When packing for a vacation, most people immediately conduct a mental inventory of the clothing in their closets. But packing for a European vacation will require more than rounding up a few pairs of pants and underwear. You need to be sure to pack items that are essential to your comfort but may not be readily available in every town or city, especially if you are traveling through rural areas.
In January 2010, Marynia Kruk wrote an article for the Wall Street Journal that highlighted the lack of toilet paper in public restrooms throughout Poland. It seems that Kruk was not the only one caught off-guard by the lack of toilet paper. In the book "Europe Through the Back Door: The Travel Skills Handbook," author Rick Steves reminds travelers to always carry a few squares of toilet paper in their pockets or backpacks. Tuck a few rolls of toilet tissue and a few small plastic bags in your suitcase to prevent unpleasant situations.
No amount of research can ensure that the hotel or hostel you choose will be quiet. For example, Adria Hotel and Resort in Italy got some very positive reviews on the TripAdvisor website. However, one of the guests did mention that there are churches nearby with loud bells that ring at all hours and recommended that future guests bring earplugs. Another person trekking through Europe booked a tour through Topdeck Travel and noted that a roommate who snored had a negative impact on the quality of the trip. The bottom line is that you will enjoy Europe much more if you are not sleep-deprived; bring a few pairs of earplugs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises travelers going to France, Russia and the United Kingdom to be wary of tick bites, which can result in tickborne encephalitis. In some countries, sand flies are also a major concern. For these reasons, bringing an insect repellent that contains DEET can help you have a safer, and much less itchy, trip.
