European Vacation Packing List

Your European vacation packing list will most likely have your carry on and boarding pass at the top of the list.

But what else do you pack?

European vacations are fun but tiring! All that culture and so much walking.

Start by shopping in your closet. These are the essentials that you will need for a 7 day european vacation!

• back pack
• walking shoes
• layering sweater, hoodie or always chic blazer
• long sleeved layering tees
• tee shirts and tank tops
• pants and/or jeans
• outfits for dinners out
• light jacket appropriate for wet weather
• sun glasses & hat
• pjs
• underwear
• toiletries

When packing for vacation pick at least 1 back pack. This can double as your carryon. Also consider a modern waist pouch that can be easily hidden under clothes for items you don't want stolen. This Village Pack in Vintage Tribe Leather from Roots is great!

Walking shoes of some sort are a must. Even if you are doing a guided tour expect to be on your feet alot! Sacrifice a bit of style for some runners that are comfortable. Blisters could make for a sore vacation.

Pack layering items according to the weather you will be touring through. Rome in October can be quite warm, but you will still need a sweater for the evenings and mornings.

A light pair of pants with lots of layers on top make for a practical touring outfit. These items should make up the bulk of your European vacation packing list.

I suggest enough tees or tanks for the number of days that you will be on holiday. Pants, sweaters and other layering items that are not directly in contact with your body can be worn more than once, so pack about half as many.

But what about dinners? Remember in Europe dressing for dinner is more common than in North America. Try to look your best with items that travel well. Jersey dresses, your dressiest jeans and one pair of impractical footwear can go a long way!

You never want to assume it will rain on your vacation but packing a light jacket that can handle wet weather and has a hood is practicle and lighter to carry every day than an umbrella.


Looking to get outfitted for a European holiday in Toronto? This is actually fairly simple. Most of the clothes you will need are not specialty items.

That said there are a few stores that cater to European travelling and spending time outdoors.

Try Europe Bound near the St. Lawrence Market to fill the holes in your European vacation packing list.  Mountain Equipment Co-op along King West is a great place to get back packs and jackets that can handle wet weather.

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