To pack or not to pack

Little girl sits on the carpet and closes her own pink suitcase.

Have you already booked your next vacation? Whether you're heading to the beach, going on a road trip, or visiting a European metropolis, our partners and successful travel bloggers Lifetravellerz have compiled a list of must-haves for your packing list!

Vacation without music? Boring! Browse the current charts of your destination from home and create a playlist with your favorites. This will shorten the wait until your vacation and help you get to know the latest hits that will be playing at the beach bar. For a road trip, the right music is essential—let yourself be inspired by road movies you enjoy when putting together your playlist.

In southern countries, the sun can be relentless. Be sure to include sunscreen on your summer packing list, along with a stylish sun hat for the beach and a cool cap or scarf for city trips.

Must-Haves for a City Trip

Madrid, London, Rome, or Riga?

City trips to European metropolises offer a wealth of cultural highlights, beautiful historic city centers, and exciting nightlife.

  • The most important accessory? The right shoes! On a city trip, your step counter might show 20,000 steps or more per day. Avoid blisters by choosing comfortable, well-worn shoes. For evenings out, pack a pair of stylish shoes, and depending on the weather, sneakers, comfy sandals, or flat boots for daytime exploring.
  • A foldable water bottle is a must for your city bag. It takes up almost no space when empty, can be refilled, and helps reduce plastic waste.
  • Your smartphone is your camera, guidebook, and navigation system. Use Google Maps or Maps.me to get around, and Pinterest to create a board of sights you want to visit. Pro tip: Bring a power bank—your phone will likely get more use than usual!
  • Beware of pickpockets. Don’t carry too much cash, keep it distributed, and wear money belts or hidden document pouches instead of backpacks or handbags.

Must-Haves for a Beach Vacation

  • Books are essential! With airlines limiting (hand) luggage, book lovers can pack an e-reader to bring as many books as they like. You can even download new ones on the go.
  • Sunsets are magical—but so are mosquitoes. Pack insect repellent and a heat-based bite healer to relieve itching and avoid scars.
  • Packing cubes help keep your suitcase organized and reduce wrinkles. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and avoid creases.

Must-Haves for a Road Trip

  • Freedom on four wheels! Road trips are more than just travel—they’re a lifestyle.
  • A cooler box keeps your lunch and drinks fresh. Some models plug into your car’s cigarette lighter for extra convenience.
  • Use a rolling duffel bag or backpack instead of a bulky suitcase, especially if you’re changing accommodations frequently.
  • Coffee is a must! Bring a reusable coffee-to-go cup to enjoy your favorite brew anywhere—and help the environment.
  • Capture your memories. Bring a notebook or travel journal to jot down daily highlights. Add printed photos later to preserve your memories.

With these must-haves and gadgets, you’ll be well-prepared for your next summer vacation. Don’t forget to bring your European Travel Insurance emergency card and note your credit card provider’s emergency hotline.

Extra tip: The free MEINE URLAUBERIA app offers emergency location services and direct emergency calls to the operations center.

We wish you a relaxing and adventure-filled summer vacation!