Traveling To Europe

Have you ever watched an old movie where the star actress arrives at the airport with 10 big luggage bags? Did it make you think "she must be going for a long journey"? Well if you laughed about that then you will understand that that is not how to travel.

Today less is more when it comes to packing for a trip over seas. The major airlines now impose a fee for excess baggage and limit what you can carry on. Most carriers limit baggage weight to 70 lbs and carry on to what could fit under the sear. I know you could put carry on in the over head if there is room. The Airlines now fill planes to capacities to save money. There may not be room in the overhead.

Some airlines will make you put the excess baggage in the baggage compartment. Some things like strollers, walkers, carriages can be stored but upon arrival you may have to wait to retrieve them.

My solution to this is to pack only what I will need and put those items i may need right away in my carry on and the rest in my check luggage. My list of essentials is short:

1. One set of under garments, socks, shorts, tee shirt, ladies a bra.

2. Men: shaving essentials, medicals needs Ladies: Facial cleansing, sanitary napkins, medical needs.

3. NO large bottles of any fluids, NO incendiary items, NO weapons(Scissors and nail files)

4, One change of clothes

5, Any item that you will need should your baggage not arrive when you do.

Most airlines have a system in place to reunite you with your luggage, be sure to check in and make arrangement before leaving the airport. some airlines will allow you up to $200 to purchase necessary items until your luggage arrives, but don't buy until you check it out.

Before you pack for your trip you should attempt to check the weather for the areas you plan to visit. A simple check of the weather is available on Goggle Weather. it will give you a 10 day spread of expected weather for the area.

Now that you know what top expect you can pack accordingly. Depending on the length of your trip plan a change of clothes for every other day for outer wear and a change of underwear for everyday plus one. there are facilities to get your clothes cleaned if you need to. unless you are going to be traveling in remote areas.

If you are going to be attending a special occasion or visiting dignitaries you can wear most anything. The exceptions are: no racy tops, no holy clothes, avoid slogans on clothing. You will want to have comfortable foot wear. Avoid tight fitting shoes, high heels and flip flops. they may be comfortable to you but there are places they will not be acceptable.

Even in summer you will want a light jacket or sweater. The nights get chilly and if you are doing any exploring it could get cold as well. If you travel in winter try to use a warm coat that is not too bulky.

Additional items you may want to take are a fold up umbrella, binoculars, mp3 player, camera, movie camera, travel guide for the counties you plan to visit. Make a list of place you want to see and check them off as you do. be sure to have a list of address and phone numbers of people you want to send postcards to, or call in an emergency. Not all cell phones work overseas; check with your carrier about rates in the countries you visit and check on renting a phone for the trip.

Before leaving home there are some essential items you will need to travel to Europe. You must have a passport. It may take six weeks or more to get a passport through the mail. if you plan to visit a country that requires a Visa it could take even more time. To get a passport they will need your birth certificate. If you are taking children on the trip they too will require a passport.

If you plan to do any driving while in Europe you will need a valid drivers license. It is not necessary to get an international drivers license in all countries, but be sure to verify that before trying to drive without one. If you check with any of the car rental agencies they will help you get the information you need.

If you have special needs for medical reasons be sure to have the necessary paperwork to show you are taking the medication. Do Not store all meds in one bottle of they are prescription. Aspirin, antacids, nicotine patches are usually okay.

If you have medical insurance be sure to check with your provider on what coverage you have and if it covers you overseas. You may want to purchase a temp plan that covers you in foreign countries. The same applies to your auto insurance, most companies do not cover you overseas. however, some credit card companies provide you some coverage but not all. If you are planning on renting a car be sure to use the credit card that provides the coverage.

Money and credit cards are the only two things accepted in most places. Debit cards are not always accepted so be sure you have both. Many places in many countries will only accept the coin of the realm. That means you will have to exchange your American dollars for the local currency. Not all European countries have switched to the Euro. It is probably best to do your exchange at the Airport where you will get the best rate of exchange.

Traveling by car is not the only mode of travel in Europe. most countries have extensive rail and bus systems. you can purchase a bus or rail pass that will allow you to use them as often as you want. It even allows travel between countries. You will find most rail travel will be comfortable and fast.

Local bus routes have stop near all the tourist sight seeing spots. You can also inquire about bus tours that tell you which stops to get off. The time schedules of the buses is posted at each stop, but be aware they may not run all night in some areas.

Boat trips are a popular venue for tourist in Europe. I have personally taken many boat excursions and found them to be fun and informational. Some offer a meal, most offer beverages on board.

Europeans travel a lot by bicycle and motor bike. there are places that will rent them to you, it is really an inexpensive way to travel. The roadways are set up so that you are traveling safely unlike in America where you may be knocked off the road. Using a bicycle to get around gives you the freedom to travel when and where you want. It also gives you the opportunity to commute with the locals.

What ever you choose to do while in Europe have fun and be safe. Remember the police are there to help you, the people want to get to know you, you will meet many fun people like yourself.

Watch for a follow up on places to see and things to do in Europe.