In the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy several trips to Germany for vacations, family visits, research trips, weddings, and even for business. Over the years I’ve put together a list of travel accessories for a trip to Germany that I always pack. Some may seem obvious, and you probably already have them on your packing list. Others, maybe “extra” but they will come in handy. Things that make life go smoother in the air or on the ground. Power converters to keep all of your electronics safely charged, luggage tags to keep track of your gear, a journal, travel water bottles, and more. Find all the travel accessories you need here!
Looking for a Packing List for clothes and documents? Find that here-> Packing List for Germany
Maybe you need help planning your trip to Germany? Find that here-> Planning a Trip to Germany
Travel Accessories for a trip to Germany
Passport & Credit Card Holder
Keeping all the important papers and documents in one place is essential for travel. Carry your passport and credit cards safely protected in this holder with RFID-blocking shield material to keep thieves from electronically taking your information.
I prefer the leather style and find that it fits well in my purse. The holder has slots for extra essential cards, cash, and tickets. Available in 4 colors, so you are certain to find a favorite (I like purple).
If you are going to spend a lot of time on Public Transportation or in crowded areas, you might feel more secure with your passport and documents around your neck. This document holder holds passport, tickets, and even your phone. The mesh pocket in the front is great for train tickets or bus passes that might need to be shown more frequently.
BESTEK Universal Travel Adaptor/ Voltage Converter/ Power Station
The perfect accessory for international Travel
Traveling with electronics can be a pain. Powering up your phone, laptop, cameras, kid’s game systems at the end of the day will have everyone scrambling for the plugs and converters. I’ve carried the BESTEK Travel adaptor for years, and swear by it. It’s the most essential of all of my travel accessories. (I’ve also gifted it to traveling family members so that they can charge their own stuff). The device is compact, and fits easily into a pocket of your carry on luggage. Plug in up to 5 devices in the 3 sockets and 2 USB chargers. Overnight, it’s perfect for phones and computer. Comes equipped for Germany, with extra plugs for the UK, India, EU, and the US.
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
Keep the suitcases need and clothing easy to find with packing cubes. These fabulous packing cubes from Gonex even compress with an extra zipper to fit MORE in! I’ve been using them, and love them. I can get just a bit more into my bag than before! Lot’s of colors to choose from (I love my floral ones!)-> Get 15% off Gonex compression packing cubes
Gonex Floral Compression Packing CubesGonex
Portable Battery Charger
The age of digital means that you can snap photos all day and never run out of film… but you might run out of charge… which means making calls or using the map feature is problematic. Keep a portable charger handy to refill your exhausted phone. This power bank has built in cables so you aren’t looking through your purse for the right one. (Does it seem like I’m obsessed with power? Honestly, you run out ONE TIME, and you get that way)
Camera/Phone Tripod
Are all of your photos of other people or “selfies” with part of your arm? For that perfect photo with a castle in the background, the steadiness of a tripod is the way to go. And this universal tripod holds cellphones (both iphone and adroid), a DSLR camera, or even a Go-Pro. Set it anywhere… even wrap it around trees or bicycle handle bars… to get those shots you really want. Packs small, and comes with a pouch.
Travel Slippers
Board that long flight, and the first thing most people do is take off their shoes. Problem is, cold feet… and worse, no one wants to walk around the plane in socks (that’s NOT water on the lavatory floor!). Arrive at the hotel, or visit family in Germany, and off come the shoes. Travel Slippers pack small enough to put in the carry on, but are exactly what is needed to keep feet warm… and that rubber sole will keep them dry, even if the floor is wet. These unisex slippers come in 40 colors!
The HappyLuxe Travel Scarf/Shawl/Blanket
This might be the most versatile item of clothing that you can bring along on your trip. On the plane, when it can get a little chilly, the shawl works as a blanket (pro tip- blankets on airplanes may not be super clean). On the ground, wear it as a scarf to keep the chill from your neck (since Germans love to wear scarves, you will fit right in). And if it’s warm? It acts as a sun barrier. Use as a swim cover up, a shawl for an evening concert, even as a picnic blanket! Comes in nine different colors, so you can coordinate to your wardrobe.
Leather Travel Journal
I’ve been carrying a travel journal like this one for years. The quality leather protects the replaceable inserts, so every trip can start fresh. Inserts can be lined for written notes or blank pages for sketches… or even a combination. Remove the used inserts after each trip, and file them away. Then it’s easy to then add a fresh one. Card holders and pouches can secure business cards and ticket stubs to help preserve memories along the way. Best of all, the compact size means that it can be tucked into a purse or pocket. You might THINK you will remember everything, but you won’t. It’s nice to jot down a few notes every day.
Travel Water Bottle
In Germany, you won’t find drinking fountains everywhere, and water in restaurants will cost extra. Carrying a water bottle will hold off dehydration on long tours and walks. These sturdy, no nonsense bottles hold 12oz. of liquid. Slide one into your purse or the side pouch of your day pack, and you will be good to go. (I know, there are GIANT water cups and bottles out there… I just don’t want to schlepp that much)
Travel Electronics Cords and Accessories Organizer
All those cords and accessories finally have a safe home in one place with this Travel Tech organizer. No more rummaging through bags for elusive essentials! Zip all of your bits and pieces into a pocket, and zip it shut.
This smaller version covers basics, and fits into my purse or daypack.
If you are looking for an organizer that holds EVERYTHING… including laptop chargers, you want this larger version (I’ve already upgraded for my next trip).
Travel Sized Manicure/Pedicure Set
Made in Solingen Germany, this kit packs small, but contains all the things you need to keep your nails looking tidy. Remember to pack in inside a checked suitcase, or you’ll be buying a new set when you arrive in Germany.
3 Swords Germany – manicure pedicure set kit (774)
First Aid Kit- mostly… Band-aids
There are loads of First Aid kits on the market, and they are all far more complete than this one. This “kit” is just a small box with bandages and a few antiseptic wipes, but I like the small size and it fits in my purse. It’s generally enough. You can ADD more things to the kit as needed. I like putting in a few blister bandages and some Pepto Bismol tablets (for for the aftermath of an over indulgent meal).
An Extra Bag… Just in Case
It happens every time… I buy a few extra things to take home, and my suitcase fills up. Instead of carrying an extra suitcase, I take an extra bag. The “Foldie” packs small enough that you can slip it into your purse or side pocket of the suitcase. Use it for trips to the pool, or when you go shopping. Added bonus, you have an extra bag to carry your purchases all the way home! Comes in loads of colors… and even has a waterproof pocket and shoe space. Or just fill it with souvenirs…
Travel Detergent-
Slip a few of these packets into your suitcase so that you can wash a few items in the sink while you are on the road. Our last trip lasted almost a month, and we weren’t always with family, so washing a few items was essential. And strangely, you don’t find many laundromats in Germany. This kit comes with sink stoppers, in case the hotel sink doesn’t have a plug.
Personalized Luggage Tag
Never grab the wrong bag again. For extra reassurance that you will SEE your bag, try a BRIGHT luggage strap. The baggage claim conveyer belt will be full of black bags that all look like yours. These straps are TSA approved, easy to use… and help keep your bag together if you overbought.
4 Pack Luggage Straps for Suitcases TSA Approved, Travel Belt, Suitcase Strap, by Hiuysid (Green)
Just for fun, you can add an extra piece of identification to your bag. This sturdy metal luggage tag depicts a German Flag, with your name right across the front. (When you order, click the gift option, and add the name you desire in the message space).
BRGiftShop Luggage Tag Personalized Custom Name Country License Plate Germany Flag
Journey Backpack Travel System
The Journey multi-part backpack system really is enough for a one week journey. I manage to get everything in. Because it comes apart, I can use part as a daypack, and leave the rest in the hotel. For a full review-> Journey Travel System
Other Travel Accessories for Germany to Consider When Traveling
You can’t prepare for everything, and you certainly don’t want to overpack. Germany isn’t behind the moon, and you can always make a stop to buy the things you might need.
Still, there are a few other things that I always slide into my purse or bag
Pain Medication– Advil and Tylenol come in a tube that’s no bigger than a lipstick, and you can refill it. Travel headaches are a pain…literally.
Medication Organizer– If you need to travel with medication or vitamins, sort them into an organizer by day, or at least by type. Don’t take the the whole bottle. DO take photos or write the information about your medications down and take it along, just in case.
Small Sewing Kit- Fix buttons or small tears. If you are packing light, you can’t afford to lose an item of clothing to damage.
Safety Pins– Trust me, clip one or two into your wash bag, and you’ll have a way to secure things in an emergency.
Pens– I’m always writing things down… and always looking for pens.
Tempos or Kleenex- A pack of tissue in your purse is essential. They work to wipe noses, as a napkin and or placemat, and as toilet paper if you stop at a roadside WC that doesn’t provide any. (You can buy them IN Germany at any grocery or drug store… but I tuck a pack from my at-home stash into my purse before leaving the house).