Packing for a Summer trip to the Czech Republic

Planning your post-retirement overseas travel? Prague (and the rest of the beautiful Czech Republic) tends to be high on most people’s bucket lists. Between the pleasantly mild summer weather, the stunning architecture, and the thriving culture and arts scene, what’s not to love about this ancient European city?

Whether you’re headed to this former capital of Bohemia for a week or several months, it’s important that you know how to pack for it. Grab your travel bags and let’s get packing.

Plan for Walking Tours, Hiking Trails, and Sight-Seeing on Foot

Prague is a wonderfully walkable city. You will likely be able to get to everywhere you want to go on foot. With this in mind, make sure to bring at least one pair of your most comfortable walking shoes. Having a pair of comfort shoes to explore and sight-see can make all the difference in how you enjoy your time in the Czech Republic.

If the great outdoors is more your speed, be sure to pack your hiking boots. The Czech Republic contains stunning and sweeping mountain ranges that are ideal for summer hiking and exploring.

If you are considering packing a pair of heels on your summer trip, in anticipation of a night out, you may want to reconsider. Shoes are the number one item that travelers frequently admit they over-pack. Consider how many times you will actually wear them versus how much space they will take up in your bag. (Also consider how many ancient cobblestone streets you may be navigating.) We recommend bringing one pair of walking sneakers or hiking boots. You can also bring one pair of comfortable flats or ankle booties for wearing out.

Packing for the Weather

As mentioned, this part of Europe tends to have fairly pleasant and mild summers, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the occasional heat wave (temperatures have been known to rise to triple-digits at the peak of summer) and for the cool, breezy nights (temperatures can also get as low as the mid-’40s, even in the summer).

A popular item you will find many women in Prague wearing is a pashmina, or lightweight shawls and wraps. This item is a fantastic option for variable European summer weather. A good pashmina wrap can help keep you cool by keeping the sun off of your skin but also be used to keep you warm during the cool breezy nights. In addition to its practicality, this item is also incredibly stylish and can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion and any outfit.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a fantastic way to pack for a summer trip. You can easily curate your own capsule wardrobe by thoughtfully choosing a small number of items that can be worn interchangeably and repeatedly. This helps you maximize the number of outfits you have to choose from while also ensuring you don’t overpack or have too-heavy luggage.

Start with a couple of basic t-shirts and simple women’s tops in a neutral color. Then consider which bottoms you can pair them with. We recommend one skirt, one pair of shorts, and one pair of pants.

Dresses are truly a traveler's best friend. We love a simple one-piece outfit. Bring at least two simple, comfortable, but stylish dresses. These should be dresses that are easy to dress up with a shawl, some jewelry, and a pair of patent leather flats but they should also be easy to dress down with your street sneakers for the daytime.

Layers, Layers, Layers

Even when packing a simple capsule wardrobe, you should also consider the variable weather. Be sure to pack a light jacket or raincoat. We recommend a lightweight, packable coat that you can bring with you when you go out because little pockets of rain can sneak up on you in the summer in Europe.

Also, consider bringing at least one pair of tights or leggings to wear under your dress or skirt in case the temperatures dip in the evening. At least one sweater, fleece, or other warm layer is also recommended.

Don’t Forget To Pack Your Day Pack

No matter where you travel, we always recommend a stylish but sturdy cross-body bag. With a snug fit and a sturdy zippered top, this travel bag style helps ensure you will not be the easy victim of pick-pockets. Be sure to include essentials such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and chapstick.