Must have items to take on trip....
Jan 26th, 2011, 08:30 PM
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Must have items to take on trip....
W and D going to Munich, Rome and London next June. D will then be staying in London 6 weeks for school. What types of items should I plan on buying them for the trip that they otherwise not know about? Do people really wear money belts or items like that under their clothes? Do they have to have thier passports 24/7? If so, I guess they need some convenient way to carry it all the time.
Jan 26th, 2011, 09:39 PM
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If you search for money belts in the 'Search the Forums' box you will no doubt be inundated with opinions of those who are for and against money belts and those who would never let their passports out of their clutches and those who prefer to leave them safely in the hotel safe.
My opinion, for what's it's worth, is that in June it will be warm and I would suggest leaving the essentials in their hotel and wearing capris. That way a credit card and some cash can be spread around the pockets and if they are pickpocketed at least the thief won't get everything. A small bag that crosses over your body is useful for lip balm, tissues etc. I think, and I know others will disagree, that nothing labels you a tourist like a money belt.
My opinion, for what's it's worth, is that in June it will be warm and I would suggest leaving the essentials in their hotel and wearing capris. That way a credit card and some cash can be spread around the pockets and if they are pickpocketed at least the thief won't get everything. A small bag that crosses over your body is useful for lip balm, tissues etc. I think, and I know others will disagree, that nothing labels you a tourist like a money belt.
Jan 26th, 2011, 10:34 PM
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Considering a money belt is worn inside your clothing, how in the world would this label someone as a tourist? Who is going to see it? Wearing capris might though. Spreading your money and credit cards in various pockets around your body is one of the oddest ways I have heard to keep your important items safe.
Just wear a messenger bag, preferably one that zips, then has a flap that folds over the top and fastens at the bottom.
Just wear jeans like everyone else.
I never carry my passport unless I am traveling. If they will be driving a car, then yes, they should have it on them.
Just wear a messenger bag, preferably one that zips, then has a flap that folds over the top and fastens at the bottom.
Just wear jeans like everyone else.
I never carry my passport unless I am traveling. If they will be driving a car, then yes, they should have it on them.
Jan 26th, 2011, 10:45 PM
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The main thing is to ensure that you don't have all your eggs in one basket.
As a general rule only take with you what you need that day and lock everything else up. Then divide what you do take about your person rather than in one place. Never put anything valuable into a backpack or bumbag. Always have it in a bag strapped across your chest so you can see it and no-one can just slip it off your shoulder.
As a general rule only take with you what you need that day and lock everything else up. Then divide what you do take about your person rather than in one place. Never put anything valuable into a backpack or bumbag. Always have it in a bag strapped across your chest so you can see it and no-one can just slip it off your shoulder.
Jan 27th, 2011, 12:44 AM
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Micro fibre knickers that dry quickly.
Plastic hooks with clothes peg for hanging said knickers in shower to dry.
A small super absorbent micro fibre towel.
Spare memory cards for digital camera.
A beautiful scarf - useful in all weather.
A slash-resistant (messenger?) bag to sling over shoulder.
A spiral bound notebook for keeping notes, that you can rip out pages.
A light folio (preferably zipped) for keeping tickets, receipts, maps, notes, etc. etc.
Plastic hooks with clothes peg for hanging said knickers in shower to dry.
A small super absorbent micro fibre towel.
Spare memory cards for digital camera.
A beautiful scarf - useful in all weather.
A slash-resistant (messenger?) bag to sling over shoulder.
A spiral bound notebook for keeping notes, that you can rip out pages.
A light folio (preferably zipped) for keeping tickets, receipts, maps, notes, etc. etc.
Jan 27th, 2011, 02:10 AM
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Not that I would be carrying this around on me while sightseeing, but I find it handy to have a small calculator (converting currencies, adding up the day's expenses, and I suppose even negotiating with shopkeepers when language fails). This is only useful if you don't have a calculator function on your mobile phone.
Lavandula
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Jan 27th, 2011, 02:48 AM
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Yes people really do wear money belts. And yes you wear them UNDER your clothes so obviously it can't 'label you like a tourist'. Wearing it outside your clothes would be stupid. And yes you can wear one even if it's warm. Nothing can ruin a trip more than having your passport, credit cards and money lost or stolen. And it's not just pickkpockets. People LOOSE things all the time. Especially in a new location when traveling people get distracted and can leave a bag, or just set it down and someone grabs it. Moneybelts = peace of mind when traveling.
Jan 27th, 2011, 04:26 AM
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"Washcloths, if they use them. I've never seen one in an Italian hotel."
Apart from my GF use of them in Europe is rare. If you want to wash your face then use your hands, if you want to wash "elsewhere" then I wouldn't be wanting to use something supplied by a hotel
Apart from my GF use of them in Europe is rare. If you want to wash your face then use your hands, if you want to wash "elsewhere" then I wouldn't be wanting to use something supplied by a hotel
Jan 27th, 2011, 09:00 AM
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I agree with 'washcloths.' In Germany and Switzerland, they are largely considered as personal items and not provided by many hotels or B&Bs.
alan: many of us prefer a washcloth in the shower for quicker and more thorough cleaning!
Nightlite is second (Those small bendable ones that can be affixed to a book). Lighting is often quite weak .
alan: many of us prefer a washcloth in the shower for quicker and more thorough cleaning!
Nightlite is second (Those small bendable ones that can be affixed to a book). Lighting is often quite weak .
Jan 27th, 2011, 10:27 AM
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No one has mentioned plastic zip lock bags. Good for less than dry clothes and wash clothes. I always stick on a roll of packing tape or duct tape, which fits in a shoe, in case you need a quick repair of a bag etc. and a few safety pins..
Jan 27th, 2011, 10:47 AM
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Moneybelts can be kind of visible under many women's clothes, and would not be my first choice. I think they work better for men. I am wondering if what Cathies was actually referring to is a fanny pack, rather that a moneybelt, though. They are kind of awful looking, with or without capris.
Jan 27th, 2011, 02:35 PM
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Plug adaptors (not converters) for all the plugs for all those chargers--phone, computer, camera, etc.
Definitely camera/extra batteries/plenty memory card space and/or way to store pics.
Rain jacket--some will say umbrella but I like a jacket with hood to cover my head--serves as extra layer and doesn't take up the space when open or cause the weight when closed that brollies do. But rain gear of some sort.
The washcloth/ziplocks/emergency kit stuff are good suggestions.
I use an accordian folder type thing to keep track of plans/confirmations/etc. going and receipts and brochures/maps and such coming back.
I do carry my passport at all times, with credit cards and atm cards,and sometimes cash if I have much, in a silk pouch on a string around my neck. Then I just have day's worth of cash in a pocket or whatever bag/backpack I am carrying.
It may not be warm in London in June (depends somewhat on what you think is warm) but layers needed as big range of temperatures most likely in those places in June.
Good walking shoes, probably closed-toes for cities, already broken in.
Definitely camera/extra batteries/plenty memory card space and/or way to store pics.
Rain jacket--some will say umbrella but I like a jacket with hood to cover my head--serves as extra layer and doesn't take up the space when open or cause the weight when closed that brollies do. But rain gear of some sort.
The washcloth/ziplocks/emergency kit stuff are good suggestions.
I use an accordian folder type thing to keep track of plans/confirmations/etc. going and receipts and brochures/maps and such coming back.
I do carry my passport at all times, with credit cards and atm cards,and sometimes cash if I have much, in a silk pouch on a string around my neck. Then I just have day's worth of cash in a pocket or whatever bag/backpack I am carrying.
It may not be warm in London in June (depends somewhat on what you think is warm) but layers needed as big range of temperatures most likely in those places in June.
Good walking shoes, probably closed-toes for cities, already broken in.
Jan 27th, 2011, 04:16 PM
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k2rider-I am chiming in as I am working trips to all three cities this month for my airline.
Money belts come in various sizes and also black or beige.
I ALWAYS wear a money belt under my t-shirt in Rome during the spring/summer/fall as each year the pickpockets get smarter.You don't even have to be on public transportation as our whole crew last year watched three guys on the Spanish Steps set up a pickpocketing scheme on two poor tourists.(The police got them.)Seriously lock EVERYTHING you don't want to lose overseas whether it is in your hotel room or on you.Those 3/4 digit TSA locks are perfect.
You don't have to bring your passport but make sure you have a couple copies on the trip with you and ALWAYS bring one with you when you leave the hotel-think everything from having to show your passport for VAT refunds at stores to terrorist activities and not getting back to your hotel safe.
NEVER HAVE ONE PERSON CARRYING ALL OF THE IMPORTANT STUFF-passports,ATM cards,etc.
LONDON-Get an Oyster card for travel as it is cheaper and always take a small water bottle,PURELL and a small flashlight with you when you are out traveling particularly on the underground.Think mechanical problems or if something else happened? Same stuff goes for the Rome and Munich undergrounds. Buy one of the very small micro umbrella Totes($6.99 at TJ MAXX) and always have it in your purse or backpack for those surprise UK showers.
Since she is going to school there make sure that she has all of the medicines she might need while there. Things like Dayquil and various US shampoos,etc. are hard to find.
MUNICH-foldup windbreaker and scarf is perfect to take everywhere.Trams and SBAHN are so easy to get around!
ROME-my favorite European city but I digress...
Those colorful poly "puffs/balls" are always perfect to use as washcloths in every city particularly in Italy. Just keep in a ziploc bag to transport.
Buy the museum pass or I think or is it called 5 ancient historic site pass before you ever set foot at any ancient site. It is easier to buy at Palatine Hill and then you will never have to wait.The lines at the Vatican actually are better after 930am as the tour bus crowd is there very early and once they open it starts moving.
Remember that in Rome more than anywhere else I go they are pretty strict about eating times so remember that most restaurants don't open before 7/730PM.Some of my favorite restaurants there are closed on Mondays so know before you get to the place.
General stuff-
-converter sets,possibly several as you always need them for anything from cellphone chargers to hairdryers.
-for your daughter possibly a dual voltage travel curler set by Remington which sells at Walmart or Target for around $18 USD.(It has two sizes of 10 rollers and is a perfect size!)Dual voltage hair dryer so she can use it at school too.
-my favorite purse(vertical) which is made by Eagle Creek and goes over your shoulder(in black or brown) and then hangs in front that sells for about $55USD at places like REI. It is deep,with alot of different pockets so that you can put a small water bottle,maps,etc. on the outside and other "stuff on the inside". I also have bought a small travel lock which I lock my valuables inside my purse that has proven to be invaluable on public transportation or when I am involved taking a picture.Just the lock on the top of my purse makes me feel better.
Since both of my kids went to grad school and live in the UK I would suggest to get things like the 3M hangers,spirals,etc.for her school experiences here as they either don't have them or they are so expensive.What school is she going to? If you need a great inexpensive hotel near UCL in London let me know.Sounds like a wonderful trip!
Money belts come in various sizes and also black or beige.
I ALWAYS wear a money belt under my t-shirt in Rome during the spring/summer/fall as each year the pickpockets get smarter.You don't even have to be on public transportation as our whole crew last year watched three guys on the Spanish Steps set up a pickpocketing scheme on two poor tourists.(The police got them.)Seriously lock EVERYTHING you don't want to lose overseas whether it is in your hotel room or on you.Those 3/4 digit TSA locks are perfect.
You don't have to bring your passport but make sure you have a couple copies on the trip with you and ALWAYS bring one with you when you leave the hotel-think everything from having to show your passport for VAT refunds at stores to terrorist activities and not getting back to your hotel safe.
NEVER HAVE ONE PERSON CARRYING ALL OF THE IMPORTANT STUFF-passports,ATM cards,etc.
LONDON-Get an Oyster card for travel as it is cheaper and always take a small water bottle,PURELL and a small flashlight with you when you are out traveling particularly on the underground.Think mechanical problems or if something else happened? Same stuff goes for the Rome and Munich undergrounds. Buy one of the very small micro umbrella Totes($6.99 at TJ MAXX) and always have it in your purse or backpack for those surprise UK showers.
Since she is going to school there make sure that she has all of the medicines she might need while there. Things like Dayquil and various US shampoos,etc. are hard to find.
MUNICH-foldup windbreaker and scarf is perfect to take everywhere.Trams and SBAHN are so easy to get around!
ROME-my favorite European city but I digress...
Those colorful poly "puffs/balls" are always perfect to use as washcloths in every city particularly in Italy. Just keep in a ziploc bag to transport.
Buy the museum pass or I think or is it called 5 ancient historic site pass before you ever set foot at any ancient site. It is easier to buy at Palatine Hill and then you will never have to wait.The lines at the Vatican actually are better after 930am as the tour bus crowd is there very early and once they open it starts moving.
Remember that in Rome more than anywhere else I go they are pretty strict about eating times so remember that most restaurants don't open before 7/730PM.Some of my favorite restaurants there are closed on Mondays so know before you get to the place.
General stuff-
-converter sets,possibly several as you always need them for anything from cellphone chargers to hairdryers.
-for your daughter possibly a dual voltage travel curler set by Remington which sells at Walmart or Target for around $18 USD.(It has two sizes of 10 rollers and is a perfect size!)Dual voltage hair dryer so she can use it at school too.
-my favorite purse(vertical) which is made by Eagle Creek and goes over your shoulder(in black or brown) and then hangs in front that sells for about $55USD at places like REI. It is deep,with alot of different pockets so that you can put a small water bottle,maps,etc. on the outside and other "stuff on the inside". I also have bought a small travel lock which I lock my valuables inside my purse that has proven to be invaluable on public transportation or when I am involved taking a picture.Just the lock on the top of my purse makes me feel better.
Since both of my kids went to grad school and live in the UK I would suggest to get things like the 3M hangers,spirals,etc.for her school experiences here as they either don't have them or they are so expensive.What school is she going to? If you need a great inexpensive hotel near UCL in London let me know.Sounds like a wonderful trip!
