There’s a moment, usually a few days before a long trip, when the Europe packing list starts to grow. You’re working out how many layers you’ll need, checking baggage limits, and wondering if your boots will fit in the suitcase. And if your Europe trip is in winter, there’s even more to think about than usual.

Wondering how to make the morning of your flight a little easier? This Europe travel checklist covers it all, from what to bring to how parking onsite at Melbourne Airport can help departure day run more smoothly. It’s all about getting to check-in prepped and excited for the journey ahead.

Europe in winter is anything but predictable. It only takes one icy morning or snow-soaked evening to remind you why packing smart matters. To help you stay comfortable from take-off to arrival, here’s a quick breakdown of what to pack in your checked bag and what to keep handy in your carry-on.

Your checked luggage should cover the essentials that keep you warm, comfortable, and ready for Europe’s cooler evenings and busy winter streets. Here’s what to pack before you fly:

• Casual wear: Pack a mix of long-sleeved shirts and warm layers that work well together. Thermal tops are great for cold days spent outdoors, especially when layered under jumpers or coats. A warm, water-resistant coat is a must for freezing mornings, and a compact rain jacket or shell can help if you're heading somewhere prone to winter rain like Paris, Rome or Spain.
• Comfortable footwear: Those flip flops? Best to leave those at home, as they won’t see much action once you land. Walking is still the best way to explore European cities, but cobblestone streets can be slippery and uneven. Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes with a good grip. If snow’s on the cards, pack a pair of boots.
• Cold-weather extras: Instead of swimsuits, pack winter gear like gloves, scarves, and thermal socks. A wide-brimmed hat may not be necessary, but sunglasses still help during bright, snowy days. Don’t forget moisturiser and sunscreen. Winter sun and wind can still be harsh on your skin!
• Travel accessories: Pack a money belt for use when exploring and keeping your passport, credit card, hotel keys and other essential items safe. A reusable tote bag is helpful for day trips and reduces plastic waste. It also makes a handy daypack for groceries, souvenirs or anything else you pick up on the go.
• First-aid kit: Bring a few Band-Aids and blister pads, handy if you're walking long distances or breaking in new shoes. Europe’s footpaths can get wet or icy in winter, so it's worth being prepared. Insect repellent is also a good idea for hotels or indoor stays where bugs might show up.
• Toiletries: Stick to the basics like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and skincare, packed in travel-sized containers. A toiletry bag or packing cubes will help keep things sorted and easy to grab along the way.

Your carry-on should hold everything you’ll want easy access to, from the time you leave your car to the moment you land in Europe. Here’s what to keep close on a long-haul winter trip:

• Travel essentials: Keep your personal items and valuables like your passport, boarding pass, travel insurance and any medications in your carry-on backpack. Having them close means you're ready for security, and you won't be caught out if plans change mid-journey.
• Electronics and chargers: Outlets aren’t always where you need them, so keep your phone, tablet, or e-reader charged before you board. Long flights and full travel days also mean your devices will work hard. Bring your chargers and a universal adapter made for European sockets. Australia uses Type I plugs, but Europe’s mostly Type C, E or F.
• Reusable water bottle: Long flights and dry cabin air can leave you dehydrated fast, especially on a Melbourne-to-Europe trip with stopovers. Bring a reusable water bottle you can refill after security. It saves you from buying bottled water along the way and cuts down on single-use plastic.
• Clothing cover-up: Flights from Melbourne to Europe can feel cold, especially once you're in the air for several hours. Keep a light scarf or cover-up in your carry-on so you can stay warm during the flight or while waiting between connections.

Yes, you can leave your car at Melbourne Airport in one of several onsite car parks. Whether you’re away for a week or longer, travelling light or with more luggage, these parking options offer convenience and flexibility to match your travel plans. Choose from:

• Value car park: If you’re heading away for a longer European trip, the Value car park offers a budget-friendly option, with entrances just off Airport Drive and Mercer Drive. From there, you can catch a free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes, day and night, to get to the terminals. It’s a practical choice if you don’t mind a short shuttle ride before check-in and want to keep your travel budget in check. Travelling during busy periods or school holidays? Consider booking Value Express, a valet-style service that lets you drop your car off so you can move through departure day a little quicker.
• Terminal car parks: For a quicker walk to check-in, the Terminal car parks put you just minutes from the gates. Ideal for travellers flying international from T2, the Terminal T123 car park connects directly to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via a covered link bridge, letting you park and head straight inside without needing a shuttle. If you’re starting your Euro trip with a domestic flight from Terminal 4, the Terminal T4 car park is just 100 metres from the entrance. With a mix of open-air and undercover spaces, these multi-level car parks offer a convenient option for travellers heading to Europe who want to park close and start their holiday with ease.
• Premium Self Park: Located on Level 1 of both the T123 and T4 car parks, Premium Self Park offers the closest undercover parking bays to the terminals. It’s perfect for travellers who don’t really want to pack light. Staying under cover from the car to check-in means you won’t have to worry about the weather as you start or end your trip.
• Premium Valet: When time’s tight and you want to get straight from your car to check-in, Premium Valet makes it simple. Located on Level 1 of the T123 car park, you just drive in, hand over your keys, and head to the terminal entrances. It’s ideal for travellers carrying extra luggage or those wanting a smooth start to their European trip.
• Qantas Valet: Don’t want to book ahead? Qantas Valet requires no pre-booking. Just drive up to Level 1 of the T123 car park, hand over your keys, and head straight inside. It’s ideal for Qantas flyers, but you don’t need to be flying Qantas to use the service. Qantas Frequent Flyers earn points here too. While you’re away, you can request optional car cleaning so you can come home to a clean car.

PRO TIP: Thinking about renting a car or scooter to explore beyond the cities? Maybe driving through Spain’s countryside or touring France’s coast? Get an International Driving Permit and book your rental early via our Car Rentals page. Before you go, we also recommend checking with your GP to confirm any vaccinations you may need for your destinations.

Parking at Melbourne Airport offers options to suit a range of budgets and needs. The Value car park provides the most cost-effective choice for longer stays, with a shuttle service connecting you to the terminals. For those prioritising convenience, the Terminal car parks offer closer access, balancing ease with competitive pricing.

Premium options, including Premium Self Park, Premium Valet, and Qantas Valet, put you even nearer to check-in, with rates reflecting the added convenience and extra services.

Whichever you choose, Melbourne Airport’s onsite parking gives you the flexibility to match your trip’s length and your personal preferences to your budget. You can check online prices on our booking website. And if you want to stay updated on promotions and exclusive offers, subscribe to Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter or follow us on our socials.

You don’t have to, but pre-boking airport parking removes the guesswork and lets you focus on your trip. Melbourne Airport lets you pre-book parking from as far ahead as 12 months to as late as two hours before arrival, making it easy to fit parking into your travel checklist.

Booking ahead can also make departure day smoother and more predictable because you get:

• More parking choices: Booking early means you can pick the parking option that suits your trip best, whether you’re away for a long holiday, prefer undercover parking, valet, or want to park closest to check-in.
• Better rates: Online bookings offer cheaper prices compared to driving up to the car park on the day, helping you save for your trip.
• Built-in grace period: All online bookings include a grace period. That’s an hour before and after your booking for short stays under four hours, or two hours for longer bookings. This flexibility helps if your Europe trip plans change or your flight schedule shifts.
• Faster entry and exit: Your booking details are stored in the system, so you can enter and leave using the QR code. No need to wait long and pay at the gate.
• Option to add Overstay Guarantee: You can add this when booking online for extra peace of mind. It covers you if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to airline issues, illness, or border restrictions, so you won’t pay extra.

Change of plans? You can modify or cancel your booking through Manage My Booking up to two hours before your scheduled entry time. If you’re already parked, you can extend your booking online before your booked exit time.

Preparing for your European winter trip means thinking ahead and ticking off all the essentials. From packing smart to choosing the right parking option at Melbourne Airport, every step helps make departure day smoother. Don’t forget to book your parking online ahead of time.

When you do, you’ll receive a QR code for fast entry and exit, giving you one less thing to worry about. Keep this alongside your travel documents and use our travel tips to stay organised right up to take-off. With everything in place, you’re all set to enjoy not just your destination but also your journey from Melbourne to Europe.