I am in the process of preparing for my annual summer trip to Europe to cover some amazing Architecture and Art.  While we are in Europe, we will make several stops, which means a lot of packing and unpacking. Here are the 9 travel essentials for my trip to Europe.

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Travel Passport Wallet

Zoppen Multi-purpose Rfid Blocking Travel Passport Wallet: Rather than just a cover for the actual passport, I prefer the clutch. This way, I can include not just my passport, but also travel documents and currency all in one safe and easy to access place. These clutches come in a few different fun colors (including black for the traveling architects out there).

Portable Charger Power Bank

Yoobao Portable Charger Power Bank: Being on my computer and my phone all of the time, it seems like the batteries are always draining so quickly. When traveling to a foreign country, I don’t know when or where is my next opportunity to charge my devices, not to mention during a long-haul flight that may not have chargers available. I especially love the stylish rose gold color option that this small, discrete charger offers.

Neck Pillow

ROVAZO Hooded Neck Pillow and Silicone Ear Plugs: Hoodie Neck PillowI get terrible neck pain very easily these days, mainly because I run a lot and sit at a computer a lot. So, a long flight leaves me pretty cranky. Additionally, I find it hard on flights to have the cold air conditioning blowing on my head the whole time. As much adjusting as I do, its hard to get the temperature just right. And voilà: a soft hoodie and a supportive neck pillow in one! Brilliant! And, the pillow deflates to make it flat for packing.

Packing Cubes

Pro Packing Cubes 5 Piece Lightweight Travel Cube Set of Compression Organizers: Of my 9 travel essentials, these packing cubes might be the best idea. I like to keep the different items in my wardrobe neatly separated and organized so that when I get to the hotel room, I can unpack in a civilized manner. The laundry bags are especially helpful: I don’t want to mix the dirty laundry with the clean items in my suitcase.

Portable Door Lock

Portable Door Lock: While I was researching other travel essentials, I came across this ingenious item. It adds extra security to your hotel or airbnb door.

Collapsible Makeup and Toiletry Bag

Collapsible Makeup and Toiletry Bag: These stylish little bags come in a variety of colors and can collapse to be easily stored when I get home from my trip. What a great way to store my essential toiletries and makeup for the flight or train ride, rather than lugging around a large toiletry bag.

Travel Plug Adapter

Castries Universal Travel Adapter: A must have for traveling to Europe from the US!

Electronics Organizer

BAGSMART Electronic Organizer: As wireless as we are these days, we aren’t completely untethered yet, are we? Phone chargers, fitness watch chargers, earphones, etc. I hate reaching in my bag only to grab a knotted, tangled and unusable mess. This little pouch will solve that problem.

Folding Travel Tote

Folding Travel Tote with Luggage Strap: This is a great travel accessory. I could keep it with me on the flight to hold whatever I need just during your travel time, with the checked luggage down below. When we rented a house in the South of France, we took many day trips to the beach, to sight-see, etc. And it folds flat to make it easy to pack in the larger suitcase.

I travel often to Europe and write extensively about Art, Architecture and Cultural Travel. I even have a FREE course, Paris Like a Pro, where I cover the history of the 5 most important monuments in Paris. Sign up for the course here. Or browse the travel section of my blog for more European art and architecture.

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