The Ultimate European Road Trip Babymoon Packing List

Are you planning a European road trip babymoon? Congrats on your upcoming arrival! Planning one last big trip before baby is an excellent way to connect with your partner the way you’ve always known: just you two.

However, a babymoon road trip in Europe has a few unique challenges: the general discomfort associated with pregnancy combined with a the confined space of a rental car, plus the European focus on walking while looking stylish.

Not to worry – this list covers all the essentials for a smooth, comfortable and memorable European road trip babymoon.

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Essential Gear for a Comfortable Road Trip

Why Road Trip Packing is Different

While you should focus on only bringing what you need, sometimes you need to bring extra so you can actually be comfortable. Being pregnant is one of those times.

Rental cars aren’t typically as comfortable as your own back home. Additionally, you will probably be spending several hours on the road at a time. You don’t want to compromise on comfort!

However, your rental car will afford you the space to bring a few extra items to make those long drives a bit easier.

The Comfort Kit

• Seatbelt: Make sure the seatbelt sits low across your hips for both safety and comfort. If your belly will be big enough, you can also get seatbelt extenders to make your ride more comfortable.
• In-Car Support: Bring an inflatable lumbar pillow to ensure you’ll be comfortable for your European road trip babymoon.
• Compression Socks: A crucial item for your packing list. Bring a good quality pair of compression socks to wear on the plane and for long driving days. This will help prevent swelling and make it easier to move when it’s time to get up and stretch.

Hydration and Snacks

• Reusable Water Bottle: All the extra blood you’re pumping means you need to stay hydrated when pregnant! Bring your reusable water bottle and refill it frequently.
• Snack Strategy: Pregnancy appetite is no joke. Bring along some easy snacks to abate any hangriness. If you’re still dealing with nausea (sorry, dear), bring some ginger chews or crackers.
• The Cooler Bag: A foldable, soft sided cooler bag is perfect for stocking up on cheeses, crunchy veggies and other grocery store items for your drive.

Health, Safety, and Documentation

Always Be Prepared: Pre-Trip Checklist

• Medical Documents: Before you book anything, the most important item on your checklist is getting the “okay to travel” from your OB or midwife. They will be able to provide you an official letter, should you need it for anything. Also, bring along their contact information, just in case.
• Travel Insurance: Having a good travel insurance plan is important for every trip. However, make sure your travel insurance specifically covers pregnancy complications, like with Arch RoamRight. If you need to see a doctor, you’ll already be navigating an unfamiliar health system, likely in a language you don’t speak. Take off some of the stress by knowing you’re covered so you won’t be hit with a huge medical bill!

In-Pocket Wellness Kit

• OTC Meds: Depending where your European babymoon road trip will take you, you may not be able to obtain the same remedies you’re used to. If you’ll need Tums, Tylenol or anti-nausea meds, check for availability in your destination. Either way, bring at least a few days worth so you’re not on a mad dash to find them when you really need them.
• Hand Sanitizer: Your immune system is already down from baby, plus you started your babymoon with several hours in a flying Petrie dish. Bring hand sanitizer to keep those scary germs at bay.
• Tennis Ball: Small but mighty, a tennis ball is your secret weapon for relief! You can use this under your feet when they’re swollen or just tired. Plus, you can use it on your achy back (against the wall) after a particularly long driving stretch. In short, it’s just great for relieving tension throughout your body!

The Maternity Wardrobe Strategy

Dress for Comfort, Style, and Cobblestones

With any trip, focus on the versatility of the clothes you pack. Aim for neutral colors that can mix and match easily, and can be dressed up or down. Plan for soft, stretchy items that will allow you to be comfy in the car.

You will also want to bring one nicer outfit that you can use for fancy dinners or dressier outings, like a performance.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Leggings: these maternity leggings are the absolute BEST. They’re compressive enough to keep your legs from swelling, but not too tight on your belly. They also allow you to magically wipe off the pet hair without needing a lint cloth, so they’re great at home, too. Plus, the pockets are so handy and fit standard phones! I’ve worn these for both of my pregnancies and cannot recommend them enough.
• Dresses: flowy dresses are the perfect capsule wardrobe staple. You can wear them on warm summer days (don’t forget the chafing shorts!), or you can layer under them for chillier days. Additionally, you can dress them up or keep them casual!
• Maternity bras: with your expanding ribcage, your regular bras probably won’t be comfortable much longer. Invest in some comfortable, extendable maternity bras that will also get you through breastfeeding/pumping, if you choose that route.

The Two-Shoe Rule

• Walking Shoes: You will be walking a LOT while meandering through cobblestone alleyways, historic sites and museums. Prioritize bringing supportive, broken-in sneakers or walking sandals.
  • These Reebok sneakers are perfect for your European babymoon road trip. They’re effortlessly casual, which is very European. Plus, they provide enough support to keep you comfortable while exploring.
  • The classic Adidas sneakers are also very popular in Europe and are great for exploring!
• Dress Shoe: You’ll also want a pair of dressier shoes for dinner or if you attend the opera. Opt for low wedges or comfortable flats that you can easily slip on. Make sure you can walk several blocks in them! I wouldn’t recommend high heels this time, just because you’re likely going to walk on lots cobblestones.
  • These Ecco wedge sandals are incredibly comfortable. Plus, a European brand is going to fit right in in Europe!
  • If you’ve never had a pair of AllBirds Flats, you are missing out! You can walk miles in these shoes without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, these flats are super easy to slip on, plus you can just throw them in the wash when they get dirty. I’ve had several pairs and absolutely love them!

Key European Travel Gear

Practicality for European Cities

• Anti-theft Crossbody: Having an anti-theft crossbody for daily use is essential for your babymoon in Europe! Pickpockets abound where you least expect them, so keep your belongings safe.
• Staying Organized: Even though you can pack a bit more on a road trip than a public transportation trip, you’ll still want to stay organized. Use packing cubes for separating clothes, and bring an empty one to start your laundry bag.
• Adapter/Charger: This universal adapter power strip is perfect ensure you keep everything charges and ready to go, without frying your devices.

Planning Your Slowed-Down Itinerary

• Pre-booked Experiences: For any must-see activities (museums, scenic train rides, easy walking tours), make sure you pre-book in advance! This will help you avoid the disappointment of a sold out performance or attraction. Booking skip-the-line or timed entry tickets will make sure you can maximize your time sightseeing, rather than waiting in line. The best places for booking these activities is Viator or GetYourGuide.
• Itinerary Hub: Use the TripIt app so to keep your itinerary organized! You can of course add flights, hotels and rental car information. However, you can add dinner reservations, tour details and confirmation numbers as well!
• Portable Entertainment: Bring a book for any downtime, long drives, or just to unwind before bed. Better yet, bring a Kindle Paperwhite to have access to thousands of books without hauling along a library. Make sure you get your Kindle Unlimited Trial, too!
• Travel Journal: Writing down your experiences for the day is a great way to reflect and really appreciate your vacation as you’re on it. As a bonus, it’s wonderful to be able to read again later! Bring a small notebook or dedicated travel journal to capture all the little things that you want to remember.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Ride!

When packing for your European babymoon road trip, make certain you’ve got your travel documents, doctor’s okay and your compression socks. Beyond that, everything else is for comfort during this special vacation!

Use this opportunity to relax and stay connected with your partner before your impending life change.

Use our checklist below to make sure you’ve got everything. Better yet – download our printable checklist to get the satisfaction of crossing off each item! Then share with any of your other soon-to-be mom friends for their babymoon road trip through Europe.

European Babymoon Road Trip Packing List

Pregnancy Comfort

• Maternity Seatbelt Adjuster
• Compression Socks
• Prenatal Vitamins/Meds
• Small Lumbar Pillow

Clothing

• Maternity Leggings (2 pairs)
• Versatile Dress (1-2)
• Supportive Bra/Tanks (3)
• Loose T-shirts/Tops (4)
• Lightweight Cardigan/Jacket
• Comfortable Walking Shoes

Road Trip Essentials

• GPS/Downloaded Offline Maps
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Variety of Healthy Snacks
• Car Charger/Power Bank

Travel Documents

• Passport & Visa/ID
• Doctor’s Note (Fit-to-Travel)
• Insurance Details
• Hotel/Car Rental Confirmation

Miscellaneous

• Universal Travel Adapter
• Basic First Aid Kit
• Travel Toiletry Kit
• Small Camera/Journal

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