Going to Europe is not like getting in the car and driving an hour or so to see Uncle Joe and Aunt Jane. Most likely you’ll be gone for two weeks and you’ll want to pack enough of everything for those two weeks but, you’ll need to cut corners. An outfit for each day, accessories to match, typical traveling toys and all the HBC (health & beauty care) items you use in your daily regiment will never do.  You would need three cargo chests like your ready to sail on an ocean liner.

Seeing that you will be traveling a long distance and going from one location to another your goal is to limit the number of items, their size and their weight. Remember there will be times when you will be getting on and off planes, trains, boats, maybe walking to hotels or other venues. Remember, even if it’s a short walk or just a half flight of stairs, heavy and awkward baggage can become arduous and bothersome.

So, what should you take or not take? This is always a challenge so here is some information you may find helpful. Start by looking at:

What luggage you are going to take?

What do you plan to take in that luggage?

If it doesn’t fit, you will need to limit the things you are taking.

If you are not mobile enough too physically handling that your baggage with ease for a duration of time, you’ll need to modify the baggage. There will not always be someone around to assist you at train stations, getting on and off shuttle buses or other rapid transit vehicles. Some hotels have no bell service or elevator so carrying baggage up a flight of stairs may not be possible.

Packing as Light as Possible…

Baggage…

We also recommend a smaller carry on tote or duffle bag for essentials you will need on the plane. You can keep extra eyeglasses, headphones, books or magazines, mobile devices, snacks and some HBC like, contact solution, pain relievers, etc. in it for the long plane ride there and back. Which ever you use make sure they have zippers or some other the way to secure your items. Petty pick pockets are always present in tourists areas and open bags can be their prime target.

Most airlines flying over to Europe from the USA allow one checked bag to go free. Unless you are flying from one US city, like San Francisco, to another US city, like Newark, and then departing from Newark to Europe.  You’ll be charge a baggage fee for the flight from San Francisco to Newark. Most airlines limit the size of carry on items to  22″x 14″ x 10″. Check with your airline for their size limits as some do allow for a little larger size. We recommend to check your main suitcase and carry on your tote and backpack. The tote will fit nicely in the overhead compartment and the small backpack will fit nicely under the seat allowing you to retain some leg room if you are in economy.

What Not to Pack In Your Checked Baggage…

• Jewelry and Valuables…Bags can be lost by the airlines and once their lost so are your wedding rings, antiques items, family heirlooms like photo albums and other irreplaceable itmes.
• Passports, Boarding Passes, Identification and Important Documents…You will need access to some of these while completing your flight so have them on your person at all times. I is also recommended to scan and email yourself copies of important documents in cases you loose your hard copies.
• Cash and Credit Cards…Remember bags are randomly open by security agents at airports. Credit cards, cash, and other valuables have been reported stolen when going through security baggage.
• Laptop and Electronics…Baggage does get toss around and electronic items can be easily damaged, even when you think it is packed securely in a suitcase. The TSA and airlines have also ban the checking of hoover boards and lithium batteries due to fire they may cause. Your smart devices and laptops use lithium batteries for power, however you may take them on the plane in your carry ons.
• Some Clothing…Take a few additional items like a pair of socks, underwear and a top in your carry on.  You will have something to change into if your luggage is lost or you are are stranded for a day or longer because of flight cancelations.
• Lighters, Matches and other Flammables…This should go without saying. If you are not sure what flammable items are banned go to the ➾ TSA web site for a list.
• Medications…Once again if you are stranded at an airport for a prolonged period of time or your luggage is delayed or lost, make sure you have enough medications to get you through several days.
• Breakable Items…You will be tempted to buy something fragile made from glass, ceramics, etc. While these are wonderful souvenirs they may not make it checked in a suitcase. Many merchants offer shipping back to the States in properly packed boxes with insurance. The cost is more but, it will arrive undamaged.
• Food and Drinks…Avoid putting Foods and drinks in your checked luggage as they can seep or leak into good clothing. If luggage is delayed, it can also start to rot. Certain states like California prohibit even the left over food you didn’t eat on the plane from entering.

Certain fabrics will dry quicker than others. Blended cotton fabrics like, micro fiber, lace or silk rather than 100% cotton and lighter colored clothing will dry before dark. For information on cleaning and laundry of clothing go to our » Laundry page. Wrinkle resistant clothing is also preferable as it will need less ironing and appear nicer after packing and use.

Always pack one ensemble on the dressy side as you may want to visit a nice restaurant or function. It does not have to formal, unless it is that kind of function. A dress and nice open toed shoes for a woman, slacks with a collared shirt and nice shoes for a man. Good quality dark walking shoes like Ecco, Mephisto, etc. work great as they are European style brands from. White or bright colored tennis, jogging or gym shoes do not cut it.  Europeans do not show up in in nice places wearing shorts, beach tongs and a Bud Light t-shirt. I think you get the picture.

A Basic Check List…

AC Power Adapters and Converters…

Europe operates on a 220v a different electric current than the US 110v. They also all use a different wall plug for their electric receptacles. Many of your new electronics will operate on dual voltage and will only need a wall adaptor in order to plug safely to a wall outlet. Older ones and appliances may need to be converted to proper voltage. These appliances are irons, hair dryers & curlers, etc. Most hotels do furnish hair dryers and they will have irons on request.

The guide is, any electronic or electrical device you have that is label 110-220v will be safe use. If it is unable to operate on 220v you must use a converter. Should you have any of these device it is best to try on leave them at home. Using them incorrectly burn them out or blow a circuit in the hotel.

While the “C” plug adaptor works in most outlets in continental Europe there are some situations where the alternate plug will be needed. Try to have a selection of adapter’s for the uncommon outlets. The “G” adapter will work everywhere in the UK, Ireland and Malta. Use the diagrams below to find a proper adaptor. 

Country	Plug Type	Voltage	Frequency	Country	Plug Type	Voltage	Frequency
Albania	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Luxembourg	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Andorra	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Malta	G	230 V	50 Hz
Austria	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Moldova	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Belarus	C, F	220 v	50 Hz	Monaco	C, D, E, F	220 V	50 Hz
Belgium	C, E	230 v	50 Hz	Montenegro	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Bosnia Herzegovina	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Netherlands	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Bulgaria	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	North Macedonia	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Croatia	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Norway	C, F	240 V	50 Hz
Cyprus	G	240 v	50 Hz	Poland	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Czechia	C, E	230 v	50 Hz	Portugal	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Denmark	C,E, F, K	230 v	50 Hz	Romania	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Estonia	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Russia	C, F	220 V	50 Hz
Finland	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	San Marino	C, F, L	230 V	50 Hz
France	C, E	230 v	50 Hz	Serbia	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Germany	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Slovakia	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Greece	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Slovenia	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Hungary	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Spain	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Iceland	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Sweden	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Ireland	G	230 v	50 Hz	Switzerland	C, J	230 V	50 Hz
Italy	C,F, L	230 v	50 Hz	Turkey	C, F	230 V	50 Hz
Latvia	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	Ukraine	C, F	220 V	50 Hz
Lithuania	C, F	230 v	50 Hz	United Kingdom	G	230v	50 Hz
Liechtenstein	C, J	230 v	50 Hz

The advent of mobile devices like smart phones, tablets and GPS devices, not to mention laptop computers, have made travel in Europe all that much more easier. Not only can you make phone calls back to the US with more reliability but, at a fraction of the cost it use to be. For the long flights to Europe, smart devices provide hours of entertainment or while on vacation. You can communicate with family and friends through emails, texting, blogging or social network sites. Smart devices are great for accessing local information wherever you are in Europe. Local weather, time, guide information, checking transportation updates, boarding passes, purchasing tickets,, taking pictures or videos and a myriad of apps for local information.

Now these days, digital cameras allow us to instantly view pictures and edit them at the end of the day. No more developing film and waiting to see if those pictures you took turn out okay. Download them to your mobile device and send them out immediately. Add them to your web site or blog at the end of your travel day.

Yes, we live in an electronic age that has many benefits for the traveler. One only needs to have a little grasp of knowledge otherwise, it can turn out to be a deterrent.

Tablets…

These are also great devices to have on vacation. They are smaller and lighter than a laptop computer making them much easier to pack and carry around when your traveling for an extended period of time. Because of their screen size viewing is made all that much more easier, especially over a longer period of time.

They can provide a lot of information on the local areas you will be visiting. Apps abound for most devices for the most popular tourist areas, sights and transportation services.

Tablets can be a little more cumbersome for taking pictures and carrying around in tourists sites. Smart phones and cameras make a better choice size wise, for picture taking. Adaptors are available for some tablets that allow you to insert your cameras sd card or link with a USB cable.  You can then automatically download all the pictures from your days travels and sights for review. Edit and upload them with comments on one of the many travel blog sights to let family and friends back home view your days adventures.

Ear Devices…

Ear buds or headphones? Ear are small and compact which makes them ideal for travel. You can use them almost everywhere to make calls, etc. Most are re-chargeable so you need not worry about batteries. Headphones on the other hand will cancel out any outside noise making them better for music listening and silencing your flight. They aren’t as compact and will take up more space. You cannot take them drag them around while tour sights like you can while the ear buds.

GPS…

If you plan to drive a car around while in Europe GPS is very handy. If you do not have one on your smart phone or tablet consider a mobile GPS. GPS devices are mapping or non-mapping. You will have no problem with a non-mapping device while in Europe but, if you have a mapping device there could be a challenge. That device will need a European basemap installed on it or it will not work. Your GPS manufacturer should be able to confirm whether your device has a European basemap or not.  If it doesn’t, you can go online to buy a City Naviagator or City Elect  high detailed basemap for it to work. If you are renting a car you may also pay a little extra and use GPS units that come with rental cars.

Applications for Smart Devices…

There are many apps to choose from but, which ones are really necessary? Go to our ➾ The Internet & App page and see recommended apps that will be helpful when traveling.

Cameras…

You are going to see many wonderful sights in Europe and you are going to want to remember them forever. You will want pictures for showing to friends and family but, also for yourself to look at and remember.

Today with the advancement of digital technology you no longer have to wait to develop pictures you can try to shoot them again if you miss something. You have three primary options for taking your photos one, with a point and shoot camera two, a DSLR camera and three with your smart device, preferably a phone not a table. Cameras require an SD card and good strong battery is needed in all devices. So without getting too technical, what are the differences between the two types and what advantages does each have for you?

• Compact in size. This is nice when traveling out and about for the day. They can fit into a coat pocket or purse with no problem.
• Lower in cost. Decent quality cameras starts at $100.00 up to over $1,000.00
• Single lens. Some have limited zoom ability.  No need to carry extra lenses and no wasting time changing one lens for another.
• Automatic settings allow for ease of use. A novice can easily take quality photos with the change of one setting to accommodate the environment.
• Will not always guarantee good photos under certain conditions like night photography.

• DSLR cameras larger and weigh more which means you will need a camera pack or tote when traveling around.
• The starting cost of DSLR cameras is a little over $500.00. and the sky is the limit. You may be able to find discontinued models a little under that starting price.
• Manual controls allow the photographer greater flexibility when shooting under different circumstances..
• These cameras have interchangeable lenses for different shooting requirements.
• Larger image sensors allow for cleaner, better quality images in a greater variance of lighting and setting conditions.
• Adjustable ISO to control the sensitivity of the sensor.
• Adjustable aperture or f-stop, allows how much light will reach the sensor.

• Seeing that you will have your phone with you at all times, it eliminates carry another article around with you.
• These are the most compact of all devices.
• Over the last few years the newer models have improved built in cameras that are now on par with some DSLR cameras. These give you more flexibility when shooting under certain circumstances.
• These do not require a separate SD card.
• You can back up photos to the cloud and eliminate mistakenly erasing photos.
• Cost on smart phones with reasonably good cameras are about $600 to $1400.

In summarizing, for most a good quality smart phone makes sense as long as it has a high quality camera. If you have do not have a smart phone a Point and Shoot is as compact and least expensive. The DSLR is the most bulky but, has the most flexibility for professional photography.

Final Packing…

Once you have everything laid out that you need try a dress rehearsal and pack it in your baggage to see if it all fits. If it doesn’t, you will need to start eliminating things. Some HBC items can be purchased in Europe. If you are going during the late spring to early fall eliminate heavy clothing like bulky sweaters for cold weather.