The Only Summer Packing List You’ll Ever Need: What to Pack for Europe

There’s nothing quite like summer travel, think golden hour strolls, iced drinks by the water, and that warm, sun-kissed feeling after a day of exploring. Whether you're headed to the Amalfi Coast, hopping between Greek islands, or cruising on the Mediterranean, packing smart (and chic) is key and we are here to help!

This is your go-to packing guide for European summer travel, designed to help you feel prepared, polished, and perfectly dressed, no matter the itinerary.

What to Wear: Clothing Essentials by Occasion

For Everyday (Light layers are your best friend)

For Women:

  • Linen or cotton tops (button-downs, tanks, or short sleeves)

  • Dresses (day-to-night versatility is the goal)

  • Lightweight pants or skirts

  • Denim or tailored shorts

For Men:

  • Linen or lightweight cotton shirts or polos

  • Tailored chino shorts (knee-length or just above) or pants

  • Light Sweater or Unstructured Blazer (for cooler nights or places with A/C)

Smart Casual Evenings & Dining Out

Europeans tend to dress a little sharper and many restaurants require smart casual attire.

For Women:

  • Breezy midi or maxi dresses (day-to-night versatility is key)

  • Linen or cotton blouses with elevated pants or skirts

  • Light sweaters or wraps for breezy rooftop dinners 

For Men:

  • Lightweight button-downs (linen is your friend)

  • Chino-style trousers or tailored lightweight pants

  • No sandals opt for loafers or leather sneaker


    Pro Tip:     If you're traveling through multiple climates (like coastal towns + cities), stick to a neutral color palette so everything mixes and matches easily.

Other notes: No athletic shorts at dinner, ever.

Touring Religious Sites (Cathedrals, Vatican, etc.)

Many historic sites enforce dress codes, especially religious ones.

Women:

  • Shoulders covered (a lightweight scarf or wrap works wonders)

  • Lightweight pants, Knee-length skirts or dresses 

Men:

  • No shorts

  • Lightweight trousers and a short-sleeved button-down or polo

Pro Tip: Packing a versatile scarf or button-down shirt makes transitions between sightseeing and sacred spaces seamless.

Active Adventures & Day Trips

From e-bike tours in Tuscany to cliff walks in the Greek isles, a bit of athleisure goes a long way.

  • Breathable, sporty outfits

  • Lightweight, supportive sneakers (that you’ve already broken in!)

  • A small daypack or belt bag

Shoes & Accessories: Function Meets Fashion

  • Sturdy sandals for full-day walking tours (cobblestones are no joke)

  • Chicer sandals or wedges for dinners (make sure they’re broken in)

  • Flimsy flip-flops or slides for pool and beach days only

  • Sun hat or baseball cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Lightweight scarf (doubles as a wrap for chilly interiors or modesty)

Swimwear & Sun Protection

Whether you're lounging at a beach club in Mallorca or heading off on a yacht day from the Amalfi Coast, pack like you're ready for it.

  • Swimsuits

  • Cover-up or sarong

  • Reef-safe SPF (face + body)

  • Aloe or after-sun gel

  • Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag

Pro Tip: Heading straight to the water after you land? Pack your swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on.

Need help finding the essentials?  Explore our new curated ShopMy with all our favorite summer picks from shoes to sunscreen.

New KJT Shopmy

Whether you're dreaming of a summer escape, planning for fall, or looking ahead to next year, we’re here to make it effortless. From custom itineraries to what-to-pack lists, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s plan your next perfect escape. Click here to start.

Think You’ve Been to Every Luxury Mexico Beach Resort? Think Again.

Opened in late 2022 and set within a 3,000-acre private nature reserve, Four Seasons Tamarindo is intentionally remote. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Manzanillo Airport, but private air access to the resort’s on-property landing strip is available and seamless. Kate visited recently with her family and came back with great insights and even more amazing pictures.

A Remote, Refined Escape on Mexico’s Pacific Coast

The property is spread out; guests use golf carts to move between restaurants, pools, and suites. Accommodations are divided into cliffside and beachfront categories, depending on your preferred view and vibe. There are 157 rooms, including oversized private plunge pool suites (big enough to swim laps in!) and beachfront options just steps from the sand. Multi-bedroom villas four- and six-bedroom are perfect for families or groups.

What to Do at Four Seasons Tamarindo

Tamarindo offers more than just a pretty view, one of Kate's favorite moments, the stargazing. It's spectacular thanks to the resort’s secluded location. You’ve got access to 26 miles of nature trails, a David Fleming-designed 18-hole golf course with ocean views, and a full watersports program: kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and exceptional deep-sea fishing, which is especially good in this part of Mexico.

The spa is a standout, with treatments inspired by local traditions and settings that open to the surrounding jungle. There’s also a temazcal for guests looking for a more immersive wellness experience.

Culinary Craft and Cultural Connection

One of Tamarindo’s most compelling features is its sense of place. Great experiences include cooking classes, a foraging tour, and visits to the on-site Rancho Ortega farm. The pastry chef trained at Rosetta in Mexico City, and that level of craft shows across the resort’s three dining venues.

Kate and her family especially loved Coyul, led by celebrated chef Elena Reygadas. Another favorite: Sal, the open-air seafood spot perched above Majahua Beach perfect for sunset dinners.

There’s also a Kids for All Seasons program with engaging, locally inspired activities, making this a great pick for luxury family travel.

Pair With a Cultural Stop in Mexico City

Tamarindo pairs beautifully with a few nights in Mexico City, a favorite combo for travelers who want the best of both worlds. Spend your mornings exploring Chapultepec Castle or Frida Kahlo’s house before heading west for sunsets and salt air. Kate recommends this itinerary to clients who want to balance urban energy with nature-driven calm.

Best Time to Visit Tamarindo

Peak season runs November through May, but Tamarindo stays warm and lush all year round. Whale-watching season peaks December to March, and summer offers lower rates with fewer crowds.

Kate visited in early spring and caught the tail end of whale season, an unforgettable moment for her crew during an afternoon sail.

Book With KJ Travel for Exclusive Perks

KJTravel is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, which means our clients enjoy complimentary breakfasts, potential upgrades, and other VIP extras.

Whether you're looking for a new favorite in Mexico or planning a multi-generational getaway, celebrating something big or just need to unplug in serious style, Four Seasons Tamarindo is one for the books.

Let’s plan your escape. Click here to get started.

12,000 Acres of Peace and Play: What Makes Primland a Dream Summer Escape

There’s something about mountain air, cooler, quieter, and instantly calming. KJT Travel Advisor Chelsea experienced it firsthand on her recent visit to Primland. If you're ready to unplug, reset, and escape the noise, Primland Resort in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains might just be your next great luxury getaway. Set on 12,000 private acres, this Auberge Resorts Collection property blends rugged outdoor adventure with refined comfort. It’s part luxury lodge, part adult summer camp and fully worth the drive up the mountain.

Getting There Is Half the Experience

Primland Resort doesn’t just feel remote, it is remote. You'll arrive at either the North or South gate, depending on your route, and from there, it's a scenic 25-minute drive up the mountain. As Chelsea noted, the elevation drops the temperature by nearly 10 degrees, so don’t forget to pack layers (she wore a sweater nearly every morning during her visit Mid May).

The closest commercial airports are about 90 minutes away, making this the kind of Blue Ridge Mountains escape where renting a car or splurging on a helicopter transfer to the resort makes sense.

Where Rugged Meets Refined

Think of Primland as approachable luxury: five-star comfort with a rustic soul. The vibe is elevated lodge meets understated elegance, nothing too flashy, but undeniably beautiful. Chelsea thinks this is a perfect fit for couples or families who want luxury with a more laid-back feel.

Inside, rooms and suites mix native woods with sleek finishes and moody mountain views. Outside? You’ve got miles of wilderness to explore. Whether you're fly fishing in a private stream, riding through forest trails on horseback, testing your aim on the sporting clay course, or stargazing at the resort’s observatory, every activity is guided and elevated. You can go full throttle with RTV off-roading, tree-climbing, or aim with a bow and arrow. The golf course? very challenging (in the best way) which Chelsea thinks some of our clients will absolutely love.

Primland is also one of the rare Orvis double-endorsed lodges in the U.S., offering the uniquely thrilling experience of Driven Pheasant Shoots, something you won’t find just anywhere.

Prefer a slower pace? Start your morning with yoga, book an organic facial, or float in the heated indoor pool (an outdoor pool is on the way!). And don’t skip dinner: ingredients like local trout and heritage meats shine in dishes rooted in Appalachian flavor, served with panoramic sunset views.

Family-Forward, Not Kid-Centric

Primland Resort strikes a thoughtful balance, what Chelsea calls “adult-friendly, family-forward.” It’s ideal for families with school-aged kids ready for adventure: think hiking, fishing, and ropes courses through The Junior Mountaineers Kids Club (available in summer for ages six and up). While there’s no year-round childcare or babysitting, families who love to explore together will find plenty to do. It’s luxury with room to roam, designed for travelers of all ages who thrive outdoors, just with a little more independence.

Why Primland Belongs on Your Summer Travel List

Primland is luxury in its most grounded form, refined, immersive and deeply connected to place. It’s perfect for couples craving reconnection, families with older kids ready for adventure, or friends looking to unwind in nature without compromising comfort.

From misty Blue Ridge mornings to fly fishing in quiet streams and observatory stargazing, every detail is thoughtfully crafted. This is where high-end hospitality meets the soul of the Appalachian outdoors.

Ready to plan your Blue Ridge escape or a cooler weather escape this summer? Let us take care of the details so you can focus on fresh air, new memories, and that second glass of wine by the fire.

Click here to get started!

Camp’s In—Parents Out: The Best Adult Getaways While the Kids Are at Camp

There’s something special about summer camp the songs, the bonfires, the independence. But while the kids are off making lifelong memories, what about you? For parents, camp season isn’t just a milestone it’s a moment. A window. An invitation to rediscover time together. If you’ve been craving late dinners without babysitters, curfews, spa days without schedules, or mornings that begin without cartoons, these handpicked luxury summer getaways offer the perfect escape.

Blackberry Farm & Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee

Nature, Nourishment, and Nap-Optional Days
Set in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, these sister properties are the epitome of refined rustic luxury. From gourmet farm-to-table meals to fly-fishing and sunrise yoga, Blackberry offers a serene Southern setting that feels far from home but is surprisingly accessible by direct flights to most big cities. Ideal for a long weekend getaway that blends wellness with indulgence.

Twin Farms, Vermont

An Adults-Only Retreat for Cool Summer Days
Tucked away in the Vermont countryside, Twin Farms is an all-inclusive, adults-only haven where no detail is overlooked. Personalized dining, private art collections, and cottages are designed for a restorative retreat. And if you're feeling a little adventurous during your stay, you can pair this visit with a small road trip to coastal Kennebunkport, just 3 hours away for a New England duo that's as crisp as it is cozy.

The Green O & Triple Creek Ranch, Montana

Luxury Ranches for Grown-Up Adventure
Prefer your getaway with a little grit mixed with glam? The Green O and Triple Creek Ranch offer adults-only Western charm with a twist of luxury. Expect horseback rides, fireside wine tastings, stargazing tubs, and five-star cuisine all nestled in Montana's wide-open beauty. These are sophisticated takes on the dude ranch, perfect for reconnecting over shared adventure.

Amangiri, Utah

Desert Solitude Meets Design-Lover’s Dream
If your idea of escape involves dramatic landscapes, national parks, and a spa that redefines “next level,” Amangiri delivers. Located near Lake Powell and ideal for active couples, it’s a favorite for those who want to feel completely away from crowds, from chaos, from responsibility.

Aspen, Colorado

Cool Air, Hot Tubs, and Elevated Experiences
With temps that hover around perfection and a mountain town vibe that feels both intimate and elevated, it's a dream for June–August escapes. Yes, Aspen can be very kid-friendly, but there’s an adult side too: long hikes by day (looking at you, Maroon Bells), relaxing spa visits, afternoon shopping, and long late-night dinners thanks to the town’s impressive restaurant scene.

Napa Valley, California

Vineyard Views and Five-Star Indulgence
For wine lovers and wellness seekers, Napa Valley in summer is hard to beat and Four Seasons Napa adds a polished edge to the region’s rustic charm. Set on a working vineyard in Calistoga, the property features its own wine label, vineyard-facing rooms, and a tucked-away tasting room. Rooms are spacious and luxurious, with oversized soaking tubs, but travelers should note: ground-floor Vineyard View rooms face the parking lot, so the Mountain View rooms are worth the upgrade for privacy. KJT advisor Melissa recently visited and called the service, design, and dining a standout, especially the Michelin-starred Auro, where select guests can dine right inside the chef’s kitchen. Add in bikes for exploring town, a scenic pool setup, and festive touches during the holidays, and for a touch of adventure, guests can explore the valley in style with the resort's luxury Dream Drive Experience or have the Concierge book a hot-air balloon ride.

Big Sur, California

Wild Coast, Wellness Vibes, and Waking Up to the Pacific
Along California’s craggy coast, Big Sur blends raw beauty with coastal charm. Stay at the iconic Post Ranch Inn, where treehouse-like suites open to ocean views, and days begin with guided hikes and end with wine by a wood-burning fire. If you have a full week, we love combining this hard-to-reach destination with another stop or two along the West Coast adding in golf, wineries, or beachside escapes.

Mexico City

Urban Culture with a Side of Mezcal
When camp drop-off is behind you and you're craving close-to-home culture, Mexico City is a great solution.  From its buzzy restaurant scene to contemporary art galleries and rooftop cocktails, this city pulses with adult energy. For a longer stay you can visit Chichen Itza pyramids, take a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan or maybe even take a cooking or mixology class. Perfect for couples who thrive on city energy, late nights, and architectural eye candy.

Just as kids grow through camp, parents thrive with time away. These escapes aren’t just about relaxation they’re about reconnection, curiosity, and giving yourself permission to be present, without the background noise of everyday life. Whether you’re staying close to camp for peace of mind or flying off into the sunset, we’ll help you find the perfect adult getaway to match your moment.

Ready to reclaim your summer?
We’re here to help you choose the destination that feels like your kind of freedom. Let us plan every detail so you can simply show up and relax.

Click here to start planning today!