Travel

The Underrated Essentials You Need For Your Next Long-Haul Euro Holiday

Written by:

Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List NZ

Euro summer FOMO hitting hard? Not on our watch. No, seriously, we’ve got our alarms set—and our city hitlists stacked—to pounce on the suite of Singapore Airlines special fares that just landed for Euro travel in 2026

Auckland Economy Class return airfairs from:

Live from now until 22 September, these deals are proof in the pudding—or should we say, creme-brulée—that early planning is your ticket to a fabulous long-haul holiday next year. 

So, in the spirit of getting the jump on Euro summer prep, we’ve teamed up with Singapore Airlines to bring you the essentials for a seamless journey to your dream destinations.

No viral plug adaptors or neck pillows in sight—just the essentials you *really* need.  

In-Flight Essentials 

The “On The Ground” Bag: The Humble Tote 

Image Credit: Mads Nørgaard | Facebook 

Everyone needs a tote that's easily accessible on a long-haul flight. We're talking a little knapsack with all your ultra essentials that can be neatly tucked underfoot—no mid-flight overhead compartment access required.

Stow your pen, passport, snacks and skincare (more on that soon) and settle in for a rummage-free flight. 

Once landed, take her shopping on Rue De Rivoli’s vintage stores, unfurl it when you go a little too hard at Brussels’ Beaux Arts Museum gift store, or scoop up some weekend farmer’s market finds in Copenhagen. (P.S., you'll look thoroughly local with a Mads Nørgaard sacky).  

A Balm That Does It All 

Image Credit: Ashley & Co | Supplied

Say toodles to in-flight dryness with a Better Balm by Ashley & Co. In-flight, we love lathering it across our face to lock in any in-flight skincare (perfume too!) or pesky dry hands, elbows and hang-nails. On the ground—or rather, after racking up some steps—it restores chapped heels (shudder.) It even smooths hair frizz (looking at you, London rain).

P.S., if Rome’s cobblestones scuff your leather loafers, we’ll have you know it's an excellent leather conditioner too.  

An Everything Spritz


Image Credit: MECCA | Supplied

By golly, those carry-on potions add up. So here’s something that’s (miraculously) both a hydrating spritz and a no-rinse cleansing spray: Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Adaptogens, Coconut Water. Perfect for a post-Paris metro hand refresh, or chafing under the Euro sun, or even cleansing your makeup brushes on the go. 

Layover Essentials 

Quick-Dry Togs 

Image Credit: La Banchina | Website

Make good use of Singapore Changi Airport’s rooftop pool (and your hand-held kilo allowance) and upgrade your togs from checked to carry-on. Fresh air, a quick dip, and a poolside Singapore Sling is in order before you bundle them back in with minimal drippage. We’re big fans of Sea Level’s comfort-first, designed-for-travel pieces.

Rinse and repeat (literally) between sips and sauna at Copenhagen's La Banchina—or any of their perfect summertime canal pools, really.   

A Trusty Pair Of Under-Eye Gels

Image Credit: Mecca | Website

A pint-sized luxury that makes a world of difference to baggage, both physical and under-eye, are eye gel masks—a must for any long-haul luxuriating. 

Our tip? Pop them on as soon as the cabin crew announce landing. By then, the serum has thoroughly seeped in, sending you into the city feeling fresh and put-together. Straight out of Charles De Gaulle's and straight into your Maxim’s reservation.

A Shawl-Slash-Scarf 

Image Credit: Elle + Riley | Website

We know it’s Euro summer we’re planning for, but a versatile shawl gives you mileage, baby. In-flight, it’s an extra pillow, blanket, or just a cosy hug while you settle into a movie. For layovers, it helps regulate the dramatic aircon (plus one less thing to stash in your bag if you schlep it around your neck). 

It’s just as handy when you’ve landed in Europe. Rogue cool spell in Copenhagen? Wrap it around you. Time to cover your shoulders in St Peter's Basilica? You’re sorted. Need to feel a little more polished for a night out at NOMA? Again, wrap it around you and pin it with the brooch you found at the French flea market. 

Once-You’re-There Essentials 

A Moodboard Of Perfectly Prepped Outfits 

Image Credit: Claudia Li via @hope__patterson | Supplied

Overpacking is a serious Euro summer ruiner. No one wants to feel tied down when they’re wearing head-to-toe linen. 

Instead, run your clothing contenders through an outfit sorting app (Smart Closet, Indyx, or even moodboard clippings on Milanote) plan a few days and dinnertime looks and pack only what’s mixable. Better yet, save the looks on your phone to jump straight into your pre-planned ‘fit.  

More space (and time) for goodies from Paris’ many department stores. And who’s going to argue with that? 

Some 'Do-It-All' Skincare 

Image Credit: Prime Skin | Supplied

Not your old-school three-in-one, Prime Skin’s Jelly Plump cleanses, removes makeup and acts as an overnight face mask. Seriously. Better yet, this baby decants beautifully, and a little bit goes a long way. 

A Crease-Free Going Out Top


Image Credit: Knuefermann | Supplied

Versatile clothing is a given when packing for long-haul trips. But crease-free fabric is where it’s at. Hard to find, but absolutely worth the hunt. Slinky, stylish (seriously, stretch it across the shoulders for an evening look), light and breathable, check out the Senna Dress and top from local legend, Knuefermann's. 

Plus, if a hotel's early check-out time creeps up on you, you can scrunch it right back in your bag as you run out the door. No one will be any wiser when you're looking chic at dinner in the next city over. 

The Pre-Pumped Skincare

skincare bag

Here’s a game-changer for decanting creams and cleansers:

One: Set a calendar reminder that matches the length of your trip. 30-day return trip planned? Set the reminder 30 days before your flight. 

Two: From now on, every time you do your skincare routine, decant the same amount you’re using into a smaller pottle. That way, you’ll take the *exact amount* of skincare with you. All the more space for Puces De Saint Ouen trinkets in Paris.

Ready to get booking for Euro summer 2026? To check out Singapore Airlines' comprehensive list of early bird deals, head to the website here. Terms and Conditions apply. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Singapore Airlines and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.

Hero Image Credit: Mads Nørgaard via @heatharmonydk | Instagram

 

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