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I have made a lot of overseas trips and have also led many tours all over Europe and in the United States. What follows is a hand-out I give to all of the participants of my tours. I am not saying that it covers everything or that it is all inclusive, but it does contain a lot of good information, especially for anyone who is making an overseas trip for the first time. If you have comments or suggestions about packing, be sure to let me know and I may be able to add it to this site. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Click on Travel Books to find your favorite travel book, search for the perfect book to help with your travel plans, or find the maps you need!  And, if you cannot find the book or map you need, let me know and I will try and help. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

 

Want to plan your own vacation destination and save money at the same time. Use the search box at your right for some great vacation destinations at great prices. Getting Away and OneTravel.com - Working together to bring you the best in travel!

The Packing Book : Secrets of the Carry-On Traveler This book offers good suggestions for packing along with a wealth of new time-, space-, and energy-saving advice, including mailing home all the loot acquired on a trip; a last-minute packer's checklist; traveling with a laptop computer; and updated and expanded resources, including Internet sites.

How To Pack is the book you need if you are tired of waiting at the luggage carousel for your bags.  Trade your jumbo suitcase for one that's medium-size.  Or, find out how to best use a carry-on.  Do you always pack too much, too little, or the wrong thing -- and obsess about it? Then this is a must book to have.

Pack It Up is a great book where Anne McAlpin makes suggestions on how to pack fewer items and eliminate the need for bulky, heavy luggage. There is much more to packing than simply putting your items in a suitcase. Great book for you -- great gift for the traveler.  Find out how easy packing can be!

Luggage:
Smart travelers travel light. You are allowed one suitcase and one carry-on. I recommend your carry-on to be a backpack. I find it is just the ticket for your carry-on piece. You suitcase may not weigh over 44 pounds, so pack smart as well as light! Remember, on most tours and always when you are traveling alone, your suitcase will be your responsibility. You are the one that will have to lug it around so make sure that it is manageable in size and weight.

Be sure to allow some extra room in your suitcase for any gifts or souvenirs you may purchase while abroad. And, if you plan to buy something particularly bulky while you are on tour, you may want check about making special shipping arrangements to get it back to the United States.

Be sure you attach luggage tags to all of your luggage.

(NOTE: Do not put your address or telephone on your luggage tags where it can be seen. Just put your name on the front of the tag. Put your address and telephone number on the back of the tag where it cannot be seen. Some people make their living by reading the information on luggage tags at the foreign departure counters and then cleaning out their house for them while they are out of the country.)

The ticket agent will look for luggage tags be attached to the outside of your suitcases. You also should be sure to write your name and address somewhere on the inside of your suitcase. I normally just slip a sheet of paper with this information right on the top of whatever I have packed where it can easily been seen if the suitcase should happen to "pop open" when I am not around. A lock (or a strong strap that will go around your suitcase) is a good idea for additional security. You should also keep a record of the contents of your suitcase just in case it goes to Africa or someplace.

Don't put anything in your checked suitcase you will be needing as soon as, or just before, you arrive at your foreign destination. It is really difficult to get your luggage out of the baggage compartment of the plane while it is in the air!

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Carry-on:
Be sure you put a few things you may need the first day into your carry-on luggage just in case anything happens. (Like you luggage going to Africa instead of England.) You will want to be sure to include any necessary toiletries, an extra pair of underwear, a small washcloth and towel, and any medications you may be taking.

You will also want to take along some items for entertainment during the flight � a book or magazine, your camera, some snacks, and your travel journal. Other things I always pack in my back-pack (which is my preferred carry-on piece again) would include a blindfold and soft ear plugs so I can get some sleep during the flight, gum, and at least 2 bottles of water.

You always want to be sure you drink plenty of fluids while you are traveling. And, I don't mean coffee, tea, mixed drinks, or beer. Stick to water and juices while you are flying. They are much better for you as they help with dehydration. The re-circulated air in today's aircraft really add to the dehydration of your body and you need plenty of fluids to keep you properly hydrated, comfortable � and "regular," if you know what I mean. You will also want to be sure that you have your money belt with those things you need to keep with you � any extra cash, traveler's checks, passport, return airline ticket, and any other items of value or importance.

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Clothing:
Watch the Sunday newspaper for about four weeks prior to departure to get a feel for the temperatures you can possibly expect during our trip. You will also want to check the weather channel and the newspaper (or call 1-900-WEATHER) the day before you leave so you will know what to wear on the day of departure. This will give you a rough idea of the climate you can expect. However, the weather can be very unpredictable, especially in Northern Europe. You should take a heavy sweater and a jacket, as well as something to wear in case of rain. A fold-up rain coat or parka is excellent, as is a fold-up umbrella. Both will fit into your backpack.

One of the best ways to be happy when you travel is to be comfortable. Be sure to take items of clothing that you enjoy wearing and that you look nice in. You will also want to take items that wear well, that is, do not wrinkle easily and are easy to clean if you should get them dirty. Take enough clothing for several different outfits by mixing and matching the items you take. There will not always be someplace to wash out your clothing each night so you may want to bring a plastic bag with you to keep your laundry in until you find somewhere to wash it. You can try to find a laundry if there are no facilities in the hotel. However, you would be surprised how many times I have washed items in the sink of my hotel room and left them to dry during the day while I toured the city, or overnight while I was sleeping. Just be sure that whatever you take can be machine washed, can be dried quickly, and doesn't wrinkle easily.

You will probably want to take some jeans, tops and shirts, perhaps one pair of shorts, and a nice pair of slacks with a nice shirt or top to match, or one other nice outfit for special occasions � don't forget, you may want to go out some evening to the theater, or for a "special" dinner or other entertainment. And girls, watch the miniskirts. In fact, don't even take any. Shorts, halters, tank tops, and miniskirts are unacceptable for entrance to many of Europe's historic and religious buildings! Do take a covering for the head and some type of wrap-around skirt.

You should also take an extra pair of shoes with you � or two. It is especially nice to have a pair to change into if you happen to get your feet wet. It does sometime rain, even while you are on vacation in some exotic foreign destination.

Summer Travel Recommended Clothing List--Two pairs of long pants (jeans can sometimes be hot during the summer so you will want to have an alternative choice to jeans and, if you do take jeans, take jeans that are light and are not full of holes as holes are not stylish in Europe); walking shorts, for the guys they could double as a swim suit in a pinch, and for the girls, not short shorts; two T-shirts; one short-sleeved shirt, cotton-polyester blend; light jacket, light sweater, and heavy sweater � be sure to bring dark colors as they tend not to show dirt as much and they look better for dress-up; two long-sleeved shirts (one shirt should be suitable to wear with a tie and, yes gentlemen, pack at least one tie just in case you do want to dress-up and look nice); underwear and socks, at least five sets all quick-dry; comfortable shoes (two pairs); for the girls, something to accent your clothing with such as a colorful scarf or a cheap necklace; and especially for the girls, you may want to have a summer dress or skirt, swimsuit, sandals, robe or nightshirt.

Winter Travel Recommended Clothing List--Two pairs of long pants and a pair or two of jeans. If you take jeans, take jeans that are light and are not full of holes as holes are not stylish in Europe. You should also take one or two short sleeved shirts and a pull over or cardigan sweater or two. For outer clothing I would recommend a medium to heavy jacket, depending upon what the weather will be like where you are traveling. I normally wear my heavy coat on the plane so I will not have to take up a lot of room in my luggage. I can then just toss it into the overhead luggage compartment. Dark colors are best again as they tend not to show dirt as much and they look better for dress-up. Men will wan to have a dress shirt and a tie. Everything else is just about the same as above, with the exception of a swim suit unless where you are going has a spa or a pool, or you will be where the weather is warm, even in the winter.

Don't forget, the bulk of your luggage is clothing. Minimize by bringing less and washing more often. Every few nights you'll spend about ten minutes doing a little wash if you are unable for some reason to find a laundry. This doesn't mean more washing, it just means doing it a little by little as you go. Bring dark cloths that wash and dry quickly. You should have no trouble drying clothing overnight in your hotel room. And, if you bring your hair dryer, properly wired for European current � of course, it can be used to help dry your clothing.

The main thing to remember is go casual, simple, and very light. For almost everywhere you will be going you can either wear tennis shoes and jeans or slacks with a nice shirt. For dress-up, have a nice pair of slacks or, for the girls, a wrap-around skirt with a sweater. I have even gone to the theater in London in slacks and a sweater. Remember, in your travels you will meet two kinds of tourists � those who packed light and those who wish they had.

Accessories
Here are just a few items that I think you should not be without while traveling in Europe, or any other foreign destination � a pen or small pencil and a small note pad (Perfect for making notes on places I want to come back to when I am taking a bus tour or something. And, great to jot down some information about the picture I just took so I will remember what to put in the caption under the picture when I finally get the time to place them in my photo album.), a money belt, a small travel alarm clock, a small bath towel and washcloth, and toiletries in unbreakable containers. I like to take some of those "sample" sizes you can find at most large drug stores. In fact, my wife and I keep a box on our closet shelf marked "International Trips" to place items in we think might come in handy while we are traveling. Then, when we are packing for our trip, we take out the items we believe might be nice to have for that particular trip.

Be careful of the electrical appliances you want to take with you. Almost anything electrical will need a voltage converter and an adaptor. Both are available at department and travel stores.

 

If you travel as much as I do, check out Magellan's Catalog. From adaptor plugs to wrinkle-free clothing, their award-winning catalog has everything for travelers.

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Cameras, Radios, and Such:
If you have a $1,000 camera � leave it home. All you really need is a good compact camera that takes either slides or prints. They are easy to use, lighter to carry, and not near so much of a loss when you leave it on the seat of the train in the Tube under London. When I travel I take my trusty old Cannon that cost me about $40 and buy one of those throw-away cameras for panoramic photos and I have taken some great pictures with them. In fact, one of them won me a first-place prize in a photo contest and a free trip to England! A camera is another thing you should plan on packing in your backpack. If you absolutely have to have a radio or tape player, fine. However, be sure you also have the room for earphones as you may be traveling with others who do not care for your music. Think carefully about anything that you do bring with you. Don't forget, you will be the one that will have to keep up with your "stuff." I normally take only a small camera.

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Converters & Adaptors?
Most U.S.-purchased electronic items will need a converter and adapter to work properly outside of the Untied States.  The electrical current in Europe in 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC).  Wall outlets in most of Europe take plugs with two round prongs.  Great Britain (and Malta) use plugs with three oblong prongs.  If your appliances are dual-voltage, you will need an adaptor only.  Don't use 110-volt outlets (those marked For Shavers Only) for high-wattage appliances such as blow-dryers.  Most laptops operate equally well on 110 and 220.  However, I suggest you check with your manufacture before leaving the states.

Below is a great link where you can find just what you need in the way of converters and adaptors -- along with hundreds of other good travel items.

 

If you travel as much as I do, check out Magellan's Catalog. From adaptor plugs to wrinkle-free clothing, their award-winning catalog has everything for travelers.

 

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Medications and Eye Wear:
If you have a prescribed medication, be sure to take a copy of the prescription (Have you doctor give you a copy of the prescription using the generic name of the medication as the brand names vary from country to country.) so you will be able to get more of it if need it. Also, be sure that any prescription medicine you take with you is kept in its original prescription container. Do not mix your prescription with aspirins or vitamins in the same container or bottle. Customs inspectors often check the contents of the container with the labels or prescriptions.

If you wear eye wear, try to bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses (or the prescription of them) with you in case you lose them. And, if you do wear contacts, take along a pair of regular glasses just in case you need them. Also, bring along your preferred contact cleaner products. It would be pretty bad to go all that way to see Europe only to be half-blind.

You should also take along any over-the-counter medications you normally like to have. It is sometimes very difficult to find just what you are looking for in some foreign destinations as not only can the name brands be different, but they will also be in a different language. If you went into the chemist for something for a headache, you would not want to find out you had purchased as laxative. Ladies should also pack for any eventuality as the body sometimes gets a little irregular during travel and you may want to be sure you have your preferred supplies with you.

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The Backpack:
You may be asking yourself how you will fit everything you think you will need each day in that backpack. The answer is very simple: bring very little with you. What you should do is spread everything you think you are going to need in your backpack out on the living room floor. Then, as you pick up and scrutinize each item, ask yourself, "Will I really use this snorkel and these swim fins enough to justify carrying them around Paris all day?" Not, "will I use them?" but "will I use them enough to justify carrying them around all day?" Always think in terms of what you can do without, not what you think you cannot do without! And besides, I have always found it to be fun � and sometimes quite challenging � to shop for things I need in some little foreign shop or store.

Another thing to remember about your backpack. You can always pack the thing one day at a time. Particularly if you are staying in one location for several days. You can just pack what you believe you will need into your backpack for that particular day, and leave the rest in your hotel room. And, if you are on a tour where you are going to be on a coach for the day traveling from one destination to another, be sure to pack your backpack for the coach and not leave anything in your luggage (which will be stored with a couple of hundred other suitcases under the coach) you think you will need during the coach ride.

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The "Odds-N-Ends" List:
Here is a list of things you may want to check-off:

Poncho or parka. There can be rain several days in the areas you will be traveling in. Try to take one that folds up. You may also want to take several of those very cheap, thin types that can just be thrown away when you are finished with them.

A good paperback or magazine. You just might be surprised how much you can enjoy something like this when you are on the coach.

Picnic supplies. Just a few small items you can stick into your backpack such as a small can opener, salt and pepper, a cup, a wipe-it, and anything else you think you might be able to use. Not really a lot. It is a lot of fun to go into a local grocery or market and go together with the other kids buying items you can take into a park or something for lunch. I normally just take a few wipe-its and my Swiss Army knife.

Zip-lock baggies. 1,001 uses such as for leftovers, your laundry that didn't quite dry out over night, your dirty laundry or clothing, to keep and organize souvenirs or gifts in, to keep writing paper and a pen in, to keep travel literature by cities in, and the list goes on.

Soap: Just a small bar such as you would get when you stay at a hotel. I normally carry several. I also pack a small towel and several "throw-away" wash cloths. I also always take those little soaps, shampoos, and such whenever I am at a motel or hotel. They often come in handy when I travel. In fact, I put lots of things such as that in a box at home where I keep things for trips. Things such as samples received in the mail or with the newspaper on Sunday.

Travel information (minimal): Don't take a lot of tour guides and travel books. Do all of your research before you leave home and then make copies of items of interest or tear out the pages of those things you would like to try and see or visit. You should also take small maps of each city you will be visiting. I sometimes take the maps and reduce them on a copy machine making them small enough to fit into my shirt pocket.

Address list: Don't bring your entire address book, only a list of those people you want to be sure to send a post card to. It is always neat to send a postcard of Paris to your friend who is home cutting the grass. Boy, I just can hardly believe how mean I can be at times! I like to make "sticky labels" and take them with me so I don't even have to write out the addresses. Boy am I lazy when I am on vacation. Another very "fun" thing to do is take the e-mail addresses of your friends. Especially their address at work. That way you can send them some wonderful e-mails such as..." Here I am sitting in a wonderful little sidewalk cafe on the Champs-Elysee having an espresso. What are you doing?"

Small note pad and pen: You will be surprised how important this can be. One of the things I always do is record each picture or slide I take. I also write down names and addresses of people or places I want to keep in touch with.

Your Journal.  Take it and use it. You'll be glad you did! It really helps you make an interesting photo album or scrap book of your trip.

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The Test:
A few days before you leave, take this test. Pack your suitcase just the way your want it and your backpack. Be sure to pack completely. Then, wear your backpack and carry your suitcase with you for a day � everywhere you go. Carry it around the house, carry it out with you when you get the mail, take it to the car when you run errands, take it everywhere. If it becomes a pain to you, just think how it will feel after lugging it around Europe or someplace for 15 days. Then � repack!

As I mentioned at the beginning of this page, this is a hand-out given to participants on my tours. Each tour guide and company has some different rules for luggage and such. How many suitcases you take with you will depend upon what type of tour you are taking. And, if you are an independent traveler, about all I can say is, you will be much better off by following the above advice and taking a very limited amount of luggage and clothing. In fact my wife Pat always says, "Why carry it with you when you can always buy it while you are there?" Perhaps that is why we always seem to come back with more luggage than we left with!

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Luggage and Packing Links

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Pack It Up is a great book where Anne McAlpin makes suggestions on how to pack fewer items and eliminate the need for bulky, heavy luggage. There is much more to packing than simply putting your items in a suitcase. Great book for you -- great gift for the traveler.  Find out how easy packing can be!

Luggage Online - For all your travel needs. At Luggage Online you�ll find the largest selection of luggage on the internet, all at great prices. You�ll also discover packing tips, how to maximize your luggage space, how to use and take care of your luggage, and travel-related links.