Tried & True Packing Tips

Packing for Europe is so different today than during the Pan Am days.  What should you pack for a trip to Europe or other overseas destinations?

I was prompted to write this post when I recently heard a gal at the gym announce that she was going to Europe this summer and had no idea what she needed to pack.

It made me stop and think how lucky I am that I have made the trip across the Atlantic at least a half-dozen times.  I have learned so much from these trips that I am a much better overseas traveler today than I was on that first trip 20 some years ago.

By trial and error, I have discovered what to pack and what not to pack.  This post will be the first of a series of my tried and true packing tips.

Part One – My First Five Tips

TIP #1 – The Suitcase – – Pack Light, Roll Your Clothes & Mark Your Bag

Okay, this is actually three tips in one!  I am sure you have heard over and over to pack light!  I did but ignored that tip because I didn’t get it!  It only took one trip to Europe to understand why!

I soon discovered that smaller hotels and B & B’s don’t have bell boys and these older buildings don’t have elevators.  Couple that with the fact that the European cars are very compact and there isn’t much room for luggage, especially if you are traveling with other people.   Also, if you have a busy itinerary visiting several different cities or countries, you are constantly having to transport that luggage.

Rolling your clothes makes a huge difference when packing.  You can fit much more in your suitcase by rolling vs. folding the clothes.  There are some items that you won’t be able to roll, but if you roll the items you can you will be amazed at the difference.  Here’s a great video from Real Simple on how to pack efficiently.  I also have learned to use dry cleaning bags to prevent wrinkles which you will see in the video.

Tie a bright scarf or ribbon on your suitcase!  If someone takes off with your bag whether it be at the airport, train station or while you are standing at the hotel reception desk, you want to be able to easily spot it.  I tied an inexpensive pink bandana to my black suitcase.

Tip #2 – Comfortable Slip on Shoes

Walking on cobblestone streets goes hand in hand with Europe.  They can be hard on your feet and are not high heel or platform friendly.  Last year I discovered Sketcher Go Walks.

The Sketchers are extremely lightweight so they are great to carry in your tote bag.  I switched off between my sandals and the slip on Sketchers throughout my trip.   They have a cushioned bottom that helps with the impact of the uneven surface.  I personally think they were made for cobblestone streets!

They were also great for the airport as they slip on and off easily and made walking between those long international concourses a breeze.   The Sketcher Go Walks come in a variety of colors.  I highly recommend them!

Tip #3 – No Show Foot Liners

I love the nude no-show foot liners by Hue with a gel tab on the heel to prevent slipping off your foot.  These foot liners are easy to wash in your hotel sink and hang to dry.  They help to keep your feet cool and blister free.  I wear them with my Sketchers and also with my more fashionable flats!

Tip #4 – Small Crossover Bag

Find a small crossover bag with zipper closures and one that is lightweight.  Some bags are so heavy before you put the first item in it!

Wear the bag across your body and hold on to it with one hand when in crowded areas.  There’s no getting around it . . . tourists in Europe are prime for pick pocketing and you don’t want to be a victim.  Don’t let the little street children fool you.  They are well-trained by their parents and you won’t even know those little hands are in your bag!  When we were in Dublin, Ireland, we saw groups of gypsies and their kids were put to work right there on the street.  They took my friend’s wallet and she didn’t even realize it.

Tip #5 – Lightweight Nylon Tote

Baggu makes a fabulous nylon tote in a wide variety of colors and patterns.  It weighs next to nothing and easily folds up in a pouch.  I use this bag for touring during the day, carrying sunglasses, umbrellas, camera, maps, etc.  When the straps are over my shoulder, the pick pockets can’t access the bag.  The bag is made of sturdy nylon and is easy to keep clean.

Stay tuned as I’ll be following up with additional posts in the near future with more great tips on how to prepare for that exciting overseas trip.  In the meantime, if you are planning a trip, where are you going and what questions do you have?