Call your bank if you intend to use an ATM in Amsterdam on a layover.
Chances are the card may still not work so be prepared to call while you are there too! This happened to us twice in Italy and both times we had to call and wait to use the ATM as our card hadn't been 'activated' according to the bank.

I had no idea walkie talkies were illegal in Europe, zeppole. That is bizarre..... how does one know/find out these things? I don't recall reading it in any guidebooks. Do they even work in Europe and why are they illegal? Can one use them on a cruise ship since you are out at sea and not in Europe on land?

If you like cloths to wash with, pack some cheap ones as you won't find any there.

Definitely check your electronics "stuff" to ensure all you are taking will work--chargers, plug adaptors (you don't need converters but will need little adaptor things to make your plugs fit into European ones), batteries.

If you are going to take photos, do you have plan for storage/downloading/backing them up and/or extra memory cards.

Definitely take care of all the $-access/CC/atm stuff immediately.

All your home-care taken care of (mail/pets/bills/etc)?

Pants/moleskin/rainwear/ziplocs good suggestions.

Do you have copy of prescriptions/extra eyeglasses if needed? Medical insurance info if applicable?

I'm with immimi. You've got lots of good tips for items to bring, ways to pack, things to remember to do. You will probably do lots of packing and re-packing, too. You've spent hours (months!) in the planning, so try to let go of too many expectations of what is SUPPOSED to be and let the trip unfold.

You've got a fabulous trip all planned -- RELAX and ENJOY IT!

(remember to breathe!)

Have fun and can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.
Paule

For ncounty:

http://www.walkie-talkie-hire.co.uk/...n-vacation.htm

I didn't see anyone mention that your ATM pin can be only 4 characters long. So if it's longer than that go to your bank and change it now. There aren't any letters on the pin pads so if you use letters in your pin, you need to memorize the corresponding numbers.
Have fun!

thanks bettyk! do you know why they are illegal? ....just wondering.

Thank you to everyone who replied!! Fodors is the best!!

Tonite, go to bed 1 hr early and get up 1 hr earlier. Tomorrow night, same, Next night, 2 hrs.

Jet lag...no fun

Walkie talkies are illegal because they interfere with the frequencies used by emergency vehicles. Don't bring them.

Use cell phones if needed, the frequencies from US are not licenced for use in Europe, and I would think using WTs would be a bit...strange in Paris.

Photocopy important documents.

Check websites for events while you are there

Almost close enough now to also check long range weather

>I didn't see anyone mention that your ATM pin can be only 4 characters long.

For a good reason - it can be as long as you like.
Sorry, your advice is outdated, TAW, by about 10 years.

Not ALL walkie-talkies are illegal in Europe, just those from USA - they use a frequency band reserved for emergency. There is nothing bizarre in the fact that emergency frequencies can only legally be used for emergencies.

I NEVER leave without currency of the country I am traveling to.
At least $100 worth.
What is the harm?

thanks for the walkie-talkie info. I did not know that.

I only bought the walkie-talkies for the cruise. Does anyone know if they are legal on board? I would think so.

I scan a copy of my documents and keep it in my email--easily accessible by computer and a good backup if the photo copy goes astray.
I agree with the poster who recommended the scarf/pashima. Don't pack it, wear it on the plane (if it's fairly large). I hate the synthetic throws they have on planes and the throw makes relaxing easier. If you're still cold you can use the airline throw on top of yours or if not, you can use the airline one as an extra pillow.
If you don't already have your 3-3 oz bottles in carry on, get a small bottle of saline solution and use it before the flight, and on the plane. You can drink a lot of water but the air on the plane will dry your nose out. A friend said using it keeps the nose healthier and less sickness for the closed environment.
Those cushy neck rings filled with tiny pellets are the THING. I didn't believe it until I used on last trip--so much easier to relax and sleed--and used the airline pillow elsewhere.
hope it's a great trip!

Even if you don't plan to carry on, take as small a piece of luggage as possible if you are using trains. I always use a 21" rollabord and usually go to Europe for 4-6 weeks.Train stations will have stairs and steps as do Venice's bridges.
Email yourself attachments of important info such as passport copies. Collect all of your reservations and if you have an iTouch or iPhone,use TravelTrack to organize them for yourself and your family members.
Relax and let the unexpected happen.Enjoy your trip.

Know your maximum daily cash withdrawal amount on your cards. You might also want to know the international transaction fee they charge, as it varies between debit cards and credit cards, and can add up. Be prepared to spend quite a bit on taxis (particularly in Paris - between 65 and 100 euros one way from airport), and/or be able to carry all your luggage up many, many, many flights of stairs (no escalators at many main transfers). Overpacking is likely the biggest concern right now - you've been diligent in your research. Allow for the disappointment in the unknown - on my recent trip we couldn't get out the US because of equipment failure, then the next flight was delayed due to weather, so I got to explore Detroit rather than Amsterdam the first day. (The Henry Ford Museum is nice).

I actually fly with a full-size pillow (for overnight flights). At home I buy an inexpensive $5 pillow, then simply leave it on the plane when I arrive or take it to my first hotel and leave it there. I don't like the claustrophobia of window seats, so I like the big pillow to have something to curl up with and have something to rest my head on.

As far as electronics go, I always bring a few adapter plugs (I travel with lots of electronics). Be sure you have an adapter that's proper for all the countries you'll visit. Many years ago, I brought the wrong adapter to Greece, not realizing that the plug had a recessed hole! (Like other continental European countries). Just be sure to double-check this so there are no surprises. Also know that for most electronics such as laptops, iPods, digital camera and videocamera chargers, you will NOT need an electric converter, just a plug adapter.

ncounty,

Re your walkie talkies... I can't say regarding the ship. The best course of action would be to contact the cruise line in advance or ask on board before using them.

Walkie talkies per se are not illegal in Europe.
But ones from the US ARE as they use the same wavelengths as European emergency services and can therefore interfere with them. If you must use such things you can buy them in Europe. Just don't use yours from home.

Rob