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Packing list/Things I wish I knew before my Europe tour

22 Sep 2007 lkgreen said

I went on the European Impressions tour in Aug 2007. Below is my packing list, complete with commentary on problems and what I wish I had while I was over there. Hope this is helpful to some. Please email me @ lindsaykell@gmail.com if you have any other questions. I'd be happy to share!

Europe Checklist:

Clothing
Jeans (3)
Black Pants
Capri –I should have brought more of these. It was hot, but not many people in Europe wore shorts, so I wore these a lot.
Black Capri
Shorts (1) –One was fine, it is true what they say about minimal shorts in Europe. I only wore mine in Venice, because it was excessively hot.
L&S Black Skirt –It is important to bring nicer clothes because many people dressed up for dinner, even in the hotels.
Exercise Pants/Shorts –Never wore these.
P.J.s (T-shirt & Black Capri sweats) -Perfect
T-Shirts (7)
Long Shirts (2)
Dress Shirts (2) –I should have brought more dress shirts for the reason listed above.
Tanks (3)
Black Sweater –This is good for cold nights when you go out.
Swim Suit –One was plenty for the Impressions tour.
Walking Shoes
Flip-Flops –Most people stress to bring comfortable walking shoes, and it is true that they are important, but honestly, I wore my thongs half of the time and was totally fine walking around.
Dress Shoes
Undies (10) –This was a good number, because our laundry day was in Nice, which is day 10 or so.
Socks (10) Low-cut
Bras (3)
Jacket (Lightweight, waterproof, hood) –This jacket was the BEST. I totally recommend one because you will use it often.
Scarf –I never wore it.

Bathroom
Face wash
Cotton Squares
Deodorant (2)
Cover-up
Eyeliner
Mascara
Remover
Tampons
Shampoo
Conditioner
Antibacterial Soap (2)
Razor (2)
Brush
Hair Ties/Clips
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Hand Dryer
Tissue paper (Lots, double for TP) –I only used my tissues for TP once. It was plentiful in all toilets.
Suntan Lotion
Face Towel
Tweezers Kit
Ibuprofen
Sudafed
Nyquil
Tums
Clairiton
Dramamine/Bracelets –If you suffer massively from motion sickness like me, and hate the drowsy feeling after pills, I would totally recommend the motion bracelets and a serum that goes behind your ears. I found both at Wal-Mart and they worked like a charm.
Cortizone
Pepto-Bismol
Vitamins/Pills (C, Women’s Daily)
Airborne –I took this and my vitamins every night before I went to bed without fail, and I never got sick. That is saying a lot, because I contract other people’s colds easily.
Travel Laundry Bag/Detergent –Very helpful. Instead of paying a lot for the hotel to do my laundry in Nice, I took some time in Florence to go to a laundry mat, which was super close to the hotel. It took a half an hour, and I did not have to worry about my things shrinking, like other people’s did in Nice.
First Aid Kit –Bring a box of Band-Aids. You will need them when you develop blisters from your dress shoes after your first night out.

Miscellaneous
Small Backpack for Day/Overnight Bag –We never needed an overnight bag, but I had a backpack, which held some extra clothes, my neck pillow, Ipod and other things. I left it on the bus in the day while I was tooling around the cities and in the hotel overnight. I would not recommend a backpack for a day bag, it is just too heavy and a hassle. I had a medium-size purse with a long shoulder strap that was attached to me during the day. It fit my camera and everything else I needed.
Camera
Batteries (Rechargeable & Non) –If your camera eats batteries like mine does, I recommend rechargeable batteries. Charge them all BEFORE you go. Make sure that the charger is the correct voltage to work in your adapter, because mine was not and it fried the charger. I ended up buying another charger and batteries in Germany. Best Buy: $30
Recharger
Adapter –DON’T forget this! It’s an adapter to make your American devices work in Europe. Also, double and triple check voltages to make sure they are compatible; otherwise you’ll fry your electronics.
Memory Cards –I recommend at least 2 gigs. It was a drag for people to put pics on CD’s every 3 days. Best Buy: $20
IPod/Charger –I only used my Ipod on the airplane. They play music and movies on the bus.
Glasses/Sunglasses
Small Flashlight
Travel Alarm clock
Reading/Travel Book
Contiki Pack
Money Belt –I wore it on my waist under my clothes maybe five times. Most of the time it was in my purse, like a wallet. Target: $10
Pens/Journal/Address Book –Try to stay on top of your journaling. You’ll be happy later.
Sewing Kit
Insect Repellent –I got eaten ALIVE the first three days until I put this stuff on.
Plastic Baggies (Wet Stuff/Liquids)
Water Bottle
Granola Bars
Watch
Locks –Don’t put your locks on your suitcase until you get to Europe because even the TSA ones tend to get lost during baggage check. I used one on my backpack and suitcase every time I left them in the room. Target: $10
Spot Remover
Neck Pillow –If you don’t have one, get one. It’s the best. Target: $8
Umbrella
Duct Tape
Poncho

To Do Before Europe:
Shop
Call Bank/Mobile –Just to tell them you will be using your card/phone outside the states.
Pack
Get Euros –I did mine through my bank.
Traveler’s Checks? –I didn’t bring them, and I have no regrets.
Money in Account
Pay Bills
Check Flights
Europe Train Schedule –Make sure you are familiar with the tube routes and what one you need to take.
Make Copies/Scans of Passport & Cards
Activate Calling Card
Get new Cell Phone –Make sure your cell phone can be used in Europe. The calling card only worked some of the time. A lot of hotels charged you for the phone, and some didn’t even have one. Be cautious, cells calls are spendy.

Other things I wish I knew:
-Read your Contiki packet more than once. Lots of good info in there.

-The tour guides are a wealth of information. They will give you maps, history lessons, cool places to go and tons more. Don’t hesitate to ask him/her questions because know what they’re doing.

-Keep change in your pocket. It might seem lame, but you have to pay for the toilets at almost every restroom.

-The bus stops about every 2-3 hours at a rest stop/eating place. Spain and France’s were outrageously expensive, but the rest were reasonable.

-Do all the Optionals. You will be so glad you did.

-Put yourself out there and ask different people to do things with you. This eliminates continent-cliques.

-The language barrier really wasn’t that bad. Use hand signals and listen to voice tones.

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Add to discussion 60 comments so far

22 Jan 2008 Varsha said

that was really helpful THANKS!!!

that was really helpful THANKS!!! or Cancel
- 0 people like this
3 Feb 2008 Sujeeta said

Thanks for the list.
Do people usually dress-up or is it very casual when you go out at night?

Thanks for the list. <BR>Do people usually dress-up or is it very casual when you go out at night? or Cancel
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13 Feb 2011 henshhh said

This was excellent — so very, very helpful.

This was excellent -- so very, very helpful. or Cancel
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14 Feb 2011 Shanny said

Wow, this was amazingly helpful! I would also like to know about how much spending money you took.

The clothes to pack will be my biggest challenge haha

Wow, this was amazingly helpful! I would also like to know about how much spending money you took. The clothes to pack will be my biggest challenge haha or Cancel
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14 Feb 2011 Tara said

I went on the European Encounter last year and will do the European Impressions this year. I’m from Canada and brought a travelex card (like a debit/credit card) with about $3000, didn’t spend all of the money (will use it again this year : ) ). I think if you buget 100 euros per day you will be safe, some days you will spend more and others a lot less. Hope this helps!

I went on the European Encounter last year and will do the European Impressions this year. I'm from Canada and brought a travelex card (like a debit/credit card) with about $3000, didn't spend all of the money (will use it again this year : ) ). I think if you buget 100 euros per day you will be safe, some days you will spend more and others a lot less. Hope this helps! or Cancel
- 3 people like this
2 Mar 2011 Kaz said

Thanks.. I found a lot of these similar when I went to the UK but you’ve helped for ideas for Europe. As for flip flops, prior to my contiki I didnt wear them a lot on tour and now I live in them since ive been home.

Thanks.. I found a lot of these similar when I went to the UK but you've helped for ideas for Europe. As for flip flops, prior to my contiki I didnt wear them a lot on tour and now I live in them since ive been home. or Cancel
- 0 people like this
3 Mar 2011 msmotivated said

The list was amazing! thank you!! I would like to know how to dress at nigth when going to the club or dinner????….

The list was amazing! thank you!! I would like to know how to dress at nigth when going to the club or dinner????.... or Cancel
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5 Mar 2011 Danielle said

This will be such a great helper – thank you!

This will be such a great helper - thank you! or Cancel
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15 Mar 2011 Nay_N_Azz said

Thanks very much, very helpful

Thanks very much, very helpful or Cancel
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15 Mar 2011 jess1506 said

Thanks so much :-)

Thanks so much :-) or Cancel
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17 Mar 2011 azurastar said

this is wicked. Thanks so much, I’ve been stressing about what to pack. This helps!

this is wicked. Thanks so much, I've been stressing about what to pack. This helps! or Cancel
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17 Mar 2011 Nicola said

Love this list – thanks x

Love this list - thanks x or Cancel
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29 Mar 2011 MeganAnn87 said

Wow that has answered almost every single one of my questions except whats a Capri and what is Airborne?

Wow that has answered almost every single one of my questions except whats a Capri and what is Airborne? or Cancel
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29 Mar 2011 AshleyJayne said

Megan, capris are mid-length pants! Longer than shorts, shorter than pants!

Megan, capris are mid-length pants! Longer than shorts, shorter than pants! or Cancel
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29 Mar 2011 MeganAnn87 said

lol thanks for that. i know it may have been a silly question but have never heard them called that before. :)

lol thanks for that. i know it may have been a silly question but have never heard them called that before. :) or Cancel
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30 Mar 2011 emma.g. said

Wow! this is alot of help. Thankyou!!

Wow! this is alot of help. Thankyou!! or Cancel
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26 May 2011 EmmaEmily said

Of a morning, do you have to check out of your hotel like you would normally?? like hand in room keys and things like that, or has the TM done this, and you just basically jump on the bus? also…does anyone know if we can KEEP the room keys? they’d make pretty cool souvenirs…

Of a morning, do you have to check out of your hotel like you would normally?? like hand in room keys and things like that, or has the TM done this, and you just basically jump on the bus? also...does anyone know if we can KEEP the room keys? they'd make pretty cool souvenirs... or Cancel
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29 May 2011 Felicity said

As you leave ur hotel in the morning before u head to ur next city, u basically hand ur key to the front desk or put it in a designated box and that’s it. As for keeping the keys, ur not meant to but i do recall a few people accidentally forgetting to hand their’s in and getting dirty looks from the TM when they saw they still had them.

As you leave ur hotel in the morning before u head to ur next city, u basically hand ur key to the front desk or put it in a designated box and that's it. As for keeping the keys, ur not meant to but i do recall a few people accidentally forgetting to hand their's in and getting dirty looks from the TM when they saw they still had them. or Cancel
- 0 people like this
12 Jun 2011 YaVoron said

Extremely useful!! Thanks so much! I always end up forgetting something, so I really appreciate having this list.

Extremely useful!! Thanks so much! I always end up forgetting something, so I really appreciate having this list. or Cancel
- 0 people like this
18 Jun 2011 Becks22 said

Great list! I’ll be using this when I start packing for my trip this summer!! Thanks :)

Great list! I'll be using this when I start packing for my trip this summer!! Thanks :) or Cancel
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