9 Europe ‘Just in Case’ Travel Essentials at Amazon

After years of traveling through Europe, from Airbnbs in Budapest to boutique hotels in Mykonos, I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t count on the basics throughout your journey. I’ve landed on a dead phone battery with no outlet in sight, dealt with hotel safes that wouldn’t lock, and sat through 10-hour flights with broken in-flight entertainment. Even things as simple as having a working iron in the room have failed me at the worst times.

Now, I pack with a “just in case” mindset. Whether I’m headed to a major city or a relaxed beach town, I always bring a few travel M.V.P.s that save me when things don’t go as planned—like a portable charger, universal adapter, travel-size toiletry bottles, and a compact steamer. These small essentials go a long way in keeping my trip smooth, no matter where I’m headed. Below, I rounded up the smart swaps I recommend for Europe trips and beyond, with prices starting at just $7.

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Don’t: Rely on an outlet 

Do: Bring a portable charger

On long flights or layovers, you can’t always count on working outlets, especially if you’re stuck in an older aircraft or an airport with limited charging stations (I’ve been there). A portable charger is essential for keeping your phone, headphones, and tablet powered up mid-flight and throughout your trip. Bonus: You’ll use it daily while sightseeing or navigating with maps.

Charmast Portable Charger With Built-in Cables

Iniu Portable Charger

Don’t: Rely on hotel toiletries

Do: Bring your own travel-size products

Hotel shampoo and conditioner are hit or miss—and if you’re staying in an Airbnb, there may be nothing provided at all. Bringing your own travel-size products ensures your skin and hair stay happy while abroad. These TSA-friendly bottles are easy to refill, leak-proof, and lightweight, so you can pack your go-to shampoo, body wash, and lotion with zero stress.

Morfone 16-pack Travel Bottle Set

Mrsdry 4-pack Travel Containers

Don’t: Rely on foreign outlets

Do: Bring universal adapters and converters

Outlet shapes vary widely across Europe, and most U.S. plugs won’t fit—so bringing a universal travel adapter is nonnegotiable. It’ll allow you to plug in your devices in countries across Europe (and beyond), and this one includes built-in USB ports so you can charge multiple items at once.

But here’s the catch: newer iPhones and other Apple products now use a USB-C charging cable, while many hotel or airport USB ports abroad still only accept USB-A. That’s where a tiny Type-A to Type-C converter comes in handy—it lets you plug your newer cables into older ports, just in case.

Tessan Universal Travel Adapter 

Satechi Type-A to Type-C Adapter Converter

Don’t: Rely on hotel safes

Do: Bring a portable safe

Hotel safes can be unreliable or, in some cases, nonexistent—especially in older or budget accommodations. A portable safe adds peace of mind for passports, cash, or jewelry. Some models lock to a fixture like a bed frame or closet rod, making them a discreet and secure alternative when you’re out exploring.

DocSafe Portable Safe

SentrySafe Mini Portable Safe

Don’t: Rely on hotel steamers

Do: Bring a portable steamer

European hotels often don’t provide steamers or irons, and when they do, they’re usually bulky or outdated. A compact steamer fits easily in your carry-on and keeps linen dresses, button-downs, and pants wrinkle-free. These two models heat up fast and are lightweight enough to use on the go.

Nesugar G3 Travel Steamer

Jack & Rose Travel Steamer

Don’t: Rely on in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi

Do: Bring a tablet

In-flight screens are notorious for glitching or worse, not working at all. And don’t count on the Wi-Fi, especially during international flights. An Amazon Fire tablet with pre-downloaded books, shows, or movies can make the difference between a long, boring flight and a relaxing one. Also, if the wifi isn’t working or isn’t available in your accommodation, bringing a portable hotspot can ensure you can stay connected

Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

Simo Portable Hotspot

Don’t: Rely on bathroom counter space

Do: Bring space-saving items

Many European hotels have tiny bathrooms with barely enough counter space for a toothbrush. A hanging toiletry bag keeps your products organized and off the sink, while a sink cover creates a clean surface to spread out makeup or skincare. Both are game changers if you’re traveling with multiple people or staying somewhere tight.

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag

Lebilif Makeup Sink Cover 

Don’t: Rely on a quiet flight

Do: Bring noise-canceling earplugs

Crying babies, chatty seatmates, or engine noise can make sleeping on planes nearly impossible. Reusable earplugs block sound without being uncomfortable, and they’re also great for nights in hostels or noisy city hotels. These two options include cases and multiple size tips for the perfect fit.

Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs

Bigood Noise-canceling Earplugs 

Don’t: Rely on airline luggage tracking 

Do: Use an AirTag and an AirTag holder 

Even the most seasoned travelers can fall victim to lost luggage or misplaced passports—and relying on airline apps often isn’t enough. That’s where Apple AirTags come in. I always tuck one in my checked bag so I can track it in real time (yes, even when the airline says they “don’t know where it is”), and I keep another in a passport holder so I always know where my most important item is—whether I’m out exploring or rushing through the airport. 

Apple AirTag

Goaus Passport Holder

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