25 Things You Actually Need for Europe in Summer (Family Edition)

Let me tell you what nobody warned me about before our first family trip to Europe: the hotel room did not have air conditioning. I don't mean it was broken. I mean it didn't exist. The building was 400 years old. They had a lovely courtyard with a fountain. They had exposed stone walls. They had a breakfast room with the most incredible croissants I've ever tasted. They did NOT have a way to make the room below 85 degrees in July. My kids slept on top of the sheets in their underwear. I slept not at all. My husband kept saying "but the architecture!" and I kept fantasizing about the Hampton Inn on I-4. So. I've done the Europe-in-summer thing now, and I came back with Opinions. This is the list of 25 things you actually need — not a generic packing checklist, but the stuff that's specific to dragging a family through European cities in the dead of summer. Some of this I figured out the smart way. Most of it I figured out the embarrassing way. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.

Clothing (Items 1–8)

1. Linen or Linen-Blend Pants — $35–55

You need at least one pair of long pants per adult, and cotton is the wrong choice. European summers are HOT — like, "sit down on this stone church bench and don't move for twenty minutes" hot — and cotton sticks to you like a guilty conscience. Quince European Linen Pants ($50) are my pick. They breathe, they dry fast, and they look put-together enough for a nice dinner in Rome without looking like you're trying too hard. They wrinkle, obviously, because they're linen. Nobody in Europe cares. My husband wears the Amazon Essentials Linen Blend ($35) and they've held up through three wash cycles now. Why Europe-specific: You'll need long pants for churches. The Vatican, Sagrada Familia, Notre-Dame — they all have dress codes. Shorts get you turned away at the door. I watched a family of five get rejected from the Duomo in Florence while their 8-year-old cried. Bring the pants.

2. Lightweight Coverup or Scarf — $15–25

Same reason as the pants. A lightweight viscose scarf ($18 on Amazon, look for 70x35 inches) can cover bare shoulders for church visits, double as a blanket on the plane, serve as a beach towel in a pinch, and make you look like a chic European person instead of an obvious tourist. I keep one in my day bag at all times. For the kids, a long-sleeve sun shirt ($15 from Primary) works better than trying to drape a scarf over a squirming 6-year-old.

3. Quick-Dry Everything — $8–18 per piece

This is the single biggest gear difference between packing for Europe and packing for, say, Disney World. In the US, you're never more than 10 minutes from air conditioning. In a lot of European cities, you're walking 15,000+ steps in 90-degree heat with no AC breaks except gelato shops (you will stop at every gelato shop). You will sweat. A lot. And you need clothes that dry overnight because most European hotel rooms don't have closets with enough hangers, let alone laundry service you can afford. 32 Degrees Cool Tees ($8–12) are my go-to — they weigh nothing, dry in 3 hours, and roll down to the size of a sock. For the kids, Cat & Jack dry-fit tees ($6 at Target) do the same job. Pack 5 per person and you can do a sink wash rotation every other night.

4. One "Nice" Outfit Per Adult — $0 extra

You don't need to buy anything new for this. Just pack one combination that looks intentional. A dark linen top with your linen pants. A simple dress that doesn't wrinkle. Something that says "I could plausibly eat at a restaurant with cloth napkins." Europeans dress a bit more deliberately for dinner than Americans do. You won't get kicked out for wearing shorts and a tank top, but you'll feel it. I wore athletic clothes to a restaurant in Barcelona our first night and the waiter gave me a look that I'm still processing. For the kids: a clean t-shirt is fine. Nobody expects a 7-year-old to dress for dinner. Pick your battles.

5. Sun Hat — $12–30

Not optional. European cities are designed around plazas and promenades with zero shade. You'll be standing in line outside the Colosseum for 45 minutes in direct sun. You'll be walking along the Seine with the sun bouncing off the water into your face. I wear a Columbia Bora Bora Booney ($30) because I have accepted that I will never look cool while traveling. My husband wears a baseball cap. The kids each have a Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat ($20) with a neck flap because sunburned ears on day 2 ruin the whole trip.

6. Packable Rain Jacket — $20–50

European summer weather lies to you. The forecast will say "sunny, 82 degrees" and then at 3pm a thunderstorm rolls through like it had a personal vendetta. This happened to us in Paris, in Rome, AND in Barcelona. It's a pattern. Frogg Toggs UltraLite2 ($20) for the adults — weighs 5 ounces, folds into a pocket, keeps you dry. Not fashionable. Extremely functional. For the kids, Columbia Glennaker Lake Rain Jackets ($30) are lightweight, packable, and come in colors my kids actually agreed to wear. Don't bring umbrellas. You're already carrying a day bag, water bottles, and possibly a child. You don't have a free hand for an umbrella.

7. Merino Wool Socks — $15–20 per pair

I know. Wool in summer sounds wrong. But merino wool breathes better than cotton, doesn't hold odor (critical when you're walking 8 miles a day), and dries overnight after a sink wash. Your feet will thank you. Specifically, your feet will thank you on day 4 when cotton socks would smell like a biohazard. Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter ($20) for the adults. Lifetime warranty, which you will never actually use but feels reassuring. For the kids, People Socks Merino Blend ($15 for a 4-pack) are cheaper and hold up well enough for growing feet.

8. Swimsuits — $0 extra

Bring two per person if you have the room. One to wear, one to dry. European beaches, lake swimming, surprise fountains the kids will run through — you'll use them more than you think. Our hotel in Barcelona had a rooftop pool we didn't know about until check-in. Best surprise of the trip and I almost didn't pack suits because "it's a city trip."

Footwear (Items 9–10)

9. Broken-In Walking Shoes — $90–130

This is not the time to buy new shoes. I mean it. European cities are cobblestone, uneven pavement, steep hills, and endless stairs. The metro station at Montmartre has 200+ steps. The walk to the Acropolis is basically a goat trail. You will walk 10–15 miles per day whether you plan to or not. Hoka Clifton 9 ($140, but often on sale for $110) are what I wear now after trying three other shoes on previous trips. They look chunky but my feet don't hurt at 9pm, which is the only metric that matters. My husband swears by Brooks Ghost 15 ($130). For the kids, whatever sneakers they already wear every day — just make sure they're broken in. New shoes + cobblestones = blisters on day 1 = someone is getting carried for the rest of the trip. Wear them on the plane. Pack the sandals. Never the other way around.

10. Sturdy Sandals — $35–60

Not flip-flops. You need something with a back strap that can handle cobblestones without sending you to a European emergency room (which is an adventure, but not the kind you're looking for). Teva Hurricane XLT2 ($55) for the adults — we wear them to the beach, around the hotel, and on "easier" walking days. For the kids, Keen Newport H2 ($55) are basically indestructible water sandals that handle everything from tide pools to city sidewalks.

Tech (Items 11–14)

11. Universal Power Adapter with USB-C — $25–30

Most of Europe uses Type C outlets (Europlug). Some hotels in the UK still have the big three-prong Type G. Rather than guessing, get a EPICKA Universal Adapter ($28) — it covers every plug type and has 2 USB-C ports plus 2 USB-A ports built in, so the whole family can charge from one outlet. Bring at least 2 for a family. Ideally 3 — one for the room, one for the day bag, one for the kid who drops theirs behind the hotel dresser never to be seen again. (We're down to 2 adapters. We started with 4.)

12. Portable Battery Pack — $25–40

Your phone is your map, your translator, your camera, your restaurant finder, your transit pass, and your emergency communication device. It WILL die by 2pm if you're navigating all day. Anker 737 Power Bank (24,000 mAh, $36) charges my iPhone three times over. It's the size of a small book and weighs about a pound, so it lives in my day bag and I try not to think about the weight. My husband carries a smaller Anker Nano 10,000 ($30) in his pocket. For the kids' tablets — charge them overnight at the hotel and set a hard rule about screen time during the day. You're in EUROPE. Look at the buildings.

13. eSIM or International Data Plan — $15–40

Do this BEFORE you leave. Roaming charges from your US carrier will ruin your day faster than a pickpocket. Airalo eSIM ($15 for 5GB/30 days, Europe-wide) works in most newer phones. Just download the app, buy a plan, activate when you land. We burned through about 4GB in 10 days between maps, translations, and the one time my daughter absolutely had to show her friend back home a pigeon she saw. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, T-Mobile includes free international data (slow but usable for maps) and Google Fi ($65/month flat) works seamlessly overseas.

14. AirTags or Tile Trackers — $25–30 per 4-pack

Put one in every bag, one in the stroller if you're bringing one, and one on each kid if they're the wandering type. European train stations, markets, and tourist sites are CROWDED and it is terrifyingly easy to lose track of a bag or a 5-year-old. Apple AirTags ($27 for a 4-pack) if you're an iPhone family. Tile Mate ($25 for a 4-pack) if you're mixed or Android. We used them to find a backpack my son left on a bench at Park Guell. Would have lost it forever without the tag.

Toiletries (Items 15–18)

15. High-SPF European Sunscreen — $10–18

Hear me out — buy sunscreen when you get there. European sunscreen (specifically La Roche-Posay Anthelios, ~$12 at any European pharmacy) is formulated with filters that aren't approved in the US yet. It's better. Less greasy, higher UVA protection, no white cast. Every pharmacy in Europe carries it and it's cheaper there than ordering it online here. If you can't deal with the uncertainty of finding a pharmacy on day 1, pack a travel size of Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen ($22) to hold you over.

16. Insect Repellent Wipes — $8

Mosquitoes in southern Europe in summer are a menace. Not "oh there's a mosquito" — more like "there is a fleet of them and they found the baby." Mediterranean mosquitoes bite through thin clothing and they LOVE hotel rooms with open windows (which you WILL have open because there's no AC). Repel Insect Repellent Wipes ($8 for 15 wipes) are easier for kids than spray, TSA-friendly, and one wipe covers a kid. Apply at dusk or face the consequences. I have photos of my daughter's legs after two nights in Rome without repellent. They look like a crime scene.

17. Electrolyte Packets — $12–25

Dehydration sneaks up on you in European heat because you're walking all day, you're sweating, and water fountains aren't everywhere (though Rome has those beautiful nose-shaped ones — the nasoni — use them). Kids especially don't drink enough when they're distracted by new things. LMNT Packets ($25 for 30, but you only need 10–12) or Liquid IV ($12 for 6). Drop one in a water bottle mid-afternoon when everyone gets cranky and watch the mood improve in twenty minutes. I thought these were silly influencer products until they literally saved a meltdown-in-progress at the Trevi Fountain.

18. Mini First Aid Kit — $0 (assemble yourself)

Don't pack the whole medicine cabinet. You can find a pharmacy in every European city — they're marked with green crosses and the pharmacists are incredibly helpful (and most speak English). But DO pack: Blister bandaids (10 — you will use all of them), regular Band-Aids (10), children's Tylenol (small bottle), adult ibuprofen (for your feet), Benadryl (4 tablets — you never know), anti-diarrhea meds (2 tablets per adult — I'm sorry, but new food in a new country... it happens), and a small tube of Aquaphor. Total weight: maybe 6 ounces. Pack it and forget it until you need it.

Documents & Money (Items 19–21)

19. Passport Copies + Digital Backup — $0

Make two paper copies of every passport. Keep one set in your carry-on and one in your partner's bag. Also take a clear photo of each passport and email it to yourself. If a passport gets lost or stolen in Europe, having a copy cuts the emergency replacement process from "nightmare" to "bad day." The US Embassy can work with a copy. Without one, you're starting from zero. This costs nothing and takes five minutes. Do it.

20. Travel Insurance Confirmation — $60–200 for a family

This isn't the sexy part of packing but I'm putting it on the list because I've seen what happens without it. A friend's kid broke his arm at a playground in Portugal. Without insurance, the bill would have been $3,000+ out of pocket. World Nomads ($80–150 for a family of 4, 10-day trip) covers medical, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and delays. Print the confirmation page and put it in your document pouch. Save the policy number in your phone. Hope you never use it.

21. A Real Wallet (Not Just Your Phone) — $0

Apple Pay works in a lot of European cities but not everywhere. Small shops, market stalls, rural restaurants, parking meters — many are still cash or chip-card only. Carry a slim wallet with one credit card (no foreign transaction fees — Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture), your driver's license, and some local currency. Get euros at an ATM when you land — NOT at the airport currency exchange, which charges highway robbery rates. Any bank ATM in the city will give you a better rate. Withdraw what you need for a few days and top up as needed.

Kid-Specific (Items 22–25)

22. Collapsible Water Bottles — $8–12 each

Hydration is the #1 kid problem in European summers. But carrying four full Hydro Flasks around Pompeii is a workout in itself. Platypus SoftBottle ($10, 1 liter) weighs 1 ounce empty and rolls up to nothing. Fill them at fountains, hotel lobbies, restaurant taps (water is safe to drink in Western Europe — just ask for "tap water" or "eau du robinet" in France and brace for a mildly judgmental look from the waiter). When they're empty, they disappear into the bag. When they're full, they weigh less than a rigid bottle because there's no bottle weight.

23. Small Backpack with Clip-On Carabiner — $25–35

Each kid carries their own bag. This is non-negotiable. If they can walk, they can carry a water bottle, a snack, and a small toy or sketchbook. Fjallraven Kanken Mini ($80) is what we use but honestly any small daypack works. The clip-on carabiner ($3) is the secret move — attach their water bottle to the outside so it doesn't take up space inside and so they actually drink from it instead of "forgetting" it's in the bag. I clip a small combination lock ($6) to the zipper when we're in crowded areas like the metro or markets. Not because European cities are dangerous — they're generally very safe — but because pickpockets specifically target tourist bags, and a visible lock makes them move on to the next person.

24. Entertainment for Transit — $0–20

European travel involves a LOT of sitting: trains between cities, metro rides, restaurant waits (European meals take longer — this is a feature, not a bug, but your 5-year-old does not see it that way). What works for us: Mess-free coloring books ($8 — the kind with water pens so there's no ink on train seats), a small magnetic travel game ($12 — chess or checkers), and downloaded content on their tablet. Download your Netflix/Disney+ shows BEFORE you leave the hotel Wi-Fi. European cellular data is too precious for streaming. Skip: full-size coloring books, crayons (they melt in heat), card games with lots of pieces (you'll lose them on day 2), anything that makes noise.

25. A Kid-Friendly Guidebook or Map — $10–15

This sounds old-fashioned but it works. Give each kid a physical map or kid-friendly guidebook for the city you're visiting. Lonely Planet Kids guides ($10–14) are great — they have scavenger hunts, fun facts, and activities specific to each city. My daughter drew a star on every place we visited on her Paris map. My son kept a tally of how many gelato shops we went to in Rome (the answer was eleven, and I regret nothing). It gives them ownership over the trip and — bonus — they're looking at a book instead of a screen.

What to Skip

This might be more useful than the list above. Here's what I packed our first time and will never pack again:

• Hair dryer / straightener. Hotels have them. Even the tiny ones. And your hair is going to do what it wants in European humidity anyway. Surrender.

• Bulky travel towels. Hotels and rental apartments provide towels. For the beach, buy a cheap one locally for $5 and leave it behind when you go.

• Full-size stroller. If your kids are over 4, they can walk (with incentive — see: gelato). If they're under 4, bring a GB Pockit ($80) that folds to the size of a laptop bag. Cobblestones will eat a full-size stroller alive.

• Formal clothes for kids. No restaurant in Europe expects a child to dress up. Clean and presentable is the bar.

• Travel pillows for everyone. One for the flight, maybe. Pack of 4 travel pillows taking up an entire carry-on? I did this once. I'm not proud.

• Snacks from home. I used to pack an entire Costco aisle of goldfish crackers and granola bars. European grocery stores exist and they're incredible. Your kids will discover flavors of chips they've never imagined. A Monoprix in Paris has better snacks than your local Target. Budget 20 minutes to explore a grocery store on day 1 and call it a cultural experience.

• Guidebooks for every city. One per city for the kids is enough. Adults — use your phone. Those 800-page Fodor's guides weigh more than some of my children.

• Multiple pairs of "just in case" shoes. Two pairs per person. Worn shoes + packed shoes. That's it. I know you think you need the wedges. You don't need the wedges. (I'm talking to myself here.)

Building Your Europe List

Every Europe trip is a little different — coastal Portugal needs different stuff than alpine Switzerland, and a week in London requires a rain jacket upgrade that would be overkill for Santorini. I use TripTiq to build our family packing list because it adjusts for the actual forecast at our destination and cuts the things we don't need. It's how I finally stopped packing "just in case" items that took up half my suitcase. The carry-on only guide covers our system for fitting all of this into carry-on bags, and the packing apps roundup compares the best tools if you want options.

FAQs

Do I need a power adapter for Europe?

Yes — most of Europe uses Type C (Europlug). Get a universal adapter with USB-C built in ($28) so the whole family can charge from one adapter. Bring at least 2 for a family.

Should I pack a stroller for Europe?

For kids under 4, yes — but bring a lightweight umbrella stroller, not your full-size one. Cobblestones, narrow sidewalks, and metro stairs will destroy a heavy stroller. The GB Pockit ($80) folds to backpack size.

How do I handle laundry in Europe with kids?

Plan one laundry day mid-trip. Most European cities have self-service laundromats (laverie in France, lavanderia in Italy). Budget 2 hours and bring your own detergent pods.

Is tap water safe to drink in Europe?

Yes, in almost all of Western Europe — including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the UK. Rome even has free public drinking fountains (nasoni) everywhere. The only exceptions are some rural areas in Eastern Europe where bottled water is safer. When in doubt, ask at your hotel.

How much walking should I plan for?

A LOT. Budget 10–15 miles per day in a major European city. This is not an exaggeration. Get your kids used to walking before the trip by doing practice walks in the weeks before you leave. And break in those shoes. I cannot stress this enough.

Do I need to speak the local language?

No — but learning "hello," "please," "thank you," and "where is the bathroom" goes a long way. European service workers generally speak English, especially in tourist areas. But making even a small effort in their language changes the vibe completely. My kids learned "grazie" and "s'il vous plait" and people melted.

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Kelly writes about family travel and packing at TripTiq Story. She's the proud owner of roughly 400 adapters that may or may not be behind hotel dressers across Europe. She's made every packing mistake at least twice.