HOW TO PACK / WHAT TO WEAR: Carry-On Europe Packing Tips for WOMEN & MEN

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

You are about to travel across the world, and going to experience some amazing places, moments, and adventures… However, a very important factor often overlooked about your travel experience is the importance of what you carry around. A well packed luggage is like a best friend, always there for you when you need it, contains everything important to get you through anything, and knows when to just shut its zipper and go along for the ride. In this article and video I share some of my best packing tips and tricks, both from the male and female perspective, and things we’ve learned over the years from other travelers. Below are sections that go over luggage recommendations, travel safety, gear, and clothes/wardrobe advice. Use all the links by clicking on the images to shop for the products, and check out the extremely helpful packing video we have below, to get the most out of your packing experience.

IMPORTANT NOTES

•  PASSPORT:  Safe to check that your passport does not expire less than 6 months after your trip conclusion date, as you not only need your passport to board the plane but also every time you check into a new hotel.

•  CARRY-ON LUGGAGE:  Pack carry-on, and only the absolute essentials. Anything you want/need can easily be purchased once you land in your destination, plus you will want to leave room for all your souvenirs and gifts you acquire during your travels.

•  POWER ADAPTORS & DUAL VOLTAGE:  Don’t forget power adaptors, and check all your electronics for dual voltage 110v – 240v compatibility.

•  LAYER YOUR CLOTHES:  All clothes/outfits packed should be layer-able, compatible, and able to be washed together. Snappy-casual is more than adequate everywhere we go. No need for a full tuxedo this trip.

•  NO EXPLORING WITH LUGGAGE:  On most DeSerio Tours, expect only needing to carry your luggage from the train stations to the hotels (15-20 minute walk). No sightseeing, gondola riding, or eating pasta will be done with your luggage.

•  LAUNDRY OPTION DURING TOUR:  On most DeSerio Tours, you will only need to pack enough clothes for about a week… we usually have a laundromat stop (experience) in the middle of the tour as part of the itinerary, so you can smell just as nice and clean the second half of the tour as you did on the first half. On certain tours is a good idea to bring small amount of powder detergent in a zip-lock bag to use. Consult DeSerio Tours about your specific tour to know more about the laundry schedule/options.

•  SUGGESTIONS vs. RULES:  All info contained here is ultimately a suggestion, not a rule… except do keep in mind that most DeSerio Tours have limited space in Vans/Taxis/Cars, and the luggage space must be shared with the rest of the group to fit it all in.

•  ROLLER BAG CARRY-ONS:  Many groups have shared their preference of wheeled/roller carry-on bags, over just a backpack without wheels or duffel bag. Might be a good idea to consider a wheeled/roller carry on bag/backpack for your next trip, and save your back where/whenever you can.

Now enjoy the informative and humorous article below, and please leave a helpful comment/additional travel tip if you have one. Easiest and best to view this on a computer or tablet, opposed to a phone, because there is just so much dang good content here to look at! All the links below are commission earned links that help me to help you; and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Video on “How to Pack for Men & Women”

View in full screen this very informative video with luggage, packing tips, clothes recommendations and more!

TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS/GEAR

AVOIDING PICKPOCKETING IS EASY…  HERE’S HOW:  Although, for the most part travel is quite safe and trouble free, the reality is that pickpocketing is prevalent in most of the world, specifically Europe (mostly unzipping of purses and backpacks while you are busy admiring the sights in dense public areas and reaching in for money, wallet, phone, etc.). So, its not a bad idea to take extra steps to protect yourself and your things from any potential pickpocketing or credit fraud with these amazing tools I have linked below. Even just to create peace of mind, knowing you don’t have to worry about your things, is more than worth the price of admission. TravelOn is a company devoted to this, making bags with slash-proof material and straps, RFID protection, and zippers that clip shut to prevent them from easily opening. They make purses, backpacks, and even waist packs. Additionally, you can make any bag safer with some small carabiners or TSA travel locks for the zippers, RFID sleeves for your passports and credit cards, and even consider a special wallet that provides additional protection and security. Finally, getting a wrist strap for you phone is a smart and effective way of reducing any concern of losing, dropping, or otherwise having your phone snatched while walking around on the streets and capturing amazing photos of your trip.

CLICK PHOTOS TO VIEW/PURCHASE

GEAR

My favorite section. Good gear and gadgets sets you apart from the average, everyday traveler and elevates you to James Bond Status instantly. Basically everything below is a must in my book, and I think you will quickly agree. Instead of a zip-lock quart bag from your kitchen for your liquids, upgrade to a carry-on approved clear zip up liquid bag (advertised size should not exceed about 2.5″ x 7.5″ x 5.5″ otherwise it’s “Fake News” and not really a quart size bag). All liquids, gels, and pastes must be 100ml (3.4 oz) or less. You can purchase these sizes in travel sections of your local walmart/target, or make your own with some TSA approved silicone bottle sets. Bring another, seperate toiletry bag for all the non-liquid items; toothbrush, make-up, lightsaber, etc. Neck and back pillows, especially inflatable ones to adjust the perfect size and stow away easily for the rest of your travels, will be your saving grace in row 237 seat K17 of the 9 hour flight, and every van and train ride as well. Keep your cables, chargers, and power adaptors all together in a small bright color bag, easy to find in the dark. Speaking of power adaptors… you’ll need the correct power adaptor(s) for the country(s) you’ll be visiting. For: Generic Europe Adaptor (Type C) is the most universal and safest bet – Otherwise: Italy Adapter (Type L) – Greece/Spain/Germany/France Adapter (Type E/F) – England UK/Hong Kong Adapter (Type G) – Australia/China Adapter (Type I). But, better yet, consider an international multi-country power adapter that will work in probably 90% of the world. For many hotel rooms in Europe outlets are an endangered species, with only 2 – 3 outlets found in the whole room, so consider how many items you need to charge, and plan accordingly. Next recommendation is a portable battery pack to charge your phone on the go. If you want a battery that can charge your phone a few times, look for a battery pack with about 10,000 mAh, otherwise if you want the king of batteries and be able to last all week in the Sahara desert with no shelter for 100 miles, look for a battery pack with 24,000 mAh. This is important, so please listen up, open your eyes, and read carefully… Everything you bring MUST be Dual Voltage, or Variable Voltage, meaning the label on it must say Input: 110V – 240V AC. Most of the world uses different voltage than the US, so if your devices are not compatible, they will fry, burn, explode, combust, “insert more scary words here.” Nearly all hotels have hair dryers (so please don’t bring one with you), but if you need a curling iron or flat iron, you will need to get a specific one with dual voltage! Finally, this recommendation makes a second appearance… packing cubes for your clothes. They’re great, you’ll love them, they will save you hours – you’re catching on.

IMPORTANT NOTES

•  DUAL VOLTAGE FOR ALL ELECTRONICS:  All electronics must be Variable or Dual Voltage! Most electronic devices have this, however most heat devices (hair straightener, curling iron, etc.) do NOT. Thus, please check the labels on everything you bring is variable or dual voltage (110V – 240V) before bringing them/plugging them in. Don’t start fires in the hotel rooms. Thanks!

•  POWER ADAPTORS FOR OUTLETS:  Bring the right adaptor to plug in your devices. Note this only changes the shape of your plug not the amount of voltage mentioned in previous bullet point. So make sure you still have dual voltage for everything. Also strongly consider the “Universal Travel Power Adapter” to be a solution to almost all your travel needs.

•  DON’T BRING HAIR DRYER:  Nearly all hotel rooms on the trip have a hair dryer included in the bathroom, or even attached to the wall. So don’t bring a hair dryer with you. Another solution is stick your wet-hair head out of the train once it reaches 200 miles per hour. Hair drys instantly at this speed, even trims it shorter in some cases. 2 for 1.

•  BRING CONDITIONER:  Shampoo is provided in all hotels, but conditioner is not often found in places like Italy and Spain. If you love that silky-smooth, luscious-locks, glowing in the Mediterranean-sun-look in all your selfies, you might want to bring some conditioner.

•  PACKING CUBES:  The easiest, fastest, and best way to keep your clothes organized and packed efficiently. Bottoms in one cube, tops in another, socks and underwear in a small third one, and a 4th is up to your creativity.

CLICK PHOTOS TO VIEW/PURCHASE

CLOTHES

Pack as light as you can while still packing clothes that can be layered. Better to get warm by layering three shirts on, compared to bringing a big jacket you end of never using. Also consider packing for about a week to a week and a half. I usually bring enough clothes to get me through about 7 – 10 days. A few shirts, a few long sleeves, a light jacket, pack a couple pair of pants and wear a pair, wear your one pair of shoes and you’ll be good… of course depending on the weather you’re expecting, this list might need a little modification. But the bottom line is keep it simple, very simple. Sure, you can probably get away with wearing 4 days worth of clothes for two weeks without offending too many locals; but I usually try to find a laundromat about once a week and clean all the pasta sauce stains off my collar. Check the details of your tour, to know about optional laundry days. Bring clothes that can be all washed together, and that still provide enough variety to keep you looking like you didn’t wear the same shirt in every photo. For the most part, Europeans see you with your knee-high white socks and know immediately, “American!” Want to fit in, and be less obvious, bring only black or grey socks. One pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Break them in adequately before traveling. Don’t just buy them the day before the trip and expect your feet to respect your decisions. They will scream at you, call you names, and the relationship will just go south from there. If you really want to show off your skills, try to pack travel clothes that don’t wrinkle much using materials like marino wool and nylon blends which are lighter, softer, faster drying, and wrinkle less than cotton. Finally, put all these pieces of advise together and you’ll end up a happy traveler… don’t believe me, just look at the smiling faces of the wise people below that have come on my trips and heeded my words. And my final note… please no safari outfits or pants that unzip into shorts, unless you’re actually going on a safari… like in Africa.

IMPORTANT NOTES

•  LAUNDRY DURING TOUR:  There is often a laundromat option available, or laundry through the hotel directly, available during the mid-point of DeSerio Tours. Check your specific tour info to know for sure how to plan and pack accordingly. Also while traveling, often travelers enjoy the ease of laundering their own items in the sink at the room, etc.

•  CHURCH RULES:  Many churches and even museums require you to not be showing off your assets too much. That’s right, they want you to have those knees and shoulders covered up. The general rule is: at least short sleeve (no tank tops), and at least be able to cover the knees (capri pants work and long skirts). Otherwise you may not be allowed into the church or museum until you can find a way to cover up enough (scarf could suffice as a covering).

•  THIN RAIN JACKETS:  A thin windbreaker or waterproof jacket of sorts is good to bring in case it does rain or is windy. Last thing you want to happen is to get sick on your trip. All your clothes should be layer-able, so that you can stay warm by putting on several layers rather than one large parka from the Arctic.

•  PANTS THAT STRETCH:  Pants with a little flex will go a long way. If you’re like me, you are going to want to eat everything within a 5 kilometer radius, and those pants need room too. In addition, with an adequate amount of walking each day, your legs will be very tired if your stiff pants are ridged and don’t flex. Women’s pants are often made with more flex than men’s, so guys should look for pants that have a little stretch to them. Often called travel pants or golf pants. I have a pair of chinos that are 2% spandex material; look like khakis, stretch like bubble gum, everybody wins.

•  COMPRESSION SOCKS:  Compression socks are a super helpful thing to wear, especially on the plane, as they combine some science and some magic and ultimately just makes your feet not swell up and get sore on the plane if you are prone to that.

•  SCARVES:  Europe loves scarves, and you can too! There are hundreds of awesome scarf options around every corner in Europe. So if you don’t end up bringing one, you will surely find several that you’ll want to buy, will probably cost you less than 20 Euros, and look more stylish than anything we find in the U.S.

SHOES

One pair is really all you need, so make sure it is a great pair! Black, grey or brown pretty much goes with everything. I usually wear and recommend supportive, athletic shoes. They tend to be the most comfortable to walk around in all day, but also strong enough to tolerate the cobblestone and milage you are going to put on those puppies. Brands like On Cloud, Reebok, Sketchers, and Hoka are loved by many travelers, so check them out. Make sure the bottom sole is grippy rubber, and not smooth foam, as cobblestone and marble can be very slippery, especially when wet. Another option is a branded “walking shoe” which looks a little nicer than an athletic shoe, but can be a bit heaver too. High heels and loose sandals are usually not recommended & absolutely no Flippy-Floppys.

Video on “How to Pack for Men & Women”

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