Packing with cubes was a life saver. I know you hate them, but I was gone for 2 weeks, and stayed in 4 different hotels. I used one for underwear/bras/sportsbra, 2- t-shirts and blouses 3-dresses, 4 Pajamas/travel pants/travel tops. (looser fitting jogger pants and top for the plane ride. As I reached each destination I hung up a few items, placed the Pj and underwear cube in a drawer and it was so easy to find and make outfits and I did not have search through clothes or unpack everything at each destination.
I have a packable backpack that I put inside my personal backpack, but, I keep it unpacked and pack it almost as a “liner” within my personal backpack. It takes next to no room in the bag when packed that way! Another great video with lots of good hints. Thank you!
Type G is a UK plug. It pops up here and there because of ... history. Sometimes hotels have a lost and found of forgotten adapters. Just something to try before heading to the store.
I always bring along a two gallon ziplock bag and a small packet of laundry detergent for those times I don’t have access to a washing machine. Add a bit of water, a little detergent and squish squish squish. Empty, add water to rinse and Bob’s your uncle. This works for camping too. I have a small Eddie Bauer packable day pack - it folds up into its own little bag. One of my wisest investments!
The weather is not just a European mistake! Most tourists coming to San Francisco think the weather is like LA. “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” according to Mark Twain
I found SF warmer in March than July. There is a explanation for this (I'm a geographer). Drive 30 minutes inland and you will find the heat you expected.
Actually I think LOTS of people pack for summer vacations by packing shorts, tank tops, sandals, etc, but A LOT of places don't get warmer than 60°F during most summer months. Always check the weather closer to your departure date and modify your travel capsule.
When you're a senior, read the fine print on Credit Card travel insurance. Also, our personal health coverage has travel protection but only for 15 days. We bought extra for the remainder of our 20 day trip.
There’s a subject that you might could talk about regarding Europe.. Let’s say, someone comes for a 3 months trip in one specific ’central’ place and think of doing short couple of days discovery flying other to european cities with the little suitcase that you can carry with you in the US...that would be a costly mistake as the measurements allowed for this are much smaller and diverse between each flying companies.
Brilliant - as always. I use the 3-1-1 strategy for packing. First - I have a ONE complete set of comfortable (yet stylish) clothes that I wear on the plane. Second - I have ONE complete change of clothes in my carry-on bag just in case the airline loses my bag. Finally - I have THREE complete set of clothes in my checked bag, along with toiletries, etc. 3-1-1 (get it). Then, when I get to my hotel, I purchase a little bottle of dishwashing soap from the local convenience store/bodega, and I hand wash all of my clothes in the hotel sink. I wear one set, I wash one set, and one set is always drying. This way, I always have clean clothes, clothes that are being washed, and something that is drip drying. Forget the hotel washing machines. They are always broken or being used by others. Not worth the hassle. Bring a few clips and wire hangers from home to help with the drip-drying. Finally - please get rid of the "leggings". The Europeans are laughing at us. A true Jet-Setter has style. Jim.
I’ve been using your 3-1-1 system for years. And, if your hotel room has a shallow sink or it’s not possible to plug the drain, take your clothes into the shower with you and wash/rinse them along with your body. Bring stretchy braided travel laundry lines for drying. Sometimes it’s hard to find places to hook your lines to, but be creative - I’ve had them stretched all over my room. I don’t waste my time in laundromats. Of course, this means I’m not bringing fancy clothes or things that take a long time to dry. Socks are difficult - often I must resort to fitting it across the air outlet of a hair dryer. Another thing you can do is bring your almost-worn-out underwear and socks, and leave them in the hotel wastebasket when they are dirty. This also slowly opens up more room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
I pack a few laundry sheets. They are feather-light and so convenient. I’ve switched to them at home, as well. And I only carry on. No checked luggage!!
Laundry sheets are the way to go - they take up virtually no room and weigh next to nothing. I don’t wear leggings solo but for colder destinations they are perfect under pants or with boots and a skirt. I wore that in Galway, and some tourists thought I was Irish and asked me to translate some shirts with Gaelic (and thankfully, I was able to).
Besides checking the weather app, I like to watch a traffic camera to see how people are dressed. Sometimes 20 degrees Celsius is warm, sometimes it’s cold…
I like to use a small cross-body purse when I arrive at my destination so I fill it full of smaller toiletry items (razor, make-up, toothbrush, etc) and pack it in my suitcase. That way it pulls double-duty. 🙂
We only pack carryon and for our last trip to England we found a laundry service (we dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon). Also one of our hotels did our laundry. We were happy to pay as spending precious time in a laundromat needing coins we didn’t have would have been sad.
I feel your pain on being caught without appropriate gear. When I went to Portugal this past November, I had packed a trench coat...but it did NOTHING to protect me from the rain we had nearly every day. Luckily, I found a shop that actually had a raincoat on display in their window. And now it's a nice souvenir and I get compliments on it. Malta is absolutely on my bucket list! I have friends from there.
Thank you for your view about dressing in what makes you comfortable. While I’m not going to be a slob or inappropriate, I’m not springing for a whole new wardrobe for Europe.
I pack more than most people probably do but I like to be prepared. I pack a large checked bag for Europe and make sure I have everything on my list. For everyday clothes I agree, I have 2 or 3 pairs of travel pants ... basically like khaki pants made from polyester and a little spandex that are very light, comfortable, and easily hand washed. Similar polo style shirts made from similar material. These pants also have zippered pockets for security. Since most of my trips to Europe are bicycle tours, I do take separate riding outfits for each day because I choose not to wash my "toxic waste" multi layers of sweat riding outfits. I have not always had access to a washing machine on my trips unless the hotel has laundry service for a fee. Again I hand wash my other essentials. Some might look in my bag and say I overpack but I have a happier time if I'm prepared. I'm not going to fret over a couple of extra pounds in my checked bag so long as I keep it safely under the 50 lb. limit.
The adapter story made me chuckle, because I left the country with what I thought was an amazing adapter, which I’ve had for decades from previous travels, suitable for every country on every continent , only to find out that it’s completely outdated once we reached our first destination 😂 Lucky for us, we were able to buy new adapters within the first couple of days before our electronics died. As for leggings and other comfortable clothes or shoes, all rules went out the window when we were packing and we couldn’t care less about who is wearing what as long as it suits our needs. 😉
Love your videos. The backpacks in the back-to-school department are very expensive. But in the Camping department of Wal-Mart I found a very nice black nylon one with lots of zipper compartments for $10. A tip I would add is to keep the zippers from accidentally coming open (or pickpockets) is to use a key ring (the springy steel circles about an inch in diameter) on the zipper pulls. They take a minute or two to get on but nobody is going to be able to slip something out while you are distracted.
Other than the plug adapters, another important thing to take into consideration when coming here to Europe is the higher mains voltage, typically 220 - 240v.
Where did you have access to a washing machine?? I've traveled many countries in Europe (lived there, too) and don't remember this at all. I would not rely on this as a way to pack less clothing unless you get a confirmation from wherever you're staying. Keep in mind the time you have available, too. Washers over there tend to take a lot longer than in the USA. You can't tell the folks on the tour bus, "Just a few more minutes... It's in spin cycle as we speak!"
I traveled with wilderness soap this trip, and I am glad I did! I knew I needed two weeks worth of clothes, so I packed a little more. When my laundry was not picked up, the sink became my washer and the closet my dryer! I also use a messenger back, keeping my more valuable items in the compartment nears my body and less valuable items farther away.
Great points, especially about what to wear. I always find it funny when people state what people 'do and do not wear' in Europe. Europe is a big place, and there are many cultural differences. Wear what is respectful, but also what makes you comfortable!!!
It is true that in Europe we don't really care what you wear (within certain boundaries of course), but do know that certain outfits will mark you clearly as a tourist and therefore a more desirable target for pickpockets and scammers (especially in the more touristy places). Most advice on what to wear in Europe I've seen is to avoid standing out as a target for criminals. And definitely check the weather (and if you're going to multiple locations, check in all, Europe as a continent is as big as the US and weather is just as varied).
This helped me a lot. I’m a dress only person most of the time (I just prefer them!) and was freaking out about how to pack for Europe. I’ve decided to buy a cute pair of sneakers that will match my dresses, and stay in my style comfort instead of trying to change my whole wardrobe for the trip!
Backpack + Fanny Pack ("bum bag" in the UK) is my favorite duo. Fanny pack contains all the important stuff that I cannot leave home without (money, documents, inhaler, phone), some small items that are essential (keys, hair ties, etc) and is also a great small item to carry small mementos and trinkets I find. -Backpack for the bigger items I need but can live a little bit without (water, snacks, charger, travel adapter, extra socks and undies) and room for bigger things I pick up along the way. -Bonus: I usually can put my fanny pack in my backpack Edit: 10/10 reccomend packing 2pair of underwear per day (until you get to a washing machine) -Hot Days and Wet Undies from Sweat = No Fun.
Interesting to know a professional like you can make some travel errors but the good thing is you are able to educate us from your mistakes or oversites ! I am very particular about what do when planning a trip. I do everything - any tours, check lists and airline and hotel bookings. I do check the weather before we leave and in December in London we knew there was a cold wave and we were prepared. I also for the first time bought a crossbody bag and you are right Megan it is very convenient with a cell, and things that are useful when walking for long periods. Luckily we just travel to the UK so it is easy for us to prepare and I don't care as well and wear what I like to wear ! Sorry it is so long. Take care, from Howard, a fan of yours !!!!
One (small) mistake I made on a trip recently was to not double check that I had packed the right underwear for every top I was bringing. That meant that there was one top I was unable to use.
My husband and I were in Malta in the spring of 2000. The weather was in the 70s F/20s c. People were apologizing to us about how unseasonably cold it was.
Hey Megan, thanks for this good, practical advice! FINALLY an influencer who states the obvious - that tourists are allowed to look like... well, tourists! Nobody cares, otherwise! They can tell you're not from there the minute you say something, or just by ordinary actions. You're on vacay, so dress for comfort (esp summer in Europe with extreme heat and so much walking). We need practical clothing (that also respects culture and traditions, e.g in churches). If you manage to be stylish - bonus points, but that shouldn't be the top concern. I saw where another travel influencer got painful blisters on her feet and had to hobble back to her room, by wearing 'cute' ballerina flats when she was out walking all day. Trying to 'blend in' and look like a local is a fool's errand, unless you plan on a very long extended visit, or think paparazzi will be snapping your pic around every corner, lol! 😆I LOVE my leggings and Nikes and was worried about wearing them. Now I feel better, it's not such a crime after all! And yes, will definitely be wearing a sun hat! 🙂👟
If you are hand washing your clothes: You can spot wash by hand, say your armpits. Someone said wash your clothes in the shower with you. I do that. Then use a towel to roll your clothes in and step on the roll a couple of times. Repeat. Unless it is super humid, this should speed up drying. For socks, I'd suggest Merino wool. Not as hot as you think in hot weather (I cycle in them) and Merino wool has amazing properities besides. Antimicrobial etc. I can let mine go unwashed for a few days. We get Bombas Merino wool socks. Hope this helps someone!!
I stayed in a "faded glory" grand hotel in Porto, Portugal. There were several large signs in the marble bathroom warning NOT to do laundry in the sink, or they would charge you for an extra half day. That's ridiculous and so petty. I saw maids entering rooms all day long. I guess they were "policing" the heinous habit of cleaning your clothes in the sink. Really left a bad taste with me. As long as we're tidy and respectful, I'm a huge fan of laundering in the sink as you go. I often use that day's socks, or bandanna if I'm hiking, as a washcloth. I get all clean and save time.
I recently travelled to Spain during February and expected the weather to be warmer than it was. The items I was so glad I packed were a cashmere cardigan and scarf, which I was able to layer with other items and take off in the afternoons as the temperature got warm. I wore those constantly and just packed them in our day backpack when not needed. They were light weight and compact to travel with. Also, I always pack a small umbrella.
I tend to wash my top & underwear every day while I’m in the shower & hang it up to dry. If I have something not quite dry before packing, I’ll just use my hairdryer & voila!
Great tip to review weather and packing right before the trip, I do this now since weather is unpredictable and we have a nasty surprise in Japan in spring 2019 : whether should have been like spring western in northern California, instead the day we landed in Tokyo it turned wintery and quite cold - we would have needed warm boots and warm coat or at least trench coat. Luckily we had warm sweaters and scarfs and some hats (I love my berets ), but that wasn’t enough. My sister said: why didn’t you buy winter clothes there ? » well, they only had spring clothes for sale ! (We re not familiar with the country to take off to some outlet where they might have had warm winter coats or boots)
I'm sorry to hear about your spoiled trip to Malta because of the cold, rainy weather. I'm leaving for Malta on Wednesday. I've been checking the weather and it will be sunny and 37° for the next 10 days. I'm in the process of packing right now and took a break to watch your informative video. Packing is so overwhelming 😩
I have made the weather mistake once, but luckily I was within driving distance (an hour) of a WlMart. It wasn't excessively cold so I was able to buy two sweatshirts which served me well the rest of the week on my trip. Of course now even if I'm traveling to a warmer place like Florida, I at least pack a spring jacket and one or two sweatshirts even if the temps are showing something like 80 degrees (F) and no rain. Obviously if I'm going somewhere possibly more cooler like the north west, I may bring a winter jacket instead of the spring jacket since temps in places like Montana and even Utah can get cold at night (say mid 50's) even if the day temps are hot. The other way I look at this is that a spare winter jacket, spring jacket, or a few sweatshirts likely deson't add any considerable amount of weight to your carry-on or checked bag so you might as well pack them. I'm now mostly for even if you don't need it, at least you had it with you just in case, rather than getting stuck without it or having to go buy one. For the adapters, I actually found (on clearance somewhere) Targus makes a travel friend set of adapters (I think mine has 4 different adapters) and it's not very big and fits into any bag (it's just the adapters though, not a power converter or anything like that, as most devices these days have that built into the chargers they come with). And I think the kit was maybe $20 but it covers pretty much all common adapters, atlhough I have found many countries do now at least have the USB-A ports in many places, but I don't (and I wouldn't) count on this being the case all the time especailly for some more remote or less developed areas. One thing I have found when traveling is that some or many cultures understand that dress can be a matter of preference, and for the most part, if you make a good effort to at least adhere to dress and styling recommendations, especially if it's something semi-formal, short of coming in shorts and a T-shirt, most will probably let little things slide especailly if they realize you are a foreigner.
5:40 in Sweden and Norway, it can be very hard to get access to a washing machine, even Hotels do not have this amenity that often. Laundromats are also not that often found.
I have a rain jacket that packs down to an inside pocket. I add a simple hat and light gloves that can be tucked into a corner. Lately, my experience is nearly every woman was wearing sneakers. It is now universal wear in cities where walking is normal. An over large scarf can act as a shawl or head covering, depending on need. I have a pair of extra cushy sandals for walking around. I also like leggings, but I add a longer tunic over them for fashion. Everyone is happy! Lol. My dresses tend to be midi or maxi. Lots of European women wear these in summer even with sneakers. I also try to pack monochromatic outfits I can mix and match to cut down on the number of items I pack. Black and white, or khaki and navy are easy.
We packed for a multi-country European trip based on reports of excessive heat. Well, not so upon arrival. Still enjoy the sweatshirts & Doc Martens purchased for the cool & oft rainy weather that prevailed over most of our -wonderful- vacay.
Great video, thank you so much!!!! I am always afraid to look like a typical tourist but still need to be comfortable. I thought day packs, fanny packs etc. were a dead giveaway that your are from North America and are therefore a target.
My mistake earlier this year was not wearing more casual clothes in London. I was one to believe Europeans wear nicer clothing on a daily basis so I attempted to mimick that. I was comfortable and warm, but not completely. I wish I would have brougt more relaxed clothing. I did put an empty "day bag" in my backpack & organized my travel backpack & carry-on well. I learn what works better on every trip. Its a process!
And third, you touched on this, but I want to point out that a lot of religious sites in Greece and Italy and other countries do not allow women inside if they are wearing shorts or skimpy outfits. Some provide a drape, but you don't know for sure and would do well to come dressed for the worst case scenario.
You're right. It's smart to carry a lightweight scarf or wrap to cover your shoulders, legs, or hair, depending on the country and what you're wearing.
I also made the mistake of not brining proper rain footwear once when at a week-long conference in the South of France. I did check the forecast and average weather before leaving and rain was neither in the forecast nor in the climate for that time of year, but I got unlucky. I had to go shopping for rain hardy shoes and ended up with a pair of Croqs that have become a summer travel favorite. There is a happy ending, but there were unhappy feet for a while there.
We checked the weather the Week Before our 15 day river cruise mid May, Amsterdam to Budapest. It changed, we wore layers and purchased a med weight jacket from the line. It was good but we did feel silly.
I will going to The Azores later this month. Like a lot of Portuguese people who immigrated, we have over packing in our DNA 🧬 But I am trying to pair it down as much as I can possibly. This tips help. Thanks.
Here's another mistake that I encountered in Madrid::: Check you shoes (I use Nikes) for wear-tear BEFORE leaving. Recently, when in Madrid, my old Nikes literally exploded on my left foot while walking. The shoe literally disarticulated. I had to buy a new pair of shoes in country. Fortunately, there was a FootLocker right off the Gran Villa. I hobbled up there, but I have these huge American feet (😎) and they had ONLY ONE pair of shoes for me. 100 Euros later, I left with these goofy pair of Nikes that make me look like my grandfather. Check your FOOTWEAR for structural integrity.
We went to Spain in August. My son 6'2" 250 lbs didn't pack anything warm. Galicia was cold that summer. They were complaining that summer had not arrived. He froze because we couldn't find anything his size. We were told he'd had to go to a tailor. Don't assume you will be able to find stuff abroad. Everyone always says, "Oh don't over pack,you can buy it at your destination. " Well, that's not always true! Thank God his shoes didn't give out. He wears 13 wide
also remember that in a lot of the old cities in Europe they still use cobblestones (also on sidewalks). So if you're going to one of those, it's best to leave your high-heeled shoes at home as cobblestones and high-heeled shoes don't really mix well (we have good healthcare in Europe, but it's always better not to experience that part).
I agree about checking your shoes. My system is to buy a pair of running or hiking shoes that fit well. I walk in them for approximately 100 miles at home and then set them aside for my next holiday or hiking trip. That ensures the shoes fit well and should still have about 400 miles of solid use before their cushion starts to wear out. Has worked well now for five different trips and countries. NEVER take brand-new shoes on a trip. ALWAYS try on every item you plan to pack. Sometimes tags and sizes are wonky, so try it all on first!!!
It's also wise to double check time zone changes. I once travelled from Canada to Slovenia with a 2 day stopover in L'viv Ukraine, and assumed that it would be a 6 hour time difference in both locations. Not realizing that the time difference in L'viv was actually 7 hours. The first morning in L'viv, my arranged wake up call came an hour before I was expecting it, and I still didn't realize my mistake. It wasn't until some food I ordered also arrived an hour early, I mentioned it, and discovered my error. Then I had to rush to get ready on time to meet the tour guide I had hired. 😒
I prefer to wear jeans. A comfortable pair shouldn't be constricting and if you have jeans with decent deep pockets, you can keep the most important things such as passport and phone on your body instead of in a bag or an outside jacket pocket where they can easily be filched. And Megan, could you please do a video on packing for Europeans who are travelling to the US. There are umpteen videos for Americans/Canadians travelling to Europe, but I can't find more than one or two which give advice the other way round. My first point would be to pack as many toiletries as you can fit in, as these are very expensive in the US. I didn't pack any for one journey, thinking I could get them when I arrived. A bottle or shampoo at Target cost about three times what I would have paid in Germany, and the brands were practically all the same.
I don’t know wether it’s a good thing or a bad thing But I got the idea from my big sister She alway packs using the vacuum bags I used it last Christmas going to Malaysia and coming back for me it was good but what do you think of doing it 🤔
Yes, pack clothes that you enjoy wearing and not clothes to "fit in". I would love to visit Malta, how was it? Apostle Paul got shipwrecked on the Malta coast and i would like to visit for historical reasons.
@@PortableProfessional i guess the weather there hasn't changed, aha. It ran the ship aground in Paul's day and there were 275 onboard- the miracle is not one died! They swam to shore and the kind inhabitants had a fire and invited them to warm up. I'm glad you enjoyed Malta.
Even in the United States, I have found that buying a hairdryer from the local Walgreens/Walmart/CVS is a lot easier. I also buy a lot of my toiletries local.
You might have said this but make sure you actually have a converter, not just an adapter. You can get an inexpensive attachment that will render any type of plug usable in any socket, but if your device is designed for 110v, not 220v, you will destroy it without a converter.
@@conniekershaw4412 I would first check your chargers (or the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your device). A lot of them produce chargers that can handle both voltages (mine all do) in which case an adapter is all you need.
I read that smartphones and tablets only need adaptors, not converters. Apparently they are designed to work with 110 to 240 volts. At least for apple products, which are the ones I checked. I don’t travel with anything else electronic.
One thing that I like about Europe, is people are fashion conscious. You can always tell the north American women wearing their ridiculous leggings. Unless you've going to a yoga class, it looks bad. If men were to wear track pants everywhere it would look just as bad. I agree with Megan's tips.
I agree sports wear looks bad, but in Northern Europe people are not more stylish. I see lots of leggings with camel toes on the Stockholm metro, especially in the summer. Still seeing skinny jeans that make tiny thighs look like wrapped hams. I feel sorry for the poor people that got silicon injections to make duck lips.
My essential packing list Man bag/murse -great for tripping around now that I have to carry more stuff as I age (reading glasses/sunglasses/phone/money/gum etc etc)😅 Small portable brolly -I was just in Montreal and this came in very handy Universal adapter and recharger and plug- I’ve had to purchase both on the same trip 🤦♂️ Comfy broken in shoes- no brainer Everything else I bring is just icing on the cake, and I can always purchase a toothbrush or hair brush I happen to forget those, which I have 😅
Hi, I’m traveling to Paris with kids. I know that most places require the passport as a proof of age. I’m a little hesitant about carrying the original. Are photocopies accepted? For example at Versailles? Thanks in advance.
Where a passport is required a photo copy will not be accepted. Other types of ID or photocopies may be accepted as proof for entrance fees but I would check ahead. I agree it is better to leave your passport somewhere safe when possible.
My wife wears leggings but a skirt over them. I take three shirts, two pants and three underwear, three socks and depending on the tour only one pair of shoes with an extra pair of slip on loafers. I make my over the shoulder bag for the trip to coordinate with my clothing from scrap fabric from other projects. We only travel with one bag, not counting the personal bag. Haven't lost luggage in 15 years. Plug adapter for the country I am going to.
NO there are not coin operated or free washing machines in northern Europe; especially Scandinavian countries' hotels. If fact there are no laundromats in all of Sweden. Apartments all have laundry room, hotels want to make money off laundry services. In 15 years of living and travelling in northern Europe I have never seen a washing machine for guest use at a regular hotel/hostel. Maybe long stay hotels have machines, I haven't stayed in one of those in Scandinavia. 5:37 A back pack is an invitation to pickpockets, especially with zippers. A sling bag, or a backpack worn in front are much safer. Northern Europeans are not "more stylish " than in the US. See lots of camel toe leggings on the metro. Wear what you are comfortable in. The only US attire the looks silly are expensive cowboy hats; but you do you, will probably meet Amero-phils you wouldn't have met without the hat. Hotels will often have adapter or USB plugs you can use. Invest in a 220 charger plug; that will get you around much of Europe and Asia.
It is interesting to hear Americans point of view regarding dress code in Europe. I have some amazing American friends but sometimes I feel over dressed when going out for dinner for example in the US. Sports wear and baseball caps for sightseeing usually is a ‘no’ in Europe, particularly in Italy where most people in Milan are all very stylish. But no one really cares and it is lovely to see Americans enjoying visiting Europe no matter what they wear providing it is respectful to where they are and what they are visiting.
In the UK, most people don't care what you wear. Leggings are fine here. It is always good to prepare for cool rainy weather as the summers in the UK and parts of Europe aren't as dry or warm as many states in the US.
most ppl are too lazy to pack clothes a week in advance, let alone a several months. despite the slight setback with unexpected weather, tthat's awesome that you plan well in advance for even the simple things like clothing.
depending on the destination, and the time of year. For example, in Israel you wouldn't need a raincoat in summer. It just doesn't rain there ar all for several months. And a warm sweater might only be necessary in that time for being inside buildings- they use air conditioning a lot. In Germany however, you never know long before when it will rain or when it will be sunny. An umbrella or rain coat could be useful at any time of the year. But still, at least some conclusion concerning the temperature can be made according to the season: While the temperature now in August can vary a lot ... it could be as low as about 15° C or up to 40° C, you certainly don't need to bring a scarf, gloves, or the warm winter coat that you would need e.g. in January and February.
Just bcos you want to wear leggings doesn't mean they have to look like leggings. You can disguise that you're wearing that by wearing a long tunic or a dress over them. And there are many sneakers that don't look like sneakers these days. There's a big difference between looking like you're going to the gym and wearing clothes that look good but are comfortable
Packing mistakes ruins trips -- its all it does -- if when finally at destination, what ought to have been packed along is mistakenly astray ---or prior to that, one finds him/herself---afoul at check points -- for packing what ought not have been mistakenly consigned to luggage...
When it comes to clothing I always carry a compact raincoat and windbreaker. Standard in my suitcase where ever I go. When it comes to shirts and sweaters I do subscribe to Marino clothing. It is for me personally more comfortable. I even wear it below suits. Plugs, well I guess that why I love apple. They have a good set of plugs you can easily interchange. So it’s not so bulky.
On a tour of China we were able to pack a day pack to leave on the bus. Mine contained rain jackets and drinking cups and a few other light items. I actually used the cups on several occasions. At that time we were buying at least liter bottles of water, and a couple of times beer! Because of the locations we purchased water ahead so we weren’t likely to be wonder what a street vendor was selling us! We also had a non metal water bottle, before water bottles were an accessory, that we filled most nights with the boiling water left in the room for us. We then put the water bottle in the fridge which gave us cooled water to bush our teeth with, etc. In my Fanny pack, which I wore in front I added a pocket, that was raised off the bottom, to put my passport in. Then a few noisy items in the bottom. My theory was that if the bottom was cut I wasn’t likely to lose my passport and I might hear the contents fall. I now just use a cut proof purse which has zippers that latch closed. We were in a group, of course it was China, and no one lost anything to thief but some carryon bags did fail in the airport -- the leaders. Also, there are several outlets that a universal plug doesn’t do! But, it’s a nice back up at times. We’ve found the individual adapters much lighter as we typically need at least 2. And yes it is annoying when a country has more than one plug configuration!
@@PortableProfessional: would you please do a video about single Women/Men about to do their first trip to anywhere - specifically in the entire UK? I’ve saved all of your videos to go through later! I’m not sure I’ve seen one for Women going it alone. I’m getting nervous. Will I be safe?!
I made the same mistake packing for England. I looked up “average” temperatures instead of real temperatures. The areas we visited were much hotter than usual. English people kept telling us it was way hotter than usual! I ended up buying cooler tops to be more comfortable as we walked 5-10 miles daily. And for our kind of tourist visit, skip the cute shoes. Go for comfort and shoes that stay drier in rain!
I grew up in France and Switzerland and I disagree about athleisure being entirely OK in Europe. You will stick out like a sore thumb, or a tourist. I try not to stick out as a tourist when I travel, because tourists are targets for lots of things. If you wear leggings, at minimum cover them up. There is a debate in the US about that, there is no debate in some countries. People will be privatly shocked when you show your bum. There are lots of ways to be properly dressed and comfortable. Explore those ways. And do put aside some time and some money to shop for comfortable shoes when in France. I stocked up on canvas shoes that one finds in supermarkets there during the summer. They are a cuter, more elegant alternative to sneakers. Nowadays, sneakers have made it into everyday wear in France (and I think most of Europe). So certainly bring and wear your fashionable sneakers, but leave the running shoes at home, unless you are planning on jogging while in Europe.
If coming to the UK, I’d suggest avoiding the calling your bag a “fanny pack”. It means something completely different over here… And if you’re called Randy, don’t introduce yourself as “Hi, I’m Randy”. Stick with Randolph..
I disagree with wearing leggings and things that make you look like a tourist. You are just asking to be robbed. Dress like the locals to avoid this. I would try to fit in more to protect myself from theft. You will be a target if you wear things they don't wear in Europe.
The image of you Megan wearing dressers in the dripping rain in Malta is kinda Cute and endearing lol if I had been there I would've offered you my coat at least asked your size so as to get you a coat the right size lol I like to think I'm chivalrous like that particularly to cute blonde Canadians lol
@@PortableProfessional you're welcome Megan it seems like it stressed you out would be willing to give you a massage if I was there too to help you deal with that of course I'd have judge from you if I was doing a good job lol. Sorry a bit of shameless flirting couldn't resist. I guess I need to go to flirters anonymous lol.
Backpacks not a good idea for Europe. Too risky to be pick pocketed. All items should be worn in front. Also little packs like the one you show in this video just screams tourist. Europeans don't wear these and the thieves will know you are a tourist. I would try to fit in to look like a local to avoid theft.
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Packing with cubes was a life saver. I know you hate them, but I was gone for 2 weeks, and stayed in 4 different hotels. I used one for underwear/bras/sportsbra, 2- t-shirts and blouses 3-dresses, 4 Pajamas/travel pants/travel tops. (looser fitting jogger pants and top for the plane ride. As I reached each destination I hung up a few items, placed the Pj and underwear cube in a drawer and it was so easy to find and make outfits and I did not have search through clothes or unpack everything at each destination.
I have a packable backpack that I put inside my personal backpack, but, I keep it unpacked and pack it almost as a “liner” within my personal backpack. It takes next to no room in the bag when packed that way! Another great video with lots of good hints. Thank you!
That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Type G is a UK plug. It pops up here and there because of ... history. Sometimes hotels have a lost and found of forgotten adapters. Just something to try before heading to the store.
Great idea about hotel lost and found adapters . I always carry an extra in case one breaks.
I always bring along a two gallon ziplock bag and a small packet of laundry detergent for those times I don’t have access to a washing machine. Add a bit of water, a little detergent and squish squish squish. Empty, add water to rinse and Bob’s your uncle. This works for camping too.
I have a small Eddie Bauer packable day pack - it folds up into its own little bag. One of my wisest investments!
Forget the detergent. Just buy a tiny bottle of soap at a convenience store when you arrive.
The weather is not just a European mistake! Most tourists coming to San Francisco think the weather is like LA. “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” according to Mark Twain
Absolutely or that it’s always cold in Canada !
I found SF warmer in March than July. There is a explanation for this (I'm a geographer). Drive 30 minutes inland and you will find the heat you expected.
Actually I think LOTS of people pack for summer vacations by packing shorts, tank tops, sandals, etc, but A LOT of places don't get warmer than 60°F during most summer months. Always check the weather closer to your departure date and modify your travel capsule.
very true. Last week San Fran was cold, had to buy some sweatshirts to be warm.
I'm going to San Francisco for Labor Day and I'm constantly checking the weather! 😂
When you're a senior, read the fine print on Credit Card travel insurance. Also, our personal health coverage has travel protection but only for 15 days. We bought extra for the remainder of our 20 day trip.
There’s a subject that you might could talk about regarding Europe.. Let’s say, someone comes for a 3 months trip in one specific ’central’ place and think of doing short couple of days discovery flying other to european cities with the little suitcase that you can carry with you in the US...that would be a costly mistake as the measurements allowed for this are much smaller and diverse between each flying companies.
Brilliant - as always.
I use the 3-1-1 strategy for packing. First - I have a ONE complete set of comfortable (yet stylish) clothes that I wear on the plane. Second - I have ONE complete change of clothes in my carry-on bag just in case the airline loses my bag. Finally - I have THREE complete set of clothes in my checked bag, along with toiletries, etc. 3-1-1 (get it). Then, when I get to my hotel, I purchase a little bottle of dishwashing soap from the local convenience store/bodega, and I hand wash all of my clothes in the hotel sink. I wear one set, I wash one set, and one set is always drying. This way, I always have clean clothes, clothes that are being washed, and something that is drip drying.
Forget the hotel washing machines. They are always broken or being used by others. Not worth the hassle. Bring a few clips and wire hangers from home to help with the drip-drying.
Finally - please get rid of the "leggings". The Europeans are laughing at us. A true Jet-Setter has style.
Jim.
I’ve been using your 3-1-1 system for years. And, if your hotel room has a shallow sink or it’s not possible to plug the drain, take your clothes into the shower with you and wash/rinse them along with your body. Bring stretchy braided travel laundry lines for drying. Sometimes it’s hard to find places to hook your lines to, but be creative - I’ve had them stretched all over my room. I don’t waste my time in laundromats. Of course, this means I’m not bringing fancy clothes or things that take a long time to dry. Socks are difficult - often I must resort to fitting it across the air outlet of a hair dryer. Another thing you can do is bring your almost-worn-out underwear and socks, and leave them in the hotel wastebasket when they are dirty. This also slowly opens up more room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
On our trip to walk the Camino, my husband put his socks on a light fitting to dry. They almost melted.
I pack a few laundry sheets. They are feather-light and so convenient. I’ve switched to them at home, as well. And I only carry on. No checked luggage!!
@@rereindc6495 which brand laundry sheets do you use?
Laundry sheets are the way to go - they take up virtually no room and weigh next to nothing. I don’t wear leggings solo but for colder destinations they are perfect under pants or with boots and a skirt. I wore that in Galway, and some tourists thought I was Irish and asked me to translate some shirts with Gaelic (and thankfully, I was able to).
Besides checking the weather app, I like to watch a traffic camera to see how people are dressed. Sometimes 20 degrees Celsius is warm, sometimes it’s cold…
Thanks for that idea!
THIS 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I like to use a small cross-body purse when I arrive at my destination so I fill it full of smaller toiletry items (razor, make-up, toothbrush, etc) and pack it in my suitcase. That way it pulls double-duty. 🙂
Sounds good! Happy travels!
Great video as always Megan. Have you ever considered setting up an Amazon storefront with all the items you show and use? Blessings!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the suggestion but for now I'll focus on my channel!
We only pack carryon and for our last trip to England we found a laundry service (we dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon). Also one of our hotels did our laundry. We were happy to pay as spending precious time in a laundromat needing coins we didn’t have would have been sad.
Nice! Enjoy a day of sightseeing and return to clean laundry!
I feel your pain on being caught without appropriate gear. When I went to Portugal this past November, I had packed a trench coat...but it did NOTHING to protect me from the rain we had nearly every day. Luckily, I found a shop that actually had a raincoat on display in their window. And now it's a nice souvenir and I get compliments on it. Malta is absolutely on my bucket list! I have friends from there.
Being prepared for the weather can have a huge impact on a trip! Happy travels!
Thank you for your view about dressing in what makes you comfortable. While I’m not going to be a slob or inappropriate, I’m not springing for a whole new wardrobe for Europe.
So true! Being comfortable does not mean sloppy but it does mean you will enjoy yourself much more! Have a great tip!
I take older items, leaving them behind as I go ❤ Will buy new, if necessary in whatever country we are in. ❤
I pack more than most people probably do but I like to be prepared. I pack a large checked bag for Europe and make sure I have everything on my list. For everyday clothes I agree, I have 2 or 3 pairs of travel pants ... basically like khaki pants made from polyester and a little spandex that are very light, comfortable, and easily hand washed. Similar polo style shirts made from similar material. These pants also have zippered pockets for security. Since most of my trips to Europe are bicycle tours, I do take separate riding outfits for each day because I choose not to wash my "toxic waste" multi layers of sweat riding outfits. I have not always had access to a washing machine on my trips unless the hotel has laundry service for a fee. Again I hand wash my other essentials. Some might look in my bag and say I overpack but I have a happier time if I'm prepared. I'm not going to fret over a couple of extra pounds in my checked bag so long as I keep it safely under the 50 lb. limit.
The adapter story made me chuckle, because I left the country with what I thought was an amazing adapter, which I’ve had for decades from previous travels, suitable for every country on every continent , only to find out that it’s completely outdated once we reached our first destination 😂 Lucky for us, we were able to buy new adapters within the first couple of days before our electronics died. As for leggings and other comfortable clothes or shoes, all rules went out the window when we were packing and we couldn’t care less about who is wearing what as long as it suits our needs. 😉
One of the best items I bought for traveling is a Scotty travel vest.
Love your videos. The backpacks in the back-to-school department are very expensive. But in the Camping department of Wal-Mart I found a very nice black nylon one with lots of zipper compartments for $10. A tip I would add is to keep the zippers from accidentally coming open (or pickpockets) is to use a key ring (the springy steel circles about an inch in diameter) on the zipper pulls. They take a minute or two to get on but nobody is going to be able to slip something out while you are distracted.
Glad you enjoy the videos and thanks for the tip!
Other than the plug adapters, another important thing to take into consideration when coming here to Europe is the higher mains voltage, typically 220 - 240v.
Where did you have access to a washing machine?? I've traveled many countries in Europe (lived there, too) and don't remember this at all. I would not rely on this as a way to pack less clothing unless you get a confirmation from wherever you're staying. Keep in mind the time you have available, too. Washers over there tend to take a lot longer than in the USA. You can't tell the folks on the tour bus, "Just a few more minutes... It's in spin cycle as we speak!"
I traveled with wilderness soap this trip, and I am glad I did! I knew I needed two weeks worth of clothes, so I packed a little more. When my laundry was not picked up, the sink became my washer and the closet my dryer!
I also use a messenger back, keeping my more valuable items in the compartment nears my body and less valuable items farther away.
Great points, especially about what to wear. I always find it funny when people state what people 'do and do not wear' in Europe. Europe is a big place, and there are many cultural differences. Wear what is respectful, but also what makes you comfortable!!!
So true! Happy travels, Linda!
It is true that in Europe we don't really care what you wear (within certain boundaries of course), but do know that certain outfits will mark you clearly as a tourist and therefore a more desirable target for pickpockets and scammers (especially in the more touristy places). Most advice on what to wear in Europe I've seen is to avoid standing out as a target for criminals.
And definitely check the weather (and if you're going to multiple locations, check in all, Europe as a continent is as big as the US and weather is just as varied).
This helped me a lot. I’m a dress only person most of the time (I just prefer them!) and was freaking out about how to pack for Europe. I’ve decided to buy a cute pair of sneakers that will match my dresses, and stay in my style comfort instead of trying to change my whole wardrobe for the trip!
Backpack + Fanny Pack ("bum bag" in the UK) is my favorite duo. Fanny pack contains all the important stuff that I cannot leave home without (money, documents, inhaler, phone), some small items that are essential (keys, hair ties, etc) and is also a great small item to carry small mementos and trinkets I find.
-Backpack for the bigger items I need but can live a little bit without (water, snacks, charger, travel adapter, extra socks and undies) and room for bigger things I pick up along the way.
-Bonus: I usually can put my fanny pack in my backpack
Edit: 10/10 reccomend packing 2pair of underwear per day (until you get to a washing machine) -Hot Days and Wet Undies from Sweat = No Fun.
No harm in hand-washing a few clothes too. Best to only do this when staying more than one night as air-drying will take longer.
Interesting to know a professional like you can make some travel errors but the good thing is you are able to educate us from your mistakes or oversites ! I am very particular about what do when planning a trip. I do everything - any tours, check lists and airline and hotel bookings. I do check the weather before we leave and in December in London we knew there was a cold wave and we were prepared. I also for the first time bought a crossbody bag and you are right Megan it is very convenient with a cell, and things that are useful when walking for long periods. Luckily we just travel to the UK so it is easy for us to prepare and I don't care as well and wear what I like to wear ! Sorry it is so long. Take care, from Howard, a fan of yours !!!!
Thanks, Howard! You sound like a very organized traveler. Enjoy your travels!
One (small) mistake I made on a trip recently was to not double check that I had packed the right underwear for every top I was bringing. That meant that there was one top I was unable to use.
My husband and I were in Malta in the spring of 2000. The weather was in the 70s F/20s c. People were apologizing to us about how unseasonably cold it was.
Credit cards! Thankfully, cards that are not accepted in Europe were mentioned somewhere and I've been able to pivot with which ones to bring.
Hey Megan, thanks for this good, practical advice! FINALLY an influencer who states the obvious - that tourists are allowed to look like... well, tourists! Nobody cares, otherwise! They can tell you're not from there the minute you say something, or just by ordinary actions. You're on vacay, so dress for comfort (esp summer in Europe with extreme heat and so much walking). We need practical clothing (that also respects culture and traditions, e.g in churches). If you manage to be stylish - bonus points, but that shouldn't be the top concern. I saw where another travel influencer got painful blisters on her feet and had to hobble back to her room, by wearing 'cute' ballerina flats when she was out walking all day. Trying to 'blend in' and look like a local is a fool's errand, unless you plan on a very long extended visit, or think paparazzi will be snapping your pic around every corner, lol! 😆I LOVE my leggings and Nikes and was worried about wearing them. Now I feel better, it's not such a crime after all! And yes, will definitely be wearing a sun hat! 🙂👟
If you are hand washing your clothes: You can spot wash by hand, say your armpits.
Someone said wash your clothes in the shower with you. I do that.
Then use a towel to roll your clothes in and step on the roll a couple of times. Repeat. Unless it is super humid, this should speed up drying.
For socks, I'd suggest Merino wool. Not as hot as you think in hot weather (I cycle in them) and Merino wool has amazing properities besides. Antimicrobial etc. I can let mine go unwashed for a few days. We get Bombas Merino wool socks.
Hope this helps someone!!
Thanks for sharing these tips!
I stayed in a "faded glory" grand hotel in Porto, Portugal. There were several large signs in the marble bathroom warning NOT to do laundry in the sink, or they would charge you for an extra half day. That's ridiculous and so petty. I saw maids entering rooms all day long. I guess they were "policing" the heinous habit of cleaning your clothes in the sink. Really left a bad taste with me. As long as we're tidy and respectful, I'm a huge fan of laundering in the sink as you go. I often use that day's socks, or bandanna if I'm hiking, as a washcloth. I get all clean and save time.
I recently travelled to Spain during February and expected the weather to be warmer than it was. The items I was so glad I packed were a cashmere cardigan and scarf, which I was able to layer with other items and take off in the afternoons as the temperature got warm. I wore those constantly and just packed them in our day backpack when not needed. They were light weight and compact to travel with. Also, I always pack a small umbrella.
I use my personal bag, e.g. backpack, as my day bag!
That works, especially if you are spending your time in one place!
I tend to wash my top & underwear every day while I’m in the shower & hang it up to dry. If I have something not quite dry before packing, I’ll just use my hairdryer & voila!
Great tip to review weather and packing right before the trip, I do this now since weather is unpredictable and we have a nasty surprise in Japan in spring 2019 : whether should have been like spring western in northern California, instead the day we landed in Tokyo it turned wintery and quite cold - we would have needed warm boots and warm coat or at least trench coat. Luckily we had warm sweaters and scarfs and some hats (I love my berets ), but that wasn’t enough. My sister said: why didn’t you buy winter clothes there ? » well, they only had spring clothes for sale ! (We re not familiar with the country to take off to some outlet where they might have had warm winter coats or boots)
I'm sorry to hear about your spoiled trip to Malta because of the cold, rainy weather.
I'm leaving for Malta on Wednesday. I've been checking the weather and it will be sunny and 37° for the next 10 days.
I'm in the process of packing right now and took a break to watch your informative video.
Packing is so overwhelming 😩
Packing is certainly not the fun part of travel for me either! Have a great time in Malta, Marcelle!
@PortableProfessional thanks so much, Megan! 🙂
I have made the weather mistake once, but luckily I was within driving distance (an hour) of a WlMart. It wasn't excessively cold so I was able to buy two sweatshirts which served me well the rest of the week on my trip. Of course now even if I'm traveling to a warmer place like Florida, I at least pack a spring jacket and one or two sweatshirts even if the temps are showing something like 80 degrees (F) and no rain. Obviously if I'm going somewhere possibly more cooler like the north west, I may bring a winter jacket instead of the spring jacket since temps in places like Montana and even Utah can get cold at night (say mid 50's) even if the day temps are hot. The other way I look at this is that a spare winter jacket, spring jacket, or a few sweatshirts likely deson't add any considerable amount of weight to your carry-on or checked bag so you might as well pack them. I'm now mostly for even if you don't need it, at least you had it with you just in case, rather than getting stuck without it or having to go buy one.
For the adapters, I actually found (on clearance somewhere) Targus makes a travel friend set of adapters (I think mine has 4 different adapters) and it's not very big and fits into any bag (it's just the adapters though, not a power converter or anything like that, as most devices these days have that built into the chargers they come with). And I think the kit was maybe $20 but it covers pretty much all common adapters, atlhough I have found many countries do now at least have the USB-A ports in many places, but I don't (and I wouldn't) count on this being the case all the time especailly for some more remote or less developed areas.
One thing I have found when traveling is that some or many cultures understand that dress can be a matter of preference, and for the most part, if you make a good effort to at least adhere to dress and styling recommendations, especially if it's something semi-formal, short of coming in shorts and a T-shirt, most will probably let little things slide especailly if they realize you are a foreigner.
Thanks for sharing!
My belly pouch is actually a dog walking pouch. It has several compartments and a holder for a water bottle!
That sounds great! Safe travels!
Thank you for this. I'm headed to Spain. I'm going to follow your advice.
Glad it was helpful! Have a super time in Spain!
5:40 in Sweden and Norway, it can be very hard to get access to a washing machine, even Hotels do not have this amenity that often. Laundromats are also not that often found.
Thanks for sharing this!
I have a rain jacket that packs down to an inside pocket. I add a simple hat and light gloves that can be tucked into a corner. Lately, my experience is nearly every woman was wearing sneakers. It is now universal wear in cities where walking is normal. An over large scarf can act as a shawl or head covering, depending on need. I have a pair of extra cushy sandals for walking around. I also like leggings, but I add a longer tunic over them for fashion. Everyone is happy! Lol. My dresses tend to be midi or maxi. Lots of European women wear these in summer even with sneakers.
I also try to pack monochromatic outfits I can mix and match to cut down on the number of items I pack. Black and white, or khaki and navy are easy.
A packing tip I've used is to maximise the number of outfits with the fewist articles of clothing.
We packed for a multi-country European trip based on reports of excessive heat. Well, not so upon arrival. Still enjoy the sweatshirts & Doc Martens purchased for the cool & oft rainy weather that prevailed over most of our -wonderful- vacay.
Great video, thank you so much!!!!
I am always afraid to look like a typical tourist but still need to be comfortable.
I thought day packs, fanny packs etc. were a dead giveaway that your are from North America and are therefore a target.
My Pleasure! Glad you liked it!
My mistake earlier this year was not wearing more casual clothes in London. I was one to believe Europeans wear nicer clothing on a daily basis so I attempted to mimick that. I was comfortable and warm, but not completely. I wish I would have brougt more relaxed clothing. I did put an empty "day bag" in my backpack & organized my travel backpack & carry-on well. I learn what works better on every trip. Its a process!
Sometimes it can be hard packing to feel comfortable and in style for your destination! We learn as we go!
And third, you touched on this, but I want to point out that a lot of religious sites in Greece and Italy and other countries do not allow women inside if they are wearing shorts or skimpy outfits. Some provide a drape, but you don't know for sure and would do well to come dressed for the worst case scenario.
You're right. It's smart to carry a lightweight scarf or wrap to cover your shoulders, legs, or hair, depending on the country and what you're wearing.
I also made the mistake of not brining proper rain footwear once when at a week-long conference in the South of France. I did check the forecast and average weather before leaving and rain was neither in the forecast nor in the climate for that time of year, but I got unlucky. I had to go shopping for rain hardy shoes and ended up with a pair of Croqs that have become a summer travel favorite. There is a happy ending, but there were unhappy feet for a while there.
We checked the weather the Week Before our 15 day river cruise mid May, Amsterdam to Budapest.
It changed, we wore layers and purchased a med weight jacket from the line. It was good but we did feel silly.
Amazing how fast the weather can change! Thanks for watching, Lorena!
We are going on this trip late April-early May. I was wondering what the weather would be like and what to pack. Any suggestions?
Megan, you’re always terrific. It’s been said that a wise person is one who made the mistakes in the past. Please be safe.
Thanks so much! Safe travels to you!
I always enjoy listening to your travel tips. Thank you!
My pleasure! Super to hear!
I will going to The Azores later this month. Like a lot of Portuguese people who immigrated, we have over packing in our DNA 🧬 But I am trying to pair it down as much as I can possibly. This tips help. Thanks.
Thanks! Enjoy your trip to the Azores!
Megan,I know you are from Canada. My husband and I are going to Halifax, so what are your favorite places to go if you were there?
Here's another mistake that I encountered in Madrid:::
Check you shoes (I use Nikes) for wear-tear BEFORE leaving. Recently, when in Madrid, my old Nikes literally exploded on my left foot while walking. The shoe literally disarticulated. I had to buy a new pair of shoes in country. Fortunately, there was a FootLocker right off the Gran Villa. I hobbled up there, but I have these huge American feet (😎) and they had ONLY ONE pair of shoes for me. 100 Euros later, I left with these goofy pair of Nikes that make me look like my grandfather.
Check your FOOTWEAR for structural integrity.
Good advice from someone with experience! Enjoy those new shoes, Jim!
We went to Spain in August. My son 6'2" 250 lbs didn't pack anything warm. Galicia was cold that summer. They were complaining that summer had not arrived. He froze because we couldn't find anything his size. We were told he'd had to go to a tailor. Don't assume you will be able to find stuff abroad. Everyone always says, "Oh don't over pack,you can buy it at your destination. " Well, that's not always true! Thank God his shoes didn't give out. He wears 13 wide
also remember that in a lot of the old cities in Europe they still use cobblestones (also on sidewalks). So if you're going to one of those, it's best to leave your high-heeled shoes at home as cobblestones and high-heeled shoes don't really mix well (we have good healthcare in Europe, but it's always better not to experience that part).
I agree about checking your shoes. My system is to buy a pair of running or hiking shoes that fit well. I walk in them for approximately 100 miles at home and then set them aside for my next holiday or hiking trip. That ensures the shoes fit well and should still have about 400 miles of solid use before their cushion starts to wear out. Has worked well now for five different trips and countries. NEVER take brand-new shoes on a trip. ALWAYS try on every item you plan to pack. Sometimes tags and sizes are wonky, so try it all on first!!!
It's also wise to double check time zone changes. I once travelled from Canada to Slovenia with a 2 day stopover in L'viv Ukraine, and assumed that it would be a 6 hour time difference in both locations. Not realizing that the time difference in L'viv was actually 7 hours. The first morning in L'viv, my arranged wake up call came an hour before I was expecting it, and I still didn't realize my mistake. It wasn't until some food I ordered also arrived an hour early, I mentioned it, and discovered my error. Then I had to rush to get ready on time to meet the tour guide I had hired. 😒
I prefer to wear jeans. A comfortable pair shouldn't be constricting and if you have jeans with decent deep pockets, you can keep the most important things such as passport and phone on your body instead of in a bag or an outside jacket pocket where they can easily be filched.
And Megan, could you please do a video on packing for Europeans who are travelling to the US. There are umpteen videos for Americans/Canadians travelling to Europe, but I can't find more than one or two which give advice the other way round. My first point would be to pack as many toiletries as you can fit in, as these are very expensive in the US. I didn't pack any for one journey, thinking I could get them when I arrived. A bottle or shampoo at Target cost about three times what I would have paid in Germany, and the brands were practically all the same.
I don’t know wether it’s a good thing or a bad thing
But I got the idea from my big sister
She alway packs using the vacuum bags
I used it last Christmas going to Malaysia and coming back for me it was good but what do you think of doing it 🤔
Yes, pack clothes that you enjoy wearing and not clothes to "fit in". I would love to visit Malta, how was it? Apostle Paul got shipwrecked on the Malta coast and i would like to visit for historical reasons.
Besides being wet and cold I quit enjoyed my time there! Hope you get to visit one day!
@@PortableProfessional i guess the weather there hasn't changed, aha. It ran the ship aground in Paul's day and there were 275 onboard- the miracle is not one died! They swam to shore and the kind inhabitants had a fire and invited them to warm up. I'm glad you enjoyed Malta.
I always check my list at least twice and I’m always improving the list with your good advice. 😊
That's great! Happy packing, Denis
Maltas’s lovely! I loved it. :)) I visited in March. And yeah they use the same plugs as in the UK. :D
It is a beautiful place! Happy travels!
Even in the United States, I have found that buying a hairdryer from the local Walgreens/Walmart/CVS is a lot easier. I also buy a lot of my toiletries local.
You might have said this but make sure you actually have a converter, not just an adapter. You can get an inexpensive attachment that will render any type of plug usable in any socket, but if your device is designed for 110v, not 220v, you will destroy it without a converter.
Any suggestions for a converter? I was just looking on Amazon and they were all adapters.
@@conniekershaw4412 I would first check your chargers (or the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your device). A lot of them produce chargers that can handle both voltages (mine all do) in which case an adapter is all you need.
I read that smartphones and tablets only need adaptors, not converters. Apparently they are designed to work with 110 to 240 volts. At least for apple products, which are the ones I checked. I don’t travel with anything else electronic.
One thing that I like about Europe, is people are fashion conscious. You can always tell the north American women wearing their ridiculous leggings. Unless you've going to a yoga class, it looks bad. If men were to wear track pants everywhere it would look just as bad. I agree with Megan's tips.
I agree sports wear looks bad, but in Northern Europe people are not more stylish. I see lots of leggings with camel toes on the Stockholm metro, especially in the summer. Still seeing skinny jeans that make tiny thighs look like wrapped hams. I feel sorry for the poor people that got silicon injections to make duck lips.
I dunno, half the guys in the UK are wearing their trackies and nobody looks twice
My essential packing list
Man bag/murse -great for tripping around now that I have to carry more stuff as I age (reading glasses/sunglasses/phone/money/gum etc etc)😅
Small portable brolly -I was just in Montreal and this came in very handy
Universal adapter and recharger and plug- I’ve had to purchase both on the same trip 🤦♂️
Comfy broken in shoes- no brainer
Everything else I bring is just icing on the cake, and I can always purchase a toothbrush or hair brush I happen to forget those, which I have 😅
I had to google a "brolly" lol A very handy item to have! Happy travels, Pete!
@@PortableProfessional thanks, same to you 😊
Great video .!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I travelled to Washington DC once and it was impossible to find power adaptor.
Hi, I’m traveling to Paris with kids. I know that most places require the passport as a proof of age. I’m a little hesitant about carrying the original. Are photocopies accepted? For example at Versailles? Thanks in advance.
Where a passport is required a photo copy will not be accepted. Other types of ID or photocopies may be accepted as proof for entrance fees but I would check ahead. I agree it is better to leave your passport somewhere safe when possible.
@@PortableProfessional thanks! Will check in advance.
My wife wears leggings but a skirt over them. I take three shirts, two pants and three underwear, three socks and depending on the tour only one pair of shoes with an extra pair of slip on loafers. I make my over the shoulder bag for the trip to coordinate with my clothing from scrap fabric from other projects. We only travel with one bag, not counting the personal bag. Haven't lost luggage in 15 years. Plug adapter for the country I am going to.
NO there are not coin operated or free washing machines in northern Europe; especially Scandinavian countries' hotels. If fact there are no laundromats in all of Sweden. Apartments all have laundry room, hotels want to make money off laundry services. In 15 years of living and travelling in northern Europe I have never seen a washing machine for guest use at a regular hotel/hostel. Maybe long stay hotels have machines, I haven't stayed in one of those in Scandinavia. 5:37
A back pack is an invitation to pickpockets, especially with zippers. A sling bag, or a backpack worn in front are much safer.
Northern Europeans are not "more stylish " than in the US. See lots of camel toe leggings on the metro. Wear what you are comfortable in. The only US attire the looks silly are expensive cowboy hats; but you do you, will probably meet Amero-phils you wouldn't have met without the hat.
Hotels will often have adapter or USB plugs you can use. Invest in a 220 charger plug; that will get you around much of Europe and Asia.
It is interesting to hear Americans point of view regarding dress code in Europe. I have some amazing American friends but sometimes I feel over dressed when going out for dinner for example in the US. Sports wear and baseball caps for sightseeing usually is a ‘no’ in Europe, particularly in Italy where most people in Milan are all very stylish. But no one really cares and it is lovely to see Americans enjoying visiting Europe no matter what they wear providing it is respectful to where they are and what they are visiting.
Love your comment, especially the end! Thanks!
In the UK, most people don't care what you wear. Leggings are fine here. It is always good to prepare for cool rainy weather as the summers in the UK and parts of Europe aren't as dry or warm as many states in the US.
Good to know! Thanks for watching!
How do forecast weather in advance if you buy airline tickets 2+ months before the trip?
If you did it would not be very reliable! Good idea to check the forecast within a few days of departure to help you with packing!
most ppl are too lazy to pack clothes a week in advance, let alone a several months. despite the slight setback with unexpected weather, tthat's awesome that you plan well in advance for even the simple things like clothing.
I don't like wearing hats so I take an umbrella everywhere - useful for rain and sun (wind - not so much!)
Great video…. Tried to click on travel checklist but it didn’t work😊
Thanks for letting me know! It should work now. Happy travels!
It seems to me that no matter how long your trip is, you should always pack for hot, cold, wet and dry.
Yes, yes, yes ❤
depending on the destination, and the time of year.
For example, in Israel you wouldn't need a raincoat in summer. It just doesn't rain there ar all for several months. And a warm sweater might only be necessary in that time for being inside buildings- they use air conditioning a lot.
In Germany however, you never know long before when it will rain or when it will be sunny. An umbrella or rain coat could be useful at any time of the year. But still, at least some conclusion concerning the temperature can be made according to the season: While the temperature now in August can vary a lot ... it could be as low as about 15° C or up to 40° C, you certainly don't need to bring a scarf, gloves, or the warm winter coat that you would need e.g. in January and February.
Thanks Megan
My pleasure, Josie!
Very pragmatic and appreciated 😊
Glad you liked it!
Just bcos you want to wear leggings doesn't mean they have to look like leggings. You can disguise that you're wearing that by wearing a long tunic or a dress over them. And there are many sneakers that don't look like sneakers these days. There's a big difference between looking like you're going to the gym and wearing clothes that look good but are comfortable
#2 - Forgot a raincoat on trek in Nepal - on 5 hour hike, got blasted with cold rain, non-stop.
That can be the difference between a great hike and miserable experience! Thanks for watching!
Packing mistakes ruins trips -- its all it does -- if when finally at destination, what ought to have been packed along is mistakenly astray ---or prior to that, one finds him/herself---afoul at check points -- for packing what ought not have been mistakenly consigned to luggage...
Sounds like there were a few mistakes in the trip to Malta. Oh well, learn from it and share the info with us!
Oh there were and yes I learned. lol Thanks for watching!
When it comes to clothing I always carry a compact raincoat and windbreaker. Standard in my suitcase where ever I go.
When it comes to shirts and sweaters I do subscribe to Marino clothing. It is for me personally more comfortable. I even wear it below suits.
Plugs, well I guess that why I love apple. They have a good set of plugs you can easily interchange. So it’s not so bulky.
On a tour of China we were able to pack a day pack to leave on the bus. Mine contained rain jackets and drinking cups and a few other light items. I actually used the cups on several occasions. At that time we were buying at least liter bottles of water, and a couple of times beer! Because of the locations we purchased water ahead so we weren’t likely to be wonder what a street vendor was selling us! We also had a non metal water bottle, before water bottles were an accessory, that we filled most nights with the boiling water left in the room for us. We then put the water bottle in the fridge which gave us cooled water to bush our teeth with, etc.
In my Fanny pack, which I wore in front I added a pocket, that was raised off the bottom, to put my passport in. Then a few noisy items in the bottom. My theory was that if the bottom was cut I wasn’t likely to lose my passport and I might hear the contents fall. I now just use a cut proof purse which has zippers that latch closed.
We were in a group, of course it was China, and no one lost anything to thief but some carryon bags did fail in the airport -- the leaders.
Also, there are several outlets that a universal plug doesn’t do! But, it’s a nice back up at times. We’ve found the individual adapters much lighter as we typically need at least 2. And yes it is annoying when a country has more than one plug configuration!
Thanks for watching!
"no one lost anything to thief but some carryon bags did fail in the airport -- the leaders" WHAT. DOES. THIS. MEAN?
@@LP-jn4tw Two of the bags she was carrying broke open.
@@PortableProfessional: would you please do a video about single Women/Men about to do their first trip to anywhere - specifically in the entire UK?
I’ve saved all of your videos to go through later!
I’m not sure I’ve seen one for Women going it alone.
I’m getting nervous. Will I be safe?!
Lots of good tips. But please do remember that if you go to the UK do NOT call it a Fanny pack. The word has a different meaning.
Good to know! Thanks, Paul!
I made the same mistake packing for England. I looked up “average” temperatures instead of real temperatures. The areas we visited were much hotter than usual. English people kept telling us it was way hotter than usual! I ended up buying cooler tops to be more comfortable as we walked 5-10 miles daily. And for our kind of tourist visit, skip the cute shoes. Go for comfort and shoes that stay drier in rain!
With so many heat waves and cold snaps it's smart to check the latest forecast. Happy travels, Pamela!
Note that the British call 20°C "hot". At 25°C they turn into red tomatoes.
I grew up in France and Switzerland and I disagree about athleisure being entirely OK in Europe. You will stick out like a sore thumb, or a tourist. I try not to stick out as a tourist when I travel, because tourists are targets for lots of things. If you wear leggings, at minimum cover them up. There is a debate in the US about that, there is no debate in some countries. People will be privatly shocked when you show your bum. There are lots of ways to be properly dressed and comfortable. Explore those ways. And do put aside some time and some money to shop for comfortable shoes when in France. I stocked up on canvas shoes that one finds in supermarkets there during the summer. They are a cuter, more elegant alternative to sneakers. Nowadays, sneakers have made it into everyday wear in France (and I think most of Europe). So certainly bring and wear your fashionable sneakers, but leave the running shoes at home, unless you are planning on jogging while in Europe.
If you like the comfort of leggings, a short light-weight skirt over them makes them fashionable and much more discrete.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks! Great having you on the channel!
Don't put a wallet or other valuable items in a backpack ! That's just an open invitation for pickpockets.
I pack a ton of underwear and always will lol
We all have our must haves! lol Great having you on the channel!
I always ta🎉on🎉extra pair of undies, cause you just never know and they don't take up much space
Whether we are offended by leggings depends on who is wearing them.
If coming to the UK, I’d suggest avoiding the calling your bag a “fanny pack”. It means something completely different over here… And if you’re called Randy, don’t introduce yourself as “Hi, I’m Randy”. Stick with Randolph..
Good to know! Wouldn't want to unintentionally offend someone!
@@PortableProfessional I don’t think they’d be offended, more likely they’ll laugh uncontrollably 😊
Loose Leggings okay but bum crack showing leggings are disgusting in any country, unless you are walking from the gym to your room a few metres away.
I disagree with wearing leggings and things that make you look like a tourist. You are just asking to be robbed. Dress like the locals to avoid this. I would try to fit in more to protect myself from theft. You will be a target if you wear things they don't wear in Europe.
That travel list wasn’t what I need or useful
Sorry to hear that. Thanks for watching and I hope some of my other videos are more helpful!
The image of you Megan wearing dressers in the dripping rain in Malta is kinda Cute and endearing lol if I had been there I would've offered you my coat at least asked your size so as to get you a coat the right size lol I like to think I'm chivalrous like that particularly to cute blonde Canadians lol
Very kind of you, Leo!
@@PortableProfessional you're welcome Megan it seems like it stressed you out would be willing to give you a massage if I was there too to help you deal with that of course I'd have judge from you if I was doing a good job lol. Sorry a bit of shameless flirting couldn't resist. I guess I need to go to flirters anonymous lol.
Backpacks not a good idea for Europe. Too risky to be pick pocketed. All items should be worn in front. Also little packs like the one you show in this video just screams tourist. Europeans don't wear these and the thieves will know you are a tourist. I would try to fit in to look like a local to avoid theft.
Lost me at Fanny pack. Next