Campers can always recall the one item that they regret not having, and overseas travelers are no different. Here is a list of categorized items that should be essential accompaniments for Americans traveling in Europe.
Documents
Valid Passport - It goes without saying, but this should be the first item on anyone's list ... capitalized, in bold print, and with an exclamation mark attached.
Printed Itineraries - Hard documents that confirm hotel or hostel reservations can make the difference between a leisurely stroll upstairs or to the elevator that leads to your room, or a trip across the street or, even worse, across town to find the nearest vacancy.
Travel Guide - Standing at the station, lost in translation and unable to read the German print on the posted train schedule, Rick Steves or Lonely Planet have the potential to get you out of almost any bind.
Pocket Maps - From public transit to directional orientation, foldout maps can be an excellent way to locate the nearest metro or simply find the corner where you're supposed to be standing.
International Drivers License - Just in case you're driving the rental car too fast or forgot that the right lane is for passing only, it is a good idea to stop by your local AAA office and have them issue an international license.
Perishables
Bandaids and Moleskin - Cuts, scrapes, blisters, and bruises happen when you're constantly on your feet. Be prepared to alleviate pain and prevent further irritations from getting naggingly worse.
Laundry Detergent - If you managed to pack light, it may be necessary to stop and do laundry along the way. While many facilities sell soap, it does not hurt to have a small ziplock bag of detergent just in case you're low on change.
Snacks - Beef jerky, granola bars, gummy bears, crackers, and dried fruit are excellent energy boosters while trekking across the city or hiking up and down steep hills or mountains.
Electronic Gadgets
iPhone or iPod Touch - They're not kidding when they say that there's an app for that. Whether it's downloadable audio tours, currency conversion, subway maps, or language translators, iPhone apps can be valuable travel tools. Keep in mind, though, that call and data plans are not international, and it would be wise to stay off European networks and use only WI-FI connections to download or send data.
iPhone can also double as an alarm clock, and it's iPod feature can help fight boredom by offering up music or podcasts (not to mention using that cool soundscapes app that you downloaded to drown out silence or loud snorers).
Ear Buds and Y-Splitter - Museums, castles, and other attractions offer useful audio guides in English for a reasonable fee. When traveling with others, an audio splitting adapter can sometimes come in handy if the device offers a mini plug.
GPS or Sat Nav - If you have a navigational device and are willing to fork over the extra cost to download European maps, it is definitely worth having a device that can tell you which exit to take on the roundabout while driving on the wrong side of the road and wrong side of the car.
Digital Camera - Take as many photos as you want of that odd-looking, larger-than-life, Avant-garde pointing finger that is jutting out of the water over there in the river.
Charger and Power Adapters - It makes little sense to bring any of these items if you leave the chargers behind. Also, keep in mind that the shape of European plugs is different, and Americans should purchase one or two universal power adapters before leaving.
Note: While American electrical systems output 110 volts, European systems output a whopping 220 volts. Therefore, it is wise to check the maximum power ratings on all electrical devices to ensure that they can handle the amount of voltage being fed to it by a European outlet.
Travel Gear
Backpack - Obviously, you should have something to keep all of this stuff in.
Sheet and Towel - These come in handy at hostels that do not offer such luxuries. Many accommodations rent them out for a fee, so it makes sense to ask before packing them unnecessarily.
Flip Flops and Robe - If you decide to travel on a tight budget by staying in hostels, water closets and showers are often shared, which likely means a trek down the hallway each morning.
Umbrella - It rains in Europe too and, yes, you should bring it.
Suitcase Locks - Checking reviews on TripAdvisor.com is a great way to get advice about hotels and hostels in Europe. Most accommodations are safe, with locks on the doors or lockers available to stow valuable items. Still, bring locks for suitcases that could potentially prevent curious hostelers from digging through your personal belongings.
Water Bottle - This is an excellent item to have while hiking or traveling in the height of summer. Some places in countries like Italy and Switzerland maintain stations that output a constant flow of cool and clean drinking water, available for free and unlimited fillings.
Money
Having a VISA or Master Card for purchases is helpful, and airports usually have cash machines available for withdrawing funds in the local currency upon arrival. Be sure to wear clothing with zipper or button pockets to keep pick-pockets away, or bring a travel purse that can be stowed under clothing.
By paying special attention to necessary documents, perishable items, electronic gadgets, travel gear, and money, travelers can be confident that their European adventure will be efficient, comfortable, worthwhile, and economical.
Benjamin Poyant - Ben has formal training in electronic news gathering, digital sound recording, computer-based music production, and audio post-production ...
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