What do you wish you'd known?

18 Jul 2007 ashleightara asked

I'm curious to know what ppl wish they'd known before they went on their trips, and only discovered afterwards...

For example,
Did you miss something in a town you wish you'd known about?
Did you pack something, and never used it?
Did you NEED something you didn't pack and had to go in search of it?

In particular, looking for different advice to what is already available on the board...share you experience so others can learn from you 'mistake'.

Thanks

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• Answer this question 753 answers so far

• 8 Jan 2013 Paige said

  

  ill be going on my first contiki in june/july and some of these posts have given me a bit of an idea as what to and what not to pack! glad ashlieghtara posted this topic! :)

  ill be going on my first contiki in june/july and some of these posts have given me a bit of an idea as what to and what not to pack! glad ashlieghtara posted this topic! :) or Cancel
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• 8 Jan 2013 Chandre A said

  

  What a helpful post!!! 725 replies and cover so much!! thanks

  What a helpful post!!! 725 replies and cover so much!! thanks or Cancel
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• 10 Jan 2013 Kristie1986 said

  

  @Kelsey Thanks for clearing that up. I never used the ones on the bus, just knew that some people did. As for the cook tent part, I swear to God I read on here somewhere that that’s how some people charged their stuff on camping trips. But that post was probably really old, I don’t remember. But yeah people only use power boards if you’re in a cabin/room, NOT on the bus. :)

  @Kelsey Thanks for clearing that up. I never used the ones on the bus, just knew that some people did. As for the cook tent part, I swear to God I read on here somewhere that that's how some people charged their stuff on camping trips. But that post was probably really old, I don't remember. But yeah people only use power boards if you're in a cabin/room, NOT on the bus. :) or Cancel
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• 14 Jan 2013 Kelsey said

  

  Can anyone who has been on a winter tour give me some advice? I’ve done a summer one, and I’m booking one with a friend who’s never been to Europe and can’t decide between summer or winter. Does the rain/snow stop you doing anything? And what about going out at night? And input would be appreciated :)

  Can anyone who has been on a winter tour give me some advice? I've done a summer one, and I'm booking one with a friend who's never been to Europe and can't decide between summer or winter. Does the rain/snow stop you doing anything? And what about going out at night? And input would be appreciated :) or Cancel
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• 30 Jan 2013 LauraS said

  

  I am doing the European Experience in August, and I am just wondering about a few things:

  - I don’t want to take a backpack, but an over the shoulder bag that is just the right size to keep a cardigan and bikini just in case and my essentials (sunblock, wallet, passport etc). Is this risky of being pick pocketed, or fairly safe? Should you take a money belt? (I really don’t want to).

  - Where can you find out about the details of the dimensions that they accept for your suitcase? Or the weight?

  - Do you need a sleeping bag? Just a light weight one?

  - How easy is it to keep a phone charged? I have an iPhone so I am planning on just using that to take photos etc, and it usually needs charging every day. As it has iCloud this is a good way to ensure I don’t lose my photos.

  - If you buy alcohol Duty Free in London, can that be taken with you? My Contiki starts in London and moves to Paris for the first stop

  - for a three week contiki, how much money does one usually spend?

  Thanks!

  I am doing the European Experience in August, and I am just wondering about a few things: - I don't want to take a backpack, but an over the shoulder bag that is just the right size to keep a cardigan and bikini just in case and my essentials (sunblock, wallet, passport etc). Is this risky of being pick pocketed, or fairly safe? Should you take a money belt? (I really don't want to). - Where can you find out about the details of the dimensions that they accept for your suitcase? Or the weight? - Do you need a sleeping bag? Just a light weight one? - How easy is it to keep a phone charged? I have an iPhone so I am planning on just using that to take photos etc, and it usually needs charging every day. As it has iCloud this is a good way to ensure I don't lose my photos. - If you buy alcohol Duty Free in London, can that be taken with you? My Contiki starts in London and moves to Paris for the first stop - for a three week contiki, how much money does one usually spend? Thanks! or Cancel
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• 18 Feb 2013 Jazmina33 said

  

  Kelsey i did the winter inspiration tour in 2011, i did the first one in the winter cycle, the only thing that wasnt offered to us to do was the white water rafting, and bike tours, we did walking tours instead. I strongly suggest taking thermals a ski jacket and layers, and take ur normal going out clothes for night time, just bring a nice going out warm jacket as everywhere u go has a coat room and its heated inside. If u go at the start of winter or the end then i suggest a pair of shorts and singlets as well, it was -6 in berlin but it was 25 in rome. Our walking tour guide in berlin told us he still does walking tours with contiki when theres half a meter of snow on the ground.

  Some other general tips:
  Power boad is a must, u have 2 or 3 things to charge and so does ur room mate and theres only 2 power points in the room

  Power adapter

  Power converter for americans- u guys use arount 130V eourpe and australia use 230-240v, i had a couple of girls blow their hair straightners up the first night.

  If ur first night is in amsterdam, no matter how quiet u are definatly go to the live sex show, its a really good ice breaker and gives the group something to talk about on the bus, u dont want to feel left out, and nothing else u do/go to on tour will shock u or bother u.

  Take anti nausea medicine, having a hangover on the bus is not fun, and for those who are sympathy vomiters its not fun for them either.

  YES everyone gets the contiki cough/cold/flu, no matter how well u try to avoid it, drug urself up and push through it or u will miss out on so much.

  Take different strength painkillers, if something happens over there and u dont have it, u have to see a docter to get anything stronger than an asprin.

  When u get to london buy some washing powder/liquid and do u washing in the sink, u dont have the time to waste going to a laundry mat, the hotel laundry service is expensive and u cant gaurentee that u will get it back before u move on, take a travel clothes line and hang u gear up in ur room,

  Everyone on here says it, but get to know everyone sooner, i regret not spending more time with some of the people on my tour

  For those of you asking how much money, i spent 4weeks on contiki and i spent around $4500, i had a couple of big nights and just one or 2 the others, and did most of the extras

  Pack as light as possible, being winter for me that was kind of hard, my suitcase coming home was 10kg over weight.

  Kelsey i did the winter inspiration tour in 2011, i did the first one in the winter cycle, the only thing that wasnt offered to us to do was the white water rafting, and bike tours, we did walking tours instead. I strongly suggest taking thermals a ski jacket and layers, and take ur normal going out clothes for night time, just bring a nice going out warm jacket as everywhere u go has a coat room and its heated inside. If u go at the start of winter or the end then i suggest a pair of shorts and singlets as well, it was -6 in berlin but it was 25 in rome. Our walking tour guide in berlin told us he still does walking tours with contiki when theres half a meter of snow on the ground. Some other general tips: Power boad is a must, u have 2 or 3 things to charge and so does ur room mate and theres only 2 power points in the room Power adapter Power converter for americans- u guys use arount 130V eourpe and australia use 230-240v, i had a couple of girls blow their hair straightners up the first night. If ur first night is in amsterdam, no matter how quiet u are definatly go to the live sex show, its a really good ice breaker and gives the group something to talk about on the bus, u dont want to feel left out, and nothing else u do/go to on tour will shock u or bother u. Take anti nausea medicine, having a hangover on the bus is not fun, and for those who are sympathy vomiters its not fun for them either. YES everyone gets the contiki cough/cold/flu, no matter how well u try to avoid it, drug urself up and push through it or u will miss out on so much. Take different strength painkillers, if something happens over there and u dont have it, u have to see a docter to get anything stronger than an asprin. When u get to london buy some washing powder/liquid and do u washing in the sink, u dont have the time to waste going to a laundry mat, the hotel laundry service is expensive and u cant gaurentee that u will get it back before u move on, take a travel clothes line and hang u gear up in ur room, Everyone on here says it, but get to know everyone sooner, i regret not spending more time with some of the people on my tour For those of you asking how much money, i spent 4weeks on contiki and i spent around $4500, i had a couple of big nights and just one or 2 the others, and did most of the extras Pack as light as possible, being winter for me that was kind of hard, my suitcase coming home was 10kg over weight. or Cancel
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• 18 Feb 2013 Jazmina33 said

  

  Make sure u have cash for the first day, at at ur first stop cash a not in for change as yes u have to pay for the toilet and most places there is someone standing on the door,

  By the end of the tour it will just be another church and u will be praying for no more stairs but trust me there will be more.

  In ur hotels, if ur lucky there will be a lift but there will be 50 of u trying to use it, so get used to carrying ur suitcase up stairs

  If ur going solo dont pay for a single room, u will make more friends if u have a room mate, a few of the girls on my tour that came along left with best friends

  Make sure u take a couple of garbage bags, bag ur dirty clothes in ur suitcase to stop them making the rest of ur clothes smell, and double bag the clothes u had on in amsterdam and wash them straight away at the next stop,

  I found the language barrier to be painfull at times, prauge in particular, amsterdam most people speak english, italians love aussies , germany had its moments

  Make sure u have cash for the first day, at at ur first stop cash a not in for change as yes u have to pay for the toilet and most places there is someone standing on the door, By the end of the tour it will just be another church and u will be praying for no more stairs but trust me there will be more. In ur hotels, if ur lucky there will be a lift but there will be 50 of u trying to use it, so get used to carrying ur suitcase up stairs If ur going solo dont pay for a single room, u will make more friends if u have a room mate, a few of the girls on my tour that came along left with best friends Make sure u take a couple of garbage bags, bag ur dirty clothes in ur suitcase to stop them making the rest of ur clothes smell, and double bag the clothes u had on in amsterdam and wash them straight away at the next stop, I found the language barrier to be painfull at times, prauge in particular, amsterdam most people speak english, italians love aussies , germany had its moments or Cancel
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• 8 Mar 2013 Jess said

  

  This thread is amazing, I’ve read all 35 pages! I thought I had my packing list sorted but now have an extra list of things i’d forgotten just by reading this. I am doing the 9 day London, Paris + Amsterdam hotel tour on May 4th, then have 6 weeks travelling with Busabout staying in hostels.

  BATH TOWELS – Can anyone give me advice on whether or not it’s worth taking a towel? I assume the Contiki hotels will have them, but you’d have to pay for them in hostels throughout Europe. Would I be best to take a thin one and use it when towels aren’t supplied?

  LONDON WEATHER, MAY – Londoners, how big of a jacket will I need in the beginning of May? Will a blazer jacket be sufficient? I’d also take a more casual knitted jumper to put over t-shirts or a long sleeve top,

  Thanks in advance and thanks to everyone else for all the posts! Can’t wait to share some advice of my own when I’m back :)

  This thread is amazing, I've read all 35 pages! I thought I had my packing list sorted but now have an extra list of things i'd forgotten just by reading this. I am doing the 9 day London, Paris + Amsterdam hotel tour on May 4th, then have 6 weeks travelling with Busabout staying in hostels. BATH TOWELS - Can anyone give me advice on whether or not it's worth taking a towel? I assume the Contiki hotels will have them, but you'd have to pay for them in hostels throughout Europe. Would I be best to take a thin one and use it when towels aren't supplied? LONDON WEATHER, MAY - Londoners, how big of a jacket will I need in the beginning of May? Will a blazer jacket be sufficient? I'd also take a more casual knitted jumper to put over t-shirts or a long sleeve top, Thanks in advance and thanks to everyone else for all the posts! Can't wait to share some advice of my own when I'm back :) or Cancel
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• 18 Mar 2013 Richard said

  

  I wish I had known about this sushi restaurant when i was visiting japan. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1772925/

  I literally walked past it several times whilst I was there and it is home to the best sushi restaurant in the world!… I’m not a big fan of seafood but I’d try it just for the experience..

  I wish I had known about this sushi restaurant when i was visiting japan. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1772925/ I literally walked past it several times whilst I was there and it is home to the best sushi restaurant in the world!... I'm not a big fan of seafood but I'd try it just for the experience.. or Cancel
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• 28 Mar 2013 emilie said

  

  Bring a bathtowel. Some of the places we stayed at were just an over nighter and we were constantly told to bring a towel as well as toilet things and extra clothes for the next day. I brougt along a backpack with me on the trip because a)I used it as a carry on for the flight, b)When we had an overnighter I could throw y things into it and go instead of stuffing it all into a purse and c)I felt like when we had a two hour bus ride it was nice to have a big enough bag to carry any extra little thing I might need for entertainment or store something in like food or water. When we were just walking around at stops like Florence or Amsterdam I had a small little purse that I had fit my things in instead of carrying a bookbag with me all day. All I kept in it was handsanitizer,sunscreen and money.

  Now things I wished I knew before going a trip was how to pack. I went through my suitcase twice before saying I was ready to fly off to Europe. I ended up only just over 10 kg. I wished I packed a little more clothing then I had, just to give myself more choice and not wear the same thing a few timess before finally getting washed. Also it might have been nice to bring something electronic to keep busy or stay in contact with my family. The only thing I had really was my camera haha. Oh one other thing! bring an alarm clock or even just an orindary wrist watch. I’m so happy I brought one with me, it helped when you wanted to make sure to keep on time on the meet ups to catch a ride back to where you stayed with the tour bus instead of paying for a cab or getting lost on the subway :p

  Like Jazzmina33 said, I wished I had opened up and chatted with more people on my tour. I mean I had made some really good friends through it but it would have been nice to get to know others better aswell. I had gone with my friend and we both had an awesome time and met cool people but we both agreed that we wished we hadn’t been that shy in the beginning.

  One last thing I swear haha I only realized this when we had our first night in Florence. A group of us were walking around and we found a convientstore where they were selling packs of 6 waterbottles for like 3 or 4 euros. They were like 1 litre bottles, so we bought one pack of six an each grabbed one. So for most of the trip we each kept an eye out for that especially at some of the bus stops we had for lunch. It’s a much better deal than buying a small bottle for a euro or two. Just make sure to bring a water bottle with you instead of carrying a huge bottle around.

  Bring a bathtowel. Some of the places we stayed at were just an over nighter and we were constantly told to bring a towel as well as toilet things and extra clothes for the next day. I brougt along a backpack with me on the trip because a)I used it as a carry on for the flight, b)When we had an overnighter I could throw y things into it and go instead of stuffing it all into a purse and c)I felt like when we had a two hour bus ride it was nice to have a big enough bag to carry any extra little thing I might need for entertainment or store something in like food or water. When we were just walking around at stops like Florence or Amsterdam I had a small little purse that I had fit my things in instead of carrying a bookbag with me all day. All I kept in it was handsanitizer,sunscreen and money. Now things I wished I knew before going a trip was how to pack. I went through my suitcase twice before saying I was ready to fly off to Europe. I ended up only just over 10 kg. I wished I packed a little more clothing then I had, just to give myself more choice and not wear the same thing a few timess before finally getting washed. Also it might have been nice to bring something electronic to keep busy or stay in contact with my family. The only thing I had really was my camera haha. Oh one other thing! bring an alarm clock or even just an orindary wrist watch. I'm so happy I brought one with me, it helped when you wanted to make sure to keep on time on the meet ups to catch a ride back to where you stayed with the tour bus instead of paying for a cab or getting lost on the subway :p Like Jazzmina33 said, I wished I had opened up and chatted with more people on my tour. I mean I had made some really good friends through it but it would have been nice to get to know others better aswell. I had gone with my friend and we both had an awesome time and met cool people but we both agreed that we wished we hadn't been that shy in the beginning. One last thing I swear haha I only realized this when we had our first night in Florence. A group of us were walking around and we found a convientstore where they were selling packs of 6 waterbottles for like 3 or 4 euros. They were like 1 litre bottles, so we bought one pack of six an each grabbed one. So for most of the trip we each kept an eye out for that especially at some of the bus stops we had for lunch. It's a much better deal than buying a small bottle for a euro or two. Just make sure to bring a water bottle with you instead of carrying a huge bottle around. or Cancel
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• 1 Apr 2013 stephie_091 said

  

  We did two contiki’s In December 2012, Berlin-Budapest and italian espresso, both were amazing and I have no regrets from either contikis, they were both set out fantastically!

  We also spent a few weeks travelling by ourelves, a few things I think we should have sorted before we left was:

  Sorting out early what we wanted to get out of each city, we went in wanting to do this and that and by the time we were heading to a new city, we remembered that we wanted to do something else! this was disappointing, but we will know for next time.

  My second thing was that I wish I had of sorted out my internet banking whilst in Australia, Instead of trying to log in from my iphone 3 weeks later, this was an issue as we couldn’t open the webpage on a smart phone and needed a computer. I also had to go through and “set up” my account, which could have been done at home.

  other than these it was a perfect trip :D

  We did two contiki's In December 2012, Berlin-Budapest and italian espresso, both were amazing and I have no regrets from either contikis, they were both set out fantastically! We also spent a few weeks travelling by ourelves, a few things I think we should have sorted before we left was: Sorting out early what we wanted to get out of each city, we went in wanting to do this and that and by the time we were heading to a new city, we remembered that we wanted to do something else! this was disappointing, but we will know for next time. My second thing was that I wish I had of sorted out my internet banking whilst in Australia, Instead of trying to log in from my iphone 3 weeks later, this was an issue as we couldn't open the webpage on a smart phone and needed a computer. I also had to go through and "set up" my account, which could have been done at home. other than these it was a perfect trip :D or Cancel
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• 5 Apr 2013 Isabella said

  

  hey guys this forum has been really helpful!
  i leave at the beginning of may 2013 on the ultimate european plus greek islands and im having a lot of trouble of what to pack.. i am a typical girl who loves clothes so if someone has suggestions please!!! eg how many pairs of shoes (what type as well) any little extra things you think i should take that you wouldnt have thought of or to save me from buying it over there? also the weather?

  thanks !

  hey guys this forum has been really helpful! i leave at the beginning of may 2013 on the ultimate european plus greek islands and im having a lot of trouble of what to pack.. i am a typical girl who loves clothes so if someone has suggestions please!!! eg how many pairs of shoes (what type as well) any little extra things you think i should take that you wouldnt have thought of or to save me from buying it over there? also the weather? thanks ! or Cancel
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• 5 Apr 2013 Jess said

  

  Hey Isabella, I’m starting the London, Paris & Amsterdam on 04 May and have just written my packing list! Here’s a few things I found online and in this thread that I hadn’t thought of originally so they might help you:

  Tweezers, nail clippers, laundry bag (people get annoyed with plastic bags rustling), snap lock plastic bags for snacks and to keep things from leaking, sleeping mask & earplugs, travel alarm clock, neck pillow for the bus/plane, a big lock for hostel lockers, power board (i can’t imagine all places having enough powerpoints for everyone!), quick dry towel, travel speakers…

  As for shoes… I’m going for 9 weeks in total and taking 1 pair of thongs, 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of black flats and my Vans. From everything I’ve read, don’t bother with heels!

  Another thing that’s handy are those purses that fit your cards, money and iphone with the wrist strap attached. That way that’s all you should need to take out :) Hope that helps!

  Hey Isabella, I'm starting the London, Paris & Amsterdam on 04 May and have just written my packing list! Here's a few things I found online and in this thread that I hadn't thought of originally so they might help you: Tweezers, nail clippers, laundry bag (people get annoyed with plastic bags rustling), snap lock plastic bags for snacks and to keep things from leaking, sleeping mask & earplugs, travel alarm clock, neck pillow for the bus/plane, a big lock for hostel lockers, power board (i can't imagine all places having enough powerpoints for everyone!), quick dry towel, travel speakers... As for shoes... I'm going for 9 weeks in total and taking 1 pair of thongs, 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of black flats and my Vans. From everything I've read, don't bother with heels! Another thing that's handy are those purses that fit your cards, money and iphone with the wrist strap attached. That way that's all you should need to take out :) Hope that helps! or Cancel
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• 5 Apr 2013 Isabella said

  

  what about money guys? how much and in what forms did you take your money to europe/uk?? im going for 8 weeks!?

  what about money guys? how much and in what forms did you take your money to europe/uk?? im going for 8 weeks!? or Cancel
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• 5 Apr 2013 itsagneshere said

  

  Isabella, you’ll definitely need cash when you first arrive in UK/Europe so take at least 100 of euro and pounds for the first days. Euro is actually pretty cheap right now so you may want to look into buying some now for better rates.

  I’m planning to take whatever 1k AUD gets me in Euro and pounds cash TO europe. This might actually be a bit much. I will be withdrawing cash if I need to in Europe, but will try to use my credit card (28 degrees) whenever possible since it has no international transaction fees and will probably have better rates anyway. Westpac Australia partners with a few european banks so you have no withdrawal fees when using their ATMs. The list is on their website. Withdrawing cash overseas gives you better rates than exchanging cash. Theres a huge forum on lonely planet forums on exchange rates and money. Credit cards and withdrawing cash is the best way to go. Try to carry as little cash as possible though – pick pockets are common in Europe.

  As for shoes, I don’t think I can go wrong with a pair of black ballet flats and a pair of sandals/thongs (flip flops to you americans haha)

  Isabella, you'll definitely need cash when you first arrive in UK/Europe so take at least 100 of euro and pounds for the first days. Euro is actually pretty cheap right now so you may want to look into buying some now for better rates. I'm planning to take whatever 1k AUD gets me in Euro and pounds cash TO europe. This might actually be a bit much. I will be withdrawing cash if I need to in Europe, but will try to use my credit card (28 degrees) whenever possible since it has no international transaction fees and will probably have better rates anyway. Westpac Australia partners with a few european banks so you have no withdrawal fees when using their ATMs. The list is on their website. Withdrawing cash overseas gives you better rates than exchanging cash. Theres a huge forum on lonely planet forums on exchange rates and money. Credit cards and withdrawing cash is the best way to go. Try to carry as little cash as possible though - pick pockets are common in Europe. As for shoes, I don't think I can go wrong with a pair of black ballet flats and a pair of sandals/thongs (flip flops to you americans haha) or Cancel
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• 6 Apr 2013 jaimi said

  

  Hey everyone, im doing the european escapade in may. Just wondering if any people who have recently been on a tour have some more tips or what else people wish they had of taken or wish they left behind. Anything would be helpful. Thanksssssss :)

  Hey everyone, im doing the european escapade in may. Just wondering if any people who have recently been on a tour have some more tips or what else people wish they had of taken or wish they left behind. Anything would be helpful. Thanksssssss :) or Cancel
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• 8 Apr 2013 Kristin said

  

  Lovin this thread! Very helpful! Just a quick q’s I have heard that they dont measure your bags – is this true? Do you think I could get away with a 78cmx53.5cmx32xm suitcase even though the allowance is on 73cmx50cmx25cm??
  Thanks!

  Lovin this thread! Very helpful! Just a quick q's I have heard that they dont measure your bags - is this true? Do you think I could get away with a 78cmx53.5cmx32xm suitcase even though the allowance is on 73cmx50cmx25cm?? Thanks! or Cancel
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• 10 Apr 2013 rachaelnhunt said

  

  i have a question for someone, anyone? i am doing the ultimate european + greek islands on august 21st and we have the option to go up mount jungrau and i have only experienced snow once when i was really young and i was wondering what exactly would a girl wear? considering the luggage restrictions i was hoping it could be something i have already got with me but any suggestions for what pants and tops and jackets would be really helpful!

  i have a question for someone, anyone? i am doing the ultimate european + greek islands on august 21st and we have the option to go up mount jungrau and i have only experienced snow once when i was really young and i was wondering what exactly would a girl wear? considering the luggage restrictions i was hoping it could be something i have already got with me but any suggestions for what pants and tops and jackets would be really helpful! or Cancel
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• 10 Apr 2013 Leanne said

  

  hey all, I’m doing European Horizons this June. I was wondering about my bag; would you suggest a roller suitcase or a backpack?

  hey all, I'm doing European Horizons this June. I was wondering about my bag; would you suggest a roller suitcase or a backpack? or Cancel
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• 14 Apr 2013 Kayla-may.k said

  

  Hey! Does anyone know if you can leave a bag on board the bus during the day? Like if I bring a bag of snacks, books etc… I don’t want to be luggin it around all day. Is it safe to leave it or do they usually make you bring it?

  Hey! Does anyone know if you can leave a bag on board the bus during the day? Like if I bring a bag of snacks, books etc... I don't want to be luggin it around all day. Is it safe to leave it or do they usually make you bring it? or Cancel
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