16 essentials to pack for a European trip this summer — including portable fans, packable totes and stylish walking shoes
Whether you're planning on walking 10,000 steps per day on Rome's cobblestone streets, relaxing poolside in Greece or introducing your kids to the culinary wonders of Paris this summer, a trip to any European country requires a few key items to stay cool, calm and collected during the hottest months of the year.
For tips on the best sunscreen, walking shoes and more, I called on the experts who know best — my colleagues here at TPG — for their tried-and-true essentials for surviving a multicountry European summer trip.
Related: Jump-start Prime Day with the Prime Visa's instant $250 Amazon gift card welcome offer
Even though online shopping isn't a bonus category on most credit cards, there's still a way to earn points, miles or cash back by maximizing online shopping portals for your purchases.
For instance, Rakuten is offering 10% cash back through July 11 at retailers like Ulta Beauty, Lands' End and Ray-Ban. And of course, many of these items are discounted during the Amazon Prime Day sale, which also ends July 11, so act soon to take advantage of these discounts.
European plug adapter
I was sick of how chunky my plug adapter was, so I took advantage of Prime Day to get 23% off this ultraslim Anker version. It manages to fit five charging ports (one AC, two USB-A and two USB-C) and built-in plug types that can be used in more than 200 countries.
Buy: Anker Nano travel adapter, $19.99 (normally $25.99)
Cute, comfy walking shoes
TPG staffers have many opinions on what makes the perfect walking shoe for 10,000-step days. They must be stylish enough to wear with dresses but also provide enough arch support and traction to tackle all those cobblestones.
Of the dozens of recommendations, a few standout brands are New Balance and Dr. Scholl's for cute, comfy sneakers, and Teva and Reef sandals for hot days when you don't want to wear socks.
Bonus: They all offer pairs under $100.
Buy: New Balance women's 574 Core sneaker, $88.95 (normally $99.95)
Buy: Dr. Scholl's women's Time Off sneaker, $75
Buy: Teva women's Original Universal Slim sandal, $60
Buy: Reef women's Cushion Rem Hi sandal, $75
Portable fan
As heat waves become more commonplace each summer, especially in southern European countries like Greece and Italy, TPG staffers swear by bringing a portable fan with them everywhere to stay cool on the go.
There are hundreds of portable fans available on Amazon — but to help narrow your choices, here are a few highly recommended by TPG staffers for their lightweight, packable design and other features like kickstands, so you don't have to hold it when seated at a table.
Buy: PlayHot portable hand-held turbo fan, $16.19 (normally $19.99)
Buy: Jisulife hand-held minifan, $12.74 (normally $14.99)
Buy: Jisulife hand-held minifan with bracket, $13.49 (normally $24.99)
Lightweight layers
Even though it may be 100 degrees outside, you'll still want to pack a lightweight layer for overly air-conditioned airplanes and sightseeing in cathedrals that don't allow bare shoulders.
Carly Helfand, TPG's director of points, miles and credit card content, says a linen button-down makes for a "great lightweight, easy layer to throw on if you go somewhere air-conditioned or need sun protection — and doubles as a beach cover-up."
I can personally attest to the quality of Gap's 100% linen shirt, which I own in several colors (it goes on sale often!). It also comes in regular, tall and petite versions and sizes XXS to XXL, making it easier to find your perfect fit.
TPG managing editor Becky Blaine is a fan of the Lululemon Vinyasa wrap. "It's soft, has snaps and can be rolled up as a neck pillow, used as a blanket or scarf on cold planes," she says. Unfortunately, it's discontinued, but you can still find some on the resale site Poshmark with tags still on!
Buy: Gap 100% linen oversized shirt, $79.95
Buy: Lululemon Vinyasa wrap — new with tags, from $15
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must, especially in places where the UV index can reach extreme levels each day in July and August.
"I like to bring a travel-sized face spray so I can reapply during the day without screwing up my makeup," TPG managing editor Madison Blancaflor says. "Tanologist has a good one!"
For babies, TPG senior editor Gabrielle Bernadini uses the stick version of Babo Botanicals baby sunscreen on her son for on-the-go touch-ups.
Buy: Tanologist Super Shield face mist SPF 50, $18
Buy: Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby mineral sunscreen stick SPF 50, $14.50
Sun hat
Wearing a hat is also a must, even if you remember to reapply sunscreen. If you're worried that a baseball hat screams "American tourist!" try a chic, packable sun hat. Cuyana makes several stylish straw ones that pack down nicely without getting crushed.
And if you want to bring your favorite nonpackable hat along, consider getting a magnetic hat clip that you can attach to your tote handle. That way, you don't have to hold your sun hat inside airports and museums when you're not wearing it.
Buy: Cuyana packable wide-brim Ecuador hat, $148
Buy: Lindsay Albanese magnetic hat clip, $55
Face wipes
TPG managing editor Ellie Nan Storck recommends stashing a packet of face wipes in your purse on ultrahot, sweaty days. She recommends the ones from Mediheal, a Korean beauty brand, and Ursa Major, which come individually wrapped.
Buy: Mediheal Watermide Moisture Pad, $16.80 (normally $24)
Buy: Ursa Major Essential face wipes, $20.80 (normally $26)
Sunglasses
A good pair of sunnies is essential. Storck recommends the brand Goodr for its durable yet cute sunglasses. At $25, they won't break the bank, she says, so it's not the end of the world if you leave them behind in a museum or at a restaurant.
Buy: Goodr Nine Dollar Pour Over polarized round sunglasses, $20 (normally $25)
Hip pack or sling bag
Haven't you heard? Fanny packs are cool again! Plus, they're a great way to go hands-free and carry your daily essentials.
Storck says she brings Patagonia's mini hip pack everywhere in the summer. TPG senior editor Lauren Wassum says her husband loves the Beis Sport Sling for its water bottle holder, which can be pulled out or hidden when not in use.
Buy: Patagonia Terravia mini hip pack 1L, $35
Buy: Beis Sport Sling, $68
Linen dresses
For traveling to Europe during a heat wave, Storck swears by linen sundresses that can pack down and easily go from day to night. She recommends Reformation's relaxed Aubree minidress, which is under $100, has adjustable straps and comes in eight colors and patterns.
Buy: Reformation Aubree linen dress, $98
Chafe prevention
On long, hot days of walking, you'll want to prevent your legs from chafing under those cute dresses.
Blancaflor says Thigh Society's cooling shorts are a "lifesaver on long walking days when you want to wear a skirt or dress to stay cool."
If you want to skip the shorts, several TPG staffers think Megababe's Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick lives up to the hype. It comes in a convenient travel size for reapplication on the go.
Buy: Thigh Society cooling 7-inch shorts, $39
Buy: Megababe Thigh Rescue ministick, $9.99
Electrolytes
Staying hydrated is also crucial in hot destinations. TPG lead writer Katie Genter always packs a tube of Nuun electrolyte tablets to throw in her refillable Nalgene water bottle on the go.
Buy: Nuun Sport Hydration electrolyte tablets with caffeine (four-pack), $29.96
Packable tote or backpack
"I always bring a packable tote bag in my purse or backpack in case I end up buying groceries or souvenirs," says TPG associate writer Rachel Craft. "Plus, they're great for beach days."
A packable backpack is also great for day hikes. Genter recommends an Outlander 20-liter backpack from Amazon that weighs less than half a pound and comes in more than half a dozen colors.
Buy: BeeGreen reusable grocery bags (six-pack), $17.59 (normally $19.99)
Buy: Outlander packable backpack, $17.83
AirTags
Back in the '90s, my mom had me wear a literal dog tag with my name and address on it during my first trip to France and Germany in case I got lost. These days, millennial parents are taking a high-tech approach to make sure they can track their kids in case they wander off.
Caroline English, TPG's director of social media, says she recently purchased AirTags and cases for her kids for an upcoming trip. "I saw a TikTok that whenever this lady is in a crowded area, she just hooks one on her kid to make sure," she says. It may seem like overkill, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Buy: Apple AirTags (four-pack), $64.99 (normally $99)
Buy: Molosleeve AirTag holder with keychain, $3.99
Travel strollers and car seats
Shuttling kids around to multiple countries in Europe is a rewarding yet tiring experience. The trick for keeping everyone safe (and sane) is having lightweight strollers that fold up easily and car seats that won't add too much weight to your already heavy luggage load.
Bernardini recommends the 15.4-pound Bugaboo Butterfly stroller, which can fold up and be stored in an overhead airplane bin, while English just got a 23-pound double stroller from Zoe for her two kids for an upcoming trip to Europe. She's also planning on purchasing a Cosco travel car seat, which weights just 6.8 pounds, for the plane and taxi rides.
For kids past the car seat stage, TPG senior engineer Sami Wilensky recommends inflatable booster seats. She says they fit into her kids' backpacks and only take a minute to inflate or deflate.
Buy: Bugaboo Butterfly stroller, $439 (normally $479)
Buy: Zoe The Twin double stroller, $529
Buy: Cosco Kids Scenera Next convertible car seat, $59
Buy: BubbleBum inflatable booster car seat, $29.98 (normally $39.99)
Bottom line
For a multicountry European summer trip, packing the right essentials will keep you sunburn- and blister-free, while also saving you from having to purchase items on the fly (especially while the dollar is down against the euro!).
With these TPG staff-approved recommendations, you can focus on staying cool without being weighed down by things you don't need.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.