1. PASSPORT
The most important thing to pack for your travels is your passport. You won't get very far without it. Once you've ticked everything off your pre-travel checklist, and before you put your foot out the door, one last check for that important little book really won't hurt. If you're travelling within Europe as an EU citizen, sometimes all you need is your ID/Drivers license to travel - but this often depends on your airline so we recommend keeping your passport on you at all times, just incase. Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid too.
2. EU ADAPTERS
Don't forget to pack your EU adapters! Saves buying one in the airport and they can be pretty expensive. On Amazon, you can buy a two pack of EU Adapters for just £4.39. Two adapters should be enough for your travels so you can charge your laptop, phone, camera, hair appliances and more.
3. UNDERWEAR
Pack enough underwear for your trip (and maybe two or three extras). You can always wash your underwear during your travels if you do run out. Tip: remember to pack an small thin bag for your dirty laundry, it will separate your clean and dirty things so you don't get them mixed up.
4. SOCKS
Socks are important because they will protect your feet from rubbing against your shoes when you do a lot of walking. We recommend packing thick socks if you're going somewhere cold and ankle socks if you'll be wearing trainers around the city.
5. PHONE CHARGER/PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER
We all know the feeling when our phone runs out of battery on the road. So bring a portable phone charger so that you can give your phone some charge on the go. You don't want to have your phone die when you're lost in the city or miss out on amazing photo opportunities.
6. CLOTHES (INCLUDING PJ'S)
The hard part: clothes. Remember to take a mix of light layers and warm layers for your trip (depending where you're going). It's always handy to look up the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Take into consideration what kind of activities you might be doing during your travels so that you're prepared with the right gear - whether you'll be hiking, snorkelling, partying, skiing or sightseeing around the city, you'll need appropriate attire.
7. WATERPROOF MAC
A waterproof mac with a hood will be your saviour during your trip. The weather around Europe can be unpredictable, so be prepared with waterproof layers if you're travelling to cities that are prone to rain. Try and find a lightweight mac that's easy to pack.
8. WALKING SHOES
If you'll be doing a lot of walking or hiking then make sure to pack some good quality walking shoes. It’s usually best to wear your bulkiest shoes at the airport so that you can save space in your luggage. Mountain Warehouse is a good website to buy some affordable walking shoes that will last for a few years to come.
9. SLEEPING BAG LINER
A sleeping bag is always handy to have - especially if you're a bit of a germaphobe. They're light, they're easy to pack and they make for the perfect bed lining if you're sleeping in a tent or hostel. You won't need one at St Christopher's Inns hostels though as fresh bed linen is provided for every guest.
10. WATER BOTTLE
Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated on the road. Most travel backpacks have a water bottle compartment so it's easy to reach when you're walking around. Not only are reusable water bottles better for the environment but they're also a great way to save money so that you don't have to keep buying more.
11. EUROS
Don't forget your euros! We'd recommend finding a local currency exchange with the best rates rather than changing your cash at the airport where it's more expensive.
12. HAIRBRUSH/COMB/HAIR GEL/SPRAY
Bring essential hair products for healthy, happy locks during your travels. To minimise the toiletries you pack, we'd recommend bringing a hairbrush and some dry shampoo (or hair gel) in order to save up space for other items like deodorant and toothpaste.
13. PAINKILLERS AND MEDICINE
It's always good to have some medication on the road. Painkillers or allergy tablets will come in handy for headaches, muscle aches, period pains, stomach aches - so keep some on you just incase. Always carry Imodium or Dioralyte too.
14. CAMERA
If you forget this bad boy, you'll regret it forever. If you're looking to buy a new travel camera, check out our favourite travel cameras for under £900. Nowadays though, your smartphone camera is good quality enough to capture great shots so if you're trying to carry less, then ditch the camera.
15. CAMERA CHARGER
Remember your camera charger! And make sure you have a spare memory card on you if you'll need one!
16. DEODORANT
When it comes to deodorant, we always recommend taking a roll-on for travelling because it's smaller and hassle-free. A spray deodorant can sometimes be harmful to asthmatics who may be sharing your hostel dorm.
17. SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER
Shampoo and conditioner bottles can be bulky to carry and they take up a lot of room in a backpack. Instead, you can fill up smaller-sized bottles with your hair liquids to save space. You can buy these small reusable bottles from Boots or Superdrug. Better yet, invest in some sustainable shampoo or conditioner bars for your hair and support the zero waste movement.
18. BODY WASH
Same goes for your body wash. Try and pack mini versions or fill up small reusable bottles to save space. Or opt for a bar of soap in a tin that'll (hopefully) last your whole trip and save on plastic.
19. TOWEL
Thick towels can take up a lot of room. So, ideally buy a thin microfibre towel that's easy to pack (like these awesome ones from Amazon ). They're definitely worth it if you want to save space.
20. MOISTURISER
The heat and cold can really dry out your skin so use your go-to moisturiser every day during your travels. It's good to buy a moisturiser with SPF for extra protection from the sun.
21. GOING OUT OUTFITS
If you plan to party and hit the clubs, then make sure to pack some going-out outfits. It's hard to choose what to wear on nights out but be brutal and only pack what you need.
22. GOING OUT SHOES
You can wear trainers or boots to most of Europe's best clubs which is great because it saves space in your backpack. A pair of converse, flat biker boots or vans can be worn in the day and night; we love how versatile they are.
23. GPS OR MAP
Having access to a GPS App on your mobile phone will be a life saver when you're trying to navigate around a city. Download Maps.me or City Mapper and you'll be sorted. You never know if you'll have good signal using GPS, or your phone battery might die so it would be helpful to pack a back-up map.
24. FIRST AID KIT
Every backpacker should carry a first aid kit, you never know when you'll need it. Especially if you'll be doing a trekking-based trip. You can buy a first aid kit from Amazon for £7.99.
25. GLOVES/HAT/SCARF
Travelling Europe in the winter can get quite chilly so wrap up and pack a scarf, hat and a pair of gloves. It depends where you're going in Europe though.
26. TOOTHBRUSH
Don't forget your trusty toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are quite heavy so if you find you're running out of space, opt for a normal toothbrush instead. These don't require a charger either so saves even more space.
27. TOOTHPASTE
Toothpaste is an essential travel item but if you're travelling with friends, you can save space in your toiletries bag by sharing a toothpaste tube between you. One tube of toothpaste can go very far!
28. TREKKING POLES
Trekking poles are only really necessary for a trekking trip or long hiking adventure. If you are embarking on an adventurous trip like this, invest in a backpack that has pole attachments. This will make it much easier to carry them around so you don't have to hold them.
29. SUN CREAM
SPF sun cream is one of the most important things you can pack in a travel backpack. Apply it generously and take sun cream with you everywhere you go. Especially if you have a tendency to burn. Even though it may not look sunny, the rays are still there so it's important to wear sun cream everyday during your travels.
30. EYE MASK
If you're a light sleeper then we recommend packing an eye mask. When sleeping in hostels, you never know if you'll have someone in your dorm room turn the light on in the middle of the night. With an eye mask, you won't even notice.