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First trip to Europe...leaving tomorrow...any last minute advice?

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First trip to Europe...leaving tomorrow...any last minute advice?

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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 12:07 PM
  #21  
 
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Do you really need all the things you packed? Would you really miss them on the trip? You can buy anything, you may have forgotten once you arrive.
Why do women always pack so many things, he has to carry around? .
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 12:14 PM
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Looks like we'll be having some great weather in Switzerland. Bring sunglasses and suntan lotion.

Logos: We just want to spruce up those masculine muscles!

"Wenn ist ein Mann ein Mann?" I adore Herbert.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 12:20 PM
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McAllister, I'd pack 2-3 long sleeved t-shirts, 1-2 short sleeved ones, and 1 button down blouse, 2 sweaters (usually cashmere/merino cardigans), a black fleece jacket. I bring neutral colors for slacks, jeans, and shirts, and add color with the scarves and cardigans. If you have a pashmina-type scarf/shawl, bring it - serves many purposes.

Have fun!!! and do report back...
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 12:26 PM
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Yes, "Gröhlemeier" knows men . Muscles might be the "logic" explanation. But womens logic is so difficult to understand. It has variations that defy logic as we men know it, still from a certain female point of view there may be logic in it. Just why does the suitcase weigh more the her?
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 12:26 PM
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Be alert, there are many bad people around. Focus, if a situation is calling for your attention in a fanny way scram.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 12:28 PM
  #26  
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Maybe this has already been noted, but DO have some euros in your bag before you leave US. That way, when you get to your first European airport, you will at least be able to buy a drink, snack, aspirin, or whatever without the added stress of searching out an exchange place--which could be very far from or in opposite direction of your next gate! Bon Voyage!!
 
Old Apr 18th, 2007, 12:33 PM
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Kate_W- I love your "idiot check". My daughter and I go shopping together so we can do a "basket check" on each other right before we get to checkout. These usually result in several items being removed from our baskets. Since she is the one going with me to Italy in the fall, I think she will be on board with the "idiot checks". Hahahaha. Thanks for making my day!!!
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 12:34 PM
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Pack LIGHT. Anything missing can be bought and will give you memories or your trip for years.

I have bought various items all over the world and have never forgotten the details of any of them -- even things as ridiculous as toothpaste or deodorant.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 01:20 PM
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kerouac, you are totally correct about that. On my very first trip to Europe, I ran out of contact solution about three days into the trip. I was so proud of myself when I emerged from the pharmacy in a small town in Germany with the same brand I always used!
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 02:55 PM
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I would never travel without 2-3 pair of shoes. Being stuck in the same pair for a week would make me crazy.

I don't mind wearing the same clothes multiple times, but I have to be able to change shoes day to evening, and one day to the next.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 03:04 PM
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As far as how many shirts to take... Start putting things into your suitcase, in order of importance, and stop when it is full or the weight hits about 27 lbs. packed. Only take clothes you REALLY like to wear at home and be ready to wear them more than once to get the most mileage.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 04:02 PM
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Take your zinc.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 04:30 PM
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I just returned from 5 days in Paris then 5 days in Berlin. I would recommend reading and paying close attention to the weather report - I don't know where you are in the country but it has been WARM there. However, leaving Berlin this morning the high's were going to be only in the low 50's.

One thing I noticed about this trip to Paris - it seems of all Europe wears blue-jeans. Everywhere, every age, male or female. If you were not wearing a beautiful pair of jeans with a nice pair of heels/boots - you were probably an american wearing black and "comfortable shoes".

I wore a pair of flip-flops in Berlin and you would think I was walking down the street naked! It was very funny watching everyone wear my "american slippers" as one girl put it.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 04:37 PM
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I have no advice, other than to ENJOY yourself, McAllister. And when you're not enjoying yourself (yes, there will be moments, I promise you!), don't sweat it. You are about to have a spectacularosocita trip!

Bon voyage.
Buon viaggio.
Hasta la vista, baby!
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 04:38 PM
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Wait, I take that back: I do have some advice:
<u>Take less than you think you need.</u> LOTS less. You can always buy stuff there; you're not going to the moon.

The lighter your luggage, the better time you'll have. Guaranteed!
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 04:47 PM
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In Paris eat a nutella with banana crepe. YUM!
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 05:00 PM
  #37  
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Last minute check of your carry-on: small, light-weight paper-back book (French language?), headache remedy, ear plugs and eye mask, personal travel pillow, pashmina, hand/face moisturizer (in zip-lock bag), hygenic hand wipes in foil packet, saline nasal spray (in zip-lock bag), Air-Borne or Emercen-C (you can take them frequently with no problem), passport and travel documents, neck purse for passport, tickets, etc. Damn, this is making me nervous all over again. Don't worry. You CAN do this!
 
Old Apr 18th, 2007, 05:12 PM
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Definately two pair of shoes to alternate and let them air out
Maybe a dressier third?
A shawl should you need some warmth that can be worn dressy or sporty.
Have a wonderful time and I hope for good weather for you.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 05:46 PM
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I usually take 4 pairs of shoes and only end up wearing 3. Unless I'm going someplace I think I might have the chance to run. Then my running shoes come with me too.

A poster above said:

If something goes wrong...deal with it and put it behind you. You paid big bucks for your trip and you can let mishaps ruin your vacation or you can keep a positive attitude an savour the rest of the journey.
Open your heart and mind to the wonderful diversity that can be found on this planet and in this life - find joy in your travels.

Best. Advice. Ever.

Have a great trip!
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 05:55 PM
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Stay longer! Why such a short trip? You paid for a ticket so you might as well take full advantage of it.

Whatever you've got going on at home will be here when you get back.

Have a safe &amp; enjoyable trip.
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