Single most useful item for the Europe trip
 

I know that many people enjoy reading these, but simply do not hav ethe time to write a long drawn out response. I would like for everone to tell me in one word (or phrase), the single most important thing that should not be forgotten, other than the passport, in the trip to Europe. Hopefully the culmination of items will give eveytone a good sense of the essentials that may be forgotten. Thanks a lot!!! <BR> <BR>-Mike

A dictionary of the native language.

earplugs-- for the plane and the hotel <BR> <BR>your driver's license (even if you don't think you'll need it, you may want to rent a car unexpectedly)

Waterless hand sanitizer! For public places and airplanes! Sickness can destroy any trip.

Other than the obvious, money, a plug adapter, one that converts U.S. blade type plugs to the pins used on the continent.

Uh Oh, now you've started something, Mike! Someone posted a similar query about a year or so ago that prompted numerous responses. If any intrepid traveler chose to follow all of the suggestions for "essentials" in that posting, that traveler would have had to charter a 747 cargo plane. THE most useful item? a mind that is not filled with prejudice or preconceptions but has inherent curiosity, saintlike patience and understanding.

Ziploc bags, all sizes.

Mike, Other than your passport the first <BR>and most important item is a good map.

A really good compass.

American candy, gum, bottled water and seat covers for the commode!

Money ... Money ... Money ... your sense of humor, yellow highlighter, your hotels address/tele. number, xeroxed pages from the guide book, comfortable shoes, and last but not least a washcloth :-) <BR>

<BR>An open mind.

A small magnifying glass to help you read the small print on the map of the city you are visiting. Helped us out more than once when we were lost.

Imodium AD

Fodors <BR> <BR>A folding corkscrew lets you buy wine for a dollar or two and paper cups in grocery stores and offer it to neighbouring passengers on trains. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR> <BR> <BR>

I like a lot of the answers above, especially "an open mind," but for Americans at least that is not as much an issue for Europe as for other parts of the world. I was going to say a map of the city or country and a good guidebook, but if I have to limit myself to one thing, it is film. Most people end up taking a lot more photos than they think they will. One roll of 36 exposures per day will do at a minimum, but 1 1/2 to 2 is more likely.

Something you can pack: a totebag (the string kind works well) for groceries and souvenirs <BR> <BR>Something you can't: fundamental belief in yourself that you can do this (comes in handy when presented with unusual food or strange plumbing)

Absolutely a copy of your itinerary (with hotels, dates phone numbers, addresses) to be packed in an outside compartment in each checked bag in case they get lost. Ours did and that saved us. <BR> <BR>Copies of your passport to carry around with you while your passport rests safely in your hotel vault. Also, if you're doing any shopping, spend over 300,000 Lira (Italy) and fill out a form to get the tax back, you'll need your passport number. <BR> <BR>ZIPLOCS! ZIPLOCS! ZIPLOCS! <BR> <BR>It takes a little extra effort, but comparing maps before hand especially if you're driving makes all the difference later. Globe Corner Bookstore ([email protected]) is where I got a couple good ones. <BR> <BR>If you're going to Italy and plan on blowing tour hair and have some, take along your own small blowdryer. <BR> <BR>An extra foldable suitcase/bag that you will inevidently need to pack your new purchases and check through to get home (don't forget an extra lock for this). <BR> <BR>Also, I agree with the idea of bringing a great guidebook, and some copies of pages from the ones you're not bringing as back up. Especially if you're moving around alot (driving, wineries, backup restaurants that your guidebook doesn't have.) <BR> <BR>And just in case the water in your shower goes off just after you've put conditioner in your har -- an open mind. <BR> <BR>Have Fun!!!

"Your very best manners."

The classic, small Swiss army knife -- comes in handy for those "bread, wine, cheese, and thou" picnics in parks, hotel rooms, etc.