Europe Packing Checklist

You might not want to bring everything on this list, or you might want to bring more. But this gives a good idea of the essentials of what to pack for Europe. Decide what you really need, if you can get away without it you'll probably be glad you didn't bring it. I tend to under-pack and traveled for 6 weeks without a sweater, until I hit Switzerland and had to buy one. Most of what you need you can buy there so there's no reason to panic if you forget something (except the passport!!) but its nice to have the basics covered.

Backpack or luggage. Read what traveling with a backpack is really like to help you decide.
passport
documents (including insurance info, passport & driver's license) and photocopies. You can keep an email with the photocopies in it so you can access them anywhere if your stuff gets lost or stolen.
1 credit card, at least 1 debit or ATM card, money
plane ticket back home
 ISIC student or hostel card
rail pass
2 money belts
small combination lock
1 pair pants (no jeans)
1 or 2 pairs of shorts
1 pair of capri pants
5 pairs of underwear
5 pairs of socks
1 pair of shoes
1 pair of sandals or flip flops you can walk around in in case your shoes start to hurt your feet
small travel towel
1 heavy sweater
1 light long sleeve shirt
1 rain-proof jacket
glasses or contacts
 medicine
first aid kit (opt)
 sunglasses
 ear plugs and eye mask
 toiletries bag
 comb or brush
travel toothbrush & toothpaste
dental floss
razors
soap
small container of laundry soap
 small package of Kleenex (both for your nose and when there is no toilette paper in the bathrooms)
 notebook, 2 pens & 2 pencils
plane ticket back home
ultra-light daypack
 sealable plastic bags
plane ticket back home
 camera and charger (and power adapters)
watch (one with an alarm is best)
 map(s)
 travel info for where you are going
 a sheet with all important contact numbers, including flight confirmation, who to call in an emergency, insurance numbers and phone numbers of people back home and overseas, including area codes and dialing instructions

Keep Planning Your Backpacking Trip

Choosing a Backpack or Luggage