Type the name and address of your first hotel in clear block letters on a card or sheet of paper. Keep it in a handy outside pocket of your purse or carryon. If you don't speak the local language so well, you may have a hard time communicating with your taxi(if that's your mode) This tip has saved me so much stress and confusion upon arrival when tired and stressed.

All this brings to mind my dad's favorite tip for travelers. He didn't travel much himself, but whenever he heard of anyone getting ready for a trip, he couldn't resist giving them this advice: Lay out all the clothes you think you'll need, and all the money. Then, take half the clothes and twice the money. For rarely travelling, he pretty well had the formula!

Plug adaptors, a power board so I can plug all my aussie electronics into one board and then I only need one plug adaptor.

bookmarking. wonderful tips!

Sarvowinner, very clever! thereyet

For some great ideas about things to do to get ready for a trip --

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34874342

I forgot underwear on a trip to Hamburg. First stop after unpacking was a department store.

Thanks thereyet

THe bain of my life is all the electronic crap I carry with me. I'm generally combining work & leisure.

Came up with the powerboard idea when going on a safari in Tanzania. Generally there were limited outlets in the camps/lodges so it was good to be able to only have to plug in one. However I did shut down a whole camp's power when I plugged in with out turning the power off first.

<<THe bain of my life is all the electronic crap I carry with me. I'm generally combining work & leisure.>>>

"bane"

"Lay out all the clothes you think you'll need, and all the money. Then, take half the clothes and twice the money."

This is exactly my packing methodology.

I have even given up my hair appliances - which I had in every voltage and plug form imaginable. Now I go to the local hair salon....

Actually, this is great fun in new countries. You get to meet local people, loohk at magazines and relax for an hour and you can leave the appliances behine.

My most interesting blowdry so far was in Barbados.

My most expensive blowdry always seems to be in Vienna, even in crummy little places.

Maybe I should start a hair salons in Europe thread.

bookmarking, very usefull

bookmarking

ttt

If you cannot do without your eyeglasses (I cannot..I'm legally blind without them!), make sure you either take a spare pair..OR..carry a copy of your prescription with you. If you need to, then can get a new pair made up. I suspect most big cities in Europe have the "one hour" eyeglass makers. Anyone with first-hand knowledge?

Also, if you don't want to take full bottles of your prescriptions, get one of those 7-day pill cases. But DO keep a list of all your meds, prescription strength, how often taken, and doctors name and phone number...in case of emergency.

Bon voyage!!!

When my husband and I travel to Europe, we pack half of our clothes in each others suitcase. This way, if one suitcase gets "lost" on the flight over at least both of us will have something to wear when we get there. When we get to our first hotel, we pack everything back in our own suitcase. It sure beats having to shop for clothes when you would rather be sightseeing.

if you use a digital camera, bring a disposable one as well. we always seem to run out of batteries just at our most scenic stops...

I spent 12 days travelling through Venice, Rome, Florence and Positano last May. LOTS of walking and plenty of cobblestone and uneven ground everywhere. Disregard what some travel books say about not wearing sneakers and pack a pair, or comfortable walking shoes if not into sneakers! Also, pack comfortable cotton clothing, it was 80 degrees in Venice at the end of May. Pack nicer clothing for dinner in evening (casual dressy) but still keep the shoes comfy.
You can buy most everything you need in larger cities in Italy (yes there are department stores and chain pharmacies as well as local venues, but in Tuscany it's harder. I took so many pictures, even with extra memory card I was running out of space, but found places (film store/photo shops)that copied my pics onto a CD's while there to free up space on my cards. Everywhere I went they spoke some English, and Euros were not a necessity. I agree with the comment on the disposable wipes for the toilets. Some very nice areas have some very unusual (read: literally plant your feet and cop a squat) bathrooms and very rough TP.

Also don't forget:
-Copy of your itinerary with address and phone numbers of hotels. I kept one copy in each suitcase just in case they got lost.
-New written prescriptions for important medications (GET THE the GENERIC NAME too because many in Europe are marketed under another trade name or by the drug name !!! including any non-prescription medications you take)
-SUNGLASSES!!

Most of all enjoy yourself it is a wonderful country with great people. And always drink the house wine!! It's always good.

If you plan to shop, bring sheets of bubble wrap to repack fragile items. I also bring aluminum foil and zip loc bags so I can repack cheeses, meat and other foods to bring home.

If you forget something you will probably be able to find it in Italy; medication might be an exception.

Make sure to empty your refrigerator, bread box, egg basket, etc of perishable foods

I think Ira has been watching, "Absolutely Fabulous."

No, over many years of travel, I've learned Ira's theory is right. I was helping my sister pack for her first trip to Europe and she was taking everything and the kitchen sink. I got her to pare down a bit, but asked her, honestly, is there anything in here you can't replace or do without over there? Think about it....except your passport, tickets, credit cards (and maybe medication)...no!