I'm an American stationed overseas in the UK. I agree with Linda0515's suggestion about phone cards. Buy one in Europe instead of the States, for exactly the reason she stated.

Also, living/traveling overseas has taught me another hard lesson, which you might want to keep in mind...

If you're bringing an ATM card, make sure it's NOT a federal credit union card, but rather a bank card instead. I've been stationed overseas a total of 7 years, in the UK and in Belgium, and I have NEVER found an off-base ATM that will take a federal credit union ATM card. The systems are apparently different. The first couple of times this happened to me, I would have really been stuck without cash, if I hadn't also had an ATM debitcard from my regular bank that I could use instead. Now I don't even bother to use my credit union ATM card off-base.

I would agree with keeping copies of passports/photo ID's separately from the originals. Make sure you also give copies of those, plus all the 800 numbers and account numbers of your credit cards, to at least one trustworthy friend or relative. And give them a copy of your itinerary too.

Have a great time!

Another thing....Elaine is right when she says many 800 numbers don't work overseas. Some businesses do have international toll-free numbers, but you have to ask them specifically for those. Try asking your credit card company (ies) if they have an international number you can take with you in case of emergencies. Otherwise, get whatever phone number you can use overseas and keep that separate from your card(s).

Linda,

Just came back from my first transatlantic trip. Here's what I learned about what to take:

The items you suggested plus minimal mix and match clothing, journal & pen, quality camera, comfortable walking shoes (I think we just discussed this on a different post of yours). ;o)

I tend to be a bit high maintenance (long blonde hair that requires a blow dryer and curling iron, clothes & shoes nut). I wore half of what I packed. Never touched three pair of shoes. Ended up wearing my hair in a ponytail several days after looking like a drown rat in the drizzle and rain.

My one extravagance was a killer outfit for the theater. I only wore it once but don't regret packing it at all.

I would have left a lot of things at home and just purchased them there (i.e. bodywash, shampoo/conditioner, etc). I took many sample bottles but they add weight to luggage pretty fast. The local WalMart had what I needed at my favourite price... cheap.

I learned the same thing for the plane ride. I packed so much cr*p in my carry on... water bottles, books, snacks, moisturizer. I could have left it all behind and been several pounds lighter. The airline gave me plenty of water, provided reading material, movies, even computer card games, plenty of food and I didn't feel like a skin lizard after the flight either. For the trip back I didn't take a blessed thing onboard with me... lol

That's my two pence. Most importantly, just travel as light as you can and take what's important to you.

Have a great time!

~ Sheryl

All of the suggestions are right on. I would add that you should get a small travel alarm and keep it in your camera case that way it will always be with you. Your camera case is a great place to keep the copies of you passport etc..

I know it sounds picky but I would get a box of the foil packed SHOUT to take care of the inevitable spills. (A motherly lady should us this two or three trips ago and it has been a saver.)

I just skimmed the suggestions--all very good. One more..before you leave print out address labels for people to whom you will be sending post cards. No address book to lose or carry...easy to send too!

Well, I have just been informed in another thread that some federal credit union ATM cards DO, in fact, work in overseas ATM's. Mine doesn't, but others say theirs do, so go figure!

Super suggestions! I never leave home without my foam earplugs.

Tylenol PM to help with Jet Lag and sleeping in strange places

*The* most important things to remember are anything you would not be able to easily purchase in Europe, i.e., your prescription glasses and sunglasses, prescription medications, etc.

Clothing, bandaids, over the counter meds, umbrella, are fine ideas BUT you can buy them in Europe.

Second best tip ... take several pair of shoes comfortable and not brand new.

Oh yeah - jot down the address and phone numbers of the U.S. Embassies and consulates closest to the cities you will visit to keep on your person while you travel.