Europe Packing Guide

My #1 BIGGEST TIP when traveling to Europe: do all that you can to pack in a carry on only! So many clients have their checked luggage lost & it can be a nightmare to find it, especially if you are doing a multi-destination vacation! 

For Currency: I recommend getting local currency (Euros) from your local bank or the US Airport Currency Exchange. I would budget roughly $100 per person per day, just in case! You never know when you will need it. Also, Europe does not typically accept American Express. Please make sure you have a Visa or MasterCard on hand for purchases! 

Main items vary by destination and season - please look at weather and prepare yourself!

All words underlined and in blue are hyperlinks to the products on Amazon.  We may receive a commission from purchases using those links.

• Water Shoes (Here are my favorite water shoes! Amazon!)
• Swim suits
• Swim cover ups
• Phone Water Case (2-Pack! Amazon!)
• Travel Blanket (Slips onto your rolling luggage! Amazon!)
• Men: assortment of t-shirts, shorts & be sure to have long pants & closed toe shoes. Some restaurants at dinner will not allow you to enter with sandals or shorts. 
• Women:  Assortment of dresses, skirts, and capsule outfits to interchange. Be sure to have appropriate longer dress or pants for dinner. 
• Pajamas: Robes are not as common in European hotels, only luxury hotels usually. 
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Undergarments: Some hotels do have laundry service if you want to wash items like this on slow pace days!
• Sandals/Shoes: Truly all personal preference. A few of mine are linked!

Other items, and my fave finds: 

• Hair straightener, curler, crimper - Dual Voltage Straightener  -- Please keep in mind that many American appliances will not work in Europe as they need to be dual voltage. 
• Universal Outlet- EUROPE-- I own this one!
• Universal Outlet 2- AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND -- Another one I own and like!
• Tennis Shoes for Walking Tours: Personally love my OnClouds!
• Warm / Waterproof Boots: These are a great option!
• Rain Jacket / Warm Jacket: Pricey, but SO comfortable and washable. Beats any jacket I have bought in previous years! We love our North Face! Women's Men's
• Socks for Boots: I personally grabbed these from Costco - SOCKS
• Bag for tours: I wanted a bag that holds it all, but has good security. I personally use this one! Comes with a usb charger and cup holders!
• Fleece Lined Leggings if cold temps -Men's Ladies! Size up. 

Long Haul Travel Tips & Items: 

• Inflatable Travel Pillow (Amazon!) -- Keep in mind that most planes will have 'wings' you can unfold at your head to help you sleep too!
• Sleeping can be tough. Pack any sleeping medication you need to - as it is VERY expensive at the airport. 
• SNACKS! Pack snacks for your bag as dinner will be served early - then a snack again before landing. You can take any food on flight with you.
• All drinks are included. Usually drink service is 3-4 times, but ring your service light for more if needed.
• Good headphones. They will most likely pass out wired earbuds, but I love having both my airpods and headphones. I own THESE and they were great for white noise while attempting to sleep. 
• Wi-Fi is probably pricey, but your plane should have it! 
• Thick/Warm socks for sleeping - These are my favorites! 
  • Some travelers love compression socks, but I personally do not like them.
• Don't let the long haul stress you out! Try to sleep, or take things to do like a kindle, coloring books, laptop. 

Medical items:

• Moleskin for Blisters (Amazon!)
• Dramamine - nausea can happen when traveling! (Amazon!) 
• Meds such as Tylenol/Advil/Aleve 
• Tums & Pepto
• Acid Reflux Meds ( My favorites, Amazon!)
• Band Aids (IF you're picky. Resorts normally have the plastic ones.)
• Hydrocortisone for rashes 
• Eyedrops & Contact Solution
• Bug Repellant (find a travel size!)
• Pill Container for all of the meds (Amazon!) -- Please remember that meds can be hard to get in other countries. I recommend taking general things you need such as cold meds and the unexpected unknowns! For sickness, I would pack: Cough Drops, Antibiotics, Sudafed, etc. Pharmacies can be a plenty, but medication can vary. 
• Sunscreen: VERY important to pack! Please note that some destinations may require reef safe sunscreen to protect the fish. I would look for reef safe! (Personal fave is Super Goop - Amazon!)   or SunBum

Things to NOT pack:

• Pillows
• Blankets
• Hair Dryer: Your US hair dryer will NOT work in Europe. Use theirs!
• Steamer (MOST hotels will have one, or an iron)

General Tips:

• You will need to check into your flight at the 24-hour mark prior to your departure on the airline’s app! You can pay for bags at the airline counter. (I actually recommend this in the event that a bag is overweight!)  
  • Sometimes you cannot check in prior -- they will check your passport at the baggage drop counter or your gate! 
  • Baggage costs are usually not included with your ticket (UNLESS you're flying Southwest). Be sure to have $30-50 per bag ready to go at the airline counter. (Cost can vary based on flight.)
• Be sure to have all important documents in your carry-on. Passport, Drivers License, Etc. (I know, it sounds like second nature!) 
• Pack any and all medications in your carry-on. Bags can get lost, and you don’t want to lose any important medications. 
• Leave the pillow at home! 
• I recommend bringing necessity items like hydrocortisone, aloe and any pain meds. Some hotels may provide them, and others will not. 
• Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs!  
  • Some people will back an extra bag in their checked bag to bring incase they need it for souvenirs! (such as backpack or smaller bag that can be checked, or brought as secondary carry on.
    
• VERY IMPORTANT: Check with your carrier on your phone service.   
  • You can still connect to Wifi! 
  • Check with your carrier if you have international phone fees. 

Traveling Internationally:

• Keep your passport handy. I'd recommend buying a passport cover.  
  • When at your hotel, I would personally keep my passport in a bag with me, or put in the safe in your room.
• Leaving the States is easy! You will show your passport at ticketing/baggage drop, TSA security and sometimes again before you board the plane.  
  • If you are not checking a bag, you can go through TSA. Head to your gate 20-30 mins prior to boarding for your passport validation. 
• At the airport of the country you're entering: 
  • Keep all belongings with you at all times.
  • Do not talk to strangers that are not representatives of your transfer service. 
  • Grab bags & head to your transfer service outside of the airport. 
  • If you truly want to purchase at duty-free, be sure to do that quickly as your transfer is waiting for you!
• Returning home: You will enter US Customs at your first airport upon arrival to the States.  
  • If you have a layover returning to the States, you will be guided to customs there. Grab your bags if you need to - sometimes they transfer, sometimes they will not. Then, head to your next gate! You will need to 'recheck' your checked bags. Most airports have a drop system. If they do not, they will direct you to the airline counter. You will NOT pay again as long as both flights are ticketed under the same confirmation #!
  • Customs is easy -- you will not need to declare any items. Tell them you have brought nothing back with you! 
  • You'll show your passport, go through the quick interview, and be on your way. The line may be long -- this is why we budget for it in your layover time!

Tips in Europe: Truthfully, it is not scary or hard! They go at a slower pace than the States and it can be nice! 

• Tipping is NOT a thing. They will usually decline it. They see it as an insult of their wage. 
• Train tickets will be checked after you are on the train. Ask staff for directions in the train terminal if you need help. Boarding the wrong train can cost you time and money. 
  • Train schedules are posted literally minutes prior on the board at the station. Keep an eye on that board (you will see people gathered) to find your train number! 
  • MOST trains will have a food cabin/coach. Ask the staff if you are unsure! 
  • When you board, you will go to the cabin of your rail class and find your seat number. 
  • Trains do have restrooms! Be courteous of flushing etiquette. 
• English is spoken well - by a lot of tourist areas. Download Google Translate! 
• Ask locals for any help or direction. They truly care. 
• Make any dining reservations directly with the restaurant. 
• Water is a cost. Usually $2-3 when dining. Not free like America! 

All in all, traveling internationally has become easy. Don't sweat it! Just stay safe!

BIG NOTE: Your hotel may have a timeshare program. Say you are a travel agent to get out of it. They legally cannot poach travel agents. Any sort of 'free' thing they offer is a timeshare pitch. Text me if you have questions about those things! But -- don't waste your money. With inflation, a timeshare is never guaranteed. It's why I have a job - their timeshares don't fill the resort like I do ;) Don't give in to it if approached!