Summer trip - packing light & buying gifts
 

I am taking my first 3 week trip to Europe this summer. I'll be traveling throughout the month of June. During my time I'll be in Germany (Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Berlin) , The Netherlands (Amsterdam), and the UK.

While in Germany I will be staying with people and will most likely meet friends of the couple I am staying with. I don't want to offend and I've read that local dress style in Germany tends to be on the conservative side. I need ideas on what type of clothes to pack that will be acceptable as well as comfortable for long days of exploration. I have a few wrap dresses, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, and ballet flats or flip flops but Im not sure what else to pack. Any ideas would be helpful.

Also, I'm aware that I can't bring home all of Europe in my bag - but I would like to bring back a few momentos. I saw where some people bring an extra backpack empty and then fill it as they go.... others have suggested mailing items home (albeit more expensive than paying the extra luggage fee). any ideas on this would be helpful....

Pack a crushable duffle in your luggage to fill with your purchases to carry on. In the Netherlands, I recommend Dutch tiles, Delftware, and Stroopwaffles( caramel filled waffle cookies, sold all over even in airport boarding area.)London has endless possibilities for shopping.

If you can buy tiny mementos and fill a small carry on for your return (and check your clothes suitcase) it would be better. We've had precious souvenirs lost forever when we shipped them ourselves. If you purchase something really nice from a store they will do the shipping for you. That is the only way I will ship anymore.

Also, whenever we purchase small breakables we always go to a local store and purchase a small tupperware container to put it in for the remainder of the trip and the flight home. Works really well to protect breakables.

That's a good idea Michele_d, then it becomes a special Tupperware. The one you'll never ever take to a potluck :)

Germany will be hot, if you like dresses then bring a couple of good basic skirts and a selection of tops from casual to dressy to go with the skirts. Ballet flats, and sandals that can go out at night. Sneakers and a pair of shorts that can go in the city or out for a light hike would be good.

Pack it all in a 22" suitcase. Don't bring a lot of luggage.
You're clothes should be interchangeable and make a few different outfits.

I too would go with the packable duffle.

You will be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to take a pair of comfortable shoes with good soles for any cobblestones, and not a new pair that may produce blisters. I always take a little pack of moleskin just in case.

Have a really good time! That first trip to Europe is extra special. You might want to write a trip report here when you get back to let us know how it went.

This must depend on the people you are visiting as I have friends in Germany and they sure don't dress conservatively and anything you could wear in the USA would be fine with the people I know. I have one German friend who, when visiting the US, doesn't really wear anything other than Tshirts, jeans, and very casual clothes, more casual than what I wear.

Rethink your shoes - flip flops and ballet flats are not meant for all of the walking you will most likely do as a tourist. Neither have any support and thin soles. Flip flops have no protection either.

Thank you so much for the information :)

I bought the air compression bags from Rick Steves website and they saved a lot of space in my luggage (more room for souviners). However, the extra large Ziploc bags can be used for the same thing (found them at Target).

Grocery stores are a good place to pick up some inexpensive, small and unusual items to bring home. For our grands we always pick up cookies, candies, gum, etc. that we don't have in US.

I just noticed you are going to Amsterdam. When we went to the Anne Frank house they sold The Diary of Anne Frank book with a sticker in the front showing it was purchased there. It makes an inexpensive, original and easy to bring back gift.

Your footwear is extremely important. The last thing you want on your first trip to Europe is sore feet. I learned the hard way so I know what I'm talking about!!

As far as clothes, anything comfortable for daytime is fine. You might want to dress a little dressier in the evening but skirts and tees or dresses will be fine.

Violetduck - even though I already own the book, I love that idea!!