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You can buy almost anything in Europe, but the first evening of a trip is a bad time to hunt for a plug adapter or discover that your phone is dead and your map was on it. This is our short list of small gear that earns its place in a carry-on, with the rules you need to know for each item.
1. A plug adapter (and why you probably don't need a converter)
Europe runs on 230 volts, and the US and Canada on 120 volts. That sounds alarming, but almost every modern phone, laptop, tablet and camera charger is dual voltage: look on the charger for "Input: 100-240V". If you see that, you only need a plug adapter, not a converter.
| Where | Socket type | Adapter that works |
|---|---|---|
| France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Greece and most of the continent | C and F | Type C (two round pins) |
| Italy | C, F and L | Type C fits most sockets |
| Switzerland | J (also takes slim Type C) | Type C usually, or a universal adapter |
| UK, Ireland, Malta | G | Type G or a universal adapter |
Best for continental Europe: TESSAN European Plug Adapter (2-pack)
Simple Type C adapters that work in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Greece and most of the continent. Two in the pack means one for the bedside and one for the bag. They are adapters only, not converters, as TESSAN states clearly.
Best if you are also visiting the UK: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
One block with slide-out plugs for Europe, the UK, the US and Australia, plus three USB-C and two USB-A ports and an AC socket, so it charges a phone, watch and earbuds at once from a single hotel outlet. It has close to 20,000 ratings and is a good one-adapter-for-everything choice for multi-country trips.
Hair tools: a 110V-only hair dryer or straightener can be damaged on 230V even with an adapter. Use the hotel dryer or buy a dual-voltage travel model.
Want more options? Compare five picks in our guide to the best universal travel adapters.
2. A power bank (carry-on only)
Your phone is your ticket, map, translator and boarding pass in Europe, and long museum days drain it fast. A 10,000mAh power bank gives most phones around two full charges.
The rules: spare lithium batteries, including power banks, must go in your carry-on, never in a checked bag. Up to 100Wh is allowed without approval, and a 10,000mAh bank is about 37Wh. A growing number of airlines restrict using or charging power banks in flight, so keep it in reach but check your airline's rule before you plug in. Our 2026 guide to power banks on planes lists the rules airline by airline.
Our pick: Anker Power Bank 10,000mAh 30W
Pocket-sized, with a built-in USB-C cable so you never forget the lead, and fast enough to bring a phone to half charge during a coffee stop. More than 15,000 buyers rate it highly.
3. Packing cubes
Cubes are what make carry-on-only travel work. One cube for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear, one for chargers: you can find anything in seconds, and repacking in a small hotel room takes two minutes instead of twenty.
Our pick: BAGAIL 8-piece Packing Cubes
With over 44,000 ratings, this set is one of the most popular on Amazon. Eight sizes, mesh tops so you can see what is inside, and a water-repellent fabric.
4. Luggage trackers
Bags do get delayed, especially on tight connections. A tracker in each bag shows you where it is on your phone, which is useful evidence when you file a report with the airline.
Our pick for iPhone users: Apple AirTag (2nd generation), 4-pack
The 2nd-generation AirTag has a louder speaker and longer Precision Finding range. Drop one in each suitcase and one in your day bag. Android users should look at trackers built for Google's Find My Device network instead.
5. An anti-theft day bag
Pickpocketing is the most common crime tourists meet in Rome, Barcelona and Paris, mostly on crowded metro lines and at big sights. A bag that closes properly and sits in front of you is the simplest defence.
Our pick: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
Slash-resistant body and strap, zips that lock in place and RFID-blocking card slots, in a small size that holds a phone, passport, cards and a water bottle. Over 10,000 ratings.
6. A proper travel pillow for the overnight flight
Most flights from the US to Europe are overnight. A memory-foam pillow that does not let your head drop forward makes the difference between arriving tired and arriving wrecked.
Our pick: Cabeau Evolution S3
Raised sides, memory foam and straps that fix it to the seat back so it stays in place. It packs down into a small case that clips onto a bag.
Essentials that are not gear
- Mobile data: an eSIM is usually cheaper and easier than roaming. Compare options in our eSIM guide.
- Travel insurance: medical costs abroad are not covered by most US health plans. See our travel insurance guide.
- A card with no foreign transaction fee, and always pay in the local currency when a card machine offers you a choice.
- Copies of your passport saved offline on your phone and in your email.
- Shoes you have already walked in. Europe's sights are measured in miles on foot, often on stone.
What to leave at home
- A voltage converter, unless you are bringing 110V-only hair tools.
- A full-size hair dryer: almost every hotel and rental has one.
- "Just in case" outfits. Plan to wash once halfway through.
FAQ
What plug do I need for Europe?
Most of continental Europe uses Type C and Type F sockets, which both take the two-round-pin Type C plug. Italy also uses Type L, Switzerland uses Type J, and the UK and Ireland use Type G. A universal adapter covers all of them.
Do I need a voltage converter for Europe?
Usually not. Phone, laptop and camera chargers marked 100-240V work on Europe's 230V supply with just a plug adapter. Hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons made only for 110-120V need a dual-voltage model instead.
Can I take a power bank on a plane?
Yes, but only in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. Power banks up to 100Wh are allowed without approval; a 10,000mAh bank is about 37Wh. Some airlines now restrict using or charging power banks during the flight, so check your airline.
Can I put an AirTag in checked luggage?
Yes. AirTags and similar trackers use a small coin battery and are allowed in checked and carry-on bags. They let you see where your bag is if it does not arrive with you.
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