Going to Europe this fall, first trip ever. Any hints on packing, what to take in the carry on? Does anyone have opinions on wearing the compression socks? (8 1/2 hours on the plane). .

THanks

I kept my personal items in the carry on, along with any reading materials. Sometimes the luggage had to be put out in the hall before I was completely ready!
Try to pack simple, basic items that go together. Your suitcase cannot be larger than 30" and must not weigh more than 50 lbs. Layer as much as possible. I checked the accuweather 15 day forecast before I left for each city so I had an idea what to expect. Be prepared for rain! Bring good walking shoes. Maybe one nicer outfit for dinner.
Most hotels had a hair dryer but you will need a converter for things like a battery charger. I also try to pack advil, cold medicine, etc. You can always go to a -, but everything is in another language! The phamacists however usually speak English and are very helpful.

Thanks so much.. ..your thoughts were super helpful. Now a question (that will probably seem silly to a traveler, but remember, I'm totally a newbie). . Do I expect the same amenities from hotels in Europe (Italy) as in the States, such as shampoo provided, or do I have to bring.

Thanks again

Some random advice.. .. .

Bring wash cloths if you use them, you won't find them in most (or maybe any) European hotels. We bought cheap ones at a dollar store and threw them away before we left. Little bars of soap, bottles of shampoos, etc were provided.. .. . VERY LITTLE bars are soaps, maybe bring a travel bar if you use a lot of soap.

Some people on our tour did laundry while they were in Italy,but you have to hunt down a laundromate in town.. .. . seems a pain! If you get short of clothing you can start to wear the suvonier t-shirts you will probably buy.

We found out when we got there that Europeans are not big on jeans.. .. . they were generally better dressed than us (the visiting Americans.) Next time I go I am leaving the jean and t-shirt (except the souvonier ones I buy) look at home.

Some of the women on our tour had problems at churches, etc because they were not covered enough. I believe they had plastic type coverings you could slip into if needed. On days you visit religious buildings you will be told by your guide NOT to wear shorts.. .. . but even the tops that some of the women had were considered objectionable.

#1 rule, remember you are not in the United States. Do your best to adapt the the culture that you are visiting. Ask politely "Do you speak English?" before asking the person behind the counter a question. Try to learn a few words of the given language. Don't expect all the freedoms of American culture.. .. . I was told to go to my hotel room in Switzerland because I was eating a sandwich (no lunch provided that day) on the "public" lobby balcony of the hotel.

Speaking of food, we found it best to fill up on the breakfast provided every day (maybe even sneak a muffin or orange in your bag) sometimes it is the only meal provided free of charge that day and they were all very good - eggs, bacon, fruits, cereals, etc. Then we had a very light lunch (or ate that muffin and orange), we often purchased the optional dinner excurision in the evening.

Have fun with the new people you will meet. Try to sit with someone new at dinner. Our group was so diverse, from ages 10 to 70. Most of us sat up our last night in Rome in the hotel bar and just enjoyed a drink together, lots of hugs at the airport the next day, even though these were people we just met a week and a half earlier.


[quote="scrappy"]Thanks so much.. ..your thoughts were super helpful. Now a question (that will probably seem silly to a traveler, but remember, I'm totally a newbie). . Do I expect the same amenities from hotels in Europe (Italy) as in the States, such as shampoo provided, or do I have to bring.

Thanks again[/quote]