What essentials do I really need for first time trip
 

My husband and I will be traveling to Europe for the first time next month. We will be in London, Paris, and Rome. I have read alot to try to prepare but am still unsure what exactly to take. A couple of things I am specifically wondering: Can I wear my wedding set (rings), purse or no purse, and items of clothing that are absolute must haves. I feel like I should be able to just take some of what I already have, basically capris and plain crew neck tees, one empire waist dress, a sweater, walking shoes, flip flops, etc but I am just not sure. I think I would rather save my money to spend on the trip than purchasing a new travel wardrobe. I would really appreciate suggestions. Thanks.

It depends mostly on how light you are trying to go. People who go in one carryon each (like us) really need clothes that are quite thin (not bulky) and sometimes it necessitates picking up a few new things that pack really well. If you're not trying to do this, they you can probably take the things you already own. Depending on what you mean by flip flops, they might not be the best idea if you mean to wear them in London, Rome, and Paris. I have never left my wedding rings at home, and I always have a relatively small crossbody purse with me. Others will no doubt give you their opinions.

Do you have recommendations for the type of thin clothes that pack really well?

What would you take to NY or Chicago? I don't dress any differently in big US cities than I do in European capitals. I never go anywhere without a pair of nice black slacks and/or black jeans.

This should get quite a few responses because it's a forum favorite topic. I've done three trips to Europe and am planning a fourth next summer, so I have some experience but I'm still learning. My ideas:

...keep a single color scheme, like black as a neutral for pants, jackets, shoes, purse and pair with print/solid color tops
...for me, one pair of very comfortable and moderately stylish black sandals and one pair of closed toe walking flats are a perfect combo for summer in Europe. I don't think flip-flops are fun on European cobbled streets, and your feet are more likely to get dirty traipsing around cities all day.
...choose wash and hang-dry fabrics. chances are you will do some sink laundry at some point. A travel clothesline is good to have.
...I like to have one small black purse with a long enough strap to go over my head and shoulders so I can walk hands free, but still have something to carry money, sunglasses, chapstick, etc. in the evening.
...Capris are versatile and can go anywhere.
...bring hand sanitizer or wipes for travel days. Earplugs are good for city hotels.
...I wear my wedding ring, but I keep jewelry in general simple and non-valuable.

Have a great time!

It's going to be hot, hot, HOT in rome, and I would guess Paris, too. (I've never been there in high summer). So pack accordingly.

Thin clothes that pack well...Chico's on-line has a line of clothing called Zenergy that is lightweight and packs and dries well. Travelsmith on-line has some options. Most large department stores carry lightweight nylon tops for summer. REI on-line has a few wash n dry capri styles.

I also like to travel with a basic color to build on, not black for me but kakhi or navy, with enough different tops not to have to wear one more than twice. Be sure your shoes are comfortable, and take a couple of pairs, one of which is suitable for wearing to dinner but not high heels. You don't need to buy new clothes. If you have new shoes, wear them from now until you leave and take some moleskin with you in case of blisters.

Take a small bottle of spray-on wrinkle release (Downy is good).

Don't take expensive jewelry or leave extra cash in your room, but wearing your wedding and engagement rings is fine. You should be aware of your surroundings, but you don't need to worry about being in big cities. The only time I've ever felt uncomfortable about my purse was once in New Orleans, and my husband saw what was about to happen and quickly stepped very close to me.

Relax and have a really good time. You will be making memories for a lifetime.

To answer your question, I like Citiknits from QVC, which are like Chico's travel knits. HSN also has a similar brand, Slinky, but I have never tried that. I don't think you really need a special brand tho. A relatively thin knit that looks like it won't wrinkle when packed. If you have any already, you could try folding them and packing them and see how it works. Again, this seems necessary only if you are going to go with only one suitcase. We only go this way, for various reasons, but many people think it is way too restricting.

Haven't been to Rome, but I find I'm more comfortable in Paris or London dressing up just a bit more than I would in the states, to blend in more and look less like a tourist. I know you will have a glorious time -- hope its not too hot. I always wear my wedding ring and always carry a purse. My husband often puts our cash in a deep front pants pocket -- not in the back in his wallet.

You don;t need a new wardrobe - normal clothes shold be fine.

But a couple of notes:

You must have a sturdy folding umbrella - since it will rain
Rome will be HOT and humid - so count on wearing each item only once before sending to the laundry
I would not reco flip flops - since you will be doing a LOT of walking on cobblestones and uneven pavements and stairway - and something sturdy (and closed when it rains) is more useful.
Be prepared for Paris to be very hot - or just warm
Be prepared for London to be warm - or coolish and rainy

How many nicer outfits you take depends on where you will be eating. If primarily casual places - then day clothes are fine (although in italy in summer we usually go back to the hotel and shower/change before dinner). If you plan on eating in more nicer restaurants you will need more than one nicer outfit - whether a dress or silk pantsuit or whatever

Generally the Italians are quite stylish and don;t wear very casuale clothes in big cities once past the student age - but you are obviously free to wear what you want.

Don't forget rain gear of some sort--I hate umbrellas and would rather wear my rather unfashionable but newish and serviceble Eddie Bauer lightweight Goretex-like rainjacket with a hood.

Not clothing but don't forget wash/face clothes if you want for showering/bathing.

Layers--including something warm, as weather MIGHT be coolish in London.We all agree to wear stuff multiple times (in different combinations and in different layering combos) except for socks and undies!

Definitely have your shoes broken in and I think not flip-flops of any sort for much walking you will be doing (might want them for around rooms but that just means something else to pack and traveling light is way to go) not because they are inappropriate style-wise but probably not best for amount of walking you'll probably be doing--and type of city terrains.

People do wear jeans and capris in London but I feel more comfortable in dark pants to go with variety of tops, so I would include at least one pair.

My niece wore flip flops in Venice. When it started to rain, she was slipping and sliding. She had to walk slowly and carefully in the rain.

This is always a "hot topic" on Fodor's, but it seems that you already have a pretty good handle on things and you sound pretty smart, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. The above advice is very good. I realize you were mainly referring to clothing items, but for toiletries, etc. there is an excellent Fodor's thread with additional tips that I thought was good enough to print for future reference. You can find it here: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ck-and-how.cfm

Have fun with your trip!

Hello mrswillie, if you don't want to walk around your hotel room barefoot or in your walking shoes a very lightweight inexpensive flipflops is so handy to use and take up very little room in your luggage. Or a pair of slippers of course. But I find flipflops the better choice.

I would certainly wear your wedding ring set unless your engagement ring has a very outstanding diamond, something that would really catch "someone's" eye. And I would take a purse.

Do take clothes that you feel wonderful in and as others have said coordinate your colors so that you tops will go with the various bottoms etc. Will you be going to all casual eating places or will you go to a few upscale restaurants? If a few upscales you might want to pack a long pair of pants or a skirt. A lot of women like to take a few pretty scarves to wear in the evening when eating out to dress up whatever top they are wearing.

Do you remove your wedding ring set when taking a shower, going to bed etc? If so here is something I learned from an older woman who was a constant world traveller when I was a young woman. Never, ever ever, place your wedding ring set or any piece of jewelry on a bathroom sink counter, a nightstand, a dresser etc. When removed immediately put the item(s) in the zippered pocket inside your purse. No if and or buts, no exceptions. I followed her good advice and to this day I still do. Even at home when a piece of jewelry is taken off I immediately put it in the proper place in my jewelry drawer. This lovely woman told me if she wants to remove any ring to put on hand cream she carries the cream to her purse or brings the purse to where the cream is and again the ring(s) went into her purse before she put on the hand cream. A lesson she learned after losing her beautiful engagement ring in a hotel room when she left it on a bathroom sink counter.

Wishing you two a beautiful trip! I always think the first trip to Europe is the most splendid of all! And if you do forget to bring something you can of course purchase it in Europe. Best regards.

I think you have a good idea, although I agree with others that flip flops are generally not the most comfortable thing to wear when doing lots and lots of walking. I prefer a shoe with arch support etc.

I wear my wedding ring but I leave my engagement ring at home, because I do tend to take it off while showering and sleeping. I'm afraid I would leave it behind somewhere, not particularly afraid of it being ripped of my finger by a thief. Any other jewellery I take is inexpensive bits and pieces that I wouldn't heartbroken over if it was lost.

A fold up umbrella is a great idea as nytraveller has said - good for rain and the sun which can be merciless in European summers. I like to take a few accessories - scarves etc, but don't bother with them if you aren't used to them. I also take a flat black leather purse with several compartments - I wear it across my body which I find less tiring than carrying a handbag all day.

The one item I always like to take is a pair of yoga pants (or similar) which are lovely to change into back in our hotel/apartment at the end of a long day.

You are wise to wear the clothes that you love. I would never wear anything on vacation that I wouldn't wear at home. Many people spend time thinking and choosing the clothes that they usually wear because that the clothing that suits them the best. I do have pieces of "travel" clothing in my wardrobe because I like to wear it at home too.

Take a purse for your camera and little things. It's a good idea. I use a bag that I use at home. I believe in taking a couple of pairs of shoes but the only flip flops I carry are waterproof. If you search for travel light or packing lists here on fodors you'll find some useful info.

Learn how to use the search button here so you'll be well prepared to ask good questions. People on this forum have a wealth of information.

Have a great trip.

Thanks for all of the good ideas! I need to clarify the flip flops--I like to wear flip flops on the plane so I can easily take them on and off. I then use them in the hotel like slippers and they are available for showers if needed. I do not wear them for walking. I have a tan pair of walkers/hikers for sightseeing and I will bring a black pair of flats for more dressier times.

I read so many things on travel sites advising that colorful clothing was absolutely out for a trip to Europe and alot of the crews I have and wear are colorful, no words, but some are prints. They all match with my capris because those are all neutral. I am so gald to hear you mostly all bring a purse because I have been reading that is another thing not recommended but I will feel much better having one along. I have a baggalinni bag that I wear crossbody all the time and I will bring that I think. I was planning on brining one dress to wear but I may throw in a skirt and top as well. My husband and I are more casual types but I expect maybe one nice dressy evening out activity in each city. Heck, the dress might work for all of that since it will be 3 different cities and it is not like anyone will know us!
I also read that I should not wear my engagement ring. Since mine are soldered together that would be a problem so I am also glad to hear you all don't really have a problem with this. Somehow it seemed wrong to me to leave them at home, especially for an anniversary trip!
I will pack an umbrella and I appreciate the tip about the face cloths I will have to pack some of those as well.
I am going to look at some of the knit tops you all mentioned. Maybe a couple of those wouldn't be a bad idea. Some neutral ones, just for the ease of washing on really hot days. I really appreciate your suggestions and if you all think of others please add them on. Thanks!!

Hangers, put a few on the outside zipper section of your suitcase. I find so many places have too few, or ones I can't use to hang my laundry to dry. Throw them out for the return.
Sanitizing wipes better than liquid, you can use to wipe areas clean when needed, as well as hands.
Don't forget sunglasses and plenty of reading material for flights and rest time, as English books would be expensive abroad.
Carry small sizes of cosmetics and hairspray,etc to conserve room.

Be sure to make a couple of copies of your passport--one to keep in your suitcases--one to leave with someone at home--just in case.
I always keep my wedding rings on...if you don't take them off, you need not be worried.
We usually put a couple of plastic bags in our suitcases in case we need to pack shoes that are not too clean.
I use flip flops as bedroom slippers.
You will see all kinds of clothing--even colorful--if you wear what you like and looks good on you, and also packs well, you can't go wrong! (you are a tourist and you will have lots of company in all 3 cities!)

One thing I use a lot (less now with the Euro zone-so less fiddling with different kinds of coins) is a little change purse with a couple of compartments. That way I can just save all my US coins in one place easily and not mix them with other currencies. I have one I bought years ago at a market in France-they sell them all over the place there.

Flip-flops are fine for the beach. Otherwise leave them at home.

Not only are they bad for the muscles, tendons, and joints of your feet, ankles, and lower legs if you walk any distance in them, the potential for a vacation-dampening injury is very high on cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, and trails leading to various sights.

On July 3rd mrswillie posted that she wears the flipflops on the plane and also in her hotel room as slippers. She does not wear them when out walking.

Take less than you think you will need. We just returned from 11 days in England and France and I took too much despite all the wonderful advice I had read on these boards to the contrary. I guess sometimes you have to learn a lesson for yourself. You will see every thing, people dressed very casually and French girls looking so stylish! London especially felt so international with people from around the world. It was very hot last week so I hardly wore all my cardigans and jackets that I had packed. Sleeveless tops which are cool with a cardigan is probably a good bet. The tube can get very hot so it was nice to have a sleeveless cotton top.
Also, I wish I had taken more skirts, these would have been cool but made the transition to dinner well. I found great shoes by Naot( a sandal that was so so comfortable with great support) and a closed toe Mary Jane by Ecco which also proved very comfortable. Have a wonderful trip and soak it all in!!

LauraLF, do you have any pics or links to those shoes? I'm always on the lookout for comfy and ATTRACTIVE traveling shoes w/good support (for ridiculous Barbie-type high arches & plantar fascitis).

Don't know if these would have the arch support you need, but you could give them a try. Sorry I'm not so good at posting links, but I found both pairs on Zappos.com. The Naot style is called "Dorith" and the Ecco was "Glory Mary Jane". The Naot have several styles that look like they may have better arch support. You might also look at Earth brand shoes which also have good support and are supposed to keep your foot in an anatomically correct position.

Thanks, Laura. I found them both. You're probably right about the Dorith. I really like the Ecco. I think the nice thing about Zappos is that you can try a pair on & send them back if there's a problem.

The best advice I can give is to first, allow yourselves only one carry on apiece and one smaller bag for the miscellaneous stuff, toiletries, books, camera, etc. Second, get some compression bags. These allow you to stuff a lot of clothes into them and them press the air out. This reduces the size of the bag by 50% and allows you to get more into your luggage. We pack everything in each piece of luggage using two 'large' compression bags and one small one.
Then, get yourselves a money holder that attaches to your husband's belt. Keep your money and credit cards in there. Keep just enough money and an alternate credit card in your purse for the days expected expenses and wear a purse that hangs in front of you and which you can thus keep you eye on it. Never go into the money holder on his belt in public. Put copies of your passports into each piece of luggage and the money belt. Also put a copy, or print one on your computer, of your itinerary so that if your luggage goes lost (maybe you decide to check it) the airline can see where you will be and deliver it to your hotel, or even call you.

You basically need enough clothes to last you until you can get them laundered.

As for colors, styles, etc, do as you would do for travel in the US. Remember, other than going out to some fancy place in the evening, you will need comfortable and roomy clothes as you climb steps or trails, in the hot sun, in a crowded metro, of lying on some grassy park.

I've been doing Europe, almost annually since the early 70s and for a good decade spent 11 weeks straight living there in the summers and three things that I always take are a cross body shoulder bag, walking shoes with really great support and thick soles for walking over cobblestones, and a sturdy umbrella. Those 3 items are my absolute necessities. Everything after that is negotiable.

As for shoes, I like www.finncomfort.com. I pick out a model and then go over to www.shoebuy.com to see if they carry the same model as they regularly have specials. Right now if you type in the word, "Summer" at check out, it's an additional 20% off. Over Father's Day weekend they had the 20% off special,too and then instead of ordering on the internet, I called them and asked is there were any other specials and one was found and I got an additional 10%, off thus saving me over $170.00 on two pairs of Finncomfort, "Soho" style tennis shoes that would have been $170.00 more had I purchased them on the Finncomfort website, the Nordstrom website, or a few other websites.

What I never take along with me to Europe are regular tennis shoes although it's fine to do so if that's what one wants to wear. But, the thin ones like Keds, don't have enough support, are too hot as the bottoms heat up if I'm somewhere where it's really hot. And I'm just one who detests the look of the big chunky tennis sold at sports types of stores.

So, I only take my Soho style Finncomforts (tennis) of which I have 4 pairs and absolutely love. People comment on how cool they look. I walked for hours in Paris in them in August and the feet were fine as they have the built in arch support, suede footbeds. In cooler seasons when I'm in Paris, I just wear boots and put in my own arch support thing.

I also have a lot of pairs of Mephistos. I have 6 pairs of the Allrounders in different colors. But, the Allrounders are softer, on the bottom, than the Finn Comforts, or the oxford style Mephistos, so the FinnComforts are worn for the major, all day walking and then it's nice to change into the Allrounders later in the day when I don't need as sturdy a shoe.

Shoe comfort is extremely important and I've worn tons of brands; Eccos (in the 70s as they're Danish and I lived in Denmark, (Anna) Kelsos in the 70s (also Danish) but I saw them at Whole Foods last night, Rockports, Birkenstocks, Tevas, Mephistos, Finncomforts, Beautifeel (for evening wear), and a list of other brands that I can't even remember. But, what works for one person might not necessarily work for another which is why it's important to just get a list of different brands and then try various ones. I personally no longer wear Eccos as they just don't work for me anymore. They worked in the 70s when my feet were different. Happy Travels!

Wow, Guenmai. Thanks for such great info. (You must have a lot of shoes in your closet!)

On the subject of shoes. If you're not used to a lot of walking, take moleskins. They are available at any drug store.

I don't get on a plane without earplanes. They are also available at any drugstore or Target/Walmart store and really help my ears during take off and landing.

Sap: I have a lot of "comfortable" shoes in my closet as I'm not into "heels". I just called shoebuy.com and ordered a new pair of Finncomforts that are going for something like $294.95 and got them for $212.36.

I just called and mentioned the 20% "Summer" sale and then asked how I could get an extra 10% off, and was told that I could just use my registered info to get the extra 10% off.

See if you call them and have them register your e-mail address into their system, then they send you over all of the specials. I had done that, but didn't realize that I could have gotten the extra 10% off had I ordered them online. The woman on the phone was quite helpful. Even if there might not be a special going on, I still call.

A few minutes ago, when I called and mentioned the summer sale, the woman said that she'd look it up to make sure that that sale was still on and if not, she'd search to see if there were any other sales. They're the best!

So, my new shoes should be here in 5 days as they are quite fast. Happy Travels!

I forgot to add that a lot of time women have trouble finding a pair of nice shoes for the evening, but that are comfortable. When traveling one usually has to walk to a bus stop, metro, or many blocks to get to where they're going in the evening; restaurants, etc...

I like www.beautifeelshoesusa.com They aren't cheap, but don't despair. And the only Beautifeel store is right here in L.A. County at the Westfield Topanga Mall in The Valley (Woodland Hills). But, they can easily be had on line.

I recommend www.astore.amazon.com and also www.glimpse.com and www.6pm.com.

I bought a gorgeous, black patent leather pair of the model called, "Scarlett" for a good $100. less than they normally go for.

Right now the Evelyn style, which is actually the same shoe as Scarlett, just in leopard, are going for $102.38 instead of $255.95 on the Astore Amazon website. I wore my black, patent leather ones to a tea event, weekend before last, and the women went wild. And all of Beautifeel shoes are made for comfort. So, one can be stylish while also being comfortable. Happy Travels!

Guenmai, you are amazing! Thanks for the great links!

The only true "essentials" are a passport, comfortable shoes, and money. :)

I took a trip to Europe recently with a friend who had never been out of the country before, and she told me that the best advice I gave her was to bring a cross-body travel purse instead of her regular purse. I find it helpful to have a purse that stays absolutely attached to my body, while leaving both hands totally free, because there is always fumbling with the passport, tickets, luggage, shopping bags, etc. Plus my regular purse is too tiny to carry all the stuff I need when traveling.

Sap: You're very welcome. Happy Travels!

Thanks for all the advice. Guenmai those are some great shoe recommendations thanks. LauraLF I have started laying things out on my dining room table and I am afraid that I am going to take more than necessary too. I am trying to include what others have recommended but am definitely trying to stick to 1 carry on and 1 smaller bag. Still working on it. Winnick thanks also for your specific advice that was very helpful. Please keep the advice coming it has been a great help!!

I always travel with a decent quality pashmina because is very lightweight and folds tiny yet provides a great deal of stylish warmth. I use it as a blanket on the plane also. Pashmina, very comfy ( already worn frequently ) shoes,a cross body bag, my passport, a phrasebook, restaurant glossary for any country where I do not speak the language well, ATM and Capital One card for no fees and I am a happy traveller! Oh yes, and noise canceling headphones.

"Be sure to make a couple of copies of your passport--one to keep in your suitcases--one to leave with someone at home--just in case."

I was waiting to see someone suggest this. It is essential to have at least one photocopy of the information page of your passport in case it's lost or stolen. Also bring two recent passport size photos to go with the photocopy. It will save time if you have to replace your passport.

Don't worry too much about your clothes.

Have a great trip.