plus items I’m planning to pack for my next getaway.

Comfortable Sandals

Picking the right comfortable sandals for a European summer city break is crucial because nothing kills the vibe faster than aching feet halfway through a stroll. After trying to conquer Milan in jelly sandals (a mistake I’ll never repeat), a friend suggested this supportive pair from Cushionaire. Other customers agree, saying they’ve got proper arch support, real cushioning, and enough breathability for hot summer days. Bonus: they actually look cute! Keep in mind that, according to customers, they might run small, so consider ordering up a half size.

Lightweight Cropped Cardigan

A cardigan for the summer? It may sound ridiculous, but trust me, this lightweight layer can be a total lifesaver. An early morning flight out of London—even during the summer—means traveling in the cold. And, believe it or not, Europe does have air conditioning, which can be quite an intense shift when moving between the outdoors into coach buses or stores. As someone who is very sensitive to AC, the cardigan I grabbed just before leaving for my flight amidst a heatwave became my most cherished item. Europe’s weather is known to flip fast; one minute it’s sunny, the next the breeze is too chilly. I was happy to have an optional top layer and will definitely be packing it for future summer trips.

Compact Umbrella

An umbrella might just become your best travel buddy when exploring Europe. For example, I live in London, where we have short summers and sudden rain showers, meaning you’ll be glad to have an umbrella with you at all times that’s compact enough to fit into a small bag. I learned an umbrella can also be useful when it’s sunny; I saw people using umbrellas to block the sun’s harsh rays when out and about during a trip to Seoul, South Korea. I’m using this hack when exploring Europe this summer, too.

Coin Purse

You know what comes in surprisingly handy at those charming old European markets? An old-school coin purse or a classic wallet. Although the world has embraced contactless payments, some markets still use cash. Having a coin purse while traveling means you’re not fumbling with loose change. Plus, you’ll likely need to pay a small fee to use public restrooms in Europe, especially at train stations—so this way, you’ll have your coins ready! This Travelambo leather coin purse with its snap top closure has been praised by travelers for keeping money secure and easily accessible, so you can quickly fish out the exact change needed.

Crossbody Bag

Crossbody bags are a travel essential, keeping your phone, cash, cards, passport, and SPF right at your fingertips without having to dig through a bulky backpack or tote bag. In busy cities or markets, it also adds a layer of security with a zipper closure. Wear it across your chest and keep an eye on your stuff, which is perfect in places where pickpocketing can, unfortunately, be an issue.

This Rungion crossbody bag is very similar to the one I typically bring on my trips to European cities in the summer. “I just got back from a UK trip. This bag was invaluable to me during the airplane, terminal, shopping, and sightseeing on my trip,” one customer wrote. “It is so easy to organize and keep everything safe. It is absolutely the BEST thing I bought for my traveling.” This lightweight bag is also washable, so it’ll be easy to keep clean and looking like new.

Collapsible Tupperware

Bear with me here—if your hotel offers a continental breakfast, it’s not a bad idea to take a few pieces of fruit or some cookies with you for a quick snack later in the day. A collapsible Tupperware container is perfect for this; it keeps things from getting squashed in your bag while you’re out and about. Just make sure not to pack anything perishable, and stick to items that can handle a few hours without refrigeration, like apples, crackers, or sealed pastries. Collapsible Tupperware like this will take up even less room in your bag when not in use.

Hand Sanitizer Wipes

I’ve always carried hand sanitizer bottles (even before COVID-19), but when I travel, especially on holiday, I try to limit how many liquids I pack to save space. That’s where hand sanitizer wipes come in handy. They’re so convenient, and they do more than just sanitize your hands: wipe down surfaces, clean off sticky fingers, or tackle any grime you pick up while exploring. Unlike liquid sanitizer, wipes won’t leak in your bag, which means no surprise goo on your stuff.

Summer Shawl

A common European dress code rule that continues to catch tourists off guard during the summertime is the requirement to cover shoulders when visiting religious sites. During a walking tour of Milan last summer, which included the breathtaking Duomo, several women in my group were told they would be unable to enter because their shoulders were exposed. According to the dress code for the Duomo, both men and women must ensure their shoulders and knees are covered, meaning tank tops and shorts or skirts above the knee are not permitted. The only solution at the time for the people on my tour was to buy a paper-like poncho that they would dispose of later on. However, packing a thin summer shawl like this $11 one at Amazon will save you money in the long run since you’ll actually use it again. And it’s thin enough to tuck into your bag when your tour is over.

Blotting Paper

Perfect for soaking up excess oil and shine without smudging your makeup or leaving any residue behind, blotting sheets are an easy, lightweight essential that’ll fit easily in any bag or pocket. Whether you’re heading into a museum, grabbing a photo in front of a landmark, or sitting down at a café, a quick blot can have you looking fresh and feeling less sticky in seconds.

Baseball Cap

With so many European cities basking in strong sun and very little shade, a cap helps protect your scalp and face from the sun. Unlike a wide-brimmed hat, it’s compact, easy to throw in your bag, and doesn’t take up much space when you’re not wearing it. It’s also a great option if you’re sensitive to air conditioning, like on trains, planes, or in overly cooled museums, since it gives your head a bit of cover without making you overheat.

Noise-reducing Earplugs

Sometimes a European city break means sticking to a small budget and finding ways to stretch your budget to see as many cities or enjoy as many excursions as possible. This could mean opting for hostels or budget hotels with thin walls. Whether it’s street noise from the late-night nearby party scene, hallway chatter, or your hostel bunkmate rustling around at 2 a.m., a good pair of noise-canceling earplugs can save your sleep and your sanity. Loop earplugs are praised for their effectiveness at blocking out sound and their reusability. They also have adjustable sizes to get the perfect fit, and they come in a convenient travel case.

Healing Bandages

I made the rookie mistake of choosing the cute sandals over the comfortable ones, and my feet paid the painful price. If you’re anything like me on holiday, you’ll be doing a ton of walking, often on cobbled streets and uneven sidewalks that look beautiful but aren’t exactly foot-friendly. It’s all part of the charm of exploring historic European cities, but trust me, your feet will feel it, especially if you packed the wrong shoes. These hydrocolloid bandages help speed the healing process along for scrapes, cuts, and blisters, and they take up very little space in your bag. When you need one, you’ll be ridiculously glad you brought them, as I will be from now on.

Travel Facial Tissues

Pocket-sized tissues might not seem like a big deal, but they’re surprisingly handy on a summer trip through Europe. Between the heat, humidity, and all the walking, you’re going to sweat, especially when you’re hopping between cities or squeezing onto a packed metro train. I keep tissues in my pocket or bag to blot my face, dab away melting makeup, or just freshen up on the go throughout the day. Toss a pack in your bag and you’ll thank yourself later.

Disposable Camera

Disposable cameras have a retro feel, which is why I love packing them for rustic cities. I recently bought this Fujifilm disposable camera because it lets me snap pictures without having to be glued to my phone. In iconic, historic cities with sunlit piazzas and vintage markets, I like that film cameras help capture the character of the city. With disposable cameras, you never know what the picture looks like until it’s developed, a process which feels a bit like wandering the streets of an old European town, where every turn can lead to an unexpected little gem.

Laura Mercier SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer

For those of us who like to wear makeup, this tinted moisturizer is lightweight and adds a dewy (but not sweaty-looking) finish to the skin, all while providing sun protection thanks to its SPF 30 formula. The regular-sized bottle is under 3.4 ounces and should be able to fit in your carry-on allowance. My skin easily dries out when traveling, and I wanted something that doesn’t feel cakey or heavy, especially with lots of walking and hopping on and off polluted metro systems and buses. This moisturizer claims to improve the skin’s hydration retention, soften the appearance of fine lines, and strengthen the skin barrier, which are all important features when dealing with sweat, the hot sun, and polluted city air that can do even more damage to our skin.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.