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I Just Spent 9 Days in Europe, and Here Are the 11 Items I'm So Glad I Packed

From super comfy sneakers to noise-canceling headphones.

bose headphones to pack for travel
Photo:

Real Simple / Francesca Fasciglione

Whether I’m traveling for two days or two weeks, I never bring more than a carry-on suitcase, which means I have to be very smart when it comes to packing. So leading up to a recent nine-day trip to Europe with friends, I made sure to pick only travel items that were helpful, versatile, and not too big—ranging from a pair of black cargo pants I wore multiple days to a belt bag that held all my essentials.

I’m so glad I packed these items, as they each came in handy time and time again over the course of my trip. Prices start at just $6, so you won’t have to spend big if you’re considering picking up some of these top-rated products for yourself.

11 Must-Have Items for a 9-Day Europe Vacation 

Tessan Universal Travel Adapter

universal adapter power sorce

Amazon

Orig. $25 $23 at Amazon

When you’re traveling from the U.S. to Europe, it’s essential to pack a travel adapter fit for your visiting country so you can charge your devices without issue. And with this great adapter from Tessan, I was able to charge multiple items at once due to its numerous USB C ports and built-in plugs, which all together work in over 150 countries. Even better, the lightweight device is on sale for 22 percent off.

On The Roger Clubhouse Pro Tennis Shoes

clubhouse tennis sneakers

Amazon

These sneakers from On (co-created with Roger Federer!) may have a high price tag, but trust me: They’re absolutely worth it. I wore the high-quality tennis shoes nearly every day of my trip, walking dozens of miles total without any discomfort. They’re padded, breathable, and super versatile, great for pairing with shorts, skirts, jeans, and more. Plus, the sneakers come in two colors and are ideal for use during workouts of all kinds.

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer

bareminerals complexion tinted

Amazon

Orig. $39 $37 at Amazon

I’ll be honest: I was unprepared for how hot Europe would be in the middle of the summer. Since I knew I’d be sweating, I didn’t want to go heavy on makeup, and I instead relied on this ultra-light BareMinerals tinted moisturizer to keep me covered. In addition to providing some necessary daily hydration, it also kept me safe, thanks to its 30 SPF formula. “This tinted moisturizer is creamy and covers well!” said one person. “It truly gives your complexion a boost and yet truly looks natural.”

Check out the rest of my Euro-trip essentials below:

SuperGoop! Unseen SPF40 Sunscreen

supergoop unseen sunscreen

Amazon

At-A-Glance 2024 Appointment Book Planner

appointment book planner

Amazon

Orig. $27 $14 at Amazon

Telena Crossbody Belt Bag

Amazon Telena Belt Bag for Women Men Fashionable Crossbody

Amazon

Orig. $12 $9 at Amazon

Liverpool Los Angeles Straight Leg Cargo Pants

straight leg cargo pants

Amazon

Threads Sycamore Bifold Wallet

slim striped minimalist bifold wallet

Amazon

Tums Chewy Bites Antacid Tablets

tums chewy botes antacid

Amazon

Covet Cara Black Block Heels

cara black block heels

Covet Shoes

Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

bose headquarters wireless noise headphones

Amazon

Orig. $349 $249 at Amazon
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