Eurotravel Planner

Section: Packing for Europe

Next Section: Packing List.

We spend months and years dreaming about our perfect trip. Yet, for some reason it's not until the honk of the taxi's horn that we begin packing! Why? Dunno.

• What should I wear?
• What bag should I use?
• How much should I bring?
• Is it okay to wear casual clothes in Europe?
• Do I need all my electronics? (alarm clock, iPod, digital camera, watches, CD players, computers, cell phones...)

My first tip: Europe isn't a 3rd world country. If you really need it, you can buy it there.

Books have been written on the topic of packing for international vacation trips. In fact, Rough Guides' 1st Time Europe book spends 30 pages on packing and still doesn't cover everything. Then again, a recent article on Yahoo! entitled "Pack Smart" is under 1/2 a page...

Let's start by focusing on practical stuff. I prefer backpack travel (also known as one-bag travel) as it keeps me limited to what I can take and keeps me very light on my feet, both great traits for fun experiences in Europe. I can unpack and pack in only a few minutes, so changing cities (hotels) doesn't become an umpleasant chore.

What to wear?
When planning for sartorial elegance, remember that you are on vacation. Consider leaving coats and jackets behind, especially during July and August.

You can enter almost any shop, museum or restaurant in Europe without a tie, coat or jacket (yes, this can even include the opera). Europe is very understanding of the limited space a traveler has, and only the snootiest of restaurants would have you feeling uncomfortable. In fact, I've never found one. The only restrictions I've ever seen regards covering your shoulders (and sometimes knees) when entering some cathedrals.

Women have an extra advantage during summer. I'm jealous of their ability to roll up a few skirts and be done with packing, whereas my underwear probably take up more room then a woman's outfit!

We'll get into more specifics on clothing items in the packing list below.

How much to pack?
Generally, packing for several months is the same as that for a 1-2 week trip. Just assume you'll be washing every 5-8 days. So, 5-8 underpants, 5-8 pairs of socks, 2-3 pairs of pants, 5 shirts, 2 pairs of shoes (in case one pair gets wet) or get a pair of sandals, etc.

Extend times between laundromats or room-service laundry use by washing some clothes every couple of days. Bring a small bottle of Woolite and a sink plug for your room sink.

As for all the other goodies you'll want to pack, think first about whether you'll reallllly use them or not. I don't even bother to bring a book anymore, unless it's a paperback I can read and then leave on the plane. I've found I'm too busy sightseeinig and chatting with friends to read.

We'll get into more specifics on packing miscellaneous stuff below. However, use the general guide that if you think you might need it, considering leaving it behind -- and remember, you can always buy it in Europe if it turns out you can't live without it. This philosophy has kept many items at home for me, and I've never missed any of it.

Packing list from my 3-week October EuroTrip
Packing List

More packing resources
Eagle Creek (backpack company) does a pretty good packing checklist. Just remember that you don't need everything! Europe's not a 3rd world country, most of the stuff you'll need is there. A few days before you leave, do a full packing, then see what you can discard.

Another good site is: www.onebag.com I won't bother to tell you that you're going to bring too much - I've found that no matter what I tell everyone, they always do, it's human nature. I did my first trip!

Finally, check Rick Steves' personal packing list for what he packs while doing 3 months in Europe!

Remember - you can buy it in Europe if it's that critical!

Next Section: The Packing List.