Packing Tips
I always like seeing what other seasoned travelers recommend taking or not taking on trips. Everything is personal preference and needs, of course, but here are some items I’ve found to be useful. The photos shown here are not meant to be an endorsement of any particular brand, but rather a representation of what is available. Check the Rick Steves' Europe Shop for useful items, and most of these things are available on Amazon or local brick-and-mortars. I usually set aside a box and start tossing things into it months in advance - you never know when you'll find items on sale.
Zipper plastic bags - Bring along a supply of quart and gallon zipper bags. Picnic items, snacks, receipts, and small souvenirs are just some of the many uses you’ll find for these.
TSA-approved quart size liquid toiletry bag The 2015 scrapbook winner’s site suggested these, and we agree. These are stronger than standard zipper plastic bags, stand up on their own and aren’t as likely to open. At about $12 each, they may seem a bit expensive, but they will last through many trips.
Small washcloth - European hotels often don't include washcloths, so bring one along in a small plastic bag if you use them daily.
Solid bar shampoo - A solid bar shampoo is a great alternative to taking a bottle of liquid shampoo or hoping that your hotel will offer some in the room (some places don’t).
Travel size tissue pack - You never know when you need a public WC (toilet), only to find out it doesn’t have any toilet paper! Our tour guide gave each of us a pack of these at our initial gathering. She smiled knowingly at our giggles, but I was sure glad to have it in my daypack!
Travel games - You'll occasionally find yourself with some down time in your hotel due to weather, on the bus, or on an evening you decide to take it easy. A deck of cards, compact travel size chess/checker sets, or dice games like Farkel or Yahtzee are easy to pack.
Hand wipes - A packet of hand wipes will always be useful. Never leave home without one!
Mini flashlight - Handy for exploring dungeons, tunnels and old castle towers!
Flip flops - Lightweight flip flops or slides are handy for pools, wearing to breakfast, and in hotel rooms.
Packing cubes - Handy for smaller items such as socks, underwear, and swimwear. These are lightweight and can save you from having to dig around in your suitcase for small, loose items.
What to Pack
Lightweight rain jacket or disposable rain poncho - You never know when you'll encounter a rain shower, even in Italy! A lightweight rain jacket that folds up into its own pocket or a disposable rain poncho doesn't take a lot of space (less than an umbrella).
RFID blocker sleeves - Electronic theft is getting more and more sophisticated. Use these handy sleeves with all your credit/debit cards and your passport to help deter prying electronic probes.
Flat sink stopper - Not all European hotel sinks use stoppers, but you'll need one when you want to hand wash some items. Use a flat one as sink drain sizes can differ from place to place.
Reusable shopping bags - I carry one of these little polyester shopping bags in my purse all the time. They roll or fold up into themselves and take up very little space.
Packable duffel - With limited space in carry-on size suitcases, where are all the treasures you've collected going to go? We tuck one of these packable duffels in the bottom of one of our suitcases, then use it as a carry on for the flight home and check the suitcases. They're just filled with dirty laundry anyway!
Mini first aid kit - Yes, all this stuff can be found in most pharmacies in Europe, but it's worth having a small supply of Bandaids, hydrocortisone, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, tummy remedies, etc. Be sure to include some items for foot blisters. With all the walking, there's bound to be at least one person with blisters!
Socks that dry quickly - All-cotton socks take days to dry, and wearing damp socks is the worst. Part wool socks won hands down in a dry time test we did at home. Look for lightweight/summer weight, wool or wool blend fabrics.
Scarf camera strap - regular camera straps can be rough on your neck, so these scarf style straps can provide a more comfortable option.
Coin purse - Euros use a lot of coins that can get pretty heavy. I carry an extra coin purse or two to keep the loose change in check.
Electrical adapters - All of continental Europe typically uses the two-pronged electrical adapters, so be sure to bring a few of these along. However, some places in Switzerland have a three-prong outlet that sometimes doesn't work with the two-pronged adapters. If you're going to Switzerland, I'd highly recommend getting one that's specific for that country.
S-shaped clips - Clip these on your daypack zippers. Not foolproof, of course, but may be a little bit of a deterrent for nimble fingered thiefs who try to quickly gain access to your belongings.
