Every packing list on the internet tells you to bring an extra pair of trainers and "comfortable layers". This is not that list. This is what we actually tell travellers in their pre-departure call, refined over fifteen years of hearing what they did and didn't use.
The case itself
One medium hard-shell suitcase, around 65 to 70cm, four-wheel spinner. Plus one small day bag (15 to 20 litres) that fits under the coach seat. That is enough for two weeks. The Europamundo coaches have generous luggage holds but you'll be the one rolling the case across cobblestones in Bruges, keep it manageable.
Clothing, the working core
- 5 t-shirts or light tops
- 2 long-sleeve shirts or thin jumpers
- 1 smart shirt or blouse (for evenings)
- 2 pairs of trousers or jeans
- 1 pair of comfortable walking trousers (chino-style)
- 1 dress or smart-casual outfit if you want one
- 7 sets of underwear, 5 pairs of socks
- 1 light rain jacket (compact)
- 1 warm layer (fleece or merino) even in summer Europe gets cool at night
You will wash a few things in the hotel sink at the halfway point. This is normal. A small tube of travel detergent costs nothing and saves three days of packing.
Shoes, this is the bit people get wrong
Two pairs. That's it. One pair of broken-in walking shoes (not new, never new) for the long days. One pair of slip-ons or comfortable sandals for evenings. Cobblestones in Lisbon and Rome eat unprepared feet, so the walking pair must be tested at home for at least a week before you fly.
Documents
- Passport (valid 6+ months past return date)
- Schengen visa stamped if applicable
- Printed flight itinerary (the airline still sometimes asks)
- Printed Europamundo voucher (we send this electronically and on paper)
- Travel insurance certificate
- 2 photocopies of your passport photo page, stored separately from the original
- Yellow card / health card if your tour includes Africa
Money
Don't carry large amounts of cash. A Capitec Global One or FNB Global Account card with EUR loaded is the simplest set-up for South Africans. Bring a backup card from a different bank stored in a different bag. Have R3,000 to R5,000 in cash for emergencies. Take 100 to 200 EUR cash for the first day's coffees, taxis, and small tips.
Electronics
- Phone + charger + cable
- UK and European plug adapters (you'll need both depending on the country)
- Power bank (10,000 mAh is plenty)
- Small camera if you want one, most travellers just use their phone now
- Travel SIM, eSIM, or international roaming activated on your SA number
The toiletries bag
Small. Hotels supply soap, shampoo, and usually conditioner. You're not on a wilderness expedition. Bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, any prescription medication, a basic first-aid pack (paracetamol, plasters, anti-diarrhoea), and a small sunscreen. Refill or buy more in any European pharmacy if you run out.
Things people pack that they regret
- A second suitcase. You'll just lug it for two weeks.
- Heels. Nobody wears heels on a coach tour.
- Three jackets. One is enough if it's the right one.
- Brand-new shoes. Already mentioned. Worth saying twice.
- Hairdryer. Every hotel has one.
Things people forget
- A small folding tote for the day's shopping
- Sunglasses, even in winter, snow glare is real
- A scarf (it's a blanket, a pillow, a sun shade, an emergency cover-up for churches)
- A water bottle that folds flat when empty
That's the list. Stick to it and you'll be the relaxed traveller on day twelve who didn't need to buy more clothes in Madrid.
