You’re off to Europe this spring – such a wonderful time of the year to visit. Your itinerary is all set, and now it’s time to start thinking about your packing list for Europe in spring. Packing for Europe in spring will really depend on the countries you plan on visiting, as all can have very different climates.
While the weather is warming up, you will still need to be prepared for some cool temperatures and even rain in some cities. No doubt that sounds confusing – warm weather, cool temperatures and rain? Basically your Europe spring packing list needs to ensure you’re prepared for it all.
If this all sounds a little too daunting, then this packing list for Europe spring guide is going to be really helpful. In this packing for spring in Europe guide, I’m going to cover exactly what I pack when I travel. This guide includes all the clothes you should pack as well as other travel essentials.
I highly recommend you print off this Europe packing list spring guide and tick the items off as your packing, so you don’t forget anything.
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Table of Contents
Packing List for Europe in Spring
As mentioned above, what you pack for Europe in spring, really depends on what countries you plan to visit. If you’re going to northern Europe in March through to May, you can expect cold, windy and wet weather. However if you plan on visiting southern Europe, you can expect much warmer temperatures. Of course there are always exceptions to this as well.
As you will see in this packing list Europe spring checklist, you really need to be prepared for all sorts of weather when visiting Europe in spring.
To make it easier for you, I have broken this Europe in spring packing list into the following categories: clothes, shoes, bags, electronics, toiletries and travel documents.
Clothes – Europe Packing List Spring
Whether you’re after a packing list – Europe spring 2 weeks guide or even a few days or a month, the following covers all the clothes you’ll need.
Bottoms
When I say bottoms, I’m referring to shorts, skirts, pants, leggings, jeans, whatever it is that you like to wear on the bottom half of your body. Regardless of the weather, for your packing list for spring in Europe, I recommend just bringing 2-3 bottoms, which will work for both a day of sightseeing and that can be dressed up for going out in the evenings. Such as the ones pictured here – click here to check out the price.
If the weather is going to be cooler, bring all long pants, whereas if the weather is going to be warmer, you may want to bring a pair of shorts and the rest all long pants.
If you prefer skirts over shorts and pants, pack the same number of skirts instead of shorts. Of course in the cooler weather if you do decide to wear skirts, bring tights as well to wear underneath.
Click here for my guide on the best pants for travel.
Tops
You only need around 3-5 tops which you can mix and match with your bottoms or skirts if you prefer skirts.
When visiting cooler destinations, you will want a range of long sleeve tops that will match all your bottoms and not only look great but keep you warm too. While when you’re outside your tops will be underneath your jacket, while inside most places are heated, and so you’ll want your tops to look great as you’ll most likely take off your jacket. You may also want to consider a merino base layer if the weather is going to be particularly cool. Anything made from merino is excellent for wearing against your skin as it repels odours and wicks away moisture.
If you’re expecting warmer temperatures, you may want to bring more short sleeve tops and fewer long sleeve tops.
Casual Dresses
Depending on whether you prefer wearing dresses over shorts and pants, I’d recommend you bring 1-2 casual dresses. You might take more dresses and fewer pants or vice versa, depending upon your preference, so amend as necessary. Dresses like the one pictured below on the left are perfect as you can dress them up for a casual dinner at night too.
I’d recommend bringing dresses that you can layer with nice cardigans and tights, as well as wearing without depending on what the weather is like.
If you like the dresses pictured below, click on the image to find the price.
Stylish Outfits 
For packing light for Europe spring, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend you bring anything special in terms of stylish outfits. Rather I’d recommend that any of the dresses, pants, skirts and tops you bring along can be dressed up. You may even want to bring along some nice chunky jewellery that will really add some style to an outfit.
If you are expecting particularly cold temperatures, something like a jumper dress is a great idea. With a jumper dress, you can add thick tights and dress up with a necklace or scarf.
Jacket
Visiting Europe in spring, you will definitely need to bring along a jacket. As to what type of jacket you will need, really depends on how cold it will be. A lightweight packable jacket may suffice, or for super cold weather you may need a heavyweight, full length jacket and even a light jacket under that! Click here to read my guide on the best women’s winter jackets for cold weather.
You may like to bring a light sweater or cardigan as well, to wear when indoors and a bulky jacket is just too warm for you.
I’d also recommend bringing a packable rain jacket. These are great for putting at the bottom of your day pack and pulling out if the weather turns bad. Click here for my guide on the best lightweight rain jackets for travel.
Underwear
In terms of underwear, I recommend two bras and a pair of knickers for each day. If you’re going for a few weeks, just bring five pairs of knickers and have them laundered or hand wash them during your trip.
Swimsuit 
If the hotel you’re staying in has a swimming pool, bring your swimsuit so you can cool off at the end of the day. Even if you’re expecting cool temperatures, the chances are the hotel pool will be heated and so will still a nice place to relax at the end of the day.
Scarf, Gloves and Beanie
Whether you’re going to need a scarf, gloves and a beanie will depend where you are going and what the forecast is.
At the very least, a nice light scarf will no doubt come in handy. You can, of course, wear your scarf looped around your neck, or even like a shawl over your shoulders if it’s a little bit cool but not cool enough to put on your jacket. Make sure it matches with all your outfits.
Click here for my guide on the best winter gloves for cold weather.
Hat 
During those warmer months, you will need a hat during a day of city sightseeing. One with a big brim all the way around like the one pictured here is ideal – click here for information about this particular sun hat.
Sunglasses 
Don’t leave the sunnies at home – they’re a necessity for any time of the year!
Shoes – Packing List for Europe Spring
As to what shoes you decide to bring for your Europe trip will depend both on your personal preference and the expected weather forecast. Whatever type of shoes you choose to bring, I’d recommend bringing a pair of comfortable shoes for sightseeing and a pair for going out.
Walking Shoes 
For city sightseeing you need shoes that are super comfortable for lots of walking. I’ve got a guide here on choosing travelling shoes.
For warmer temperatures, I’d recommend a pair of comfortable walking sandals (like these), or a lightweight pair of trainers (like these). For lightweight packing, I don’t recommend packing both, just bring one pair – whichever you think will go with the most clothes. 
For cooler spring temperatures you’ll need to bring a pair of boots, possibly even waterproof boots if you’re expecting wet weather. If you decide to pack boots, be sure to bring 2-3 pairs of warm socks too. Click here to read my guide on the best boots for women.
Going Out Shoes
If you plan on going out in the evenings, you may want to bring a pair of heels or wedges during warmer weather. For cooler temperatures consider a pair of nice leather boots.
Luggage and Bags: Packing for Europe in Spring 
Of course every travel checklist needs luggage to transport all your things, here’s what I recommend.
Luggage
I recommend you pack as light as you can for any trip and that goes for luggage too. Don’t go for the biggest suitcase you can find, rather find something as big as absolutely necessary. I’ve got a separate post on luggage I recommend you check out. Click here to check it out.
Hand Bag
A small shoulder bag or crossbody style bag is ideal for keeping your wallet and camera with you at all times. I like one that goes across my body.
Unfortunately some cities are also known for their pickpockets, so it’s worth investing in an anti-theft bag like this one from Travelon. This Travelon handbag has built in security features such as slash proof, lockable zippers, hidden compartments and RFID block pockets. It’s also the perfect size for fitting in everything you need for a day of sightseeing.
Click here for more information about this Travelon shoulder bag.
Backpack
If you prefer a small backpack for city sightseeing over a hand bag, consider an anti theft backpack like this one from Pacsafe with built in security features.
A backpack is also great for your carry on or personal item for your flight too. Click here for more information about this Pacsafe backpack.
Packing Cubes 
Packing Cubes, like these ones are a must to keep all your belongings organized. I find packing cubes help me pack lightlight as well as keep all my belongings well organised.
Toiletry Bag
Bring a toiletry bag, like this one, to keep all your toiletries in as well as a small clear bag for going through airport security.
Electronics: Europe Spring Packing List
When it comes to electronics and tech gear, this is a personal thing, so here are some items you may want to consider.
Mobile Phone
Don’t forget to bring your mobile phone of course so that you can keep in touch with family and friends. Also make sure you have a prepaid SIM for the countries you are visiting so you can use Google Maps to get around as well as a range of other apps to make your trip easier.
Camera 
You’ll no doubt want to take plenty of photographs on your trip. If you’re after a new camera, I can highly recommend the Sony A6000, which is what I use to take all my photographs. Click here for more information about this camera.
Memory cards 
When it comes to memory cards, I recommend taking two. One for the camera and one for as a backup! Plus you will be surprised just how many photos you actually take on your trip.
Travel Adapter 
Depending upon where you’re visiting from, you may need to bring a plug adaptor. I recommend you get a universal one like this one here that way you can use it no matter where you travel to in the future.
Laptop / Tablet
If you need to work while you’re online, then you might need to bring your laptop. Some people also bring their laptop or tablet to watch movies on the go.
Headphones
For listening to music or streaming movies while travelling, don’t forget to bring along some good quality headphones. I like ones like this as they are noise cancelling ones.
Chargers and Cords
Of course with all these electronics you will need their associated chargers and cords to keep them charged up while you are travelling. Chargers can easily be forgotten, so don’t leave them behind.
Power Bank 
As well as all your different electronic’s chargers and cords, you’re going to want to bring a power bank to keep all your electronics fully charged throughout your trip. Taking endless amounts of photos each day can easily drain your phone while you’re and about. You don’t want to be stuck with a flat camera or mobile.
A power bank like this Anker is ideal as it is lightweight and can charge two devices at once. Click here for more information about this portable charger.
Toiletries
Toiletries can be fairly personal, however below I’ve provided a comprehensive list of all the essentials you may need on your Europe spring break. You can, of course, buy all these items in most cities, so it’s up to you which ones you bring from home and which ones you purchase once you arrive.
Moisturizing Cream 
Make sure you bring some moisturizing cream for your face, eyes and body as whether you expereince sun, cold or wind this can make your skin dry.
A Razor
If you plan on wearing some pretty spring dresses you might want to bring a razor along. Perhaps not so necessary if you’re expecting colder weather.
Makeup
This is a personal choice but bring whatever you might need for a night out.
Shampoo and Conditioner 
A small travel size, enough for one week, is plenty. If you’re travelling light – leave this at home, either your hotel will have a good supply or you can purchase when you arrive.
Body Wash
Again only if you really must – if you’re travelling light, it’s really not necessary as you’re accommodation will no doubt provide it. Even if you plan on staying at a backpackers you can purchase on arrival.
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Of course don’t leave home without it – but then again if you do forget- you can easily purchase on arrival.
Hair Brush and Hair Ties
Bring along whatever you usually like to use to keep your hair looking great.
Deodorant
It can be very hot business sightseeing, even during cold weather, so you won’t want to forget this one!
Medication
Bring any medication you may require. At least bring some pain killers, you don’t want to have to be worried about where the nearest pharmacy is just because you have a headache.
Sunscreen
Even during the spring months, the sun can still be hot in certain cities, so ensure you have good quality sunscreen to protect your face and body. Choose one that’s at least SPF 30 – like the one pictured here.
100 ml Non Leak Containers
Lastly, if you’re going to travel carry on only you will need 100 ml non-leak containers to store your liquids. Ensure you purchase a good quality set that won’t have your liquids leaking all over your stuff. Click here to buy these ones from Amazon.
Travel Documents
Last but not least, don’t forget all those important travel documents, money and somewhere to carry it all.
Passport / Visa
If you’re headed overseas, don’t forget to bring with you your passport.
Passport holder
You may even like to get yourself an RFID passport wallet like this one pictured which keeps your electronic information safe.
Travel Wallet 
A travel wallet comes in handy when you have multiple tickets for transport, tours and hotels as well as somewhere to keep your passport and foreign currency. Click here to read my guide on the best travel wallet for women here.
Money
When I travel, I want to have with me a variety of options for money. I always have some cash, my debit card so that I can withdraw money from the ATM’s and my credit card.
Security pouch
If you want to be extra safe with all your valuables, then you might want to consider getting a security pouch to wear under your clothes. Click here to read my guide on the best money belts for women.
Travel Insurance
Of course as soon as you book any trip, you should be taking out travel insurance. Never leave home without it!
Other Things you Might Bring
Well, that’s a pretty comprehensive list of all the things you’ll need for Europe in spring, but here just a couple of other things you may like to consider.
- Travel guide for your city destination.
- Books make a great company for the time you will spend in transit, at the airport and relaxing in your hotel room. Especially if you are traveling with kids a travel book is a fantastic idea.
- Travel Pillow: Useful for long flights. I really like the kind pictured here as you can use it in multiple positions.
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