The Packing List for Backpacking in EuropeMay 25 '00 (Updated Jun 18 '00) Write an essay on this topic. Backpacking in Europe this summer? Just planning? Here is a list of things you should take with you on your trip. First, a few general rules. 1) Travel light 2) Travel small 3) Make copies of all important travel documents (passport, driver’s license, etc) and keep them separately. I believe this list is quite comprehensive. However, I’m sure I missed something. For example, I know I didn’t include several female specific items (I'm not an expert on how many bras one needs). Please write your suggestions in the comments section. Backpack (about 3000 cu. inches or 50 liters) If you feel like there is not enough space, you are overpacking. Whether you are going for a couple of months or a couple of weeks, I believe this size backpack will be fine. If your trip is only a week or two weeks a 2600 cu. in. backpack may be enough. I own a 3000 cu. in. EMS backpack. (I wrote a review about it, so check it out, if you are interested). Day pack Your usual Jansport or something similar. Some backpacks come with a day pack attached. In any case, whatever you choose, day pack comes very handy. Take it! Money Belt You can carry all your important documents in your wallet or you can buy a money belt, which is allegedly safer. There are a couple of types of money belts. One is like a belt that you put under your shirt. The other is a pouch that hangs around your neck. I'll leave it up to you to decide what you feel more comfortable with. Passport Driver's license ATM card (the best way to get cash) Credit Cards (Visa, MC, and remember your cash advance PINs just in case something goes wrong with your ATM card) ISIC card (if you are under 26—gives you travel insurance and numerous discounts) Medical information (in case of emergency that hopefully will never happen) Two small locks If you plan to travel on train, I recommend a ski lock or something with a coil, which you can get through the zipper handle and some pole in your compartment. If someone really wants to steal something from your bag it’s not going to help, but it’s a deterrent against “curious” strangers. Also take a "Master" lock for regular lockers to store your stuff while staying in hostels. Compass Comes handy if you plan to go hiking or get lost in Louvre. Small light Flashlight Swiss Army Knife First Aid kit (pain and cold medicine, anti-nausea medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine, Band-Aides, Vitamins, Antacid and anything else you think you’ll need) Sewing kit (needle, thread, scissors, perhaps a few extra buttons) Toiletries (tooth brush, soap, shampoo/conditioner, hand wipes, Q-tips, Kleenex, razors, shaving cream, floss, deodorant, condoms (you never know), etc) If you are taking an electric shaver, don’t forget to get a current converter. Sunscreen/Sunblock Ear Plugs People snore. People talk. People party. If you feel like falling asleep during the thunderstorm, take ear plugs. Small Alarm Clock Or better yet, get a watch with an alarm. Photo Camera with extra batteries and film You will see very few backpackers with a video camera. And I doubt you want to carry both on your shoulders. Pen, paper, journal Playing Cards (poker size) Plastic bags Ziplock bags are great. I take a few of different size. Makes packing much easier and protects against water. Guidebook I like Lonely Planet. Other choices Let’s Go, Rough Guides, Rick Steve’s are also fine. Sunglasses Small water bottle Teaspoon Windbreaker/raincoat Two pairs of pants (jeans/khakis) One pair of shorts 5-6 pairs of socks 5-6 pairs of underwear 2 pairs of shoes(sneakers/walking shoes/boots) This is a very subjective area. Take whatever is more comfortable for you. Whatever you decide, don’t pack more than two pairs. A pair of thongs 3-4 T-shirts You can buy more in Europe. One nice shirt for going out One sweater --------------------------------------------------- Optional: Hat and gloves Most likely you will not need them in the summer—depends on where you are going. Baseball cap There are few better ways to let everyone know you are from the States. Bandana Book to read One light (paperback) book to read in your spare time is not a bad idea. Small reading light ...so you can read while others sleep. They are sold in all major office stores (Staples, OfficeMax, etc). Walkman/Discman and a few tapes/CD's Binoculars May come handy when hiking and observing mountain scenery. Whistle …for safety. ----------------------------------------------------- Other things that are worth mentioning, but in my opinion not worth taking: Hip bag You are already taking a day pack. You don't need both. Calculator Learn how to do currency conversion in your head. English--Foreign language dictionary Your guidebook should have all words you need to know. Foreign currency Get cash from ATM machine in the destination airport. HI Hostel Card It costs $20. Not worth it in my opinion. Many hostels don’t honor it. Unless you know that you’ll be staying frequently at HI (Hostelling International) hostels you don’t need a card. Sleeping sheet You get it for free in many hostels or you rent it for a small fee. ---------------------------------------------- Have a great trip!  |
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