Also keep in mind these tried-and-true tips:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes as your tour will include CONSIDERABLE walking. Negotiating cobblestone streets, hill-climbing, and touring old castles (with no elevators) are all common activities. New shoes can cause blisters and pain!
- Dress appropriately for tours of churches and cathedrals. Although many of the great cathedrals and churches in Europe are top tourist attractions, they are still used as houses of worship, and many require that visitors wear proper clothing, especially in Italy and Spain where one’s knees and arms should be covered when entering a church. Avoid shorts and immodest outfits. You may be asked to leave by a church official if your clothing is considered inappropriate.
- Discourage purse snatchers and pickpockets by bringing small money/passport holders or handbags with long straps that you can sling across your body, bandoleer-style, and with a zippered compartment for money and other valuables.
- Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Bring rainwear. Plastic rain ponchos, which often come in a small square package, are easy to pack and can be purchased very inexpensively.
- Your luggage should be light but sturdy. Because you are responsible for your own luggage, the less you have, the happier you’ll be.
- Sample-size toiletries in leak-proof containers which are organized in a waterproof plastic bag work best. Due to security issues, liquids and gels may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Since these restrictions are subject to change, you may want to check for specific restrictions 24 to 48 hours prior to your departure.
- Most medications should be carried in your carry-on bag and kept in their original pharmacy containers. Due to security issues, some medications may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Since these restrictions are subject to change, you may want to check for specific restrictions 24 to 48 hours prior to your departure.
Posts
