Packing for Europe blog entry - suggestions?
May 28th, 2011, 09:53 AM
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Packing for Europe blog entry - suggestions?
Our family of 4 is three weeks from lift-off! We can hardly wait. We'll be gone 46 nights in Germany, France, and Belgium. I updated our blog with some packing tips and thoughts. (Many gathered from folks on this forum.)
http://familyineurope.travellerspoint.com/
Please let me know if you have additions, ideas, suggestions for packing for a long trip with young children.
http://familyineurope.travellerspoint.com/
Please let me know if you have additions, ideas, suggestions for packing for a long trip with young children.
May 28th, 2011, 10:34 AM
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I could never be that organized ;-)
All of Munich beer gardens are "kid-friendly", i.e. everybody brings anything from toddlers to teens. They only differ in stuff like the playgrounds you mentioned. You probably will go to the Hirschgarten then, as they don't only feature a playground but also have a bunch of deer there. And as it is Munich's biggest, there is never a problem to find a seat and never the need to wait ages in line for beer.
The best beer in town is Augustiner, the only still independent brewery besides Hofbräuhaus.
Most other beers like Löwenbräu, Spaten, Paulaner have been adjusted to mass taste and nationwide sales and are only a tiny bit better than Bud Light.
I don't want to rain into (a tiny part) of your itinerary, but the tourist openings of the Nürburgring (i.e. when you take your own car or bike, and not the Ring taxi) are in no way harmless. Especially for someone who probably will do 150mph for the first time in his life.
Check your insurance if it will cover such stunts.
You'll find disposable plastic gloves at gas stations near the pumps. I rarely see anyone use them, as it is as easy to put diesel in a car as regular gas.
Hope you'll have tons of fun!
All of Munich beer gardens are "kid-friendly", i.e. everybody brings anything from toddlers to teens. They only differ in stuff like the playgrounds you mentioned. You probably will go to the Hirschgarten then, as they don't only feature a playground but also have a bunch of deer there. And as it is Munich's biggest, there is never a problem to find a seat and never the need to wait ages in line for beer.
The best beer in town is Augustiner, the only still independent brewery besides Hofbräuhaus.
Most other beers like Löwenbräu, Spaten, Paulaner have been adjusted to mass taste and nationwide sales and are only a tiny bit better than Bud Light.
I don't want to rain into (a tiny part) of your itinerary, but the tourist openings of the Nürburgring (i.e. when you take your own car or bike, and not the Ring taxi) are in no way harmless. Especially for someone who probably will do 150mph for the first time in his life.
Check your insurance if it will cover such stunts.
You'll find disposable plastic gloves at gas stations near the pumps. I rarely see anyone use them, as it is as easy to put diesel in a car as regular gas.
Hope you'll have tons of fun!
May 29th, 2011, 07:51 AM
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Thanks Cowboy. The DH does have a Ring Taxi ticket and plans to do that ride first before taking the car on the ring.
Hirschgarten is definitely on the list. Thanks for the recommendation!
Hirschgarten is definitely on the list. Thanks for the recommendation!
May 29th, 2011, 12:09 PM
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Since you are packing the picnic cooler. . . Some things we found very handy to bring were a spork and spatula set from REI - http://www.rei.com/product/765204/gu...bites-utensils -
terry dishcloths to use as napkins and a tiny camp towel for spills, a corkscrew, and some plastic wineglasses - http://www.rei.com/product/798281/gs...less-wineglass
We could have purchased similar items in France, but by packing them, we were ready for a picnic in a park on our first evening, which was great after the long plane ride.
Consider an e- reader instead of novels. And also an online trip organizer like TripIt; I've reduced my binder to a plastic folder because I can now access my alternate plans online. (I still pack printed hotel confirmations and tickets, since a printer may not be handy when needed.)
Also a ziploc bag with some bandaids, advil, etc. - things you don't want to go out to procure when you really need them.
Have a great time! We took our girls to Europe for 3 weeks when they were 5 and 10 - lots of good memories!
terry dishcloths to use as napkins and a tiny camp towel for spills, a corkscrew, and some plastic wineglasses - http://www.rei.com/product/798281/gs...less-wineglass
We could have purchased similar items in France, but by packing them, we were ready for a picnic in a park on our first evening, which was great after the long plane ride.
Consider an e- reader instead of novels. And also an online trip organizer like TripIt; I've reduced my binder to a plastic folder because I can now access my alternate plans online. (I still pack printed hotel confirmations and tickets, since a printer may not be handy when needed.)
Also a ziploc bag with some bandaids, advil, etc. - things you don't want to go out to procure when you really need them.
Have a great time! We took our girls to Europe for 3 weeks when they were 5 and 10 - lots of good memories!
May 29th, 2011, 12:42 PM
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AndiM-Great job. I comprised a similar plan for our 97 day trip. I just could not wing it for that amount of time. Do not enjoy worrying about where we will stay each night. All the extra planning really paid off. Things ran super smooth. I still have my binder and I leaf through it occasionally for the memories.
I'm in the midst of planning our 45 day trip for next May and June and am referring back to the original lists and budgets I made for our first trip.
Something you might considering is to take a small netbook with you for daily downloading of your pics and for daily journaling. I found this invaluable. I just created a file for each day with sub files for each attraction and spent 15 minutes each evening downloading the pics to the appropriate file.
You'll have a great time. Your girls are precious.
I'm in the midst of planning our 45 day trip for next May and June and am referring back to the original lists and budgets I made for our first trip.
Something you might considering is to take a small netbook with you for daily downloading of your pics and for daily journaling. I found this invaluable. I just created a file for each day with sub files for each attraction and spent 15 minutes each evening downloading the pics to the appropriate file.
You'll have a great time. Your girls are precious.
May 29th, 2011, 12:59 PM
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You sure are more organized than I am! While I love books, that stack of guidebooks is just too much to carry! You really need to rip the others apart, not just the Steves book. And do you really need to lug along a book about drinking beer in Munich? Really? ;^)
Or... have you got a Kindle, iPhone or iPod touch? Download the books as they are likely available electronically and will take up less room.
Don't go with the whole box of gloves... gas stations in France do have them also. I do keep a few in my Jetta diesel in Canada... diesel is not that messy but the smell can stick to the pump handles and it's hard to get it off your hands.
I swear by those ziploc type compression bags... you can really fit a lot more clothes in with them.
Have a great trip and enjoy the new car!
Or... have you got a Kindle, iPhone or iPod touch? Download the books as they are likely available electronically and will take up less room.
Don't go with the whole box of gloves... gas stations in France do have them also. I do keep a few in my Jetta diesel in Canada... diesel is not that messy but the smell can stick to the pump handles and it's hard to get it off your hands.
I swear by those ziploc type compression bags... you can really fit a lot more clothes in with them.
Have a great trip and enjoy the new car!
May 29th, 2011, 08:38 PM
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Thank you for the ideas and encouragement! I will bring a few picnic items along. I know I should get off paper and get myself a Kindle or idevice. Maybe the next trip. 
I'm 37 and while I like using technology, I still have a soft spot for paper. It helps that we will be driving and won't be hauling things on and off trains. That beer guide book has some awesome coupons in the back and you have to show the book to use them! After we leave Munich, the book will sit in the trunk for the rest of the trip. I will consider breaking apart some of the other guidebooks.
We're only bringing a baggie of those gloves.
We are bringing a lap-top so taking notes and filing pictures will be a goal each evening. I really like that idea. Plus, I'll be updating our blog as we travel. My DH needs the lap-top to do some work on occasion.
Thanks again!
I'm 37 and while I like using technology, I still have a soft spot for paper. It helps that we will be driving and won't be hauling things on and off trains. That beer guide book has some awesome coupons in the back and you have to show the book to use them! After we leave Munich, the book will sit in the trunk for the rest of the trip. I will consider breaking apart some of the other guidebooks.We're only bringing a baggie of those gloves.
We are bringing a lap-top so taking notes and filing pictures will be a goal each evening. I really like that idea. Plus, I'll be updating our blog as we travel. My DH needs the lap-top to do some work on occasion.
Thanks again!
May 29th, 2011, 09:36 PM
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AndiM,
Wow, what an adventure you and your family are in for! Your packing blog is terrific. Your planning will certainly pay off. I like that you are not afraid to travel with little 'uns! We started traveling with our boys to Europe when they were 4 and 6 y.o. too! Kids are very adaptable and our (now) 20 and 22 y.o. are seasoned expert travelrs now. Oldest is a dual major at university including German! Although we have traveled most of Europe we have found we enjoy Germany the most. We all head back to Germany (Sauerland) in August for our 10th stay with our German friends on a small farm in a tiny village of 700 inhabitants in a picturesque, off-the-beaten-path pension on a little farm. We met our friends on our 1st family trip to Germany in 1995 and have visited them (and they us) over the years. They had 2 daughters the same age as our boys and have grown up "together". Generally, our kids found the spielplatz or playgrounds to be a good source of entertainment and means to get some energy expended. Most play grounds are clean and modern with inventive play things. Another neat thing to look out for in Germany are the Kinder Eggs. Milk Chocolate eggs with intricate / unique toys that you put together. Our boys still collect them to this day! It sounds like you are taking delivery of a Bimmer while over there. Great idea. We have done it twice (with Volvos) and there is no better way to tour Europe than in your own car. Make sure the car is broken in sufficiently prior to the Nürburgring run! Sounds like fun. Someone mentioned beers. It used to be that nearly every village had its own brewery. Not so much any more, but there are still plenty. Try the non-known standard brands from smaller breweries as that is where the real treasures are. That's all I've got for now. Will give it some more thought. But, rest assured, you are on the right track. Looking forward to following your blog!
Cheers!
Wow, what an adventure you and your family are in for! Your packing blog is terrific. Your planning will certainly pay off. I like that you are not afraid to travel with little 'uns! We started traveling with our boys to Europe when they were 4 and 6 y.o. too! Kids are very adaptable and our (now) 20 and 22 y.o. are seasoned expert travelrs now. Oldest is a dual major at university including German! Although we have traveled most of Europe we have found we enjoy Germany the most. We all head back to Germany (Sauerland) in August for our 10th stay with our German friends on a small farm in a tiny village of 700 inhabitants in a picturesque, off-the-beaten-path pension on a little farm. We met our friends on our 1st family trip to Germany in 1995 and have visited them (and they us) over the years. They had 2 daughters the same age as our boys and have grown up "together". Generally, our kids found the spielplatz or playgrounds to be a good source of entertainment and means to get some energy expended. Most play grounds are clean and modern with inventive play things. Another neat thing to look out for in Germany are the Kinder Eggs. Milk Chocolate eggs with intricate / unique toys that you put together. Our boys still collect them to this day! It sounds like you are taking delivery of a Bimmer while over there. Great idea. We have done it twice (with Volvos) and there is no better way to tour Europe than in your own car. Make sure the car is broken in sufficiently prior to the Nürburgring run! Sounds like fun. Someone mentioned beers. It used to be that nearly every village had its own brewery. Not so much any more, but there are still plenty. Try the non-known standard brands from smaller breweries as that is where the real treasures are. That's all I've got for now. Will give it some more thought. But, rest assured, you are on the right track. Looking forward to following your blog!
Cheers!
May 29th, 2011, 09:41 PM
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AndiM,
Wow, what an adventure you and your family are in for! Your packing blog is terrific. Your planning will certainly pay off. I like that you are not afraid to travel with little 'uns! We started traveling with our boys to Europe when they were 4 and 6 y.o. too! Kids are very adaptable and our (now) 20 and 22 y.o. are seasoned expert travelrs now. Oldest is a dual major at university including German! Although we have traveled most of Europe we have found we enjoy Germany the most. We all head back to Germany (Sauerland) in August for our 10th stay with our German friends on a small farm in a tiny village of 700 inhabitants in a picturesque, off-the-beaten-path pension. We met our friends on our 1st family trip to Germany in 1995 and have visited them (and they us) over the years. They had 2 daughters the same age as our boys and have grown up "together". Generally, our kids found the spielplatz or playgrounds to be a good source of entertainment and means to get some energy expended. Most play grounds are clean and modern with inventive play things. Another neat thing to look out for in Germany are the Kinder Eggs. Milk Chocolate eggs with intricate / unique toys that you put together. Our boys still collect them to this day! It sounds like you are taking delivery of a Bimmer while over there. Great idea. We have done it twice (with Volvos) and there is no better way to tour Europe than in your own car. Make sure the car is broken in sufficiently prior to the Nürburgring run! Sounds like fun. Someone mentioned beers. It used to be that nearly every village had its own brewery. Not so much any more, but there are still plenty. Try the non-known standard brands from smaller breweries as that is where the real treasures are. That's all I've got for now. Will give it some more thought. But, rest assured, you are on the right track. Looking forward to following your blog!
Cheers!
Wow, what an adventure you and your family are in for! Your packing blog is terrific. Your planning will certainly pay off. I like that you are not afraid to travel with little 'uns! We started traveling with our boys to Europe when they were 4 and 6 y.o. too! Kids are very adaptable and our (now) 20 and 22 y.o. are seasoned expert travelrs now. Oldest is a dual major at university including German! Although we have traveled most of Europe we have found we enjoy Germany the most. We all head back to Germany (Sauerland) in August for our 10th stay with our German friends on a small farm in a tiny village of 700 inhabitants in a picturesque, off-the-beaten-path pension. We met our friends on our 1st family trip to Germany in 1995 and have visited them (and they us) over the years. They had 2 daughters the same age as our boys and have grown up "together". Generally, our kids found the spielplatz or playgrounds to be a good source of entertainment and means to get some energy expended. Most play grounds are clean and modern with inventive play things. Another neat thing to look out for in Germany are the Kinder Eggs. Milk Chocolate eggs with intricate / unique toys that you put together. Our boys still collect them to this day! It sounds like you are taking delivery of a Bimmer while over there. Great idea. We have done it twice (with Volvos) and there is no better way to tour Europe than in your own car. Make sure the car is broken in sufficiently prior to the Nürburgring run! Sounds like fun. Someone mentioned beers. It used to be that nearly every village had its own brewery. Not so much any more, but there are still plenty. Try the non-known standard brands from smaller breweries as that is where the real treasures are. That's all I've got for now. Will give it some more thought. But, rest assured, you are on the right track. Looking forward to following your blog!
Cheers!
May 29th, 2011, 09:52 PM
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Dear AndiM - (my husband is an AndiM as well!!!) - My greatest recommendation for you is going to be a Kindle. They are $114 now and anywhere you go you will be able to get another book. My 76 year old father in law has (much to my amazement) adapted to the Kindle easily. My biggest mistake when I bought my Kindle was that it had to replace all my books, it doesn't. In reality, it's made me appreciate tactile and visual printed books, as well as the ethereal quality of great stories that can be contained, and easily obtained on the Kindle.
May 30th, 2011, 06:49 AM
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Hi Jeff - thanks for sharing your experience with kid-travel. How great to hear that you made such meaningful connections that continue today! It's nice to hear that your own kids now have an appreciation for travel and language/culture. The Kinder Eggs are a great idea. My dad (who married a German woman) brings those back sometimes. It's good to hear that the playgrounds are entertaining. We traveled to Europe a few times before having kids and didn't notice things like playgrounds! The Nurburgring is near the very end of our trip so the car should be ready. Have a great time in August!
Hez - I know I need to jump on the Kindle bandwagon. I think it'll be a Kindle Christmas this year!
Hez - I know I need to jump on the Kindle bandwagon. I think it'll be a Kindle Christmas this year!
May 30th, 2011, 09:33 AM
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Andi M,
When visiting Berchtesgaden area there are some really neat things to see. You mentioned the salt mines - the kids should enjoy that tour. Underground boat tour and a special "slide" that should get a giggle out of your girls. Hitler's Eagle's Nest is interesting - let alone the drive up there - engineering feat. Salzberg is a short jaunt across the border and is worth it. Of course they made the Sound of Music there and it is neat to see the settings from the movie. Mozarts birthplace. A great museum with lots of kid-friendly exhibits for them to interact with. Back in Germany nr B-gaden, I would recommend the electric wooden boat tour of Konigsee with destination to St. Bartholemews for midday meal. So much to do!
"Talk" to you later!
Jeff
When visiting Berchtesgaden area there are some really neat things to see. You mentioned the salt mines - the kids should enjoy that tour. Underground boat tour and a special "slide" that should get a giggle out of your girls. Hitler's Eagle's Nest is interesting - let alone the drive up there - engineering feat. Salzberg is a short jaunt across the border and is worth it. Of course they made the Sound of Music there and it is neat to see the settings from the movie. Mozarts birthplace. A great museum with lots of kid-friendly exhibits for them to interact with. Back in Germany nr B-gaden, I would recommend the electric wooden boat tour of Konigsee with destination to St. Bartholemews for midday meal. So much to do!
"Talk" to you later!
Jeff
May 31st, 2011, 04:18 AM
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Wow, that's organized !
But if you really did forget anything, I think over here, in europe, you can find most of the things you have over there, so no worries.
You are right to bring stuff to keep the girls occupied. Nothing is worse than having crying, bored children in the back of a car. But when looking at your program, I feel they won't really have the time to get bored. Your trip looks good.
I agree that those travel guides are going to take up space and weight in your bags, but I guess you can't make notes or rip out pages, when using a Kindle.
I don't like to finish on a negative note, but I hope you have travel and medical insurance. You never know what might happen.
Have a great trip.
But if you really did forget anything, I think over here, in europe, you can find most of the things you have over there, so no worries.
You are right to bring stuff to keep the girls occupied. Nothing is worse than having crying, bored children in the back of a car. But when looking at your program, I feel they won't really have the time to get bored. Your trip looks good.
I agree that those travel guides are going to take up space and weight in your bags, but I guess you can't make notes or rip out pages, when using a Kindle.
I don't like to finish on a negative note, but I hope you have travel and medical insurance. You never know what might happen.
Have a great trip.
May 31st, 2011, 04:54 AM
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Browsing through the first week of your itinerary, the following came to my mind:
You will travel in June, when the first big "waves" of auto tourists will jam the motorways in Bavaria, especially on weekends. And esp. the A9 southbound to Munich, the A99 eastern Munich orbital, and the A8 towards Salzburg.
An alternative for going from Regensburg to Berchtesgaden could be to take A3 from Regensburg eastbound until you hit federal highway 20 near Straubing. B20 will take you all the way south to Berchtesgaden.
It may be a bit more boring than speeding down the motorway, but at least you won't get caught into one of the infamous super backlogs of 20-30kms length.
On your way, Burghausen castle could make a good stopover.
http://tourismus.burghausen.de/conte...s--1043m-.html
Going from Füssen to Annecy, you can drive along the Northern side of the Alps and go around the eastern edge of Lake Constance via Switzerland to Annecy.
Doing so, you have to use a tiny bit of motorway thru Austria.
While otherwise you need to get a toll sticker for Austrian motorways, this short leg is tolled seperately (and cheaper). Check this leaflet for further details:
http://www.asfinag.at/c/document_lib...&groupId=10136
You will travel in June, when the first big "waves" of auto tourists will jam the motorways in Bavaria, especially on weekends. And esp. the A9 southbound to Munich, the A99 eastern Munich orbital, and the A8 towards Salzburg.
An alternative for going from Regensburg to Berchtesgaden could be to take A3 from Regensburg eastbound until you hit federal highway 20 near Straubing. B20 will take you all the way south to Berchtesgaden.
It may be a bit more boring than speeding down the motorway, but at least you won't get caught into one of the infamous super backlogs of 20-30kms length.
On your way, Burghausen castle could make a good stopover.
http://tourismus.burghausen.de/conte...s--1043m-.html
Going from Füssen to Annecy, you can drive along the Northern side of the Alps and go around the eastern edge of Lake Constance via Switzerland to Annecy.
Doing so, you have to use a tiny bit of motorway thru Austria.
While otherwise you need to get a toll sticker for Austrian motorways, this short leg is tolled seperately (and cheaper). Check this leaflet for further details:
http://www.asfinag.at/c/document_lib...&groupId=10136
May 31st, 2011, 02:31 PM
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I'm getting such great ideas here. Thank you!
Cowboy - I'm going to make note of your driving suggestions. Avoiding traffic jams would make life much more pleasant. I know my DH wants to vary routes (autobahn, backroads) the first couple of weeks to break in the car anyway. I'm also glad you mentioned Burghausen. It's part of the 14 day Bavarian Palace pass that we're going to buy. I saw it could possibly to on the way to Berchtesgaden but hadn't looked into it. Again, the driving tips are really useful!
mariajohanna - thanks for the reassurance about packing. We have medical insurance but not travel. We'll hope for the best! I have step-siblings who live outside Frankfurt in case of emergencies.
Cowboy - I'm going to make note of your driving suggestions. Avoiding traffic jams would make life much more pleasant. I know my DH wants to vary routes (autobahn, backroads) the first couple of weeks to break in the car anyway. I'm also glad you mentioned Burghausen. It's part of the 14 day Bavarian Palace pass that we're going to buy. I saw it could possibly to on the way to Berchtesgaden but hadn't looked into it. Again, the driving tips are really useful!
mariajohanna - thanks for the reassurance about packing. We have medical insurance but not travel. We'll hope for the best! I have step-siblings who live outside Frankfurt in case of emergencies.
May 31st, 2011, 03:04 PM
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We just went to Scandinavia for 26 days while picking up our new Volvo - love being able to partake of an overseas delivery program. We got 2 roundtrip open jaw tickets included, so we started in Copenhagen and ended in Paris.
We each had only 1 carry on bag and 1 additional bag for bathroom stuff. We actually came home with a few things that didn't get worn!
We took purex laundry sheets with us, it saved us from hunting down detergent and since it has softner in it, our clothes dried soft, even when done as hand laundry.
http://www.purex.com/products/deterg...omplete-3-in-1
We used the michelin maps and directions from online and were less than happy with them; so good to have GPS as back up.
If you are bringing a hairdryer, make sure it is dual volt, because I don't think an converter is going to work with it.
Have a great time. The car will be a wonderful souvenir. Ours should be arriving here in 2 weeks.
We each had only 1 carry on bag and 1 additional bag for bathroom stuff. We actually came home with a few things that didn't get worn!
We took purex laundry sheets with us, it saved us from hunting down detergent and since it has softner in it, our clothes dried soft, even when done as hand laundry.
http://www.purex.com/products/deterg...omplete-3-in-1
We used the michelin maps and directions from online and were less than happy with them; so good to have GPS as back up.
If you are bringing a hairdryer, make sure it is dual volt, because I don't think an converter is going to work with it.
Have a great time. The car will be a wonderful souvenir. Ours should be arriving here in 2 weeks.
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