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.

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!