| So you've booked that perfect villa or apartment, | | | | leftovers, small gifts, damp clothing, jewelry... and |
| you've got your airline tickets to Europe, and there's an | | | | everything else. Pack empty baggies, pack baggies |
| empty suitcase sitting on your bed... Now what? | | | | with cooking spices (salt, pepper, etc), and pack |
| A thousand different items could go into that open | | | | baggies with laundry soap (for machine or hand use). |
| bag-- but don't get bogged down in "what-ifs," or you'll | | | | 2) A small plastic cutting board and a sharp knife will |
| end up lugging around the kitchen sink! Don't | | | | do wonders for your Italian cooking, and a sponge and |
| procrastinate, either... Good packing can make the | | | | scrubber will facilitate easy cleanup of any |
| difference between a brisk walk to another terminal | | | | unanticipated mess-- especially if you're traveling with |
| and a missed-plane disaster; between exploring all day | | | | kids! |
| and "sitting this one out" to nurse swollen blisters; | | | | 3) Just in case: a roll of toilet paper, a book of |
| between sleeping soundly and staying up all night to a | | | | matches, and a pair of earplugs never did anyone any |
| symphony of barking dogs. So pack light-- and smart! | | | | harm. Other small (but handy) items include a stain |
| Here's how. | | | | remover stick, flashlight, sewing kit, and multipurpose |
| Clothes: The secret is layers. I usually take a few light, | | | | tool (a Swiss Army knife or my tool of choice, the |
| short-sleeved shirts that can be washed in the sink, a | | | | Leatherman). |
| few pairs of underwear, and two good pairs of pants. | | | | 4) This may come as a surprise... but Europe has |
| After that, pack one or two long-sleeved shirts that | | | | insects, too. Your vacation is going to involve spending |
| can be worn over the t-shirts, a sweater, a canvas | | | | lots of time outdoors, so bring some repellant to keep |
| hat, and a waterproof windbreaker with a hood. If you | | | | those pests at bay. In Italy, most homes don't have |
| have clothes that layer well, topped off with the | | | | window screens, but plug-in insect repellants can be |
| windbreaker, you won't need a jacket. You'll be | | | | bought in most grocery stores. |
| tromping around more than you think, and in the course | | | | 5) The item I use most frequently while traveling is a |
| of even the coldest day you'll start stripping off those | | | | small package of baby wipes. These can be used in |
| layers one by one. For the ladies, bring one | | | | lieu of napkins, hand soap, toilet paper, a clean |
| wrinkle-free black dress-- this can be accessorized for | | | | restaurant table, and even a shower (on occasion). A |
| any occasion. | | | | pack of tissue also works nearly as well... except for |
| Shoes and socks: People are often under the | | | | showers. |
| impression that you've got to "dress up" in Europe. | | | | 6) Airborne is the closest thing to magic I have found. |
| While this isnt always true, the Italian, French, and | | | | Take a water-soluble tablet before you get on the |
| Spanish appreciate fine style (you won't see shorts in | | | | plane or whenever you'll be exposed to large crowds-- |
| the evening). So if you want to bring your nicest | | | | and avoid whatever plague may be circulating locally. |
| clothes (in layers), that's dandy. But when it comes to | | | | Cell Phones: Though not absolutely necessary, I highly |
| shoes, comfort comes first. This is not the time to | | | | recommend taking a cell phone to your European |
| break in a new pair or suffer for the sake of fashion: | | | | rental-- it just makes everything easier. If you have a |
| After a day traipsing through ancient ruins, up and | | | | dual- or tri-band cell phone, you should be able to use it |
| down city blocks, or around an alpine lake, those | | | | with your current plan, but it's more affordable to |
| frumpy old tennis shoes are going to be your new | | | | contact your provider and ask them how to unlock |
| best friends. Another way to keep your feet happy is | | | | your phone. You can then purchase a pre-paid SIM |
| to carry an extra pair of (new) socks. Changing into a | | | | Card that will work like a local number while in Europe. |
| clean pair at noon is an easy way to refresh your tired | | | | If you need a dual band cell phone, you can rent one. |
| toes! Also bring a pair of flip flops or sandals. These | | | | Space: That's right, take along some extra room! Take |
| will come in handy at the beach, or just bumming | | | | a larger bag than you need, pack a collapsible canvas |
| around your villa or apartment. | | | | tote, or take things (like toiletries, paperbacks, and even |
| Miscellany: So you've got your clothes, your shoes, and | | | | clothes) that you wouldn't mind replacing if they had to |
| your toothbrush... that covers everything you'd need for | | | | make room for that precious new pair of Italian leather |
| a hotel. But you've rented a villa, which means you'll be | | | | shoes... |
| on your own. What do you bring to make your rental | | | | Finally, remember that packing is a vital part of the |
| as comfy as home? As a veteran villa renter, this is | | | | vacation experience. So don't let it wait until the last |
| what I've learned to take along. | | | | minute! Make your list now and check it twice-- or |
| 1) Ziplock bags (in many sizes) are number one on my | | | | even thrice-- before you go. |
| list. They're practically weightless-- great for storing | | | | |