Best Germany Packing List for 2023

You’re planning a trip to Germany. What should you pack?!

I know how hard it is to know what the must-bring items are (and what you should leave at home) before you even leave. In this guide I share what I bring on my trips to Germany and all of my best packing recommendations!

Packing List for Germany 

I’ve been traveling to Germany (and all over the world) for 30+ years and have made every packing mistake you can imagine.

I’ve overpacked, lugged around items I regretted packing, spent hours of my trip searching for things I should have packed, and wasted more money than I’d like to admit.

Fortunately for you, you can learn from my mistakes!

These days, I’ve got packing down to a science. So I thought I’d share my most essential travel items.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of every t-shirt and skirt I bring, but everything on this list (except for just a few items at the very end) is something I’ve used for several years and love. I hope you find it helpful!

A few notes about how I travel and pack:

• I am mostly a carry-on only traveler, especially when I travel abroad.
• I travel year-round for both work and fun.
• I’m a frequent solo traveler but I also travel with Aaron a couple times a year.
• My style is fairly practical. I like to be comfortable and I love it when items do double-duty. It’s not super important to me that I wear different and unique outfits ever day.
• You’ll see below that I frequently say that I’ve had an item for years and years — it’s true! Except for a few items I have my eye on for my next trip, I’ve only listed the things I have used (and used and used) and love.

Luggage: Suitcases & Backpacks

I highly recommend bringing one carry-on size suitcase or travel backpack per person on your trip to Germany (plus a day bag, pack or purse).

You really don’t need to bring very much with you! Nobody will care if you wear the same clothes over and over. It’s easy to do laundry in Germany, so you can bring enough outfits for a few days and do a load of laundry. And if you really need something, you can buy it.

Remember, if you’re traveling by public transportation you’ll need to take your luggage everywhere you go…that means up and down flights of stairs, on, off, and in the train, over cobblestone streets, over curbs, on and off busses, and up and down hotel stairs.

All of that is SO much easier with a small amount of luggage!

In the photo above you’ll see my carry-on size spinner suitcase and a backpack. That’s what I took on a 2 1/2 week solo trip to Germany in December a few years ago.

I walked all over the Paris and Stuttgart airports, rode busses, walked 25 minutes from my Tübingen hotel to the train station, all over a Christmas market in a small town near Stuttgart (even popped into a bakery), and 20 minutes from the Stuttgart metro to my AirBnB with that pack on my back and my little suitcase. I could never have done that with more luggage!

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Here’s the travel backpack and carry-on suitcases I use and recommend:

1. Eagle Creek Women’s Travel Backpack 

I have an older version of this travel backpack and I LOVE IT. I’ve had it for 10+ years and still use it. This backpack is comfortable, durable, and easy to pack and keep organized. I’ve had several travel backpacks over the years and because this one is built for a women’s frame, it fits me so much better than anything else (I’m 5′ 5”). It comes with a zip-off day pack but I don’t use it very much because I often bring a travel purse or crossbody bag instead.

2. Eagle Creek Carry-on Suitcase

I loved my travel pack so much that I bought an Eagle Creek suitcase, too! The one I have is an older version of this carry-on suitcase and it’s awesome.

I’ve used it for years and years and it still looks new. I’ve taken it to four continents, lugged it down cobblestone streets, up many fights of stairs, and stowed it in the overhead compartment on numerous flights with zero problems (on very small planes I gate check it).

The compartments are well-thought out and easy to pack (I can fit a huge amount of stuff in that little suitcase). I don’t use this suitcase as much as my Chester (see below) simply because after airlines changed their carry-on size regulations, this one is just a bit too big and I sometimes have to check it. Makes me so sad because it’s such an awesome suitcase!

3. Chester Spinner Carry-on Suitcase

A few years ago this company asked me if I’d like to try their new hard-sided carry-on suitcase (see photo above) and so I said yes, because why would I turn down a free suitcase? I’m planning to write a review of it soon because I’ve now taken it on many domestic and international trips. I love it and now use it far more than my Eagle Creek suitcase or my travel backpack!

Luggage: Daypacks, Purses & Wallet

In addition to my main suitcase (or travel backpack) I bring a day bag, purse, and wallet.

1. North Face Women’s Recon Daypack 

I often use this daypack in conjunction with my carry-on suitcase. I love the size – big enough but not too big – and it’s comfortable, even when stuffed full or when I’m carrying heavy items. I’ve even used this as my main backpack on a 3-week trip to Europe!

There are several pockets that make packing and staying organized easy, and I love the mesh pocket on the front for stowing things when I need my hands free (sunglasses, train ticket, lightweight jacket, etc).

2. Clark & Mayfield Daypack

A friend of mine travels with these packs and I was so happy to try one on my last trip to Germany! You can read my detailed review of it right here.

3. Travel Purse / Day Bag

I have several travel purses, bags, and clutches that I choose from when packing for a trip (I use them at home, as well). When I travel, I just choose one from my collection that will meet my needs on that particular trip. I generally choose purses and day bags that pack flat so I can take a couple options with me. Sometimes you want a large bag and sometimes you want a small purse! Check out my guide to finding the perfect travel purse.

4. Travel Wallet

I have a few different travel wallets that I use, depending on the type and length of my trip. One of my favorites is very similar to this one. The zipper makes it more secure and I like the option to use it as a clutch.

5. Travel Lock For My Backpack

I always bring a small, lightweight but durable TSA-approved travel lock for my suitcase or backpack. I mostly use it on days when I’m in transit and can’t always keep my luggage near me. It’s nice to have for peace of mind.

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Packing & Organization

1. Packing Cubes

I’ve used packing cubes to keep my suitcase organized for years! Before I invested in a few sets of packing cubes I organized all of my clothes and other items with ziplock bags. I prefer the packing cubes because they don’t rip. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive option for just 1 trip, freezer bags work well.

I have these three sets of packing cubes: these original packing cubes, this lightweight set, and a few others I’ve picked up along the way. I never use all of them on one trip. After I lay out all of the clothes and items I plan to pack, I choose my packing cubes. They keep my clothes, electronics, and miscellaneous items SO much more organized. And packing/unpacking takes about 5 seconds.

2. Lightweight Storage Bags

I sometimes use these lightweight storage bags for clothing but more often for all of those little miscellaneous items you need when traveling. I usually have one for things I need on the plane, one for my mobile office, and one for technology. If you’re worried about the white color, which I was, don’t worry. I wash mine after each trip and they still look good as new, even years later.

3. Lightweight Toiletries Bag

This lightweight toiletries bag is another item I’ve used for years! I love that it’s lightweight, not at all bulky, and easy to wash and keep clean. I use the small toiletries bag for my non-liquid toiletries in conjunction with a TSA-approved liquids bag like this one. If the lightweight toiletries bag I use is too small for you, check out this larger version.

4. GoToob

These are so awesome! I use GoToobs bottles for all of my travel liquids. I’ve tried different sizes and found I prefer the small ones, especially when I’m traveling carry-on only. I can travel for about a month with the small GoToobs. I may have to spring for a new set because the new ones now come with locking caps! I’ve never had a problem with them opening up or leaking during travel but better safe than sorry, right?

5. Travel Umbrella

If I’m traveling for business OR if I know I’m going to spend a lot of time outside and there’s a good chance of bad weather OR if I’m traveling with Aaron (he wears glasses and always uses an umbrella), I take a small, lightweight umbrella. Sometimes, though, I just risk it and either get a little wet or buy a cheap umbrella abroad (and then leave it in my last AirBnB for someone else to use).

6. Microfiber Towel

While I typically use the towels provided in my hotel or AirBnb, I usually bring a small microfiber towel when I travel. It comes in handy when the provided towel is small or if I decide to go to the beach or lake and don’t want to carry a larger towel with me.

That said, I’ve been looking at this Turkish Towel and am thinking about using that instead, as I’ve been hearing good things about them (super absorbent, dries quickly, large enough for the beach, and it seems like it would have a nicer feel than a microfiber towel).

7. Anti-frizz Towel for Curly Hair

I have curly-wavy hair and a little towel like this one has been a game-changer! My hair frizzes easily, especially when traveling in different climates, but using this towel has drastically reduced the frizz. And my hair dries faster! It’s small and light-weight so it doesn’t take up much space in my luggage.

Doing Laundry & Hand Wash

Because I usually take minimal clothes, I usually need to do laundry once a week. I like to stay in AirBnBs that have a washing machine (usually no dryer, just a clothes rack), but when I can’t, I just find carve out a couple hours to spend at a laundromat.. In-between, I do hand wash as needed. Here’s what I take with me to make doing laundry while traveling easy.

1. Dr. Bronner’s

I like to be ready to do hand wash laundry when I travel, so I always bring a small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap. I’ve tried doing travel hand wash with all kinds of laundry soaps (liquid, powder and those little sheets of soap) and Dr. Bronner’s worked the best. It’s all natural, gets my clothes clean, and smells great (lavender is my favorite)! I buy a big bottle of Dr. Bronner’s (I use it at home all the time) and fill up a small GoToob for each trip.

If you’d rather have individual packets, rather than a bottle, try Sink Suds packets.

If you’d rather wait until you’re in Germany, buy a bottle of “Rei in der Tube” – it works great for hand wash!

2. Scrubba

For years and years I did hand wash in a sink or bathtub while traveling (it’s hard to let go of my backpacker ways!). Then I tried using an extra large ziplock bag. The best method by far?

The Scrubba! It’s easy to use, there’s no mess, and it gets my clothes really clean. I like it for travel, camping, and for emergencies at home (if the power goes out during a hurricane, tornado or storm).

That said, I don’t take my Scrubba on every trip. If I’m staying in AirBnB’s where I know I’ll have access to a washing machine, I leave the Scrubba at home. It does pack down pretty small, though, and if you’ll be traveling for several weeks and would rather do laundry on your own time, rather than search for a laundromat, try a Scrubba!

Super cheap version: a super large ziplock will work for a couple small washes, too.

3. Sink Stopper

When I don’t bring my Scrubba, I bring a sink stopper so I can more easily do a little hand wash laundry in a sink or bathtub. These days, I usually just do a little hand wash here and there as needed.

4. Laundry Degergent Packets

You should be able to find these in the travel section of Target or Walmart. Sometimes I slip a couple in my TSA-approved 3-2-1 bag and use them when we do laundry in Germany. Usually, though, you can buy laundry detergent at a laundromat, and sometimes the AirBnB host will provide detergent – ask about this before you arrive.

Must-haves For the Flight

1. Memory Foam Travel Pillow
I bought a memory foam travel pillow just before flying from the US east coast to Melbourne, Australia and I’m SO glad I did. This pillow enabled me to sleep upright like no other travel pillow has.

2. Inflatable Travel Pillow
I also have an inflatable travel pillow. It’s not quite as comfortable as the memory foam pillow but it’s more convenient because it packs up small.

3. Travel Eye Mask
Once I started wearing an eye mask on flights I was finally able to sleep!

4. Ear Plugs
These are another must-have. I have a stash of disposable ear plugs and just grab several sets for each trip. With my travel pillow, eye mask, and ear plugs I can reliably get sleep on long flights, finally!

5. Scarf with Hidden Pocket
This is such a great idea! It’s an infinity scarf (so it won’t fall off) that has a secret pocket for items you want to keep close to you, like your passport, credit cards, room key, phone, etc. You can keep priority items secure and easily accessible while looking fantastic! Check out my guide to finding the perfect hidden pocket travel scarf!

6. Travel Wrap Scarf
I’m eyeing this travel blanket/wrap scarf for my next trip! You can use it as a travel blanket on the plane and then as a travel wrap, scarf or shawl while traveling.

7. Travel Journal
This is one of the most important things I take traveling! I love sitting down in a cafe or even on a park bench and jotting down notes about my day…and then having a wonderful memory of my travels to look at weeks, months, years later! The travel journal I’ve linked to is one I created. Click here to read reviews!

Clothes & Shoes

1. Merino Wool Cami
I bought a merino wool cami a few years ago before I left for a month in Europe in the summer and it’s now one of my must-must-must have travel items! Merino wool is perfect for travel because it doesn’t stink, and it will keep you warm on cold days and cool on warm days. It’s easy to wash by hand (if needed) or you can throw it in the washing machine. I also recommend getting at least one merino wool t-shirt or long-sleeved base layer.

2. Merino Wool Shoes
Merino wool shoes are awesome! Mine pack flat, which saves room in my suitcase or backpack, they keep my feet warm on cool days and cool on warm days, and – best of all – they don’t stink after I’ve worn them all day!

Technology

1. Kindle Paperwhite
I love to read when I travel and I rarely buy hardcopy travel guides anymore, so my Kindle Paperwhite comes in very handy when I travel. If I’m really pressed for space I’ll leave the Kindle at home and just use my iPhone but I prefer to read on my Kindle.

2. Pop-socket 
I was given a pop-socket  at a conference a few years ago and I love that I no longer worry about dropping my iPhone when taking a photo or getting it bumped out of my hand when I’m looking at a map on the street or reading on public transportation.

3. Adapters
I always bring enough socket adapters so I can charge all of my devices at the same time. They’re small and lightweight (the ones you need for the UK are a bit bigger) and worth the little bit of extra space they take up.

4. Apple Laptop Adapter
A few years ago I got this special Apple Laptop Adapter kit and I love that the socket adapter fits right into my power cord. So much easier to use when I’m traveling for work or want to use my laptop in a cafe.

5. Protective Laptop Shell
After my laptop slid off my lap and the screen cracked – 3 days before leaving for a work trip in Europe! – I bought a hard laptop shell. It makes my laptop slightly thicker but much safer, which is important to me, since I almost always take my laptop when I travel. These laptop shells are inexpensive and come in tons of colors and designs.

6. Portable Back-up Battery
This is another must-must-must have!! I use my iPhone all day when I travel (checking my offline maps, reading my guidebook, taking photos and video, getting on wifi when I can, etc) but my battery doesn’t last all day. So, I make sure my back-up battery is fully charged and I bring it with me each day. It’s easy to charge my phone while I’m out and about because the battery is small and easily fits in my purse or bag. It also comes in handy on long flights and in AirBnBs where the outlet is really far away from my bed. 🙂 I’ve had two Anker back-up batteries and I’ve been impressed with both. I can usually get 2-3 full phone charges before I need to charge the back-up battery.

7. Travel Insurance
I admit, travel insurance isn’t something I’ve always packed. But after my husband needed emergency surgery in Germany, and the two of us were evacuated during a forest fire in Washington State, I’ve realized how important travel insurance is! I highly recommend putting travel insurance on your packing list.

Items I’m Thinking About Getting

1. Shoe Bag
I typically use wrap my shoes in simple plastic shopping bags but they rip easily, so I’ve been considering investing in a few reusable shoe bags instead.

2. Cinch-it Organizer
This seems more like a nice-to-have rather than a must-have but I’m intrigued by it! I like that you can open this bag up and easily see everything inside. I also love the lightweight fabric and that there are six pockets for organizing your things.

3. Noise-canceling Headphones
I always bring ear buds when I travel but I’m thinking about investing in noise-canceling headphones.

4. Multi-device Charger/Adapter
I always need to charge multiple devices when I travel and I often don’t have enough outlets in hotel rooms and AirBnBs – or they’re hard to reach behind a couch or nightstand table. I’m considering a multi-device charger so I can charge all of my devices easily and in one location. I’m thinking this will be even more important on my upcoming trip to Europe with my husband…twice as much to charge each night!

5. iPhone Stabilizer/Gimble
Now that I take more video when I travel (as well as at home), I’m looking at getting a stabilizer/gimble. I’m amazed at how much smoother and better videos are when you use a gimble! I’m just not sure I want to carry it around all day.

Update: a friend of mine says she uses this GorillaPod instead. It’s not as smooth as a gimble but she said it works pretty well and is a lot less expensive. I’m going to get one of these when I buy my new camera and will try it out on my upcoming trip to Germany.

6. Reusable snack pouches and straws 
I like to buy healthy snacks at the local grocery store to eat while I’m out sight-seeing and on transit days. I often bring a few ziplock bags with me when I travel but they wear out pretty quickly. So I’m thinking about buying a few reusable bags. I’m trying to decide between these, these, and these. Update: I’m now thinking about getting this beeswax wrap instead because I think it’ll pack flatter and be more versatile. I’m also trying to reduce my plastic straw use and am consequently looking at this reusable straw and this one.

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ULTIMATE GERMANY TRAVEL RESOURCES

We’ve gathered some of our essential travel guides, websites, and other information to help you plan the best vacation! We use these resources ourselves and share them to save you money, time, and stress so you can focus on enjoying and making the most out of your time in Germany. GERMANY TRAVEL BUNDLE: Our Ultimate Germany Travel Bundle gives you the best tools, up-to-date tips, and expert insights to easily and efficiently tackle the travel planning process. You’ll get our custom Trip Planning Map, which shows you the best sights, hotels, castles, and more – because seeing where things are in relation to each other makes trip planning SO much easier! You also get our Trip Planning Spreadsheet, City Cheatsheets, How-to Videos, Germany Trip Planning Guide, and Trip Planning Spreadsheet! BOOKING FLIGHTS: To find the the best flights deals, we recommend checking Kayak, Skyscanner, Expedia, Travelocity. These websites are also great for getting rental cars. ACCOMMODATIONS: We recommend using Booking.com since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. For vacation homes, we suggest checking VRBO. We also have accommodation guides on different destinations (Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart, and more to come!) in our website. TRAINS & BUSES: For point-to-point or regional train tickets (great for day trips or groups) within Germany, or tickets originating in Germany to other European destinations, we recommend buying them on the Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System) website. If you want to buy a rail pass for Germany (or elsewhere in Europe), buy them on Rail Europe. For buses, FlixBus offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer. TRAVEL CREDIT CARD: One of the best ways to make travel to Germany more affordable is by booking free flights. Using the points accrued with our Chase Ink credit card (and a few others), we haven’t had to pay for flights to Europe in the past 10 years! TICKETS AND TOURS: We always recommend exploring a new city for the first time with a Hop On Hop Off Bus tour (ride it all the way around for the entire 1.5-2 hour tour). Here is our guide on the best Hop On Hop Off Bus tours for different German cities. For guided walking tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets, Get Your Guide is our go to! WHAT TO PACK: Not sure what to bring to Germany? Check out our 2-week minimalist packing guide for tips on traveling light, and our Germany packing list for our must-pack items. Bonus: check out our guides on finding the best travel purse and best travel scarf with a hidden security pocket. TRAVEL CONSULT: If you feel like you need more help and guidance beyond these resources, book a travel consult with us! We offer personal live sessions where we’ll help you with things like planning your itinerary, showing you how to book train or skip-the-line tickets, and answer any other questions you have about traveling to Germany.