Packing list for Europe

Packing List

What you pack will depend on where you go and what time of year. The number one thing to keep in mind if you're backpacking is PACK LIGHT!! Bring one pair of VERY comfortable walking shoes (bad shoes can ruin a vacation). Sneakers are great, but they definitely signify "tourist." Don't bring shampoo for 3 months, it's easier and not a great expense to buy them as needed. Dress in layers to take more off your shoulders and to be prepared for a mix of weather. Bring shirts with sleeves and long pants (you'll look less like a tourist and many sacred places require shirtsleeves).

Travel Gear:

Backpack (how to choose a pack)

Day pack (for sightseeing during the day)

Hideaway pouch (belt or under shirt)

Cord & Small Locks (to tie luggage around doors and train racks)

Binoculars

First Aid Kit - Band-Aids, Antibiotic ointment, Antacid, Cold medicine

Papers:

Passport/Visas

Health Insurance Card

Youth Discount Card (ISIC - learn more)

Hostel Card

Address Book/Journal/Pens

Timetables/Itineraries/Maps

Tickets

Copies of documentation (store in a different bag from originals in case one gets lost)

Guidebook/Language Guide

Money:

ATM Card (check bank first for international access and to verify PINs)

Credit Cards (MasterCard and Visa are best bets)

Traveler's Cheques

Small calculator (to figure out exchanges and/or split costs with friends)

Basics:

Camera/Film/Batteries

Plastic bags (Ziploc - store leakable items or to save paperwork)

Sleep Sheets (how to make one)

Swiss Army knife/Can Opener

Matches

Clothes:

T-Shirts

Shorts/Pants/Jeans/Skirt

Socks (several pairs)

Belt

Shoes (make sure they are VERY comfortable)

FlipFlops (for showers & casually strolling)

Beachwear/Hat

Underwear

Semi-nice outfit

Sweater

Gloves/Hat/Thermal Underwear

Raincoat/Poncho/Umbrella

Sunglasses

Personal:

Toiletries: toothbrush, paste, floss, nail file/clippers, Q-tips, kleenex, razors, tweezers, shampoo/conditioner, soap, comb/brush, deodorant

Mirror

Sunscreen/moisturizers/cosmetics

Towel/washcloth

Condoms/Contraception

Medicine/Prescriptions

Extras:

iPod/Music

Collapsible Water Bottle

Alarm clock

Batteries

Sewing Kit (needle, thread, scissors, safety pins)

Small Bag of Detergent (to clean clothes/underwear)

NEXT: Shopping for your trip