March 13, 2012
5 Must-Pack Items for Europe
Packing for a vacation in Europe can be a daunting task. Don’t leave home without these essential items!
1. Digital Camera
From ancient cathedrals to historic castles, photo-worthy destinations spring to life in Europe. Bring home thousands of delightful memories with your digital camera
. Make sure to pack extra memory storage for your camera. Bring several cards with 8 GBs of memory total. These cards take very little space and by using more than one, you won’t lose all your trip photos if something happens to your camera.
2. Good walking shoes
While public transportation is wonderful throughout much of Europe, be ready for lots of walking – whether it is on guided tours or just roaming attractions. Trail running shoes offer needed walking support and are durable and versatile if you also want to incorporate any light hikes into your itinerary.
3. Refillable water bottle
Make sure to stay hydrated during your travels by packing a lightweight, refillable water bottle. You could also try one that has a built-in water filter to keep your water tasting fresh and clean even out of unfamiliar taps.
Travel Tip: Remember to empty your water bottle before entering airport security lines.
4. Power adapter and convertor
Before you leave for your European vacation, buy a power adapter and convertor. The convertor will reduce the 220 volt charge down to the typical 110 volt charge needed for U.S. based electronics. To accompany the convertor buy an adapter to change your cables to the correct prong size to fit the wall outlets. For items such as laptops, the power cables will already make this conversion for you, so read the labels carefully on all your electronics.
Visiting more than one country? Look into purchasing a world-wide adapter kit so that you will always have the right size plug.
5. Plastic bags
Tuck into your suitcase a handful of extra sealable quart sized plastic bags and one plastic grocery bag. These bags can be used to pack snacks on the road, carry your important travel documents in bad weather, and protect and organize your small items and toiletries. If you encounter wet weather, a larger plastic bag can also be used to wrap muddy clothing or shoes and keep the rest of your pack clean and dry.
Photo credit: Sony Compact Digital Camera, digitpedia; The Kleen Brigade, cogdogblog; Rock Creek Park Keens, Mr T. in DC.
Spread the word: