My in-laws are going on Viking’s Danube River cruise next month, and I can’t wait for them to explore central Europe. Although Viking gave them a packing list to follow, we’ve talked about all the cruise essentials they should pack and what to leave behind. I lived in France during college and spent most weekends hopping around Europe, so I consider myself an expert on what to pack for hopping from country to country.
When it comes to travel bags, I always recommend anti-theft options like this stylish sling bag to keep valuables secure while sightseeing. Keeping your passport safe in one spot is also key for traveling through various countries, so this zippered passport wallet is a must-pack. Keep reading to shop the European travel essentials I recommend, along with tips for river cruises.
Best River Cruise Essentials
My mother-in-law already uses a bag like this in her everyday life, so it makes perfect sense to throw it in her suitcase for Europe. This anti-theft sling bag has lockable zippers, a hidden back pocket, and RFID-blocking technology—all of which will deter potential pickpockets while docked at each port. Plus, the sling crossbody strap keeps the bag secured and close to your body at all times.
I’ve spent a lot of time sightseeing in European cities where it’s easy to walk more than 20,000 steps each day. A pair of comfortable, supportive walking shoes like this pair from Nortiv 8 is non-negotiable. The midsole is made from high-elastic EVA that offers superior cushioning and impact absorption with every step. The mesh upper will keep air flowing through your feet throughout the day, and the slip-resistant rubber outsole will be particularly helpful on slick cobblestone streets.
Viking cruises stop in multiple countries, which means passport checks will be conducted upon embarkation at each port of call. It’s critical to be organized and have eyes on your passport at all times, which is why this zippered passport wallet is especially helpful. It can fit two passports, euros, credit cards, and boarding passes. The zipper ensures that everything stays tucked into the wallet, so you can open it up knowing that your passport didn’t accidentally fall out before embarking.
Viking river cruise cabins are usually 200 square feet, so every bit of space should be used efficiently. This hanging toiletry bag is a game-changer for maximizing counter space in the bathroom, since all of your toiletries can hang against the wall. It has four compartments for makeup, skincare, or jewelry, and the case folds together relatively flat—an ideal feature for packing purposes.
My in-laws are going on a Viking longship, where staterooms have 110V (U.S.) and 220V (European) outlets, so you could try to get away without packing an adapter. Packing this European travel plug is still a better option, especially since there are the before-and-after legs of a river cruise where you’ll be in a hotel room that might not have adapters. Don’t risk it, and bring this compact adapter with folding prongs—it barely takes up suitcase space, and it’s one item you don’t want to leave at home.
I got my mother-in-law this Delsey Trunk for their trip to Italy a few years ago because the size is ideal for two-week-long trips. It has 90 liters of packing space, and it weighs a little over 10 pounds. Viking cruises have a 50-pound weight limit for checked suitcases, so the lighter their weight, the better. Plus, the taller trunk design is easier to store in the stateroom while empty, since it’s not as wide and bulky as a standard checked bag.
When I lived in France, one of the first things I bought was a shawl, since I saw so many European women wearing them. Viking river cruises don’t have a dress code for meals, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a wrap like this one to dress up any outfit. It also works great as a scarf while sightseeing outside or as a blanket on long-haul flights, so it’s truly an MVP travel essential in my book.
Viking river cruises include excursions at every port, so my in-laws told me they plan to spend their days on various tours and sightseeing around each city. This Osprey packable backpack is the perfect daypack to bring when they leave the boat for a full day of exploring. One five-star reviewer said that when the bag is folded up, it’s about the size of an orange and that “it barely takes up any weight or space in your travel bags.”
Spring is my favorite season for a European adventure, even with the temperamental weather. While most Viking cruises provide umbrellas, bringing a rain jacket is the safest option. The Lillian Ridge II Jacket from Columbia is a little more stylish than the average rain jacket, thanks to the cinchable waist and more tailored fit. It’s made with waterproof fabric and has sealed seams, so it will be protective during an unexpected rainstorm while sightseeing.
It’s too easy to get dehydrated while traveling, so I always recommend bringing a collapsible water bottle. This one from HydraPak can hold 17 ounces of water when it’s full, and is fully leak-proof. It weighs less than 2 ounces, so it’s pretty much weightless while empty and easy to stash in your suitcase.
The weather in central Europe can be all over the place in spring, so it never hurts to toss a hat into your carry-on. Designed to fold flat, this packable cap from Outdoor Research is my go-to since it doesn’t lose its shape after hours of being smushed. It’s made from moisture-wicking, lightweight nylon, and it has mesh side panels for breathability, which is ideal for those unexpectedly warm days.
Viking staterooms come with the standard hotel toiletries, but you won’t find complimentary sunscreen aboard. Even on overcast days, you can get sunburnt on walking tours or wine tastings, so it never hurts to pack this solid stick of CeraVe sunscreen. I’m a big fan of traveling with a roll-on sunscreen, so I don’t have to worry about TSA liquid restrictions. The size is compact enough to fit in your pocket, and the formula doesn’t leave a pesky white cast behind.
It’s a fire hazard for Viking to have irons in every room, and although there are laundry and irons are available if needed, it’s easier to just bring this travel-size wrinkle- release spray. While you might be skeptical about whether this spray actually works, we tried it and can confirm that it works wonders at removing wrinkles from all types of fabrics. Plus, it leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean, which is a perk after rewearing an item a few times.
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