Getting ready for your next European adventure and are looking for the best European travel Essentials? I’ve got you covered!

I’m Fernanda, a travel advisor with over 6 years of experience designing customized itineraries to Europe (and beyond!).

After many personal trips and thousands of happy clients, I’ve finally curated a list of all the travel items I swear by; after all, the small details are the ones that count the most. To make it even easier, I’ve included direct links to my top picks in each category—no more wasting time sifting through endless, often questionable, reviews. All these are things I have personally used and recommend to my family, friends, and clients!

Read my Affiliate Links Disclaimer.

LET’S DIVE IN 🤿

ADAPTERS/CONVERTERS

If you're visiting from the USA, Latin America, or a non-EU country, you will most probably need a plug adapter:

Type C for most of Europe, like THIS ONE

Type G for Ireland, UK, and Malta, like THIS ONE

If you’re planning to visit multiple destinations and you need different adapters, you might want to buy an International Travel Adapter like THIS ONE You’ll have different plugs in one, so you can use it for the whole trip and for other destinations outside Europe as well!. There are also versions with a voltage converter included, like THIS ONE.

DO YOU NEED A VOLTAGE CONVERTER?

You might need one, like THIS ONE, if your devices are NOT dual voltage. Europe uses 220-240 Volts.

Is your device dual voltage? Check your device’s charger. If you see:

110-120 V - This won't work in Europe; you might need a voltage converter. (Common examples: Most hair tools)
110-240 V (or similar) - You only need a plug adapter. (Common examples: Most smartphones, laptops, AirPods, cameras)
220-240 V - This will work; you only need a plug adapter.

HAIR TOOLS

🚨 American or any 110-120V Dyson Airwraps or Shark Stylers DO NOT work in Europe, I repeat, they DO NOT WORK—not even with a voltage converter, they can fry themselves or the power system in your hotel/accommodation. Save the luggage space and instead…

Invest in a dual-voltage hair tool that you can use at home and abroad. Plus, most hotels provide hairdryers (quality varies depending on the hotel, tho), and some high-end hotels include a European plug Dyson Airwrap Set in each room! Fancy enough to book one of those? Email me

Here are some of my favorite Europe travel-proof hair tools:

PHONE ACCESORIES

If there’s one thing you don’t want in Europe, or during any holiday for that matter, it’s a dead phone when you need Google Maps! A good power bank is a must; my ultimate favorite is the Charmast 20000mAh Portable Charger with Built-in Cables. Its battery lasts multiple fast charges, allows multiple devices at once, and has built-in cables (with different plugs)!

However, it can be a bit bulky, so if you’re looking for a slimmer option, I love the iWALK USB-C Portable Chargers or the iWALK Magnetic Portable Charger. Both are easy to pack, lightweight, and last, at least, one full charge.

Next, this one is a recent purchase for a long-haul flight, and WHAT AN UPGRADE, Airplane Bluetooth 5.4 Transmitter Adapter allows you to connect your AirPods or any headphone to the airplane entertainment systems for extra comfort, and you can even connect 2 devices at the same time, perfect to watch a movie with your travel buddy.

A good tripod or selfie stick cannot be left behind. This is my favorite ATUMTEK Selfie Stick Tripod, 3-in-1 Extendable. I have the 31-inch / 80 cm one for travel/selfies, and the 51-inch / 130 cm one for content.

And lastly, this little Multi USB Charging Adapter Cable Kit is a (less than 10$) lifesaver to make any cord adapt to your device.

PACKING/ORGANIZATION

Packing like a pro is all about the right essentials, and it starts with the right luggage. I have many luggage sets on my bucket list, but my current go-tos are the BÉIS bags.

I own the Carry-On Roller in Burgundy and the Large Check-In Roller in Burgundy (best way to express your love, for travel AND wine? Owning a Burgundy Lugagge Set!). Some other great options for carry-ons are (for higher budgets) the Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry On Expandable Spinner and (for lower budgets) the Hanke 20 Inch Carry On Luggage with Wheels & Shell Top Opening. Of course, make sure to check your airline’s luggage size allowance before packing!.

In terms of space management and organization, packing cubes are always on the conversation, and my favorite set is BAGSMART 6 Set Compression Packing Cubes. However, I do have to admit I have a love-hate relationship with them. Well, let’s not go to “hate” but even though I own a few sets and I do use them often, I don’t think packing cubes in general are the best for every occasion or for every clothing item you need to pack. They can be a great tool to maximize space, but can also be messy if you need to pack & unpack multiple times or if you need to avoid wrinkles. Keep that in mind for your next trip.

And talking about organization, here are some other packing organization essentials I take with me on EVERY trip:

Travel Makeup Brush Holder Make up Bag Brushes Case Travel
The Essential Toiletry Kit in Burgundy, or a more budget-friendly option, the EACHY Travel Makeup Bag
Electronics Accessories Organizer Pouch Bag
Daily Pill Organizer
Kitsch 11 PCS Travel Bottles for Toiletries

PRACTICAL STUFF

As I said, the little things make the biggest difference!

A reusable water bottle is key to keeping yourself hydrated during the summer. If you’re a Stanley girly, this one is my go-to for travel Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle, and if you want the same quality with a lower price tag, I swear by the Super Sparrow Stainless Steel Water Bottle. I own a couple of these in both 25.4 oz / 750 ml for travel and 33.8 oz / 1L for my daily life.

If you’re traveling during winter (early spring included), make sure to bring a rain jacket or a travel umbrella like the QWB TUMAAOTU Inverted Umbrella with Carabiner Handle. This one is compact, resistant, and hooks in your bag so you don’t have to carry it around.

This one is simple, but trust me, you’ll use it a lot: Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray. Also, don’t forget to throw a mini first-aid kit in your bag, you never know when you’ll need it! I like these 2, Thrive Travel Essentials Mini First Aid Kit and KeepGoing Small Travel First Aid Kit, super practical, compact, and complete.

Want to be extra prepared? The 2-Pack Min Travel Sewing Kit is for you; outfit malfunctions are no fun.

And for all the shopping addicts reading this, a foldable tote is great for all those extra items you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them. I love the Samsonite Foldaway Tote Bag, it has a great size, and it’s super compact.

TRAVEL GADGETS

The classics:

AirTags, to help track your bags, your passport, or your wallet.
The travel inspira Luggage Scale saves you from last-minute airport stress.

Other good ones:

The Portable Handheld Steamer keeps outfits fresh and wrinkle-free.
This Portable Mini Fan 5 in 1 it’s a desk fan, a handheld fan, a power bank, a phone holder, and a phone holder!

BON VOYAGE ✨