By Joan Robinson
For many years, Rick Steves has included his packing list in his budget European travel skills book,
Europe Through the Back Door. After many women wrote in to say his list didn't consider their travel needs, Rick Steves' Tour Guide, Joan Robinson, created this packing list for women. Joan and fellow tour guide Ann Neel teach one of our most popular
travel classes, "Packing Light and Right."
Clothing
2 pairs of walking/comfortable shoes (one closed toe/one open, weather permitting)
1
rainproof jacket
2 pairs of shorts/capris (shorts aren't allowed in major cathedrals, but capris are OK)
2 pairs of pants (one dressy, one casual; khaki is recommended — when washed, it dries faster than jeans)
1 belt (optional)
1 swimsuit (packed in a plastic bag)
4 pairs of socks (cotton blend)
5 pairs of underwear (silk, lace, or micro-fiber dries quickest)
1 extra bra
4–6 shirts (long/short-sleeved, various colors)
1–2 light cardigans for layering
1–2 skirts (wrinkle-resistant)
1 dress (optional)
1 hat
scarves (to wear with clothing or hat)
1 or 2 vests (optional)
1 pair of pajamas (or long shirt to get you to the bathroom down the hall if necessary)
Toiletries/Medicine
Body soap/puff (washcloth); most 2-3 star European hotels do not supply washcloths (check out our "
clean kit")
Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
Shampoo/conditioner
Brush/comb
Lotion
Vaseline (for feet)
Razor (non-electric)/shaving cream or soap
Sunscreen, insect repellent
Prescription drugs (in original container with your name and your doctor's name, write down generic name)
First aid kit/moleskin/blister kit
Feminine hygiene products
Deodorant
Nail clippers/file/tweezers
Spare glasses and/or prescription, mini-eyeglass repair kit, or contact lenses and supplies
Hand sanitizer
Vitamins
OTC remedies (whatever works for you): Pepto, decongestants, etc.
Clothesline, sink stopper, soap
Baby powder (dry shampoo for hair)
Money and Security
Moneybelt: Passport, plane ticket, debit card, credit cards, railpass, driver's license (if you're renting a car)
Security: Bury
copies of your passport, plane ticket, and prescriptions in the bottom of your luggage
Necessities for Hosteling
Pack towel (see our
Micronet Travel Towel)
Sleep sheet (only worth bringing if hosteling for the whole trip — all hostels rent sheets for about $4)
Packing Essentials
- If you won't wear it more than three times, don't bring it!
- Pack light, wash frequently, buy it if you need it
- Your pack should weigh about 20 percent of your body weight, preferably no more than 20 pounds
- Limit yourself to one carry-on size bag: 9" x 21" x 13"
- A week before your trip, pack your bag with everything you think you want to take, and carry it around for a day. Is it comfortable? Too heavy? Better to know now than later!
Call Avant Travel today to book your next trip and for more tips on packing. 800-627-7260 or 859-233-0000
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