My annual retreat to Europe is always a welcomed way to recalibrate and connect to new people and places. This year’s jaunt will include a number of firsts: cruising through Norway on Hurtigruten’s Southbound Svalbard Line to explore the world’s northernmost towns, then visiting the Dalmatian Coast for an immersive experience in Dubrovnik with Tailored Croatia — including a stay at the palatial Hotel Excelsior. I remain committed to a carry-on, no matter the length of a trip, and this one is no different. But this go-round, I’ll need to be especially strategic with the items I pack (and add to my cart). Luckily, my favorite retailers and brands are hosting massive Fourth of July sales, providing me with the perfect opportunity to restock.
Later in my Euro trip, I also plan to visit London; I’ll be checking into the new Raffles London at The OWO and attending the lively Notting Hill Carnival with Reign Mas Band. The streets and energy of this Caribbean tradition are hot (literally and figuratively), and breathable clothing from Amazon’s Fourth of July sale is a must; I found breezy tops and bottoms for up to 33 percent off. Walking tours will also be on the itinerary, and I’ll definitely be picking up these on-sale slingback sandals with tons of arch support. And, when it’s time to dress up for the performing arts activities — like catching one of the final shows of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away at London Coliseum — I’ll need something casual-chic and airy like this midi dress from Almina Concept that’s 30 percent off.
This is just the beginning of my packing list. Read on for more of my discounted picks to get your suitcase summer-ready for any Europe trip.
A casual summer tee is always useful, but the oversized fit of this GeGekoko one takes comfort up a notch with its soft, stretchy fabric that can be tucked in or left loosely matched with your favorite shorts or pants. The sleeves are loose enough to roll and the fabric feels cool against the skin for warm days. I love the wine red and sky blue color options, and you can currently get those or 21 other colors for up to 33 percent off on Amazon.
The quintessential long maxi, this T-shirt dress is both comfortable and stylish — and one of the best options for any European getaway. The super-soft and lightweight fabric gives it a great flow of movement for long days of walking tours or balmy evening dinners. A crew neck fit allows the skin to breathe and the ankle length provides a great way to show off your favorite sandals. Grab it on sale now for $28 with the help of an on-site coupon.
Speaking of sandals, this slingback option from Littleplum offers cushioned arch support with forming footbeds for strain-free, long walking days. The rhinestone-clad strap and high-quality leather take the look of the sandals up a notch to dress up for nighttime wear. What’s more, the microfiber linings also make them breathable for hot days.
This airy button-down from Amazon-loved brand Siliteelon is ideal for any European vacation, with a durable, gauzy cotton fabric that is both breathable and versatile to pair with shorts, pants, or leggings — and, it can even be used as a bathing suit cover-up in a pinch. It’s available in fun colors to liven up your look, including crimson red and cyan blue. And, it’s currently on sale for $22.
Keeping cool is key for any trip to Europe in the summer. The mini option from Sweetfull is currently on sale for $11 and offers a powerful airflow with six adjustable wind speeds. Long-lasting battery life means you can rely on it for up to 20 hours and a smart digital screen display serves as a great reminder for power left and speed level.
A must-have item, this flowy tank from Wneedu has that summer-friendly breathability and soft fabric that makes getting ready a breeze. A V-neck cut and tunic style design offers great coverage with a flare at the hem for a stylish look to pair with jeans, a midi skirt, and your favorite shorts. It’s currently 36 percent off on Amazon — so grab one for $13 while you can.
Large enough to throw in your books, magazines, and other beach items, this straw bag from iSamzan is made with durable, woven raffia and has a zipper closure to ensure your items stay safe. Interior side pockets make it easy to store smaller knick-knacks, and there’s a reinforced handle to securely tote a number of items. Currently 15 percent off, this stylish bag functions well for a beach day, a walk around town, and dinner at a buzzy restaurant.
There’s nothing worse than arriving at a new hotel with a low phone battery and realizing you forgot your adapter. This option from Tessan is clutch because you get two of them, which is handy should one be left behind during your travels. Four AC outlets and three USB charging ports allow you to charge seven electronics simultaneously, and this lightweight option is currently on sale on Amazon for $22.
My travel time to Europe from my hometown of Los Angeles is always lengthy, so having the best travel gadgets to get me through is a must. This iPhone holder from Lisen is currently on sale for $18, which is a great deal for anyone in need of a portable mount to watch movies or play games. Foldable and small enough to fit in your pocket, it can also be mounted on table trays, shelves, and bedside tables, making it a perfect travel companion.
I was recently gifted a pair of Cas&Kera’s super luxe earKron Audio Earbuds, and it’s made me get more serious about how I take care of my gadgets while traveling. My tech cords are often in a tangled mess, but this organizer from Nishel holds me accountable and is stocked with pockets that can store four cables, one mouse, two power banks, drives, and cables, plus two SD cards, three batteries, two USB drives, and one charger. The flat, rollout design makes reaching for any cord easy, and you can get it on sale for $13.
Sun protection is key against rising temperatures, and this waterproof bucket hat from Zooron provides a wide brim and UPF 50+ to shield me from the sun’s rays. Quick-drying cotton and an interior band fight off sweat so I can enjoy the beach for hours. What’s more, it’s easy to pack thanks to its foldable design, and it’s currently 30 percent off.
I’ve never been a huge fan of jeans, especially when it comes to dressing for summer temperatures. Instead of suffering through Europe in rigid and heat-trapping bottoms, I’m eyeing these stretchy palazzo pants from Urban Coco that will provide leg coverage without feeling stifled. They’re made with 95 percent viscose fabric and feature an elastic high-rise waistband to ensure they’re lightweight and stay in place. The pockets are deep enough to store small items and the wide-leg fit allows for great airflow. Get them on sale for $22 before the holiday weekend is over.
Decked out with detailed fringe tassels, this sarong cover-up from Eicolorte is semi-sheer and comes in several vibrant colors to match your favorite swimsuit. Extremely lightweight, it can be worn in a number of ways — including strapless across the chest or cross-tied behind the neck like a halter top. Add it to your Amazon cart for the discounted price of $12. Pair it with the Milos One-piece from Andie Swim (one of my favorites), which is also on sale.
This romper from TwoThirds is a personal favorite, made from a 100 percent light linen fabric that imparts coolness as you walk. The clean neckline and belted wrap silhouette are an ode to Japanese kimonos, and a flexible rubber waistband provides ample comfort. The ocean-inspired brand recently released a number of heat-friendly linen options in its new Summer Collection, each of which is sporting serious discounts for the Fourth of July weekend.
Flowy and fun, this midi-length dress from Almina Concept is modern and fantastic for a loose-fitting dress option. I love the oatmeal color and its U-neck cut, plus the slightly oversized fit for comfort during an al fresco dinner. To take its casual look up a notch, pair it with your favorite pair of sandals and jewelry statement pieces so you can stay on theme with your itinerary dress code.
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