If you’re planning your first European vacation, you’re almost certainly wondering what to pack. This is understandable, and is to be expected. You’re traveling far from home, and to a location that is totally unknown to you. How could you possibly know what you might need? Experienced travelers will tell you to pack lightly, which is good advice, but may make your dilemma even more confusing. You’ll have to decide what is important enough to bring and what to leave behind. If you’re facing this quandary, here are a few simple guidelines to help you plan what to fill your suitcases with on your trip to Western Europe.
- Start early. This is a good rule to follow no matter where you’re traveling, but especially on a longer trip like this one. The last thing you want is to be running around at the last minute, tossing items into your suitcase at random. Resist the urge to procrastinate, plan and pack early.
- Consider your destination. It helps to know a little about what’s considered normal clothing in the area you’re going to. In Western Europe, you’ll find that casual clothing is a little dressier than what you’d expect to see in the U.S. Skip the shorts, sweats, and sneakers. Choose clothing in neutral colors that can be dressed up with scarves or jewelry, or left alone to look more casual. Take things that you can mix and match. Looking like a tourist will make you vulnerable to pickpockets, so choose clothes that will help you blend in a little better. Be prepared for any kind of weather including rain or cooler temperatures. Comfortable shoes are a must. To make more room in your suitcase, you can roll two or three items together. You would be surprised how this helps with preventing wrinkles. Pack your socks or other small items inside of your shoes.
- Electrical equipment. Europe’s electrical system is different than ours. Theirs runs on 220 volts, as opposed to our 110. If you don’t want to send sparks flying and end up melting the plugs to your laptop, camera or cell phone charger, hair dryer, or any other device you bring with you, you’ll want to get a converter. To make the matter more confusing, outlets in different countries are not necessarily going to be the same, so you may need an adapter as well. You can buy adapter kits that have the right configuration for every Western European location.
- Shop with the locals. Unless there is some specific toiletry item that you absolutely must use, you’re better off saving the suitcase space and leaving those items at home. Remember that in Western Europe, the locals all use soap, shampoo, lotion, etc, just like you do. Save some space by picking those items up as you need them along the way. This way, you may even find a favorite new product to bring back home.
- Pack a small tote bag that you can use as a day bag while on your trip. It comes in handy for shopping at local markets, carrying snacks and water and your camera. It’s also a good place to keep a few small bills or change so if you go to purchase something inexpensive like a gelato, you don’t have to take our your entire wallet and call attention to how much money you have on you.
You’ll also want to remember to check for the most current rules on the TSA site, to see what you’re allowed to carry on. The rules change, so make sure your information is up-to-date. And they will confiscate your items if they aren’t allowed, so try not to push the envelope. Remember, the wonderful trip you’re about to have is going to begin at the airport. Happy packing!
