Rick Steves' products – "must haves" vs "can do without"

1- Electric plug adapters---as you will be in UK and mainland Europe so you will need both types. The RS website has them cheap

2- We found the clothes line the best $10 we ever spent--with 4 of you traveling you may want to get 2

3- Money belt for each person-- several styles to choose from

4- you can get zip ties at a hardware store to do the job of the single use 'flight lock'

Since your trip is so near I will presume you already have the guide books and maps, luggage you need.

A 20-21" rolling carry on bag and a backpack (or something of that sort) is all you need.

Hi, Katy, and welcome to the forum!

I wanted to know which products on Rick Steves' site are "must have"s
and which are "can do without"s

I think that we all have different "must haves" depending on how we travel and individual comfort levels/needs so there's probably no single answer.

Probably the #1 necessary items are guidebooks: they'll help you know what there is to see and do, where those places are located, roughly when their hours are, etc. A good guidebook also has handy tips for getting around, understanding some local customs, emergency phone numbers, suggested walking routes, etc. If you haven't done so, I'd get your books NOW and spend some time with them before you leave. Rick's are available both online and usually through good-sized local bookshops.

Adaptor plugs for operating/recharging your electronics are #2. These are a MUST as U.S. plugs will not fit in European outlets. Additionally, some appliances - such as hairdryers - don't operate on European voltages and will blow fuses/fry the appliance/possibly start a fire unless they have a dual-volatage setting. Let us know if you haven't read up on this yet?

Probably the #3 most popular items are money belts or neck wallets for keeping valuable (cash/passports/credit cards) safe and out of the hands of pickpockets. There are other ways of securing your valuables - many of them discussed in different threads - so choose the method which works for YOU but do choose a method.

which are "can do without"s

Personally, I'd say pretty much everything else on the product pages. Some items you may already have, such as a travel-sized umbrella or poncho (I don't always travel with a poncho). But there are other items not on the product list which, IMHO, can be left at home:

• Hairdryers; most accommodations either have them or will loan them
• Electric razors: use disposables.
• Jewelry: if you can't afford to lose it, don't bring it.
• Large amounts of cosmetics: basic ONLY.
• Individual toiletries/OTC pharmaceuticals: share everything possible, like toothpaste and Advil, and split these items amongst your bags
•"Outfits": clothing should be mix-and match, of easy-care fabrics, and most should be sink-washable/drip-driable. Don't bring anything that might only be worn once, or a top which will only go with one bottom.
• More than two pairs of shoes: wear one; pack one. Both should be well broken in and able to be walked in all day.

The idea is here is to keep your bags as compact and light as possible for ease of moving around. Travel in Europe involves dealing with lots of steps, and often cobblestones/uneven surfaces.

If you find there's something you really wish you had or have forgotten, you can almost always buy it there. :O)
Just a start?

For your situation I think the book Europe through the Back Door is a must - this is a travel how-to and is amazingly helpful in learning travel skills! I would also say that guidebooks for your destinations are necessary.

Plug adapters are necessary.

Luggage is necessary, and I like the rolling carry on if I need a rolling bag. My husband has the convertible carry on backpack and likes it but I'm a shorter woman and find it too big for me so if I am using a backpack as luggage I have one from ebags.

A money belt is a very good idea.

Other things are up to your travel style. I have a different brand travel towel in the largest size and find it necessary - I stay in hotels with towels, but a microfiber towel is great for squeezing out moisture from hand-washed clothes and can also be a beach or pool towel (those are not usually provided except at nicer hotel pools and who wants to pack a big beach towel?). It's also a blanket on the plane or train.

I think with one rolling carryon purchase I got a free set of packing cubes.

Packing cubes can help organize, but not everyone likes them. Especially helpful if a suitcase zipper breaks and you need to know your stuff will not spill all over the place (after you figure out how to secure the closing of the bag).

The RS store has good prices on many things, like adapter plugs (you need two different ones for Britain and mainland Europe).

His guidebooks are good if you only want to go to places he likes. Very thorough on those, but ignores tons of great places. Consider e-books so you can have a couple of different sources. Your kids may prefer Lonely Planet.

For packing, I have been very satisfied with my purchases from Ebags.com. They have their own line of travel backpacks and other luggage items such as packing cubes and they have held up well. They also carry other lines of travel gear such as Eagle Creek and it is easy to read reviews on their site. Good luck!

I love the hanging toiletry bag, but the one I have is an older model and I think the one on the site now is a little bigger. I've been looking for a similar replacement to mine, but haven't found one as lightweight. You may like the current one, though. It's very light, great organization, and when sharing bathroom space, it's nice to be able to hang it up. Counter space in European bathrooms always seems lacking or non-existent.

I won't leave home without Rick's excellent guide books. I bought my adapter (just one, it converts to several configurations for UK and Europe, etc) and belt-loop money pouch off Amazon, both have seen me through 7 trips now--not so much pricing but personal preference for these items.

I just used Rick's packing cube set (1 large, 2 small) and really liked the ease of getting to my clothes, had previously used compression bags but they were a pain to access. I also tried his Euro Flight Bag and liked it a lot-plenty of useful pockets, handle slid over my rolling case bars, light-weight but sturdy. Some people find that it opens a bit too low in front but I made that work by placing my 8 1/2 x 11 stiff plastic travel notes folder there--made the perfect wall so I could stuff it full.

I got packing cubes finally , been travelling for years with out them and using ziplock bags . The packing cubes are far superior ! You don't have to rummage through them , I just zip them open and use them as drawers !

I did order the fork and knife set . I hated it , too big . Gave them away .

Bring at least 1 or 2 extra plug adapters. Even though my husband is not traveling with you, you very well may accidentally leave one or more behind as you travel.

Though I know there are plenty of people who love it, we hated hated hated the Civita Day Pack.

It completely lacked structure, so we had to pack it juuuust so to get it to stand up when we set it down or be comfortable while we were wearing it, and was the most frustrating thing I've ever tried to travel with. The fabric is also weird and non-smooth so that I couldn't slide things in and out of the pack without them "sticking" on the fabric. After 2 trips it went in the trash.

Cheap packing cube tip? I like the mesh ones but the clear, zippered plastic pouches sheets and pillowcases come in also make dandy packers. Reuse/recycle! :O)

Must haves:
Moneybelts.

Extra Ziploc bags (quart or gallon size) to keep books, electronics, batteries, etc. in case you hit rain and your daypacks get wet or you have a clothing item that didn't dry completely overnight. Also helps with just keeping organized.

1. Rick Steves guidebooks. To me they are the best and as the ad used to say, I don't leave home without them. But unless they are on sale I find Amazon has better pricing.

2. Adapter plugs and money belt. Get several adapters as you may lose them. Alternatively bring some electrical tape and tape them to your US style plugs.

We have the toiletries bag with 2 side pockets and it has been used Many Many times! I also like the laundry cord as we do most of our laundry in the sink.

I agree with the previous poster about the civita day pack. Haven't used ours in years as they are not really very comfortable on the back. (I haven't gone so far as to throw them away though:)

We have a couple of the Appenzell back packs which are wonderful, but we don't use them for european travel, mostly we use when flying domestic. We also have a few of the convertible backpacks, but only used them for our first couple of trips. We have moved on to Osprey Porters with attachable day bags which are great when you are traveling by train.

I considered donating it but then decided that passing along my misery to someone else was cruel. :-D

I love my civita back pack. It's super light weight amd not too large. I don't fill it up so I can put my purse (small) and a jacket in it when I'm on a plane. Just thr right size for me.

I never go to Europe without buying the appropriate Rick Steves Guidebooks. His detailed information about transportation and locations of luggage storage and laundromats is invaluable-it made Bath doable as a day trip between Salisbury and Cardiff last summer. I like the binders he sells for pages torn from his guidebooks-$1.00 each about two weeks ago. They fit well in my purse and i make a different binder for each city.

At the risk of a flogging, I do not own an RS guidebook although I am a huge supporter of this website. Guidebooks, like anything else, are "best" if they are best for you. I am a visual animal so a book without pictures doesn't do it for me. A church I may otherwise have skipped will make it onto my list because of the photos. Pictures also help me recognize what I'm looking for as I'm heading down the street.

The guidebooks we most often use are passed off as too heavy for a fair amount of travelers but they work for us so we're willing to put up with the extra tonnage, and have referenced them many times after the trip is over. I do not rely on them for hours and entry fees - which can change very shortly after a book has been printed - or for hotels or restaurants but sometimes use recommended walking routes.

There's no right or wrong to guidebooks as long as they get the job done but it's HIGHLY recommended to spend some time with a variety before liftoff. I check them out of the library and browse a few at the bookshop.

I love the Civita daybag, which always seems to have room for one more thing. But it doesn't balance well on my rolling carryon, so it's now my "extra purchases" bag.

You guys are awesome! Thanks so much! (I feel like a toddler going to high school on this trip.) So, your sharing your experience is invaluable! :-D

Rather than thinking what Rick Steves products you need, make a packing list of items you want/need and then find the best ones.

On your list:

Moneybelt--I think Eagle Creek ones are better made. Look at the different types and decide. You don't have to just get the one that goes around your waist because Rick uses that one.

Plug Adapters--RS ones work fine. You will need both type. Buy extras as they are easily left behind.

Day bags--decide if you want a backpack or shoulder/messenger bag. Shop around for these.

Guidebooks--RS ones are good is you are going to the places RS likes, writes about and his tours go to. If you are gong somewhere else, you will need something else.

Packing Cubes--are something many people, including me, use to organize our bags and utilize space better. RS ones are okay but I prefer ones by Eagle Creek, eBags and Bago.

Toiletry Kit--I use the smaller RS Toiletry Kit for my daily stuff. It works well but is beginning to wear out. Make sure you get one with a hanger as counter space isn't always very good especially in older hotels.

I'm not sure if I'm just echoing everyone else's advice at this point, but before anything else I have to say you're taking a huge trip! GOOD for you!!!

So just on a practical note, I always make a list before I leave on a trip. I double check it to make sure my MUST HAVE ITEMS have been packed. Yours may vary from mine, but some constants for many people -

-- copies of your passports
-- all the charging cords you need for your electronics (in addition to the converters)
-- laundry detergent leaves are easy to pack (REI sells some if RS doesn't)
-- a lightweight rain jacket with a hood
-- sunscreen
-- maybe the disposable towel or some cheap washcloths you don't mind using once or twice

And seriously, if you forget something (other than passports and credit cards), it's pretty easy to replace most things.

ENJOY your adventures!!!

Plug adapters: even if you leave one behind you can borrow one from the hotel while you buy a new one.

Hanging toilet bag: I bring a suction cup with a hook. Then I can hang it on the mirror if there are nowhere else.

Technically the only "musts" are your passport, some access to money, any necessary medications and knowledge of your flight number or way to find out. Obviously you don't WANT to travel with just those things, but it relaxes me to think that as long as I have that the trip will go on!

A toothbrush and credit card used to be my required items. The list is longer now. Progress?

I'm very happy with my little red toiletry bag with a hook to hang it. Counterspace in hotel bathrooms is very limited and my wife uses most of it. She is happy I'm not competing for space.

Katy,
What fun and I wish you great memories with your kids while they still have time to travel with you.

I love the red toiletry bag and can load it up with all I need. (don't worry about bringing every little thing with you for the entire trip, as there are many shops selling the same or better stuff than what we get here in USA)
The elastic clothes line is great! Forget the suction cups, just take the hooks (also pack 3-4 large rubber bands, these you can use to rig up a hanger (without a hook) to the clothes line or other good drying location in your hotel room... become a MacGyver)
Books are good, but cut them up and only bring the most important parts to you.
I would recommend watching Sarah's You tube on what to take and pack (she is a RS tour guide that packs for 3 months in a rolling carryon.

I think the micro towel is a very good thing and we had an old one that we just left at our last hotel (on purpose) and bought a new RS one for hubbie for Christmas.
Packing cubes: I am a total convert! Use them in everything and it saves time. I have the Euro Flight bag that I now use for a weekend bag and also use packing cubes in that. Think more than clothes for the packing cubes. We use one for all the charging cords and adapters. Packing cubes saves so much time when trying to find something. Get many colors and sizes. These can be purchased from many sources and we have tried a few. I like the ones that have mesh.
On money belts: I can't see your kids wearing one, but they need to be responsible some time. I see you carrying all the passports (put in a zip lock so they don't get wet) I wore a money belt on one trip and hated it. I've traveled to Asia, Australia, NZ, Europe and find little worry with my cross body bag (on that note I have not traveled to Italy, where the pick pocket rate is the highest). I think your greatest concern with your kids is their cell phones, which I have heard are stolen easily.
Don't buy the travel soap... you can wash many items with a good lather of the hand soap provided in each room, or the shampoo. You do know the method of washing ? When you shower in the morning put the dirty clothes in the shower with you... wash the clothes as you wash your self. when all are clean. stomp them on the shower floor to get out excess water. Now dry your self with clean towel, then roll the damp clothes in the towel and while brushing your teeth continue to step on rolled towel to get more liquid out of clothes. Hang and let dry in room during the day you are out sight seeing, should be dry by following morning.

Happy Travels.

Aside from having enough adapters for you and all your kids to plug in phones, iPads, laptops, etc., and maybe some version of a recent guidebook (Kindle, actual book from store, library, or photocopies of relevant pages), very little is "a must have" and you should not feel like you have to purchase your travel accessories just because this is a good website. Rick's name recognition and tv shows certainly keep his guidebook sales steady, and having a good website is a bonus as it directs more traffic to the guidebooks, his escorted and semi-independent tours, and all the travel accessories that just happen to be branded with his logo. A quick search on Amazon or at the REI outlet website might help you find better priced/better quality travel accessories if you are in the market to buy something specific.

Personally, I'd recommend skipping the purchase of a clothes line. There are 4 of you and this trip is over 5 weeks long. That's a lot of stuff to be washing in a sink (or in a shower stall - which I find a little gross as the sweat and dirt from your body is basically landing on your wet clothing as you stomp on it in the tub). And then to have to drape it all over your hotel room or cruise ship cabin until it's dry? No thanks!

Do yourself and the kids a favor and either take 90 minutes once every 7 to 10 days to hit the nearest coin-op laundromat, write out some postcards and have a cup of coffee while you do a few loads of laundry in an actual machine, or else pay a little extra and simply use the same-day drop-off/pick-up wash and fold service offered by many laundromats.

The more I travel, the lighter I travel. Right now, the only things that could come from Rick Steves' sight are very few.

I'm down to my phone as the only electronics, so a plug adapter and plug in charger are all I really need.

I always use something for my important things - money belt, neck wallet, hidden pocket, leg wallet. I have one of each in my travel stuff but right now I'm liking a neck wallet because my pants are slim fit and there's more room under my shirt.

I'm still using a blow up travel pillow with a fabric cover. I use it on the flight both ways and, sometimes, to augment the flimsy pillow in my lodging.

I was carrying a civita bag, but I've gone down to an 80 cent shopping bag from a French supermarket. I find it accomplishes the same tasks and takes up less weight and room in my bag.

I used to carry a full size carry-on bag but I'm down to the smaller size that the discount airlines allow. I don't believe Rick sells one of those yet?

I don't use a travel towel. I find a large synthetic chamois does better and I can get packs of them online for cheaper than one "travel towel".

I used to carry a clothes line but that's out, I find I can live without it easily enough. My laundry is usually one pair of socks and underwear, not enough to need a clothesline, or everything dirty at a laundromat and it goes in the dryer.

My shave kit is now a zip lock bag with my liquids and another with my non-liquids. Rick's smallest shave kit is bigger than I need.

Just a quick post to thank everyone again. I am reading every word and putting notes into my travel journal.

Bruce asked for an update. I'll try to do that soon. There's so many decisions in flux right now. You guys are awesome!

Katy

Brad's comment about the clothesline reminded me that I bought the Rick Steves braided clothesline years ago and carried it on several trips, but never used it. It seems like an ingenious design, but I found out I am not willing to hand wash clothes often enough to warrant schlepping the clothesline around the world. Know thyself. Or get to know thyself at least. :-)

I always bring an extension cord. Sometimes the outlets are in inconvenient places.
Two adapters at a minimum. And I'm investing in an adapter with two USB ports for my next trip.
If you are using your phones for pictures, bring a couple of external batteries/ fuel rods / power banks.
Ive found my iPhone runs down quickly when you're in camera and/or Google Maps mode continuously.

Number 1 item for me would be the Rick Steves moneybelt....or the Eagle Creek that Frank mentioned.

Wear these under your clothes. The waist moneybelt should be put around your waist, then pull it down a couple of inches until it's protected by your pants. You don't want any visible sign of your money belt showing.

We kept all of our large amounts of money, plus our passports, in our money belts. Also one credit card. We took two credit cards, one in my husband's wallet. That way, if it got stolen, we would still have a back-up credit card in the money belt.

I had a purse, but did not carry any valuables in it. Just 5 British pounds in a zippered side pocket. Other items in purse: hairbrush, make-up, notebook of our reservations and trip notes.

Sure enough, while on the tube (subway, underground) in London, a hand reached into my purse, unzipped the side pocket, stole my 5 pounds.

Use the money belts--everyone. Do not carry large amounts of money in your purse or wallet.

Carry your large amounts of money in the money belt. We took about 400 British pounds divided between the two of us.
Carry a small amount of money (5 to 25 pounds) for lunches, snacks, coffee, cab fares in your wallet, purse or front pocket. For guys, keep wallet in front pocket. These are precautions mainly for the big city areas, mainly London. Be careful on the tube in London, where people crowd up against you if it's standing room only.

Do pack light. If you've seen Rick's travel videos he always says this.
The biggest mistake inexperienced travelers make on their first trip to England, Scotland, Europe, wherever.....is packing way too much stuff, the same amount you'd pack if going to grandma's house for 3 or 4 weeks. Don't do that. Take just what you need, not extras of everything. Difficult to run and catch a train when you're loaded down with luggage like a pack mule.

One sure way to ruin a trip overseas is to over pack so that you struggle everywhere you go to manage all the "stuff". Miserable.

Increases the chances you will leave something somewhere, too; like leaving a bag on a train when you get off.

For the kids, I would recommend perhaps a backpack each. Rick Steves sells some that are carry on size. I also like the medium-size backpacks by L.L.Bean that are carry on size.

Rick's clothes line was ditched when I discovered that damp clothes dry much faster using "J" style laundry hooks and inflatable hangers.

A charger with two USB ports is a good call. Many times there is only one power outlet in a hotel room. I'm not willing to carry anything bulky or heavy, like an extensions cord or power strip but one with two USB ports allows me to recharge my phone as well as my little backup battery charger overnight. I also tape/bandaid the charger to the adapter. It's easy to pull the charger out of the socket and leave the adapter behind.

I have a car charger that plugs into the lighter and also has two USB ports, but I'm finding many of the newer cars - at least the rentals I've had in Europe - come with at least one USB charging port.

Did anyone mention facecloth, and/or washing puff? With the exception of your Viking Cruise, UK & Europe do not have facecloth/washcloths in their lodging facilities. I bring a travel size wash puff & a Micrrofiber washcloth-I buy them at the dollar store.
the cloths come 3 in a pack.

All the posters have pretty much covered it. Other than the travel adapters & belly belt I'd join the "less is more" crowd. Our last several trips have been 2+ months and we are down to just 1 smallish rolling bag plus a backpack, each. Think carrying/wearing what you bring up 4 flights of stairs in Amsterdam and you'll know what to value packing.

The one thing I added this trip (NOT a RS item, tho') that has proved super useful is a string bag with long (over the shoulder) handles. I found a set of three on Amazon Prime on a whim (I'm reading a mystery set in Paris) and literally had them delivered the day before departure. I thought they'd be useful grocery shopping -- more than those fold-up plastic totes (which I do still use). (Many grocery stores in Europe charge for bags at checkout if you don't bring your own.)

But this bag has proved even more useful before we got to grocery shopping. At the airport I was able to turn my "1 handbag" into a bit larger one by putting my small purse inside the net bag, along with the annoying extras I was carrying. And today it was a useful beach bag. For these uses it's important to hunt for the bags that have shoulder-length handles. The set I ordered actually have both long and short handles which seems like a nice feature but so far it's all been over the shoulder use. I now wish I hadn't left 2 at home but my husband's glad cuz he thinks I would have had him carrying more.

They are light but carry an amazing amount. (6 pack, chicken, plus a bunch of vegs)

Thanks again.

Okay, here is the “update” that was asked for a while ago. We have just about everything I need now.

Being new to Europe traveling AND to packing “light and right,” we didn’t have much in the way of anything. ( Literally, the only things we had were suitcases! LOL!) Thankfully, REI was kind enough to have their anniversary sale AND a lot of the Rick Steve’s stuff went on sale just in time for my many purchases! (Thanks for the REI/Amazon suggestion, Ceidleh!)

Being such a novice, I pretty much I just took everyone’s advice! LOL! I got:

1) Electric plug adapters, 2 each: UK & EU. RS on sale for $1 right now. ☺
2) RS travel clothesline on sale for $8 right now. Got 2: 1 for the guys & 1 for the gals. I also got some S hooks in case they come in handy.
We will have a washer for our use for 3.5+ of the 5 weeks and for 4 nights in Paris the AirBnB has… wait for it….a DRYER! LOL! The only time we might have to wash anything in the sink is on the river cruise. But, we'll have an onboard credit (since we don’t drink), so maybe I’ll “splurge” and have them wash a shirt or two. LOL!
3) 2-blow up travel pillows and 1 Trtl Pillow (on sale @ Amazon)
4) RS silk money belt or neck wallet for each person.
5) I did get the TSA-accepted cable luggage locks (I found great deal on Amazon), but I also got zip ties to deter thieves on train rides.
6) I found a lot of the guidebooks and “pocket” books on eBay. In order to avoid the “tonnage” Kathy warned about I also got 5 of the RS Guidebook Page Binders, and will take out just the sections from the guidebooks that apply to our specific trip and make our own personalized guidebooks. Thanks, tgreen! I also got one guidebook in a Kindle format.
7) RS Travel Aid Kit on sale (since I don’t have anything like that)
8) 2 microfiber towels, 4 Travel Washcloths
9) Packing cubes for each of us. (I got each of them from difference places: Eagle Creek, AmazonBasics, eBags, and HiDay. We’ll see which type we like the most.)
10) 1 RS hanging toiletry bag (on sale), 1 Amazon hanging toiletry bag, and 2 RS toiletry kits for the boys (on sale)
11) Suction cups with a hook (to hang toiletry bags on mirror if there is nowhere else). Thanks, l.p.!
12) Convertible pants and other easy-care, quick-dry clothing
13) Fleece sweaters (eBay & REI)
14) Marmot PreCip Rain Jackets (on sale at REI)
15) Osprey backpacks (on sale at eBags). I tried them on at REI and loved how most of the weight is carried on the hips. (I have a sensitive back.) Thanks for the feedback on the RS Civita daypacks, everyone!
16) Laundry detergent leaves (REI)
17) Sunscreen
18) Phone power bank (Thanks, Elaine!)
19) 4 string bag set w/over-the-shoulder handles from Amazon Prime. (Thanks, Keri!)

We’ll also bring:
gallon Ziploc bags for passports as well as books, electronics, batteries
rubberbands
copies of our passports: paper and PDF on our phones
tape to tape the charger to the adapter
an extension cord
a double charger that plugs into the car lighter
phone and camera battery chargers
(Thanks, Rachel, tgreen, aquamarinesteph, Rocket, Brad, & Elaine!)

Thanks everyone for the reminder about the phone chargers. We’ll be using them a lot! We just switched our (paid off) AT&T phones over to T-Mobile because of the unlimited International text and data. We’ll even save money after the trip!

This was GREAT advice Kathy –thank you! “clothing should be mix-and match, of easy-care fabrics, and most should be sink-washable/drip-driable. Don't bring anything that might only be worn once, or a top which will only go with one bottom.” I tried to keep all that in mind while shopping.

We are going to TRY and each get into our 22" rolling bags and Osprey backpacks. I have never been a light packer, so this is going to be a stretch for me. But, I am quite determined. ☺ Thanks for Sarah’s You Tube recommendation, tgreen!

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The hardest thing for me is going to be following Kathy’s advice to not bring individual toiletries/OTC pharmaceuticals. We can share everything possible (can’t bring myself to share toothpaste, but I got SMALL tubes) and we split items among our bags. But, I personally have a lot of products/supplements/etc that help me with my health and wellness that I’m really struggling with what to cut. I don’t want to get sick during the 5 weeks we are gone.

I did get an Amazon UK account. My AirBnB host was happy to let me ship to him. So, I’m going to get a few things that way (and use up most during our week in London) without needing to pack as much! ;-D

Thanks again, all!
Katy

P.S. Brad, thanks for the Regensburg tips!
<< If you have a chance walk over the stone bridge over the Danube, turn left and eat at the beer garden right on the river. Awesome food. There is also a "weiner" hut right by the stone bridge on the cathedral side. Great food. Also right before you reach the bridge an awesome gelato shop. >>

We do plan to go to the thermal baths in Budapest. Thanks for the link!

We are set for a guide in Normandy. Thanks anyway.

A couple more thoughts on this and other threads related to packing. Unless your trip were to be spanning major climate or seasonal weather changes, 1 week or 5 weeks are pretty much the same as far as how much to bring, except for consumables. My husband and I get along easily with a 20 " roller and a small backpack each. I also bring a fit-under-the-seat bag. I count out my meds, both otc and prescription, and take just the number I need, plus a couple. We expect to need to do laundry once a week. We stay clean and reasonably respectable looking on that.
I think you can be sure that your accommodations will provide soap and shampoo. Ditto hair dryers, though maybe not what you would like the best. Given the ages of your kids, enough electrical adaptor plugs will be very important. Don't forget you need a different kind for the U.K.
On a different note, This sounds like it will be a wonderful experience for your family. We took our two to Italy for the first time when they were 15 and 19. It was a life-shaping experience for both of them.

Katy, consider trying the soap leaves or any other "leaves" at home. I didn't and wished I had because I found them inadequate and frustrating if I need one one while my hands were wet! I didn't like the shampoo or the laundry leaves for the quality.

I like the Eagle Creek lightweight packing cubes. You can get them in sets of 3 sizes. I have them in two colors and find they've great to keeping like items together. For example, I use one of the smallest bags for my nail clippers, small folding scissors, bandaids and other small items that get lost in a suitcase. I also take the 2.7 oz Crest toothpaste. I've only been able to get it at Target. It seems less wasteful than the tiny tubes. I find 1 tube lasts for 5 weeks for two if us. I also always take the 3 oz size of concentrated laundry soap from REI. A few drops work well for hand laundry in hotels.

Add a paper clip to your Must Haves. We had to eject the SIM card and it's surprising how frustrating it is not not have such a common item at hand (esp if you're staying in private apartments). Travel safe!