For most European countries, a two-round-pin adapter covers you, and it also works in most Swiss outlets, though a Swiss-specific three-pin adapter is available if you’d prefer. In the UK and Ireland, you’ll need a three-pin adapter instead. If your itinerary spans multiple countries, a single universal adapter is the simplest option.

We’d recommend leaving standard hairdryers and curling irons at home, as European voltage is too strong for most of them unless they’re specifically dual voltage. Most of our hotels can provide a powerful hairdryer on request, or you can bring a dual-voltage travel version if you’d rather have your own.

Not always, irons are often kept out of guest rooms for safety reasons. If pressed clothes matter to you, we’d suggest packing a compact dual-voltage travel iron.

One checked suitcase per person, around 29 inches with four wheels, plus one carry-on, works well for most of our itineraries. If you’re planning to bring more, let us know in advance, since it can mean a larger vehicle is needed and additional fees.

Layers are the safest bet. Spring and fall evenings can turn cool, and even summer temperatures vary through the day. Comfortable shoes work well for daytime, especially at archaeological or uneven sites, while evenings tend to call for smarter dress, long pants and a collared shirt for men, smart casual for women.

It’s available almost everywhere but can be expensive, so where possible we’d suggest packing an outfit for each day instead.

Around 200 euros per person (or the local equivalent) in cash is a good starting point, using ATMs from there as you would at home. A bank is generally the best value; airport and city currency exchange counters tend to charge extra commission and fees.

In most cases, yes. City tax is not included in your trip price and is paid locally, usually at hotel checkout, with the amount depending on the city and the hotel’s category. We’ll flag the specifics for your destinations on your itinerary, since rates and structures vary by country.

We’d recommend carrying a phone for missed connections or emergencies, and downloading WhatsApp before you go, since it’s the standard for local calls and texting in much of Europe and Africa. An eSIM app like Airalo is a straightforward option our own team has used and liked. Otherwise, call your carrier about an international plan, and if you have an iPhone, turn off data roaming beforehand to avoid a surprise bill. Since options change often and we’re travel specialists rather than phone specialists, your carrier is the best source for what’s currently available.

Pack bottles in your checked luggage in their original, unopened retail packaging, ideally in a reusable protective wine sleeve. If you have questions about quantities or customs allowances, the TSA’s guidance or your airline directly can confirm the specifics.

At many beach and lake destinations reached by ferry or private boat, porters are available to help with luggage and typically charge 5 to 10 euros per bag, payable locally in cash.

You’re unlikely to be asked for one, but we’d still recommend getting one just in case. In the US, AAA is the only organization authorized to issue international driving permits.