What to Pack for your trip to Europe.

So you are looking to travel to Europe?

First of all, congratulations because you made an excellent choice! Europe holds a special place in my heart. I have traveled extensively across the continent and still find new locations and towns to explore.

Now to the question at hand, you completed the first step. Which was choosing a destination(s), the BIG question you ponder over and over... "What do I pack?"

Well, the answer is simple. Clothes! Just kidding, this is a question I constantly ask myself every time I return. Every time I travel for longer than a day. Why is that? Well, because we all want to pack efficiently but with style. Europe is a place where you want to dress accordingly. The next step would be to ask which season you plan on traveling; Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall.

There is no wrong season to be in Europe, but you do need to pack accordingly.

For example, I am currently packing for a trip to Europe! Yet, I find myself sitting in front of my computer writing this post instead of stressing out how I still technically haven't chosen my accommodation for when I land. But that is a different story. Below is a list of the items I believe to be the key to packing for Fall weather in Europe.

Clothes

• Pants (2-3 max. 1 Dress type of pants if you plan on going to a nice dinner or show and Jeans for a more casual setting. I prefer taking two pairs of jeans, one black, as it can replace the dress pant.)

• T-Shirts (4-6. Try and avoid shirts with prints on them. I try and keep them as plain as possible. Easier to match different outfits, and they last longer if you plan on using laundry services throughout your trip. Also, half the shirts try and have them be long sleeves, better for the cold.)

• Dress Shirt (1. To dress up and attend a formal event.)

• Boots (No, not straight hiking boots, but I guess that is up to the individual. I am thinking more of Ankle-high leather boots with short heels. Not only will they look great in a city environment and can be used on various occasions, but the heel will provide support when walking. These are great for rainy weather when your sneakers can get wet.)

• Sneakers (You will always need a more comfortable pair of shoes because you will walk more than what you are used to, it's Europe!)

• Winter Coat (If you plan on visiting more northern Cities or over winter. One good winter coat is all you need. Remember that the temperature can fluctuate dramatically.)

• Sweater(s) (1-3. Why? Well, the answer is LAYERS! You want to be able to add or remove layers throughout the day because the climate varies, and you could be freezing one minute and warm the next.)

• Scarf (cotton or wool scarf.)

• Sunglasses (A good pair of shades not only accentuates the outfit but are practical. Especially if you are taking a picture facing the sun. No one likes to squint in photos.)

• Socks (5-7 pairs. You want breathable socks as you will be walking, and your feet will smell, but you also want warm socks for the colder days and nights.)

• Leather Jacket (OPTIONAL. I always take my leather jacket on trips because it looks good and serves as an alternative jacket when it's cold, yet not freezing enough to break out the winter coat.)

Now to the accessories. What should you pack besides clothes for your Euro trip? Well, most people tend to pack many items they later never use. Even though I am a big proponent of how being over-prepared is better than being under-prepared, there are limits! With that said, let's begin the list.

Accessories

• Universal Adapter (What is this? It is a small cube that will allow you to connect your electronic devices to foreign outlets. This is very useful because it saves valuable space and money; rather than carrying around 3-4 country-specific adapters. Oh, and it also helps convert the voltage delivered by the outlets so your devices don't fry.)

• Battery Backpack (In case your phone runs out of Juice, it is always good to have at least one of these guys on your person.)

• Photocopies of your documents (The last thing you want is to lose your passport or ID; that is why it is better to make multiple copies of all your travel documents.)

• Camera and Tripod (As a photographer, this is always my top priority, but now with phone cameras being so good, you don't need a DSLR. Although, if you want an epic night photograph or long exposure shot, I recommend a Camera.)

• Toiletries (Anything from toothpaste, Toothbrush, deodorant, and shampoo, to nail clippers and shaving kits because even if you are on the go, it is better to look your best.)

• Journal (I prefer carrying a blank paged journal because I enjoy sketching and writing throughout the trip. There are times a small drawing says more about a specific moment than words on paper. The cool thing about a blank paged journal is that you can also add stamps and pictures to create a collage)

• Medicine (The last thing you want is to ruin your trip because of food poisoning, a cold, etc... That is why I always carry a small first aid kit full of Advil, DayQuil, and other medications. Best to be safe than sorry.)

• Emergency contact list (This one is pretty obvious. It has happened to me in the past that my phone got stolen, and the only way I had contact with my family back home was through internet cafes. That is why I have a paper list of contacts: phone numbers, emails, etc. You never know when those could come in handy.)

• Travel Towel (Mainly if you plan on staying in hostels and not hotels, but hey, it could be useful if you plan a trip to the beach. Easier than carrying a heavy beach towel around. These are made of microfiber or lightweight quick-drying materials.)

• Umbrella (This is very important if you go to Europe in general, no matter the season. The weather in Europe is very unpredictable, and a compact umbrella doesn't weigh much or take up too much space.)

That is all you will need to take with you on a trip; if packed correctly can be taken as carry-on luggage. I hope this article is helpful, and I want to thank you all for your support. Until next time!