Europe Trip Packing Suggestions

As the departure date approaches, you should be preparing for the trip.

Here are a few suggestions to help you.

You will be carrying your suitcase everywhere we go so make sure that it is light and easy to carry. Only pack the bare minimum. It would be a good idea to invest in a backpacking backpack or a suitcase with wheels.

Remember: If you are planning on buying gifts while you are there to leave some room in your suitcase.

Suggested packing list:

  • One nice outfit (shoes included)
  • Raincoat or umbrella
  • Warm coat or sweater
  • Pajamas
  • COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES *
  • Toiletries (travel sized shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, hair supplies toothbrush and toothpaste, hair ties, feminine hygiene products)
  • Small first aid kit with Band-Aids, cold medicine, Tylenol, Neosporin etc.
  • Prescription medications MUST be in their original bottles
  • Nail clippers
  • Travel money pouch that can be hidden under clothing.
  • Socks and underwear
  • Backpack or sack that can be used for day trips (best if it has a zipper or something to deter pick-pockets)
  • A few sets of clothes with colors that are interchangeable so you can have many different clothing options with minimal weight
  • Small notebook and pen
  • Passport, money, credit card, and a copy of your passport, credit card and birth certificate

Optional:

  • Music Player
  • Books
  • Batteries
  • Camera
  • International calling card (don't forget to get the number for the international operator BEFORE you leave the states)
  • If you are bringing electrical appliances (hairdryer etc) you will need an adaptor
  • Extra contacts/glasses/cases

MONEY

  • Students should count on needing $100-150 just for lunches.
  • You should start thinking about how much money you want to bring for presents/spending cash.
  • The best way to deal with money is to set up an ATM card (Visa or Mastercard: American Express and Discover are rarely accepted). The bank will automatically take the best exchange rate, and money will be more easily accessible.
  • The student should have some cash for emergencies
  • Travelers checks are hard to deal with and have poor exchange rates. If the student can't gat an ATM card, travelers checks are an option, but not very convenient.

PAYMENTS

  • Your final payment is due Feb. 25. If you do not have it submitted by this date there will be a $75 fee.

PASSPORTS

If you do not already have your passport, you should be sending for one over break. Passports take a minimum of one month to process - that is only if there are no errors. Count on it taking longer.

For your passport you will need:

  • Two passport photos (Kinkos is the best place to get them)
  • A passport application
  • Your birth certificate or an old passport
  • Passport fee

You can get your passport applications from the south post office (on Boardwalk).