A trip to Europe is not a small undertaking. While you are sure to have an amazing time discovering the wonders of this continent, you are also going to need to be prepared with the right travel essentials. Before you take off on your epic adventure, it is important to make sure that you have all the right items packed. In addition to vital documents such as a passport, be sure to remember these key packing details.
Pack Light
A trip to Europe is likely to involve multiple plane or train trips. In order to keep it easy, you are not going to want to be lugging around heavy luggage. Packing light will keep you more flexible and ready for the new adventure. To keep your suitcase light, pack clothes that can make several outfit combinations, so you can wear the same pants with different shirts. Packing outfits that you can layer to form different looks will give you more versatility. Keep in mind that some of Europe’s churches and other venues require more conservative wear, so be sure to pack wisely.
Get the Right Adapter
Do not forget that most European outlets will not be compatible with your phone chargers, hair appliances and other electronic devices, necessitating that you bring your own adapter. Rather than purchasing multiple individual plug adapters, you can simply buy one multi-country adapter. With this sort of device, you can plug multiple cords into one outlet. This is especially helpful if your travels take you on a cruise ship or hotel room with limited outlet availability.
Money
Careful budgeting and money management are key when traveling overseas. Before you leave, be sure to check with your local bank about foreign ATM fees. You do not want to be hit with a host of hidden fees every time you need to withdraw the local currency. Using your credit card for major expenses will help you avoid paying costly exchange fees. Paying in the local currency will yield bigger savings even though it may be a hassle to exchange the money. It is also critical that you bring an extra credit card as a backup.
With the right packing list, you can ensure that your travels are as smooth as possible. You will enjoy your journey more if you pack along everything that you need for a seamless travel experience.
To learn more about how to prepare for your trip to Europe, check out the article, “Know Before You Go — How to Get Familiar With Unfamiliar Travel Destinations”.
