First Time Europe Traveller!!!

I'll limit my comments to your non-Mediterranean destinations. During that time frame, the weather is usually quite pleasant. Temperatures are mild and not too warm. There may be some bouts of cooler weather, but a sweater and light jacket should be enough. For rain, it usually falls slowly and steadily, unlike the sudden intense torrents that drier climates experience. Unless you plan to hike for hours on end, a small folding umbrella is enough.

Ashley, As this is your first trip to Europe, I would highly recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip. It provides a lot of good information on "how" to travel in Europe. The country-specific Guidebooks provide more specific information on sightseeing, transportation, hotels, restaurants, etc. As Tom mentioned, the weather is usually quite nice at that time of year, but it's a good idea to prepare for rain. With other clothing, pack to allow for "layering" and that should be adequate. Be sure to keep the "pack light" philosophy in mind when you're working on your packing list. Are you planning to check luggage during flights? it appears that you're planning to visit seven countries in a 30-day time frame, or an average 4.25 days per country with no allowance for travel times. Am I reading this correctly? Each time you change locations will require a minimum of half a day, and sometimes a full day. Good luck with your planning!

thank you both so much for your replies!! we are planning to travel those countries but Germany and The Netherlands are more side trips. we have included travel time between destinations especially between italy and Germany and Greece to Italy. it is funny that you mention "through the back door" as i was just looking it! we are not checking any luggage...we will be literally living on our backs! we're going to be packing very light with the idea of the best situation in mind. i just get concerned about if i want at least one skirt, should i look for one that covers the knee as to respect local sites and churches? also, the layering is a great suggestion! as i need to get new cardigans as it is :) i do appreciate everything anyone responds with!!

also, for knowing what type of materials to pack, when it comes to pants shirts and such.. what are quick drying materials? i would love to know what i need to look for on labels :)

Pick one color palette as well - everything should mix & match. Lightweight fabrics that can easily be washed out in a sink and will dry overnight. A pashmina is a very versatile item - it can be a pillow or blanket or cover your shoulders when entering churches.

Ashley, we have monthly meetings in Sacramento of people from this Helpline. You might consider joining us as we can help you with many aspects of your trip. We are all experienced European travelers and would love to help you make this a trip of a lifetime for you. We meet on the third Saturday of each month, so this month the meeting will be on the 15th. If you scroll through the heading General Europe for Sacramento Meeting you will find the meeting details.

Ashley, ditto Andrea. I am also a member of the Sacramento RS group. Come on by. As for visiting the churches, cathedrals and basilicas, you might have to have your knees and shoulders covered. The larger churches, and some smaller ones, have people at the door that will turn you away if your clothing doesn't look appropriate to them.

Ashley, Regarding your question about clothing for Churches, that's definitely something you'll need to consider, especially in Italy. In addition to covering knees, you'll also need to cover shoulders in many cases. I've seen what can happen to those that don't observe the rules and it's not nice! It was late when I posted my other reply, so I didn't think to mention the Sacramento HelpLine group. Attending a meeting or two would be an excellent idea, especially as its your first trip. Be sure to read the "Rail Skills" chapter in ETBD carefully. There are some potentially expensive pitfalls to be aware of in Italy. Are you planning to use a Railpass? I can't offer any advice on clothing materials or labels, but I'm sure you'll get lots of good suggestions from others on the HelpLine. Cheers!

If you need help with trains, Larry can be of much help to you. We can also give you tips about appropriate clothing and how to pack with carry on only. I hope you can join us. If you would like more information about the meetings you can Private Message me.

Ashley, Welcome to our little family. I share your excitement... you have a really special adventure to come. If you can get down to the Sacramento group meeting I think you will benefit. Despite what one individual says (who I don't think has previously attended) it is a great group of fellow travelers who all have different experiences and who can answer so many questions. I had the thrill of meeting many of the group and it was well worth it. Just watch out for a certain member's cats - but they probably won't be there... Ask the group about the Italian drink Limoncello. Remember that when you travel with friends that the group moves at the speed of the slowest friend. It may be she takes a little longer (or more frequently) in the bathroom, perhaps eats slower, perhaps walks slower, stops more, etc.; maybe a different person for each of those things. Just something to think of when you are planning the time for the trip and especially the time to move between the different hotels / B&Bs / hostels / couches. Keep coming back with questions - that's what we like.

One other point about your question of weather/clothing. You talk about ending in Ireland. I've been there a couple of times in recent years in late May/June and needed a light jacket almost every day and definitely every night (plus a shirt and cardigan, and often silk long underwear and a warm scarf). Can't know what next year will be, but you'll be encountering a range of weather if you're doing Italy to Ireland. You can always pick up a sweatshirt, scarf, etc, but if there's anything you definitely want if you are wet and maybe cold, I'd suggest bringing it.

First off, may I just say I am thankful for all of you lovely fellow travelers!!! You are helping myself,as well as my friends, so tremendously that if I could I would send you all thank you cards!!! Also, I love that there is a local section of the RS helpline!!! While I won't be able to make it out this month (I work at a theater and that happens to be "the Hobbit" weekend...and let's face it... Who isn't excited for that movie ;-) ) I would love to request off for the January date!!! Does anyone know where they meet? Or does it change frequently? Anywho you're all so helpful I am so happy that I came to this group of amazing people first before trying to shift through many web sites of uncertainty :P We are looking at getting the International Student ID card... Does anyone know if these are worth getting? Or should we just skip it all together?

We always meet the 3rd Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Panera Bread on N. Freeway Blvd. in Natomas. A reminder gets posted to this section (General Europe) about 7-10 days before the meeting. Are you the only planner of the trip, or are all your friends involved in the planning too? You are all welcome to come to meetings to ask your questions. As this is your first trip there may be things you don't know to ask, but we would think of to tell you. As for a student ID card - are you all students? I believe most discounts are available to citizens of the particular country, or possibly citizens of the European Union (EU). Other people might have better information about that.

Also look on the graffiti section of this website, has great info. Someone mentioned a pashmina (sp?) which is great idea, so versatile. Personally would not bother with cardigan, takes up too much room, light weight waterproof jacket with layers underneath is great idea. We never bother with umbrella, find it too cumbersome in our opinion.

we are all students, and all of us are involved in the planning :) we will keep a watch on here for that january meeting then because i brought it up to her and her eyes just lit up when i told her there was a section of the RS Helpline in our area haha :) so we are very excited to get that information! where would i find a Pashmina (sp?).. i know its a versitile scarf deal.. but i just don't really know what to do with it...

Where's the "Like Button" for new boy Jay? Welcome aboard, Jay, and I'm sorry you have to witness the nastiness.

Well said, Jay. Thank you! PS: Ashley, I'm not saying you should/must pack along a shawl/scarf. I was just providing information since the subject had come up. I agree that you should look at your own everyday clothing, decide what will travel well (and what to leave at home), and then shop to fill in the gaps.

Absolutely right Jay. Could not agree more. Well said. Ashley, the Sac group is fantastic and the help and info you'll get will be invaluable. Keep researching but keep a running list of questions you can ask at the meeting. Planning is half the fun and you will have such an amazing time in Europe with your friends!

And be sure to stick with your own personal style so you will be comfortable. That is why I mentioned the pashmina- there are lots of advocates on various travel boards ( especially Fodors) so I bought on, carried it along, and felt silly the first time I tried to wear it. Just couldn't pull it off. I have seen them look great on others, but it just didn't feel like me. What do the rest of you think about yoga pants ( or capris) for travel? I think they are great, especially in black, but again you have to feel comfortable in them.

Sasha, I think black yoga pants are fantastic for travel. Very comfortable and easy to wash. They can be casual, or dressed up. You can add ballet flats and a tunic top. Or you could wear a nice T shirt, black cardigan sweater and beautiful scarf with them and look sort of dressy.

I sent you a Private Message.

Ashley, you can find pashmina style scarves online from many sources, including Overstock and Amazon. Also I'm sure at the mall. I looked up this info for those who are a bit vague on what a pashmina is. "Pashmina" is a very fine cashmere wool. In recent years, however, "pashmina" has been used to describe a large long rectangular scarf (which is expensive if made of pashmina, but widely available in much less expensive synthetics, usually acrylic) which can be worn in various ways: scarf style, upper body wrap, perhaps a sarong, etc. Also useful as a light blanket substitute on planes, trains, etc. Last year I got this type of scarf/wrap in a bamboo fabric, and will probably take it along on my next coolish-weather journey. Yes, mine was from Costco; I notice that the color selection is a bit different this year.

Ashley, don't confuse the cool gang sharing current information and tips and answers with a mere "tourist club". Especially if the person knocking it does not speak from first hand information.

HiAshley, you do not need to run out and buy " travel clothing.". Look at what you already have, choosing things that are easy-care. Mary washingin a sink and see how long it takes to dry. Synthetic fabrics tend to be faster, although I have a cotton gauze blouse that is great. No need to take a pashmina or shawl for churches if you include some long-sleeved shirts or a sweater, which you will want anyway as it can be cool in Ireland, Netherlands, etc. you can wear long pants into churches, so if you prefer short skirts take one for hot days or going out, and change into pants if your day includes a church visit. Jeans are impractical as they are very slow to dry when washed. Fabrics that include some spandex, like 4 or 5%, dry much faster than pure cotton. If you need to fill in your wardrobe, REI carries travel clothes, and Patagonia has some very cute dresses and skirts that are designed to be versatile and travel-friendly.

Hello fellow travelers, I have perused the help line for awhile and have received some great advice and many useful tips. Thanks to all of you. My occasional urge to give advice has tended to be covered by others so I have refrained, until now! This is supposed to be a help line to share advice and pass along useful tips and yes the occasional personal experience. One individual seems to only try to minimize the validity of others advice and has on many occasions disparaged the elderly and a few different ethnic groups. Please Ralph, if you cannot be constructive or helpful, don't say anything. I am tired of your belittling, negativity and outright meanness.

Ditto.

Very well put! Totally agree, keep on posting!

Welcome to the Helpline Jay!

One hell of an opening post!

Thank you, Jay, for the reminder that we all need to be helpful and polite when posting. Welcome! Ashley, I agree with what Sasha said. You don't have to run out and break the bank buying travel clothes; look at what you already have. A good white T shirt (dressy; not the type you'd wear to the gym)and pair of any color capris or slacks (suggest either black or khaki) is very versatile. Add to your bag a skirt that is appropriate for wearing to church and flat (ballet) shoes or sandals, and you're about halfway packed for your trip. Add underwear, socks, lightweight nightgown, a lightweight longsleeved sweater, another nice T shirt in a color, and another pair of slacks, and you're done. Your additional outfit is the one you wear on the plane over; wear a lightweight waterproof jacket (with a hood) on plane so it doesn't take up extra room in your suitcase. (If it has a hood to protect you in case of rain, you won't need to take an umbrella.) Have a look at this thread from the Graffiti Wall on packing light: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti82.html The coolest weather you may encounter may be in England and Ireland, so stop by an Oxfam charity shop in London or around to browse for a sweater to buy.

You don't need a special wardrobe. Bring the kinds of things that you would be comfortable wearing at home. I often travel in May/June and usually bring a lightweight wool sweater and a raincoat which can be layered if it is cold. I always bring jeans when I travel. I find them to be very practical because they don't show dirt easily. It is true that they don't dry overnight; however, I also don't need to wash them every day and I don't need to have an entire wardrobe of clothes that dry overnight. I just make sure that I either wash them at the laundromat or when I am staying in a location for 2 or more days.

I too am a big fan of black yoga pants, get plain ones, and they can pass as a dress pant if needed, but with a tank top can look young and sporty, they are lightweight , take little room in luggage, wash easy in bathroom sink and dry pretty quick, don't wrinkle and are comfy!! I also always pack a skirt and sundress,I find them comfy for hot weather, and by June it can be pretty warm in some places, but you can also through a sweater on with them for less then hot weather. I usually bring a simple black cardigan. Always a rain /wind jacket , always! Two pairs of good walking type shoes( usually one is a shoe and one a runner) , one pair good comfy sandal that can be casual or dress up abit( well not fancy, but goes with skirts or sundresss) I wear and love Naots ,, but everyones feet are different so you totally have to find your own best type .

Ashley, look at weatherbase.com for a general idea of temperatures where you'll be going. Take it as "general" not absolute.