Packing list for Europe?

[noodleoo]

Does anyone have a packing list for Europe that they can share with me? We're going to London for 4 days and Paris for 4 days in early October. I'm a *horrible* packer and the only thing that saves me is having a list. I have one for beach vacations but this is our first real trip to Europe!

[Deleted]

My packing list for European cities isn't really any different from my packing list for a US trip, except for:

- passport
- adapters and converters
- Euros/pounds
- Blackberry (normally I'm a Verizon iPhone user, but it won't work in Europe so I bring my AT&T work Blackberry that has international service instead).

I was just in Paris and Amsterdam last week and I think those were the only Europe-specific packing items. And I streamline my wallet so I only have the credit cards I want to use there (my Citibank card that has no foreign transaction fee, and my Amex just in case), and I call my credit card companies (with the exception of Amex -- they don't care) and debit card company to warn them that I'll be using the cards abroad. (Note: Europeans ATMs will eat your card and money if you let them sit too long after they're dispensed. Also note: last time I was in London the ATMs in the tube station in Heathrow did not charge a fee -- London seems to have lots of no-fee ATMs).

And I have a copy of my passport saved in my email (because I can access it while abroad -- if not, I'd have a hard copy) and the international collect customer service phone numbers for the credit cards I bring with me.

Other than that, pretty much just like domestic travel.

Have fun!

[raangoli]

I was going to suggest the same as v already has. There isn't much different that I would bring. We're heading there around the same time as you, so I will make sure that we also have umbrellas since I hear it can be rainy in Paris.

ETA: The Verizon iphone (4s) will work in Europe. You will need to add the Global Data Plan to your phone ($25 for 100mb). They strongly suggest using wifi though and to turn off roaming so that you're not slammed with a huge bill for overages..

[mdgirl]

Leave room in your carry-on to steal a blanket from the plane to use for picnics.

[Deleted]

Sept 7, 2012 15:30:52 GMT -5 raangoli said:

I was going to suggest the same as v already has. There isn't much different that I would bring. We're heading there around the same time as you, so I will make sure that we also have umbrellas since I hear it can be rainy in Paris.

ETA: The Verizon iphone (4s) will work in Europe. You will need to add the Global Data Plan to your phone ($25 for 100mb). They strongly suggest using wifi though and to turn off roaming so that you're not slammed with a huge bill for overages..

I have the 4 (though I may upgrade to the 5 soon) but that's really good to know for next time. My blackberry is a complete piece of shit, and there were a few (okay, way more than a few) times that I was tempted to do something very, very, very violent to it.

[Deleted]

Sept 7, 2012 15:45:48 GMT -5 mdgirl said:

Leave room in your carry-on to steal a blanket from the plane to use for picnics.

:-|

[raangoli]

Sept 7, 2012 15:50:25 GMT -5 v said:

Sept 7, 2012 15:30:52 GMT -5 raangoli said:

I was going to suggest the same as v already has. There isn't much different that I would bring. We're heading there around the same time as you, so I will make sure that we also have umbrellas since I hear it can be rainy in Paris.

ETA: The Verizon iphone (4s) will work in Europe. You will need to add the Global Data Plan to your phone ($25 for 100mb). They strongly suggest using wifi though and to turn off roaming so that you're not slammed with a huge bill for overages..

I have the 4 (though I may upgrade to the 5 soon) but that's really good to know for next time. My blackberry is a complete piece of shit, and there were a few (okay, way more than a few) times that I was tempted to do something very, very, very violent to it.

This thread reminded me to call them since I wondered if it would work before. I appreciated that the guy was so honest about making sure your roaming is turned off and using wifi when possible. It's got to be tough to go back to the BB when you've been using the iphone!

[Deleted]

Sept 7, 2012 16:14:08 GMT -5 raangoli said:

Sept 7, 2012 15:50:25 GMT -5 v said:

I have the 4 (though I may upgrade to the 5 soon) but that's really good to know for next time. My blackberry is a complete piece of shit, and there were a few (okay, way more than a few) times that I was tempted to do something very, very, very violent to it.

This thread reminded me to call them since I wondered if it would work before. I appreciated that the guy was so honest about making sure your roaming is turned off and using wifi when possible. It's got to be tough to go back to the BB when you've been using the iphone!

Particularly because the Blackberry is from, like, 2006. And has a sticky O key. I felt so comforted when I came home to my iPhone.

[mdgirl]

Sept 7, 2012 15:50:49 GMT -5 v said:

Sept 7, 2012 15:45:48 GMT -5 mdgirl said:

Leave room in your carry-on to steal a blanket from the plane to use for picnics.

Can you expound on this?

[Deleted]

Sept 8, 2012 8:20:32 GMT -5 @mx said:

I think v is a little surprised that a suggested packing list would include theft.

:Y:

[GilliC]

Are you used to overnight flights? If not, pack an eye mask and earplugs in your carry-on to help you sleep.

Have a pen easy to access in your carry-on so you can fill out the landing card flying into the UK and the customs form when you fly back to the US.

Call your credit card company and tell them about your travel plans so that they don't flag it as suspicious use and block your card.

Pack a nice rain jacket if you have one, or a compact umbrella if you don't. It's nice to still be able to walk around if it rains.

[GilliC]

Sept 7, 2012 18:04:51 GMT -5 mdgirl said:

Sept 7, 2012 15:50:49 GMT -5 v said:

Can you expound on this?

Airplane blankets are so thin that I can't imagine them making good picnic blankets. Especially in wet grass.

[hz80408]

I have an excel file I can email if you're itnerested; email me at [e-mail]

[msamyfarrahfowler]

I always pack comfortable walking shoes, scarves, crossbody bag, and clothing that can be layered. I also bring some plastic drinking cups for use in the hotel.

[mbcdefg]

For our London trip I found it helpful to have a hooded rain jacket, a cross-body handbag, pens, a converter, a couple pashminas (blanket/pillow for the plane, scarf for an outfit, something to sit on in the grass), plastic bags (for packing dirty clothes), comfortable shoes, sunglasses (bring a couple cheapo pairs if you are prone to breaking/losing them).

Plates and cups for eating in our hotel room would've been useful. Small bills/coins for tips. Whatever helps you feel better after a plane ride (wet wipes, fresh underwear, moisturizer). Comfortable shoes and socks. A small packet of detergent in case you want to wash anything in the hotel sink. Chapstick.

Mainly I wish we'd done better research on places to eat in London. We ended up at a lot of crappy places because we just picked any old place near the tourist attractions.

And call ahead to see when your hotel room will be ready, and arrange an early check-in if needed. We were dealing with major jet lag when we discovered that our room wouldn't be ready for another couple hours, so we spent some very cranky time in the hotel lobby and in a nearby Starbucks.

[noodleoo]

Ooh, I forgot I posted this, sorry! Thanks for all the tips, especially on the phone. I have a 4s so I have to look into that! We leave in 3 weeks, I can't wait!