I’m pretty impressed with this weighing in at 24 lbs. Good work.

What do you need a converter for? Your Touch, phone and camera chargers should all accept 220 volts for inputs — if they don’t look for new chargers that do. All you need for those is an adapter plug and I’d take 2 or 3 of those.

Screams “American” in a very loud voice. Take one and decide whether you want to buy some other headgear after you’re there.

If you really need a wash rag, then take a couple of extras — like the really thin cheapies that are 18 for $4 at Walmart. If it’s too far from laundry day and one gets too gross you can toss it. Throw in 5 or 6 dryer sheets — even if you don’t use them they’ll smell nice. Make sure the detergent you take is “he” — high efficiency for front-loading washers or don’t take it. Most American detergents produce too much suds and you’ll end up paying to run your clothes again just to rinse the soap out. If you were planning on hand washing in the sink instead of using the laundromat — don’t.

I always add decongestant nasal spray to the first aid stuff. It’s hard to find in Europe and it’s a lifesaver if you end up having to fly with a head cold.

If you’re going to check your pack then add a Swiss Army knife. I take a small cutting “board” (thin, like the roll-up ones, about 6 × 10 inches) too.

Don’t forget the “diplomat’s packing list:” Tickets, Passport, Plastic (ATM and charge card) — you can buy everything else.

P.S. You have some sort of day pack or messenger bag for carrying electronics, water bottle, guidebook, map and anything you pick up during the day, while your pack filled with dirty laundry is back at the hostel, right?

Ya i left a few thing out of list
Knife
40L backpack
10L daypack
Hoodie incase it gets cold
1 gallon zip lock bags 3 of them
dryer sheets
caps are coming with me lol hard headed about that 1
And ill be using laundry mat hell with the sink did it in greece sux

Take some extra quart ones, too — that’s what you have to have to take liquids in your carry-on.

You don’t bring any sweater, coat, and long pants (jeans)?

How bout some condoms?

Condoms are for sure coming
Ill be checking my luggage all except day pack

dont forget your messenger bag!

Why does a guy who intends to wear shorts and a ball cap need condoms — other American males?

Lol ^^ agreed about the ball cap, are shorts really that bad though? I wear them constantly in Europe in the summer.

What’s the issue with shorts & a hat? I’m a girl and I’m for sure bringing both- shorts for days when I don’t want to wear a dress or skirt, and a hat because the sun will be HOT and I don’t want it in my face every day.

I know European fashion is different than American, but I never got any funny looks for my clothes when I’ve been abroad.

michael— have a great trip!

There’s nothing wrong with a hat, but a baseball cap SCREAMS American.

Also, Europeans just don’t really wear shorts. It’s either not really hot enough most of the time, or they are used to the heat (like in Italy). Most of the time, they will only wear them to the beach etc. I’m bringing one pair of shorts with me, and that’s because I’m going exploring around Pompeii and stuff all day one day, and I think they’ll be really good and comfortable for that. Otherwise I wouldn’t bring them at all.

Okay, so before I leave with a baseball cap in my pack taking up unnecessary space, what kind of hat should a guy bring?

Having lived in Europe nearly 8 years now, I say wear what you’re comfortable with. If it’s a good look for you, go with it. Baseball caps and shorts are ok, no one really gives a rip. If you’re more comfortable dressing more conservatively, then do what you want. Bright white shoes, for example—especially Lacoste—and what Americans would call a preppy look, were actually fashionable in 2009, and will probably have some carry-over this year.

You could buy toiletries in Europe and buy your detergent at the laundromat. I had my clothes washed in Caernavon for a few pounds.

My guess is ditch the cologne. I don’t remember any guys in the hostel using any.

Also ditch the caps. Part of travelling is “doing it their way”. Buy your head gear when you get to Europe after you see what locals wear. Personally, wearing a cap because you have thin hair is lame. Don’t worry about it.

Hmm. Caps, ax body wash, and cologne. Three strikes already. Just sayin’.

this is getting harsh. don’t worry about it too much, just lose the hats. and cologne is just fine, us frenchmen use it religiously, i think most of Europe does. If axe body wash cleans you, then use it. (it is wasting space though).

Just having a little fun. One southerner to another. (Mississippi to Louisianna) Was in Zachery,LA a week ago.