| Nothing beats backpacking in Europe if you get the | | | | to walk a lot, so blisters from new shoes can be a |
| opportunity. So, you probably want to know what to | | | | killer. |
| pack for Europe. | | | | On the personal front, you need a brush, toothpaste |
| Packing Your Backpack for Europe | | | | and any medicinal needs. That is it. You can buy |
| Millions of people head off to Europe on a | | | | anything else you need as you need it. There is zero |
| backpacking trip each year. Having done it five times, | | | | point to lugging around shampoo all over Europe. |
| I can tell you that it will be one of the best times of | | | | Murphy's law says it will open in your backpack! Keep |
| your life. That being said, you must take some things | | | | it super simple. |
| with you. On the positive side, you don't need that | | | | While your trip will result in great memories, they will |
| much. | | | | fade in time. Take a camera and, of course, one of |
| Europe is not another planet. I mention this because | | | | our travel journals. The camera should be hardy so it |
| you should keep in mind you can buy everything | | | | can take the inevitable beating that will occur. Our |
| there if you forget it here. The first time people go | | | | travel journals are compact and in a case. They are |
| backpacking in Europe, they tend to completely | | | | perfect for trips to Europe because we were on one |
| overdue it on the packing front. You are not climbing | | | | when we got the idea! Check them out: |
| Mount Everest, so don't overdue it! | | | | Europeans can read. This means you can buy |
| The first things to pack are clothes. Depending on | | | | guidebooks over there. If you plan to visit three or |
| where you are going, you may need clothes for | | | | four countries, take the guidebook for the FIRST |
| warm weather or cold. Assuming it is warm, you | | | | country only. You can pick up the others over there |
| need a couple of shirts that are wrinkle resistant. You | | | | or trade with other backpackers. Guidebooks are |
| will buy others there, so don't pack ten. You also will | | | | heavy and this will save you the aggravation of |
| need a pair of shorts and a bathing suit. If you plan | | | | hauling them everywhere. Also, cybercafés are |
| on visiting museums and churches, you will need a | | | | everywhere, so you do not need to bring a laptop |
| pair of long pants to get into many of them. Pack | | | | unless you really have a specific need. |
| something light that is wrinkle resistant. | | | | Finally, keep copies of your passport and any |
| For your feet, you can load up on socks because | | | | supporting documentation with you. One set goes in |
| they do not take much space. You will need some | | | | your backpack while another goes in your shorts, |
| sandals and then a pair of something comfortable. | | | | money belt or wherever you have space. |
| Some prefer hiking boots, but I usually went with | | | | Pack light. If you forget something, you can buy it |
| cross trainers. Whatever you do, make sure you get | | | | over there. Have a blast! |
| used to the shoes before heading off. You are going | | | | |