Europe - What to Pack?

[Gatsby]

DH and I are taking our first trip to Europe in March. We've bought the most important things already - pretty leather writing journal and extra memory cards for the camera ;)

What else do we need to make sure we pack and purchase for the trip?

What kinds of clothes/shoes should we pack?

What kind of bag/luggage is the easiest to take along?

I'm horrible about over-packing, so I'm hoping this thread can help me narrow it down.

Thanks for your help!

[Hello Kitty]

Going to italy, what to bring (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3284&highlight=) might help, not to say that Italy is the be all end all of Europe ;) but there are definitely a lot of good clothing tips.

As far as luggage, it depends on where and how you are travelling. Personally, I love my North Face backpack (not daypack) because it's so easy to schlep around. We went with a big wheeled suitcase and my pack, and I much prefer my pack. The only downside is that I look like a poor college student in transit, but that's not really my concern. Good luck and have fun! :D

[Rosebud]

Especially if you're going to multiple destinations, I highly recommend going carry on only so you don't end up without your luggage. Also, if you're getting on and off trains and such, you'll be really glad you don't have a ton of big bags to lug around. When going to Europe, I usually take one rolling carry-on size suitcase and a small backpack that will fit under my seat. Only what I can easily carry on my own.

I bring three or four pairs of pants that will all coordinate with one pair of black walking shoes. You will find places to wash clothes along the way, which is way better than carrying around too much stuff. In March it will be chilly. I'd bring several sweaters, with t-shirts to layer underneath. Also gloves and a scarf. Bring one coat and wear it on the plane so it doesn't take up space in your luggage. For special dinners out, I'll bring one nicer top and one pair of heels to pair with one of the pants I've brought along. Reasonably, this should all fit into one carry on size suitcase. Then, I use the backpack for toiletries, guide books/journal, camera, etc.

As for shoe recommendations, there's a good thread about that somewhere... maybe it's in the Italy packing thread? I highly recommend Merrell shoes, which I find to be the most comfortable for all that walking. Ecco shoes are great as well.

[Amuse Bouche]

I think it's really tough with all the liquid restrictions to just bring carryons, but I agree with Rosebud that it's a good idea to pack light. Make sure you have COMFORTABLE walking shoes, and most urban areas are dressier than lots of America (except some of the urban areas, of course), so you might want to take chinos instead of jeans, and at least one outfit you can wear to a nice restaurant. Take stuff to layer, make sure you have warm enough clothes, take voltage adapters if you have any electrics, and washcloths if you like them, because they're not as easy to find there in hotels.

[tlew12778]

I agree with the one main bag and one day pack. When DH and I travel together, we have two main bags (one each) and one carry on day pack.

[thedoorchick]

Just bring travel sizes of shampoo or whatever, and you should be fine with carry-ons. I travel every week (not to Europe, but regardless...) and never check a bag.

[laura]

From reading your other thread, it seems like you are going to be spending a lot of time on trains and in transit. I would recommend a bag more like this than a typical suitcase:

http://www.discountluggage.com/shop/images/vic_medstand.jpg

Plus some kind of carry-on type bag. We took large wheeled upright suitcases to Italy b/c we were going to be there ~10 days and it sucked lugging them around everywhere. I wish I would have had both a smaller and a more portable bag b/c it would have forced me to pack more efficiently.

[ambam]

I would def. take a money belt. I took one the last 2 times I went to Europe.

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneybelt.htm

[Gatsby]

Thanks, everyone!

We are on the lookout for bags similar to laura's post. Looks perfect! I'm not too worried about looking like a college student or anything either, Seb's Kitty. Mostly just want comfort and ease! Oh, and I've decided to just buy some shampoo/etc... when we get there since our first stop is at SIL's house.

Keep the suggestions coming - you have no idea how extremely helpful you've been to this first timer :D

[dreamgirly]

We took a trip last May/June for 2 wks and backpacked it the whole way. We went to France, Germany, and England.

We used Kelty backpacks, packed enough for 1 week and hit the laundromat 1/2 way through our trip. A few things were indispensible to me:
-a scarf that could double as a wrap for evening (although in March it will be colder than it was in May)
-a heavy sweater
-a good raincoat that was compact - we got ours from LL bean, they fold up and fit in the palm of your hand w/ a zipper holder.
-good walking shoes
-flipflops for showers
-money pouch that we wore on the inside of our clothes - held passports, money, credit card, etc. Definitely came in handy when we found ourselves lost in a shady part of Paris.
-a small bag that can hold a camera, random small things you may pick up at the local shops, and a map.

Have fun!!!

[LIZNKEITH]

I second getting a good backpack with a removeable daypack. It sounds like you'll be constantly moving and I think it will be easy to manuever in the busy train stations. Also, make sure it's something you can "strap down" on a train to prevent against theft. Our friends didn't take heed to our warnings and had their camera bag with camera, video camera, film, and pictures stolen off the train.

My travel staples were a pair of khaki's, a pair of black yoga pants, a pair of khaki shorts, assorted shirts, one dressy outfit that covered shoulders (for going in to cathedrals, restaurants, etc), a pair of comfortable semi dressy sandals and a pair of comfortable hiking shoes (I had a pair of Lowa's, but the others mentioned are also good), a rain poncho or similar type jacket, and a money pouch. I'm also notorious for overpacking so it was hard to narrow down. But like the others have said, there are plenty of laundrymats along the way.

[laura]

I forgot to say, when we went to Italy, my husband wore one of those wallets inside his clothes type of things, but I carried this Kipling bag for a day bag:

http://a1472.g.akamaitech.net/f/1472/124/4h/img.ebags.com/is/image/im0/12140_1_1?&op_sharpen=1&qlt=80,1&hei=249&wid=249

and it was great b/c it had an adjustable strap so I could wear it over my body and it was large enough to carry my wallet, personal stuff, etc but also my camera, any maps, whatever else we needed, plus the front flap latches closed and the compartments inside the bag also zipper closed. I just threw a wristlet in my suitcase for an 'evening' bag when I didn't want a bulky pack and called it good - that was definitely one of my packing successes!

[Annette]

My husband bought a Pacsafe waist pack for our Italy trip and it was great. We were able to lock up the camera, tickets and money in there. I wore a moneybelt, but the waist pack was definitely more versatile. Looks like they also have purses and backpacks.

http://www.pac-safe.com/media/product/product_image/normal/1549_19_2300_black_anti-theft.jpg

Convertible pants also come in handy especially if you're not sure how warm the weather's going to get.

Travel size toilet paper and handiwipes are also good to bring along.

I highly recommend only taking carryon luggage (rollerbag). We found that in Italy, there really aren't too many escalators or elevators in most places, including the train stations, so it was much easier taking luggage that can easily be carried up and down steps and rolled thru the streets of Italy.

Order Euros ahead of time, that way you don't need to worry about changing money right away.

[tlew12778]

Actually you will generally get the best exchange rate using a credit card (for purchases). You can also take money out using your regular ATM card so long as you check with your bank that it can be used internationally. I never ever change money beforehand at banks bc they give you a horrendous FX rate, plus charge you a commission.

Discover is not accepted outside of the US and Mexico. Also, while Amex and Diner's are accepted, MC and Visa are more common.

[Gatsby]

Hi! And thanks to everyone for the information/advice/tips/etc... Our trip is only about two months away - It's going to be hear quickly!!

We bought rolling backpack luggage, similar to what laura posted. I'm thinking it will be too small for DH (he's a pretty tall guy and his clothes take up a lot more space than mine). He's going to do a test pack and see how it goes. We also picked up some nice inflatable travel pillows for the plane and trains.

Thanks for the info about the exchange and credit cards; we are definitely planning on using the credit card moreso than euros.

Oh, and travel size handiwipes/tp - I never would have thought of that! Thanks!!

[vancouvergirl]

Random thought: If you carry an Epi-Pen you will need a notarized letter from your doctor in order to carry it on the plane with you. We have had the flight attendant hold ours up front once and other times we were allowed to hold on to it.

[Rosebud]

I'm going to Ireland next month and can't decide what kind of day bag to bring.

Normally, when I go to Europe I just carry a tote/purse around in the cities, just like I would at home. Just large enough for money/ID, camera, a guidebook, etc. However, in Ireland we're going to be in the countryside most of the time. We're going to be dressed casually, hopping in and out of the car a lot. And I assume it will be raining quite a bit of the time and I won't want an open-topped bag.

I was thinking about a small day-pack. I don't need to carry much, but I want to be able to carry the bag on a short hike, around town, and in the rain. And I don't want to look hideously touristy/unfashionable. Any ideas?

I've looked at the following but don't really have any opinions yet:

Sherpani backpack (http://www.shop.com/op/~Sherpani_Alpina_Capri_Women's_Backpack-prod-11035897-16938976?sourceid=298)
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/survivor/sherpani.jpg

Timbuk2 Waterproof tote (http://www.ebags.com/products/index.cfm?modelid=66525&sourceid=GOOGFEED01)
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/survivor/tote.jpg

REI Day Bag (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48113699&parent_category_rn=4501699&vcat=REI_SSHP_WOMENS_GEAR_TOC)
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/survivor/daybag.jpg

[tlew12778]

Well the good thing about a backpack is that you can make DH carry it too.

[lil_geek]

I really like sling style packs. Because in really crouded areas, hopping on and off busses you can slide it under your arm around to the front.

I am checking out this on Saturday

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Packs/5006495s_v1_m56577569830553810.jpg (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444258 7769&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699713&bmUID=1173802788679)

I really like this tooo.. but it is too small for my camera and the other things I anticipate carrying (water, light jacket/sweater)

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Packs/5001497s_v1_m56577569830597354.jpg (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444241 9239&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699713&bmUID=1173802788681)

(They are from a place in toronto... they do ship to the US but it's a bit expensive)

[Rosebud]

I really like the size & style of that last one! What company does that come from?

You know... I hadn't thought about stashing a rain coat in my bag, but maybe I'd want to. Maybe I should be looking at a bigger backpack. Hmmm...

[lil_geek]

The company is called Mountain Equipment Co-op.....if you click on it, it will take you to the page. But it's hard to say if the exchange and shipping cost will work in your favour. That bag is only $20... which is WAY cheaper then the one I fell in love with that someone else posted here for me!! Definalty think of a rain jacket/umbrella..... we were in Scotland/London 2 years ago and had one day it POURED the entire day!

[scubasam]

I've been looking for a good backpack/sling type of bag for England/Poland trip I'm taking in a few weeks and I love all of the bags you guys posted! It made me remember that I already have this one that has worked really well for us on trips so I think I will use it instead of buying something new that looks almost identical. Yes, it's technically a diaper bag but it's got an insulated pocket for a drink and lots of great pockets for cameras, etc. It's also really comfortable to carry all day and isn't any bigger than other regular backpacks I've looked at. Just thought I'd post it as another alternative...especially since it's only $29.99:

http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2789496reg.jpg

[Rosebud]

I still haven't decided on a backpack, but I did just buy these Merrell boots for my Ireland trip.

Merrell Spire Zip Waterfroop Boots (http://www.merrellboot.com/Shop/Detail.aspx?NavID=FT-TW-BOT&PID=11513)

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/survivor/th_merrell.jpg

I have the same style in a shoe as well and have worn them all over Europe. They're the most comfortable things ever!
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/survivor/merrell2.jpg
But for Ireland, where we'll be in the countryside a lot more and probably in the rain as well, I thought a boot would keep out the wet a little better.

[lil_geek]

Rosebud... those are very similar to my (cheaper and no name!) boots I wore last time in the UK. Wedge heal boot... then it doesn't matter what colour my socks are! They look way nicer then runners and they were SUPER comfy!!

I still have them but they are getting rough looking. Hoping some shoe polish will get them through this trip. Then it may be time to part :( (it also will likley be warmer on this trip so I'm not sure how mu feet will do in pants and boots....)

[looch]

Spring is upon us, and I am getting ready for a week in Germany in late april, early may. The main issue I am having so far is with a coat or jacket. What would be the right weight to wear? I'll be primarily in the cities, so I don't want something too sporty. Any ideas are appreciated.

[tlew12778]

I think it will depend on where in Germany. I think (IIRC) that the weather is very extreme like in France. Down south it's almost Mediterranean, while up north it can get very cold.

[looch]

Munich and Berlin. Today's temps were in the 60s, which would still prompt me to wear a jacket. I don't want to get one of those quilted jackets, they're everywhere and have been for the last few seasons, but maybe it's the best choice?

[bookworm]

Looch, do you have a short trench? I'd probably go with that, then adjust layers under it as needed.

[looch]

I do have a short trench I could wear. I never even thought of it, I usually wear it to work! Thanks for the suggestion!

[HeatherFL]

I leave for my England/France trip tomorrow! Don't forget to pack converters and adapters if you need them! I purchased a blowdryer in Barcelona last November very inexpensively and it was a great investment, but if you're traveling with laptops or anything like that don't forget your converters and so forth! :)

~H.

[designer]

Italy in late May :
Would you pack sandals or closed-toe shoes - or both....
Do I need a coat...How about a rain jacket? Or do you think I'd be fine with just a cardigan/light sweater?

[lil_geek]

we JusT got back... Italy was warm (between 70 and 85 while we were there). Our first 2 days in rome i wore closed toe shoes and was SO hot... after that is was sandals all the time. i had a sweater, spring coat (which i wore once) and umbrella(which i used once). So come late may I would expect it to be even hotter

[tlew12778]

It just got HOT. I was dieing today in jeans and a t-shirt. I was so tempted to return home and change into capris and a tank.

I would bring a light coat in case it rains, but you'd probably do the same in the US in the summer. You'll probably also be ok with a light sweater, but if you are planning on going on any boats, you might want a coat as a windbreaker.

[Sashi]

Thanks for all the great updates on the weather. Our trip is 2 weeks away (May 2 - May 19). I'm nervous because I went shopping for shoes today and can't seem to find a decent pair of walking sandals that are *me* but also functional.

[laura]

We went in late May to Italy and I don't remember what I wore for a *jacket* - not sure if I had one? - but I remember I wore my sweater hoodie most evenings. We took umbrellas b/c rain was forecast, and it did rain 1 day in Rome so it was good we had them. I would personally not waste space w/ a raincoat, but I don't even own one, so use your judgement. For shoes, I would take sandals and closed toe shoes - whatever you would be wearing at home in early summer, pretty much. If I went right now, I would take: a couple of cardigans, a light jacket, flip flops, 2 pairs of sandals, my Puma sneakers, and a pair of ballet flats. I would consider purchasing a pair of mary jane style walking shoes from a company like Merrell, etc, but I am paranoid about buying new shoes for a vacation, so in the end I would probably skip it.

[designer]

I'm nervous because I went shopping for shoes today and can't seem to find a decent pair of walking sandals that are *me* but also functional.

I totally agree!!! I normally wear flip flops- but I'm looking for a good walking sandal with a bit more support- and maybe a strap around the heel...and they all look "old lady-like" to me...haha! Maybe I'd be fine with a slide or a flip flop...I'm just worried about getting something comfortable. Let me know what you find or end up getting...I need all the suggestions I can get!!!!


If I went right now, I would take: a couple of cardigans, a light jacket, flip flops, 2 pairs of sandals, my Puma sneakers, and a pair of ballet flats. I would consider purchasing a pair of mary jane style walking shoes from a company like Merrell, etc, but I am paranoid about buying new shoes for a vacation, so in the end I would probably skip it.

WOW..that's a lot of shoes :) I would love to take that many - but I'm really trying to pack light - one carry-on size suitcase....so I'm trying to limit myself to one pair of sandals and maybe one closed toe pair of shoes. Any suggestions for comfortable, yet "trendy" shoes? I'm looking for something that will look good with short skirts too.

[lil_geek]

I found that all the sandlas in Italy looked old ladyish! So don't worry!! And we never saw one 'local' in anything less then jeans, boots, a shirt and jacket... even when it was hot!

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:xH8z63NFr2AosM:http://207.236.61.38/MainServer/items/images/34690.jpg

I wore a pair of black clarks, very comfy. A lot of people on our trip rotated between 2 pairs, including basic old navy $5 flip flops! When we were in Rome we did SO much walking that I don't think any shoe would really be amazing!

ETA: If you want to bring back any wine... you will need to pack it in your checked baggage... so you may want to think of bringing a normal sized suitcase

[laura]

WOW..that's a lot of shoes I would love to take that many - but I'm really trying to pack light - one carry-on size suitcase....so I'm trying to limit myself to one pair of sandals and maybe one closed toe pair of shoes.

Well, we went for 10 days and I only took 3 pairs of shoes to try to "pack light" and I regretted it the entire time. Plus I always just wear the largest pair of shoes (probably the sneakers) and the rest pack tightly. I'm like a magician when it comes to packing! ;)

I would recommend ballet flats for closed toes to go w/ skirts or pants, but that is what I find comfortable, and I realize not everyone does. For walking, I would recommend wearing what you normally wear. If that's flip flops, then I implore you to at least TAKE a pair with you. After shoes #1 gave me terrible bleeding blisters the first day and shoes #2's strap broke the first night I wore them, I was pretty much stuck with flip flops the rest of our trip and it was completely fine. They are what I normally wear anyway, so it was no big deal. They weren't AS dressy as I would have liked for some dinners, but they worked in a pinch (plus I had no other option - I even tried to buy some shoes but I couldn't find any I liked).

[Sashi]

I'm wondering if Puma's are too casual/tennis sneaker-y? And since I've never owned a paid I was thinking that they weren't going to be good for walking because they don't have much of a sole to them?

[Geranium]

Sashi, I don't think Puma's would be to casual but I would be hesitant bring any kind of shoe you're not used to wearing.

I had a horrible time finding good walking sandals for our trip this year. My requirements were that they needed to be a neutral color, needed to have a strap in the back, and needed to be a soft leather. I checked Nordstroms, Walking Co., DSW, and every shoe store I came across with out any luck. I finally found these at JC Pennny's of all places:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/Geranium_Bloom/3832-290991-d.jpg

I know Clarks are hit or miss with a lot of people but I've found that the more classic styles tend to be the most comfortable. Also, I always make sure they are "made in Italy" because the Clarks made in China tend to be less comfortable.

[Sashi]

What about birkenstock's? I know it's a little casual but they are certainly comfortable? I don't know, I'm pretty used to wearing backless sandals but I don't know how that would work if I'm 'sweaty' and walking around (I hope not to be but don't think the weather will be forgiving).

[laura]

My MIL wore birkenstocks all around Italy, but I would not recommend them if you don't normally wear them, b/c I hear they take some breaking in.

I don't think Pumas would be too casual for just walking around, especially not in a darker color (ie. not white). I have olive green ones on today at work with khakis and (IMO!) I look casual but put together. But I do love my Pumas an unnatural amount, so you may not want to take my word for it! Also, my favorite shoe is a flip flop, so clearly I do not require much support, but I don't find the low sole a problem at all. I find them very comfortable, almost like slippers, and so does my mom (she bought them after seeing mine) and my husband (though his are a slightly different style, but he is very high needs about footwear & he loves the puma). You would think I sell them ;), but I swear I don't!

When I went to Italy, I bought a pair of mary jane style walking shoes from one of those companies like Born or Merrell, I forget. They looked sort of like this, except less sporty as they were brown leather:

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/Product/SwatchMedium/11/_5347911.jpg

Ultimately I ended up returning them before the trip b/c I was afraid it was a mistake since I hadn't walked in them before, but they would have been fine for walking around. If you do buy something new, though, be sure you give yourself plenty of time to walk in them before you go so you know they won't be killing you after an hour. If that happens, trust me, you won't care WHAT the shoes look like, you'll just want something comfortable.

[Sashi]

I bought a few pairs of shoes to take with me. A pair of clog-type Merrells with a mesh top, a pair of Teva flip flops (could not resist the comfiness!), and I will bring a pair of black nine west sandals I have and love and possibly my crocs just to wear around the hotel.