Travel Tips-Fun Packing Tips

SHOPPING: When you are packing, leave out a shirt or pair of shoes and plan to buy them while you are in Europe. Not only is this a fun souvenir but a way to help you fit in with the locals.

REDUCING SPACE: On your flight to Europe, consider wearing an old t-shirt under your regular shirt, and simply pitch it on arrival. It protects your nice shirt, and saves laundry. Consider doing the same by saving old underwear and socks. Next time you are ready to throw something away, reconsider, and bring it on your trip! Not only will this reduce the laundry you do in Europe, but as you toss old items, you will gain space in your luggage for souvenirs.

SHIRTS: In general Europeans do not wear t-shirts or polo type shirts. More common are shirts that have buttons and a collar. Europeans layer clothing components and dress with a bit more style than you may see at home.

PANTS: Jeans are very common. Other than jeans you will see casual slacks and some khakis.

SHOES: Europeans generally do not wear white tennis shoes or white socks. Sporty shoes are popular with bright color accents but are almost never found in white. Thin dark socks, or no socks at all are common in the summer.

MEN: A casual sport coat will dress up your jeans and help you to fit in. This is not needed if you are traveling to a warm destination during the summer.

WOMEN: A large scarf is a great asset. It can be used to cover shoulders for a church visit, or to dress up an outfit for dinner.

GERMANY: Green is a very popular color in German folk clothing and shades of green are often found in contemporary clothing.

FRANCE: Whether you're a man or a woman, buy a long scarf while you are there so you wrap it around your neck like the locals. Street market stalls are less expensive than boutiques. Ask the seller to show you how to wear it.

ITALY: Churches in Italy require specific dress codes. No bare shoulders or hats are allowed. Men must wear pants, not shorts. Women must wear pants or a dress that covers their knees. These rules are strictly enforced at almost every church.

RELAXATION: Bring a small scented candle with you to create a relaxing atmosphere in your hotel room. This is particularly good because many hotels in Europe do not have non-smoking rooms.

WEATHER: Take one thing warmer and one thing cooler than you think you will need. One of them may turn out to be the thing you wear the most often.

DOING LAUNDRY IN YOUR ROOM: It usually becomes necessary to do at least one hand wash during a trip. By using a towel you can cut your drying time in half. Roll the wet laundry in the towel, push down hard on the roll. This will give your items a jump start on drying, particularly important if you are leaving the next morning. The towel can be wrung out and reused for another item. You can pre-dry heavy items, like jeans, with a brief session with a hair dryer. A packet of Woolite is great for hand washing, but you can also use a little shampoo as a substitute detergent in a pinch. Be careful - a small amount can create a lot of suds.

KEEPING CLOTHES CLEAN: Save the free shower caps from hotel rooms and pack your shoes inside them. This will keep your clothes from getting soiled. Bring 'Shout' wipes or a similar product for accidental stains.

FRESH SMELLING CLOTHES: Pack some drier sheets in your luggage to keep your clothes smelling clean.

LUGGAGE: Make sure you put ID on the inside of your luggage. In the event that the nametag falls off the outside of your bag, the airlines would search the inside for ID.

LOST LUGGAGE: Make a list of everything you pack and keep it with you. In the unlikely event that your luggage is lost, you will have a complete checklist of all of your belongings for the airline.

Travels with Friends: Learn more about other European destinations and tips for traveling within Europe. www.TravelsWithFriends.com

Private Guides: See Europe and learn about its history with your own private guide. www.PrivateGuidesInEurope.com

Packing tips for travel to Europe