Essential Clothing and Gear for Europe

Finding the right travel search engines can be overwhelming, especially when every website claims to be the “best.” After a number of trips through Europe, we’ve narrowed it down to the tools we actually use — the ones that consistently give us the best results for flights, accommodation, transport, and planning. These platforms are simple, reliable, and save you time. If you want a stress‑free way to plan your Europe trip, this list is exactly where to start.

And, don’t worry about how you look — no one is judging you, You are on holidays and you can dress how you like, however you better dress comfortably because if it's warm there is nothing worse if you didn't prepare beforehand. Most people know how to pack and I'm not going into that, but here's a few ideas we've picked up from past trips and have worked very well for us.

Our Essentials

Good Walking Shoes (Non‑Negotiable)

Invest in a good pair of walking shoes and wear them in for at least three weeks before your trip. If you're a hiker you'll have already done this

Thongs or Sandals

Thongs (flip‑flops) or sandals are great for:

casual strolling around the streets
hotel rooms and swimming pools
quick trips outside
allows your feet to breathe

They’re lightweight and a must for travelling

Wide‑Brim Hat or Cap

A wide‑brim hat is ideal for sun protection, but you can always buy one in Europe if needed. I always pack a cap until I get to buy a hat. You don't need an expensive one, but if you can buy a foldable one, all the better for travelling

Beach Shoes for Swimming

If you plan on swimming, pack beach shoes. Many European beaches are rocky, and these make getting in and out of the water much easier. Believe me you will need them!

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a game‑changer. They keep your clothes organised, compress your gear, and make packing and unpacking effortless.
If you don’t have them yet — go out and get them now. You’ll never travel without them again.

Silicone Ice Cube Tray

It sounds strange, but pack a silicone ice cube tray. For some reason, many European hotels and apartments don’t have ice trays, and having one makes a big difference on hot days, especially for Gin and Tonics

SPF 30–50+ Shirts

Lightweight SPF shirts keep you cool, protect you from the sun, and dry quickly. They’re perfect for long days outside and easy to wash by hand, these are a definite

Pack Light

We usually travel with:

12–14 kg in our main bags
one shared carry‑on
one backpack (either carried on or packed inside the main luggage)

We pack for four days of clothing, wash as we go, and rely on layers rather than bulky items. Throw in another pair of undies and socks just in case.

Hairdryer

If you can buy a small traveller, all the better. But when you book your accommodation, check the inclusions as most do have hairdryers.

Our Favourite Search Engines Links

We’ve narrowed it down to the search engines and platforms we actually use — for flights, accommodation, transport, and more. Anything beyond this just gets confusing, and no matter how many trips we take, we always end up coming back to these same tools.

Airbnb

Our main go‑to for longer stays and apartment‑style accommodation.

Booking.com

Perfect for hotel bookings and short overnighters. Easy to compare, easy to cancel.

Cosycosy

Great for browsing what’s available in an area. We mainly use it for inspiration rather than booking.

Stayz

We use this occasionally. Just make sure you select the correct currency when browsing.

Economy car rentals

Consistently good prices for car hire.
Tip: Don’t take out their extra insurance — get it directly from the rental company instead.

Car Hire Excess

Often cheaper than buying insurance through the rental company. Always compare both options and read the PDS.

TravelKon eSIMS

There are so many eSIM providers out there, but on our last trip we chose data‑only with TravelKon and were very happy with the coverage.

BlaBla Bus

A great option for bus travel. Easy to book, easy to spot at stations, comfortable, and reliable.

Skyscanner

The best tool for comparing airfares across all airlines and routes.
Tip: Always book directly with the airline and check the stopovers.

Alternative Airlines

Excellent for finding internal flights throughout Europe. Once you find a good fare, go directly to the airline’s website to book.

Omio

A fantastic search tool for buses and trains across Europe. We’ve booked through Omio many times.

Train Line

Another excellent train search engine. Sometimes cheaper than Omio.
Tip: Also compare prices directly with the national rail website.

Rome to Rio

Great for figuring out how to get from A to B. Shows different transport options including buses, trains, ferries, and flights. We mainly use it for planning

Travel Cards

There are so many travel cards out there. We’ve always used Wise, but it’s really a personal choice. It’s worth reading reviews on Choice Magazine before deciding.

FAQ: Travel Search Engines We Use and Recommend

Why do you only use a small selection of travel search engines

Because using too many platforms becomes overwhelming. After multiple Europe trips, these are the tools that consistently give us the best results for flights, accommodation, transport, and planning — so we stick with what works.

What’s the best search engine for booking accommodation in Europe?

For apartments and longer stays, Airbnb is our top choice. For hotels and short stopovers, Booking.com is the most reliable and flexible. We also browse Cosycosy and Stayz for extra options.

Should I book flights through Skyscanner or directly with the airline?

Skyscanner is excellent for comparing prices and finding the best routes, but we always book directly with the airline. It’s safer, easier to manage, and avoids third‑party issues.

What’s the best tool for finding internal flights within Europe?

Alternative Airlines is great for searching internal European flights. Once you find a good fare, go directly to the airline’s website to book.

Which search engines are best for trains and buses in Europe

We use Omio and Trainline. Both are reliable, easy to use, and sometimes show different prices. It’s worth checking both, plus the official rail website

Is BlaBlaBus a good option for travelling between cities

Yes. BlaBlaBus is affordable, comfortable, and easy to book. It’s a great option for budget‑friendly travel across Europe.

How do you compare car rental prices safely?

We compare prices on Economy Car Rentals, but we always buy insurance directly from the rental company. For cheaper excess insurance, we also compare Car Hire Excess.

Which eSIM provider do you recommend for Europe?

We’ve used TravelKon with data‑only plans and had excellent coverage. There are many providers, but TravelKon worked flawlessly on our last trip.

What’s the best tool for planning how to get from one city to another?

Rome2Rio is our go‑to for planning routes. It shows trains, buses, ferries, flights, and driving options — perfect for figuring out the best way to get from A to B.

Which travel card is best for Europe?

We’ve always used Wise because it’s simple, reliable, and easy to manage. But there are many options, so it’s worth checking independent reviews on Choice Magazine.