(Suggested)
PACKING LIST
The key is to pack light and keep it basic; extra weight will wear you down and slow your pace. As you’re packing, think about how long you’ll be gone for and then ask yourself do you really need items X, Y and Z and do you really wanna lug ’em around from country to country, city to city. Ideally, you want about one-third of your bag to be empty to accommodate souvenirs or other miscellaneous items accrued while abroad.
Note: Anything you absolutely must have upon landing (e.g. prescription drugs, toiletries, extra pair of undies/socks) pack into your carry-on bag -- not your checked luggage!
The following is a suggested packing list. Bring...
One pair of jeans
One pair of lightweight cotton pants
4-5 shirts (or, another option, forget the cotton pants and pack only 2-3 shirts. While abroad buy a few shirts and a pair of cargo-style pants to add a touch of Euro pizzazz to your wardrobe. What’s more, these garments make for a nice remembrance of your trip. In Germany and Austria, for example, “H&M” fashion stores offer good value. Each city typically has at least one outlet that is located in the Old Town pedestrian shopping zone).
One pair of shorts; perfect for hikes, hot days, to lounge around in, and for guys it can double as a swimsuit.
6-7 pairs of underwear, socks. (How many times do you want to wash clothes per week? I figure once.) Note: Bring a large-sized (preferably sealable) plastic bag to store your dirty clothes in.
Comfortable shoes. (Make sure they are absolutely worn in before you leave. If they’re new, and suddenly you find yourself walking across European towns and cities from site to site, your feet will ache with pain!)
Sandals/flip flops (avoid going barefoot on hotel floors and in showers).
Sunglasses (but preferably cheap ones in case you lose ’em).
Light, water-resistant jacket, or heavier if wintertime.
Hand gloves and scarf if going in winter.
Towel: Travelers spending every night in a hotel won’t need to bring a towel. However, travelers spending the night in a pension, B&B, or a hostel should bring either a travel towel (compact, absorbent space-age fabric that dries ultra fast) or an old towel that can be left behind to allow for the extra space needed for souvenirs and things acquired along the way.
Liquid soap: Rather than a bar of soap, travel with a handy squeeze bottle of liquid soap (that you may want to put in a Ziplock-type bag to separate from the rest of your gear).
Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush (and plastic tube container to store it), dental floss, deodorant, razor, liquid soap, tampons, etc. (consider using a Ziplock-type bag to separate these items from the rest of your gear).
Shampoo/conditioner, small travel-size; (use a Ziplock-type bag to separate these items from the rest of your gear).
Self-compiled survival kit containing aspirin, Band-Aids, ChapStick, ear plugs, a few packets of tissues, small travel-sized container of sunscreen and moisturizer. (Consider using a Ziplock-type bag to separate these items from the rest of your gear.)
Passport: Don’t forget your passport! And double check that it will not expire while you’re on the road (and a short while beyond your intended stay in case of an emergency, e.g. the Icelandic volcano which forced vacationers to stay abroad a week longer than originally planned).
Money: Don’t forget your credit and debit cards. And call your bank/issuer beforehand to let them know you’ll be using the cards overseas (customer service number is on back of card). If you do not notify your bank/issuer, chances are your account will be frozen when they see transactions coming in from abroad. For more info on this topic, click here.
Adaptor; voltage converter: For more info on these two items, click here.
Mini alarm clock (but if you’re traveling with a phone you can utilize its alarm).
Camera, lenses, film: bring a good quality digital camera and extra memory storage. (If you max out the memory, however, many Internet cafés are able to burn your pictures to a disk.) An excellent photography site to shop is B&H Film, Tape & Media.
Adventure novel to read during downtime. If you’re a big reader, bring extra material, preferably that thick paperback you’ve been meaning to read for months.
Drink/water bottle. Consider reusing the disposable plastic bottle you bought on the road. (At the airport, as you know, you’re not allowed to bring a bottle of water beyond the security check but an empty bottle is allowed that you can then fill on the other side.)
Daypack: Use a small backpack, or carry bag, to stow all your must-haves (e.g. camera, picnic goodies, water bottle, souvenirs, maps, tourist info, etc) while you mosey about town for the day.
Student ID: If you’re a college student, bring a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for discounts. Many cashiers only accept this ID card. Other cashiers, however, aren’t bothered and will equally accept your official campus ID. But to be sure: Save $100s. Spend $22 - Buy an International Student ID Card.
NOTE: If you do forget something from your packing list, don’t panic, you can typically buy it on the road. You’d be surprised what name brands, or products, you can buy these days in the most unlikely of places.
(See Comments at the bottom of the page and feel free to add one of your own!)
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Money belt (this should really be an essential item on the packing list but not everybody is used to wearing one).
Nightshirt (for gals).
Sweatpants to sleep, or lounge around, in. (Depending on your person, sweatpants are a must-bring for wintertime.)
Swimsuit
Sweatshirt/pullover
Black dress: While not necessary for the casual tourist, some gals may choose to pack the out-on-the-town black dress and appropriate shoe-wear.
Comb/brush
Visor/hat
Journal to document your travels.
Language translation book
Sewing kit
Travel iron
Liquid detergent soap to hand wash your underwear, socks, light shirts, etc. Laundromats in Europe are somewhat expensive. Note: If you do plan on washing light articles of clothing in hotel sinks, bring a stopper or small rubber ball or something similar because many sinks are plugless! Also, bring a large-sized (preferably sealable) plastic bag to store your dirty or damp clothes in.
TSA-friendly luggage lock: The theory behind this lock is the TSA (Transport Security Administration) has the key to open it and therefore won’t have to cut it if a spontaneous baggage search is ordered. I use TSA-friendly locks and haven’t had any problems -- knock on wood. That said, I’ve heard a few stories from travelers who have used the TSA lock and it was still cut open. Hmm.
Hostel sheets: If you’re planning on staying in hostels, occasionally you will be charged extra (few euros) to rent sheets, but if you have your own set you may be able to avoid the charge. Consider bringing a cheap sleep sack ($5-10), often available at super stores like Walmart or Target.
Multifunctional camping knife (with spoon, fork, corkscrew, etc) for picnics and whatnot. (And pack it into your checked luggage, not your carry-on.)
Compact umbrella, or just use your jacket.
Music device, like an iPod.
Deck of playing cards
Motion sickness remedy
Travel insurance: Consider buying travel insurance. What if you experience major flight delays, lost luggage, or there’s a medical emergency? The following link is a good start to finding a respected provider: Free Travel Insurance Quotes from Travel Guard.
IMPORTANT
Don’t forget your medications! And, if possible, keep them in their original containers so (if necessary) you can readily provide the name of the drug and the dose. Bring ample medications to cover the entire trip and any possible delays; (think Icelandic volcano which forced vacationers to stay abroad a week longer than originally planned).
Don’t forget your contact lenses with sufficient supplies. If you have a pair of glasses, it’s not a bad idea to bring them just in case. Make sure you know your prescription (glasses/contacts) so any necessary replacements can be made easily and quickly.
Don’t bring clothes that bleed!
Leave expensive jewelry behind, especially if you’re traveling through Southern Europe!
Consider making photocopies of your important documents (e.g. passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, medical info, international driver’s license, etc.) as a back-up in case a problem arises. What’s better, if you’re computer savvy, scan the documents and email them to your Inbox.
Confirm your first night’s hotel reservation to avoid any lodging hassles after landing.
AND SO…with all the pre-travel formalities checked off, you can now close your cases (zip your bags), set ’em by the door, and begin the countdown to your journey of a lifetime!
COMMENTS
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