OK - we have have a great itenerary, flights, train passes, hotel reservations, etc. Now we are pre-packing and planning. What items have you forgotten to pack that you most wished for in Europe (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Belgium)or what things did you regret not doing while there or in preparation?
Thanks for all the great advice in advance - this site has been a real asset!
Michelle
Michelle, Most items you will be able to get there. Don't forget your converters..be aware that if you use a curling iron, check and see if the one you use in the US has a converter button it it..if not..it might burn-up over there. I ALWAYS take a small amount of skin so soft..to ward off any pessky bugs, and I take neosporin and cortizone cream. I bring the individual packets of crystal light to put in my water bottle..I prefer flavored water. When I was in Italy the diet coke is not the same as our diet coke here in the US..so be prepared for that. That all I can think of at the moment. Enjoy your trip!
Michelle - RELAX - you're ON VACATION!
and you CAN get almost anything over here...
I'm thinking back to our first time (too many years ago) and we definitely OVER-PACKED, as most first-timers do!! So don't worry, you probably won't use half the stuff you bring anyway! Just have your tickets, passport, reservations, itinerary in hand and get ready to enjoy a MEMORABLE VACATION!!!
Welcome to Europe!
Ciao from Rome,
Ron
Rule #1 of travel, you WILL forget something you kind of need (last time it was my alarm clock). However, you can almost always replace it. Europe is also the Western world, it is not some backwards place where the modern world hasn't arrived yet.
One small little joy of travel for me is shopping in a foreign country for little essentials, like soap, snacks, toiletries, etc. You can gain many interesting cultural insights from a small grocery store.
Thanks for the tips. We are carrying Rick's convertible bags (my daughter and I) and my husband is carrying a tri-bag so we don't have tons of space and want to be very mobile. I'm sure we can get most things there but just want to be prepared so no time is wasted. We are all three sooooo excited!
Love hearing how excited you are about traveling to Europe for the first time.
That is as it should be. The itinerary sounds wonderful! Throughout my sojourns abroad I've learned to take a few practical things that make me happier. Some zip lock bags, all sizes. Large one becomes the holder of any brochures & receipts. Bathtub plug. A door stopper. Moleskin. Toothpicks. A sheet or two of Bounce. Breath mints. Tea bags. A clothes pin or two. Inexpensive Bic ink pens. Safety pins. Some gaffer's tape. A roll of scotch tape. Small flashlight. Extra camera battery and plug in the wall charger. I'm a Canon user since everything but the extra battery comes with the camera. I also have a small booklet that contains addresses for post cards,emergency #'s, restaurant and hotel recommends from friends & pics of my loved ones. Fits in my pocket. If I get a business card I use the scotch tape to secure the card in the booklet. Becomes a reference tool for the next trip. Bon Voyage!
Michelle,
A good thing to do is scan ALL your documents and email them to yourself. In case something is lost or stolen, you have copies of everything. I even emailed them to a co-worker in case for some reason my email did not work.
I agree you can get anything you may need in Europe, don't sweat it, relax. Just be sure you have any prescription meds, and also bring Immodium AD-- always be prepared with this as soon as you need it.
Before my first trip abroad to Ireland a few years ago I wished once I got there that I had looked into the weather. I was there the middle of March and it was still nearly freezing at night in Dublin and was cold during the day because of the wind coming off the Liffy. Seattle was having a warmish spring and it didn't occure to me (since I had been told Ireland would be similar to here weather-wise and was trying to fit everything into carry-on) that I might want a heavy coat. I froze that trip (but still had a great time).
On my second trip abroad I went to France and packed for EVERY weather contingency. Let's just say I learned my lesson about overpacking the hard way. All the stairs in the Paris Metro and train stations are NOT fun with heavy luggage. I've sure you've been thoroughly warned already about the dangers of overpacking if you've been using this site =)
Make sure you have the esscentials, then relax and have fun!
Actually, I regretted focusing on having a GOOD TIME on my first trip - so worried about getting there, getting around, getting things "right" etc. that once I got there I didn't remind myself to focus on enjoying myself. My second trip I did much better - I focused on the fun of planning (for me it's fun!) and then reminded myself on a daily basis to breathe and enjoy. This trip (FRIDAY!) I plan to do the same, plus implement my lesson from the second trip - to take more pictures and sort them out later (new memory cards purchased just for this reason).
Bon voyage!
The good news is that the most critical things you will pack ahead and have. These things I would consider to be your tickets, passports, reservation info, guidebooks, etc. Like everyone else said, most anything else you can get there. The frustrating things that I forget tend to be the things you use right up until the time you leave. Because you use them, you do not pack ahead, and in the last minute rush, you forget. Sunglasses (especially prescription) are one thing I always have to put on a check list, maybe some personal items or prescription medicine. Make a checklist of these last minute items or absolute "must haves" and go through it as you walk out the door to the airport.
Just returned from Italy and wished I had taken insect repellant with me. I was attacked by mosquitoes. Have a great time! We did!
It's a little late now, but you should start a packing list months before your trip. Keep referring back to it, and add things you previously forgot. I've had a list since 2000.
That said, the last time I packed for a trip to Germany, I was so confident that I didn't refer much to the list. On the way to the airport, I realized I had not packed my German-English dictionary. I thought, "Well, that's confidence for you." I bought a dictionary in the Hbf in Munich the day I landed, useful to have because it has the new German spelling, but I never used it over there.
The most important thing to not forget is to contact your Bank and get the limit raised for ATM withdrawals and to inform them you will be using it in Europe.Also contact your credit card company so they dont block purchases.
Here's a practical piece of advice: Before you leave, scan all the important documents you will be taking with you (passport, visas if needed, credit card info, insurance cards, etc.) Then keep this information saved as a file in your email account. I usually do this as well with paper copies, but I feel much better knowing that they are saved digitally, too, in a place that can be easily retrieved.
If you're a shutterbug: Take extra memory card(s) so that you don't have to worry about restocking or eliminating while your on vacation.
Thanks everyone - great tips! I would not have thought of some of them. - m
Oooops, Jack beat me to it. Have a wonderful time Michelle. When you get back tell us what you didn't take that you wish you had.
I think a great rule is to remember that you can always buy what you forgot over there.
That said, it is much harder to buy over-the-counter meds there. You can only buy them at pharmacies which have limited hours. So aspirin, Immodium and the like are quite valuable to have in your luggage.
A couple more items to add that are helpful (but not required):
- Washcloth (not available in France, I'm not sure about the countries you're visiting)
- I have a sheet of address labels ready so when it's time to do postcards I just peel and stick!
Have a wonderful trip! Holly
Something I didn't bring enough of:
Memory cards for my camera - (I was able to find the correct memory card in Italy but if I hadn't....)
I also strongly suggest bringing a pack or 2 of handwipes (the small packs in travel section aisle & also couple sm packs of kleenex.
A mini Neutrogena sunblock stick was very handy!
I have found there is a fine line between being excited for the trip and making yourself sick with anticipation. I got myself so worked up for our last trip that I had flu-like symptoms on the plane all the way to Paris. (It started before we got to the airport and stopped upon arrival) Remember the trip-breakers (rail passes, tickets, passports) and then do your best to relax about everything else. Pack less than you think and you will have a great time!
Thanks everyone! I find the planning and anticipation for a trip has been a great deal of fun - no stress.
One thing I forgot recently that I wished I had was one of those tiny fold up disposable raincoats for my day pack. Rain was not predicted that day yet it rained while I was a considerable jog from the hotel.
Also, my compact but very servicable first aid kit. I had an opportunity to treat someone in need but had nothing with me. And you know the rules, if you don't have universal precautions ie: nitrile gloves, CPR mask etc you don't touch.
I had the skills but no kit so I did the next best thing, called 999. Next I begged the store close by to give me their kit. The first place said they didn't have one. I burned up about 5 minutes searching for one. At minimum I always carry gloves, ASA and face shield mask on a keychain...but not that day. Kind of ruined my morning b/c as EMS I know better. First Responders will understand what I'm talking about...
