What to Pack?

Question

In a few weeks I'm taking a three week trip to Europe. For the first week I will be in Switzerland (and will have a washer/dryer available for use), and for the Second two weeks I will be in France, and I do not beileve that there will be a washer/dryer available for my use. What do I pack, both the normal everyday things (ammounts of different clothing and such), but also what are things that people commonly forget to pack when going on trips. I don't want to forget anything!

Answer 1

Only the essentials.
Buying clothes in France is very expensive, so don't just plan to do that.
Bring a tupperware bin to keep all of your Swiss chocolate in!
And don't forget your camera/camcorder.
Take traveler's checks, because everywhere over there charges to use ATMs or credit cards.
Pack layers, for any weather. I like this combo: Light T shirt, (short sleeves) light longsleeved shirt, in a light color (good to block sun or warm) a thin fleece jacket, and a thin wind breaker unless going to the alps or anywhere else with snow. That way, you can add or take away layers as needed!
Don't forget power adapters for any eletric stuff like razors (though I don't resommend taking electric razors or toothbrushes)
Don't take anything that will distract from the experience! My sister took a good book and had a hard time putting it down. You can read a book any time! You only have that vacation once, with those memories to gather.
It's a good Idea to buy clothes vaccuum pack bags that work with your own vaccuum, especially if you'll have a vaccuum over there. ( wal mart!) It's humid and smelly sometimes, and if you pack it flat, you don't have to worry about wrinkles and more fits!
Make sure your luggage has good wheels.
And if you don't have an interpreter or speak the language yourself, I suggest Rick Steve's travel phrase books. Very handy!
Good luck! Enjoy yourself and send me lots of pictures!

Answer 2

You pack what you would pack for a trip across the US. I don't know you style of clothing, but obviously some shirts or t-shirts. pants, and all the usual.

Depending on what you plan to do in Switzerland, sensible shoes and perhaps an additional pullover or two might be a good idea.

Contrary to what's been said above, all sanitary products are readily available everywhere. And, yes, we do have running water, this is not the third world.

EDIT: Again, contrary to some advice given: Do NOT take traveller's checks. They are hard to get rid off, it costs money to cash them, and they're not in widespread use. Take a credit card (not AmEx, if possible), and some cash, or - preferably - an ATM card. There are ATMs everywhere. Using a credit card is free of charge, by the way (But there is a fee for withdrawing money, yes. You will want to use a regular ATM card for that.)

Answer 3

Hi there -

Don't take too much! It's so easy to overpack - but you will end up wearing the same things over & over & over again. It's great that you will have washing facitlities the first week and for the next couple weeks, take a travel clothes line and some wool lite and you have an instant washeteria in your bathroom! At least you can wash your underclothes, socks and other items.

I have found a couple of lists that will be helpful to you:

http://www.travelsmith.com/ts/packlist.jsp
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpacking.htm
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpack.htm

Don't worrying about forgetting anything. They have drug stores over there where you can buy necessities and it always gives you an excuse to buy something new for yourself!

I always dress in layers. It will be summer when you are there so you won't need as much - but take a couple tank tops or sleeveless t-shirts, some short sleave t-shirts (2), one long sleave t-shirt and a blouse. I would also take a light jacket (maybe denim) and the all important scarf that you can use for a skirt, a cover up, a blanket or a head covering. Take a nice pair of walking shorts and a skirt. I always take black and mix it up with colorful accessories, jewelry, scarves. For shoes, I would take a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of nicer shoes for dress up.

Remember to pack a collapsible bag to bring souvenirs home in!

Have a great trip!

Answer 4

Just don't over pack, that's what matters if you forget something, it's easier to buy, then to bring a whole bunch of stuff you won't need...
So, up to 5 shirts, since you'll certainly find a washer and dryer, or if you don't you can always wash your shirt in even a kitchen sink and hang it on a sunny place it will be dry in a few hours, just a few pairs of pants,
don't forget to bring a sweater and a warmer pair of pants in case it gets cold,
extra pair of shoes (this is very important, in case it rains and you get soaked),
swimsuit,
if you are planning on going out bring just a few thing for those occasions, they usually take the least space in your suitcase anyway,
UNDERWEAR (that's something I always forget, see, even here I remembered it last)
Don't forget your CAMERA!!!!
And if you forget anything but your camera and money, don't worry you can always buy it.... And it will be a fond memory of your trip :)
Have fun!

Answer 5

if ur a girl dont forget all ur sanitary supplies, cuz theyre often hard to find in foreign countries and also shampoo and towels if u wont be in a hotel that carries them and some more stuff would be: undergarment stuff, socks, pajamas, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, extra hair ties if u use them, different shoes, all swimming stuff, rain gear, snow gear maybe, sunglasses are always good, sunscreen and bug spray, hair dryer if u use it, basic pants shirts, stuff to keep urself occupied on the plane or whatever like cards, music, laptop, and $$$$!!! (+ whatever else u want)

hope this helps!! have fun!!

Answer 6

Pack warmly. France is farther north than most of the USA and Switzerland is in the mountains.

Answer 7

i live in germany, i've been around europe and i wouldn't pack too warmly as stated above.....it's peak summer right now. many places don't have a/c. make sure you keep euro change on you as well, if you use public toilets you have to pay at least 50 euro cent.

Answer 8

www.goeurope.about.com and type in what to pack in the search
I always forget my swim suit. Bring an evening dress and shoes that match in case you get an unexpedted invite.

Answer 9

toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razor, soap, shampoo, facial cleanser, moisturizer....

Answer 10

visa card...