My Euro summer staples, as a travel writer who lives here

...and who is not a fan of hot weather

May 16, 2025

Living in Europe has its perks (historic cities, endless culture, and fantastic food being just a few of them), but let’s be real: summer here can be a challenge.

As a travel writer, AuDHDer, and a bit of a heat-hater, I’ve had to figure out how to make the most of these sun-drenched months without melting into a puddle of sweat and sensory overload. I’m also a gal on the curvier side, so finding the right travel staples that keep me feeling comfy and stylish without overheating is a must.

Over the years, I’ve honed my list of Euro summer essentials, from clothing that won’t stick to you to accessories that make life easier and other clever tricks to beat the heat. I’m not here to give you the same old guide that’s packed with "must-have" items that you’ve seen everywhere. These are the travel staples that actually work for people like me (and hopefully, you too!) to make Euro summer feel more like a breeze and less like a sauna.

European summer essentials: Clothing

Classic white cotton tee

Comfort, versatility, and affordability, all in one easy-to-pack and easy-to-layer item? Yes, please. My go-to is a Uniqlo U Crew Neck T-Shirt, which is (somehow?) both 100% cotton and under $10.

Throw-it-on-over-anything linen shirt

And I do mean throw it over anything: A swimsuit! A dress! A jumpsuit! Any pants whatsoever! I have worn the hell out of The Must-Have Shirt in Linen from Everlane in white, and it’s only gotten softer and comfier over time. And if we’re doing girl math, i.e. dividing the cost of the shirt by the number of wears, this one’s actually kind of a bargain at just under $100.

Comfy wide-leg linen pants

Basically copy-and-paste the comment about that linen shirt again here for The Linen Easy Pant from Everlane in black—and once again, a total girl math steal at $98.

Mix-and-matchable, pop-of-color co-ord

I already have a striking Linenfox set in a vibrant blue color that’s no longer available, but if I were buying the same co-ord today in a different hue, I’d go for the red gingham Ocean Linen Trousers and Crop Linen Top to add a splash of color and a bit of pattern play to my Euro summer capsule wardrobe.

Dress-it-up-or-down jumpsuit

Polished as it may look, anytime I pull on the 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Wide Leg Jumpsuit from Quince, it feels like I’m wearing my very comfiest pajamas. I love that the smocked top is supportive enough to negate the need for a bra, and that it looks great on its own or with just about any top layer thrown over it (the oversized linen shirt tied at the waist, the crop linen top mentioned above, a plain white tee, a denim jacket—I’ve tried ‘em all and they’ve all looked and felt great). It can be dressed up or down with endless shoe and accessory combinations, too, maximizing your outfit possibilities while minimizing packing space. And it’s under $50!

Easy breezy midi dress

Much like the jumpsuit above, the 100% European Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress from Quince has some real Swiss army knife energy going on as far as outfit possibilities go. Dress it up, dress it down, wear it over a swimsuit, throw a graphic tee over it… However I wear it, the breathable natural fabric always keeps me feeling and looking cool, whether I’m traveling for business or pleasure.

Anti-chafing undershorts (with a pocket!!!)

We thick-thighed girlies already know: walking around in a dress or a skirt without undershorts on is like asking for a chub rub disaster. I used to yank on any old pair of bike shorts and call it a day—until I found Boody’s Seamfree Undershort with a freaking pocket! Now I can stick my phone and keys in there and have them within reach without ruining the silhouette of whatever I’m wearing on top of them. Genius.

Sweat-wicking underthings

Speaking of Boody, I live for their bras and underwear in the summertime. All their underoos are made from organic bamboo viscose, so they're naturally breathable and moisture-wicking (did you know bamboo fiber wicks away moisture up to four times faster than cotton?) and they get softer with every wash.

Cushioned socks

I swear this isn’t even sponsored—although hi, Boody, if you’d like it to be, have your people call my people—but I really do love wearing my Boody Cushioned Quarter Crew Socks when I know I’m going to be doing a lot of walking.

No-fuss swimsuit

All I want is something simple that doesn’t pinch or pull, or take an army to lace up, or require me to adjust my boobs and/or butt every five seconds. I was lucky enough to find that in The Ruched Backflip from Summersalt a few summers ago, and I’ve never looked back. If it ever falls apart, I’m ordering the exact same one a second time.

Light jacket for chilly evenings

Honestly, I’ve had it for years now and worn it to death, but my 100% Organic Cotton Denim Jacket from Quince is still the ideal summer outerwear. I rarely travel without it.

European summer essentials: Shoes

Supportive walking sandals

I’m a Birkenstock Arizona girlie through and through, and I find that my black leather pair gets the most wear each summer.

Some cute li’l clogs

Once more for the ‘stocks, I wear my tobacco brown oiled leather Boston clogs with just about everything. They’re easy to slip on and off, comfortable for all-day wear, and give my ‘fits a Scandi sort of vibe that I really like.

White sneakers that go with everything

My favorites have long been the Thousand Fell Women’s Lace-Ups, which have never given me a blister even once, not even right out of the box. I walked all around Europe in the last pair for years before finally wearing a hole in the sole, then reordered the exact same pair a second time.

~Fancier~ flat or flatform

The Go-To Flatform Sandals from Nisolo truly go with everything, and (much like my beloved Chelsea boots from Nisolo) they can help elevate just about any outfit while also being super comfortable, grippy on the bottom so you don’t slip around cobblestones, and even water resistant for days by the water. A win all around, really.

European summer essentials: Accessories

Roomy (but not bulky) crossbody

I am constantly shocked by how much stuff the Baggu medium crescent bag can hold for being so light and packable. I can fit all of my daily essentials and even my big-ass water bottle in there no problem, with plenty of space to spare. I just swapped my black one out for a new dusty pink one for the summer, and I bring it with me everywhere.

Card holder and coin purse instead of a wallet

I typically don’t carry much cash on me since most place accept payment by card (or Apple Pay), so I keep my debit card, credit card, transit pass, and ID in my Card Case from Madewell instead of carrying around a bulky wallet—but! There are times when I know I may have to pay a Euro or two to use a public bathroom while I’m out and about, so I also keep a handful of 1- and 2-euro coins in my Book Money Coin Pouch from Three Potato Four in case I need them.

Sunglasses, duh

I have this pair of prescription sunglasses from Amsterdam brand Ace & Tate that I like to wear when cycling or sight-seeing (so I can, y’know, see), but the rest of the time when long-distance vision isn’t as much of a requirement, you’ll usually find me in these Goodr running sunglasses because they’re grippy enough that they don’t slip off of my sweaty face all summer along.

Packable reusable bags

I always carry around a Baggu reusable bag or two—otherwise, I’d likely have to pay for a bag to hold whatever treats I picked up at the supermarket or the farmer’s market or wherever else I’m shopping on any given day.

A clip to get your hair out of your face

…or off of your neck, or out of your cleavage, or wherever else your hair sticks itself when you’re sweating in the summer sun. I feel like I have a zillion different ones, but I reach for these Black & Tort Matte Claw Clips from Kitsch the most often.

Sun-blocking hat of choice

My style is pretty casual for the most part, so I typically throw on a worn-in ballcap and call it a day, but I do have a cute Long Brim Raffia Hat from Madewell that I like to bring if I’m headed to the beach.

European summer essentials: Beauty & wellness

Sunscreen!!!

My ride-or-dies, as someone with super sensitive skin and vitiligo: the Supergoop PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 with Vitamin C for my body, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 for my face, and Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35 for my hair part (because that motherfucker always burns first).

SPF lip balm

I have forgotten to protect my lips in the past, and I will never make that mistake again because my god, was that a painful mistake. The Supergoop PLAY Lip Balm with Mint SPF 30 is now always within reach.

Not just deodorant, but antiperspirant

Because I want to smell good and stay dry, you know? I use the Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant and Deodorant—and more specifically, I put it on before bed each night before bed so it can work its magic while I sleep, then I reapply again in the morning. Works like a charm.

Body powder for all your bits

For extra sweat protection (we don’t have air conditioning everywhere here, okay?) I also use Megababe Body Dust Tip-to-Toe Powder on their Dust Puff in all the spots I know tend to get sweaty throughout the day. Byeeeeee, boob sweat.

Anti-chafing stick

Another one for us thick girls here: even if I’m wearing undershorts, I still use the Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick to avoid any unnecessary chafing on my inner thighs when it’s hot and humid outside.

Blotting sheets

Is it clear yet how much I hate being hot and sweaty? It’s one of my biggest sensory triggers, for sure. I especially loathe the feeling of my face getting all red and sweaty as I walk around in the summertime, so I keep a pack of Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers in my bag at all times when temps are high.

Emotional support water bottle

I’ve already waxed poetic on here about the many reasons I’m obsessed with my Owala FreeSip® Water Bottle, but I especially love it for keeping my water ice-cold no matter how hot it gets outside and never leaking in my bag when I bring it out with me during the day.

Hydration packets

Since getting a bunch of water for the table every time you’re at a restaurant isn’t as much of a thing (at least, not as much of a free thing) in most parts of Europe as it in the States, I take extra care to avoid dehydration in the summertime with elecrolyte add-ins like Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier or Waterdrop Microlytes.

Dr. Bronner's Unscented Pure Castile Bar Soap

This magical soap bar can be used for so! many! things! while you're traveling—not just on your body/face/hair, but also for household purposes like handwashing your clothes, which is super useful when you’re re-wearing the same items of clothing again and again on hot days throughout your European summer adventures and don’t have easy access to laundry facilities.

European summer essentials: Everything else

Wrinkle releaser spray

Speaking of keeping clothing from getting too funky, a travel-sized Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray is a godsend when it comes to de-wrinkling linen clothing after it’s been smashed in your suitcase (or de-stinking it after you’ve been sweating in it all afternoon but still want to wear it to dinner that same evening).

Stain stick

Along the same lines, I’m always grateful to have a Tide To-Go Stain Remover Stick on hand after a daring attempt to drink red wine and/or eat pasta or pizza or any other meal with a red sauce while wearing white linen.

Tiny pop-it-in-your-purse fan

How many ways can I tell you I don’t like feeling hot and sweaty? I keep a three-in-one handheld fan/flashlight/USB charging bank in my bag all summer long. One charge can give me up to 19 hours of battery life for this sucker.

Multi-device charging cord and EU socket

To accompany the charging bank function of the fan mentioned above, I keep a multi-device charging cord and EU socket on me in case any of my devices decide to kick the bucket before the sun goes down (which isn’t until, like, 11 p.m. during the summertime here in the Netherlands).

Li’l umbrella, in case of showers

Because, despite what "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" might have led you to believe, no one actually wants to get caught in the rain, especially without an umbrella… and especially when wearing white linen from head to toe.

Sleep mask

As I said, the sun doesn’t set until nearly midnight in the Netherlands in the summertime, and the same goes for many of the Northern European countries—so I recommend packing a sleep mask if you plan to head to bed any earlier.

Ear plugs

The sky is awake, so the people are awake! Again, anyone looking to get any solid shut-eye while folks are out enjoying a little late-night sunshine will probably want to pack some earplugs. I also use them on public transit, because everyone and everything is too loud all the time.

Deck of cards

Playing cards with friends at a cafe while drinking wine together and waiting for our dinner to be served as the sun sets? Pure joy. I like to keep a deck of cards in my bag for precisely such occasions (or for when my social battery runs out and I don’t have any conversation topics left in me).

And obviously, a Kindle

Because there’s no way I’m not reading outside as often as possible all summer long.

The rest of my packing list(s)

What did I miss?

Any Euro summer essentials you recommend that I didn’t include? Let me know in the comments so I can add them to the list. Happy travels!