5 Must-Have Daiso Travel Essentials for Europe (2026)

5 Must-Have Daiso Travel Essentials for Europe

Words & Photos by @jisulowoon

I’m generally not one to dwell on past regrets, but whenever I think back to my college days and that incredible trip to Europe, one major regret always comes to mind.

I was so worried about safety and the stories of petty crime that I ended up being overly cautious and didn’t fully immerse myself in the experience. Looking back, I feel like if I had just packed some of these smart Daiso travel essentials, I would have enjoyed Europe to the fullest.

Daiso has really stepped up its game lately! They offer a huge range of products, and the prices are fantastic, with surprisingly good quality. You can find these items in the travel section of almost any Daiso store.

Here are my top five Daiso travel essential recommendations for your European adventure:

5 Must-Have Daiso Travel Essentials for Europe

1. Travel Locks

My first recommended Daiso travel essential for Europe is a good old-fashioned lock. Europe is notorious for pickpockets and petty theft. There are countless stories of luggage being tampered with, even when briefly left unattended, or checked baggage at the airport being stolen.

Daiso offers a range of locks, typically priced from ~$1 to ~$4. Naturally, the higher the price, the better the quality. But honestly, having any lock on your suitcase, especially when it holds important valuables, provides immense peace of mind.

When I spent two months in Europe during college, I was so paranoid that I actually double-locked my suitcase. I used the built-in lock and then wrapped it with an additional padlock to make it virtually impossible to open. That’s a photo of my actual suitcase! Some might call it excessive, but there’s a reason why locks are consistently ranked as a top travel essential by many experienced travelers.

2. Phone Spring Coil Lanyard

The second Daiso Europe travel essential I recommend is a phone spring coil lanyard. Again, this is largely due to the common concerns about theft and security in Europe. Even today, years after my first trip, almost everyone I know who travels to Europe still buys a phone spring coil lanyard.

I personally used a simple strap, not a spring coil, but if a spring coil had been available back then, it would have been so much more convenient.

3. Universal Travel Adapter

My third Daiso travel essential recommendation is a universal travel adapter. I bought this product over five years ago and still use it regularly for all my international trips. It’s been incredibly useful not just for Europe, but also for Japan and Southeast Asia.

While locks and phone lanyards might be optional depending on your personal comfort level, a universal travel adapter is non-negotiable. Without it, you simply won't be able to charge your electronics overseas. That's why I consider it my number one must-have Daiso travel item!

4. Travel Filter Shower Head

When heading to Europe, a travel filter shower head is another Daiso essential and a true game-changer. I’m speaking from experience: I spent two months living in Europe without one, and my skin completely broke out, causing me problems for a whole year afterward. That was me!

Many parts of Europe have hard water, rich in limestone. If you shower or even brush your teeth with unfiltered hard water, it can lead to skin irritation or other issues. It's definitely something to be mindful of.

5. Cotton Handkerchief

Finally, my personal secret Daiso travel essential is a simple cotton handkerchief. I used it extensively during my European trip and now I always pack a pure cotton handkerchief whenever I’m staying overnight somewhere away from home.

Have you heard about the infamous bed bugs in Europe? Even in accommodations that boasted excellent Google and Naver reviews, claiming no bed bug issues and great sleep, I still ended up getting bitten! Yes, that was me again. While you could carry a bed bug spray and meticulously apply it every night, who has the time and patience for all that hassle?

My simple solution: I just spread a handkerchief over the hotel pillow when I sleep. Then, when I do laundry, I toss the handkerchief into the dryer on high heat for a thorough sanitize. It’s super convenient and effectively eliminates any lingering germs or potential bed bug issues!

My two-month trip to Europe was incredibly happy, but also genuinely regrettable in one aspect: I don't have many photos of my face! I think I was just too scared back then, being so young and far from home.

If only I hadn't ventured out late at night and had simply made good use of these recommended Daiso Europe travel essentials, I would have had a blast without all the worry!

Well, there's no turning back time, but I can certainly make up for it on my next trip. I'm already planning my next European adventure with my husband, and you can bet I'll be packing all five of these Daiso Europe travel essentials!