We want to experience what it is like to live in Europe... We will be staying in Bonn, but traveling to nearby countries for weekend trips. Any ideas on what we should pack for such a long star?
We want to experience what it is like to live in Europe so we are staying at relatives house with access to a car. But, we want to travel around to Holland, Czech Republic and cities in Germany. We plan to get a prepaid phone in Frankfurt because our "handy" doesn't work there. But, other than that, what will we likely to wish we had packed?
We are leaving Tuesday the 26th of July.
Pete in Arizona
Reply to this Hi Pete,
I would only suggest the raincoat/poncho/water resistant shoes (if you plan to walk a lot) as whether in Central Europe can be quite unpredictable right now....really hot with storms coming from time to time and it can go from one extreme to another such as 10C to 40C within few days so pack a selection of clothing;-) Having said that there is nothing you cannot buy so don't stress too much ;-)
Enjoy our continent;-)
Beata
Reply to this Hello Pete and Linda, and welcome to the Forum!
You'll like Bonn a lot, a really lovely town. Make sure you see Beethoven's birthplace when you are there.
As for packing, I agree with the previous post - weather can vary a lot, and it is possible for a cool and wet change to arrive during your visit.
If you are bringing any electrical gadets, ensure you have an adapter so that it fits into the round European plugs. However, check the voltage tolerance of your items, as Europe runs at much higher levels than the US and it can fry anything not suited to the bigger volts.
A phrase book is another good idea, though in reality, someone around is going to speak English in the countries you mention. However, if you are off on your own, being able to know the basics and asking directions is always a huge help.
If you love your photography, take an extra memory card, as it is amazing how quickly they can run out. These are cheaper in the US when compared to Europe so you are best getting this at home prior to leaving.
I always have a travel pillow (as opposed to a neck pillow) - superb for long haul trips, and equally helpful in long train and car journeys. These are great for resting your back against or your head (but not the latter if you are driving!)
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In response to: Msg #140923
You know, you are right; we should "chill" and not worry so much. Thanks for the rain gear ideas. A light waterproof Patagonia jacket is going in my carry on.
Pete
Reply to this Hello Linda and Pete 😊
I am an Irish expat living in Germany.
I dont think there is anything you will regret leaving at home, as Germany is a modern country with everything available to buy. The only regret or annoyance you may possibly experience is if an item you left at home costs more to buy in Germany, than it does where you come from.
Id get a guidebook, such as the 'On a ShoeString Guide to Europe by Lonely Planet' or some other general travel guide that will make you aware of all the things available for you to choose from in Europe.
Try to bring at least a basic German phrase book, if you like at all to learn languages. Most people can speak some English, but it is nice to try to understand what is being said in German, if you are interested in languages.
About rain: You can pick up an umbrella anywhere here in Germany. It generally wont be cold enough for more than a light jacket or sweater in Summer.
If you like to read, bring a couple of books in English. It can get boring, when all entertainment is in German. You can buy English books here too, so dont go overboard with bringing a months supply or anything like that.
Mel
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My husband and I are planners normally....but in 2007 we did an around the world trip with little planning. It turned out to be one of the best experiences of our lives.
As everyone has said--- let it unfold as it will. You will have a marvelous time.
Hopefully you will post a blog and let us enjoy your adventures.
Reply to this One thing that might be important to pack is an adapter for electrical items you are taking with you such as razor etc. I dont know what type of adapter though, as I dont travel with any electricals. Maybe somebody else can give details. 😊
Reply to this The adapter needed is to change from a vertical two prong to a circular two prong.
Reply to this Mel,
You don't travel with anything electric? Digital camera? battery recharger? computer?
Reply to this No. I bring nothing like that with me. In fact, I dont think I ever travelled with anything electrical, since the first time I left my parents house to live in another country. I took an iron, when I first left home, but then abandonded it, along with all clothes that need to be ironed, and bought myself a few low maintenance but nice looking(in my own opinion) items to wear.
On trips, I only take books, clothes and bathroom stuff. Most of the weight in my bag is taken up with the books. There are around 7 of them comming with me on the upcomming trip. My bag will get lighter and lighter as I finish reading the books and give them away, or else I will swap them for more books, which I will lug around with my 2 dresses and my bathroom stuff. 😊
Reply to this Mel,
You really need to break down and get a kindle. There is no reason to lug around all those heavy books anymore. I fought it for a long time but now that I have mine I would never go back. I wish we lived closer to one another so I could loan it to you to try on this trip.
Maybe Santa Claus will bring you one. The great thing is they can go weeks without plugging them in!
Reply to this Well, I buy the books secondhand or get them for free, so there is the economic factor of the paper books too. 😊
Reply to this Hey Pete and Linda,
I spent 6 months abroad recently and aside from the "stuff" you need to bring, I say you also need to keep your eyes on two things: RyanAir prices (as sometimes you can fly for free, just pay tax) and on <snip>, which will help you find hotels, almost always at way cheaper prices. I've used them for group travel and the savings was insane. Can't hurt to look into it.
Travel safely
[Edited: 2011 Aug 22 20:45 - The Travel Camel:11053 - No dropping commercial links on forums, thanks]
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