How to Pack for a Summer Trip to Western Europe
Western Europe in the summertime offers travelers fair, mild weather, ancient cities and beautiful countryside. To best enjoy your time in Western Europe, it is important to bring the right clothes and supplies with you. Western Europe has its own peculiarities, so here are a few tips to help you start your trip right by being packed properly.
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Things You'll Need
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Suitcase or duffel bag
- Day pack
- Power converters
- Traveler's Checks
- Passport and identification
- Money belt
Instructions
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Be prepared for any kind of weather. During the summer months, Western Europe's weather can vary greatly, so pack accordingly. Rainstorms are common in the British Isles and along the Normandy and Saxony coastlines, while inland south along the Mediterranean, temperatures can become very hot. Pack lightweight breathable clothing that will dry out easily.
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Pack light. You can purchase some things along the way. You can take an umbrella if you like or wait to see if you need one when you get there. Toiletries take up space in your bags, so consider buying them locally or use ones the hotels offer.
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Take a day pack for touring and on trains and buses. Carrying a small bag with some bottled water, snack food, books and maybe an MP3 player will be well worth the effort on long train rides.
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Get power converters for electronic devices. Different countries in Europe have different kinds of electrical outlets.
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Carry your Traveler's Checks and passport in a money belt. These are well worth the small expense for the peace-of-mind they provide. Even if you lose everything else, you can continue your vacation if you still have money and identification.
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Tips & Warnings
An umbrella bought in London during a sudden, summer downpour might just make a great souvenir and memory.
Picking up little things you need and didn't want to pack will give you a chance to walk around the neighborhood when you get to your destination and see where locals shop.
It is a good idea to pick up a Western European plug converter kit before you leave the U.S. You should be able to find one for less than $10, especially online.
