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2012 Europe Packing List

    This is a general list to give you some ideas. Not everyone needs everything on the list. These are just some things I typically bring.

    Bring only what you absolutely need because you carry what you pack! We have found a 21 – 23″ carry-on wheeled suitcase works best. Everything will fit in that size, even though at first glance it may seem dubious! Remember, we can buy things over there. Travel size stuff is best – light to carry and easy to pack.

    Also, I encourage you to to start packing at least a week prior to leaving. That way you aren’t up the night before trying to jam things in your bag. See below the list for links to Rick Steves’ packing lists. He gives details and explains certain items. However, I’m not sure how he fits it all in!

    • Bible
    • Jacket – it can get chilly in the Alps. I typically take my two ll bean fleece jacket, which can also double as sweaters and aren’t too bulky. Those have been plenty warm enough, either alone or worn with the raincoat.
    • Raincoat – we have seen surprise downpours!
    • Pants
    • Shorts
    • Skirt, slip
    • Jammies
    • Underclothes – I typically take 3-4 pairs and wash as needed
    • spandex, leggings
    • Socks – I typically take 3-4 pairs and wash as needed
    • Shoes- 2 pr.
    • Slippers – may want to take these on plane
    • flipflops- for shower
    • Hat
    • Laundry soap
    • Static guard
    • Sleep sac- not needed unless you have sensitive skin or don’t like hotel sheets. If you want one, you can either buy one or I can make for you in satin or silk.
    • Shampoo/conditioner
    • Face soap
    • Body wash
    • Lotions/moisturizers
    • Travel towel
    • Wash cloth
    • Head wrap
    • Toothbrush/toothpaste
    • Deodorant
    • Razor
    • Shaving cream
    • Hair dryer/straightener
    • Brush/comb
    • Hair stuff, bobby pins, hair ties clip
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Q-tips
    • Tweezers
    • Nail file
    • Nail clippers
    • Make-up
    • Polysporin
    • Tylenol
    • Suntan lotion
    • Kleenex
    • Contacts- bring an extra pair
    • Contact solution
    • Contact case
    • Glasses
    • Reading glasses
    • Copies of: prescriptions for glasses and medication (include generic name), credit card, atm, passport
    • Bible
    • Small notebook and pen for journaling
    • Games- for a rainy day – dice, skip bo, phase 10, loaded questions
    • Book/magazine- for plane
    • $$ – I usually bring $20 American money
    • Credit card
    • ATM card
    • Passport- make sure it doesn’t expire before Dec. 2012
    • Sunglasses
    • Small first aid kit- not everyone needs to bring this
    • Ziploc bags- quart and gallon size- great for snacks on hikes
    • Money belt- or somewhere to put cc, ATM card and passport that will not draw attention to pickpockets.
    • I sew pockets inside my skirts that fit my passport.
    • Sewing kits- for minor repairs
    • Safety pins
    • Hand sanitizer/wipes
    • Pocket knife
    • Trekking poles- helps take the strain off your knees and back. hands don’t swell either
    • Small flashlight
    • Watch
    • Motion sickness bands
    • Umbrella
    • Backpack
    • Water bottle- or you can buy a bottle of water there and just refill as needed
    • iPad, iPod, mp3, chargers
    • Computer, chargers
    • Headphones- noise cancelling is wonderful for the long plane ride
    • Batteries for headphone
    • Camera
    • Camera charger
    • Camera battery – nice to have an extra one
    • SD card- bring an extra one
    • Plug adapter
    • Phone/charger
    • Granola
    • Tea – peach, peppermint, lady grey, chai
    • Cinnamon

    Check out tips from Rick Steves:

    Definitely good to review these for his tips and details.