Things You'll Need:
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Step 1
Check the weather online for the two weeks leading up to your trip. This will help you figure our the types of weather you might run into and help you to better prepare for your trip. It will also help to downsize your luggage because you'll only take what you absolutely need.
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Step 2
Do not over-pack. Having to much luggage weighing you down can ruin your trip, whether you're taking a tour or traveling on your own. Create an itinerary of where you will be and what you will be doing for each day of your travel and pack accordingly.
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Step 3
If you're traveling on a tour, keep in mind that you will have to place your luggage outside your door the night before or very early the morning of you departure, so try to keep your clothes ordered by day, top to bottom, in order to simplify living out of a suitcase.
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Step 4
Make sure to bring clothes for all of your occasions. If your visiting a monastery or church you'll be expected to dress conservative; many of Europe's historic and religious buildings forbid the showing of skin. Make sure to check your guide for special instructions on clothing.
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Step 5
Even if you don't normally travel with a carry-on, it is important for foreign travel to take a small utility case on-board the plane with you just in case you land in London and your luggage lands in Madrid. A change of underwear, toothbrush and your daily medication will make a few days without your luggage much easier to bare.
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Step 6
If you use a blow-dryer, curling iron or an electric razor be sure you have an adaptor. The electrical current in Europe is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Most adaptor packs have plugs for all the different countries, but be sure you know and understand what your buying. Don't use 110-volt outlets (those marked "For Shavers Only") for high-wattage appliances such as blow-dryers. You can and will blow a fuse or ruin your appliance.
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Step 7
If you take prescription medication be sure to keep the medicine in the original bottle with the prescription label on the front and ask your doctor give you a copy of the prescription with the generic name--brand names can differ by country--on it.
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Step 8
If your wear glasses try to have an extra pair with you. There is nothing worse than being blind in one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you wear contacts, make sure to have a copy of your prescription and a pair of regular glasses just in case.
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Step 9
Downsize your everyday bag for your travel backpack. Don't take your entire address book, 5 tour books and your $1,000 camera. Write down pertinent addresses and emergency contact numbers on a sheet of paper, tear out pages from your tour book of the places you really want to see or information you don't want to forget, and unless you're a photographer, a good compact camera will suffice, especially with todays technology. Make sure you have plenty of extra film or a back-up memory card.
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Step 10
Don't pack your suitcase and carry-on 15 minutes before leaving for the airport. Instead, do a test pack 2 days before departure and carry the bag around with you to see if you can handle the weight and bulkiness. If you can't, re-pack, you'll be glad you took the time!
