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What Should I Bring on a Visit to Europe?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

For a visit to Europe, you should bring more money than you think you will need. Also buy a travel guide and a foreign language dictionary if necessary. If you are going to stay in hostels, bring your own sheets. You may need to purchase adapters if you are taking small appliances and electronics. You also need a photocopy of your passport and a back-up credit card or bank card.

If you are planning to go to Europe, you have probably done some research into hotel prices, travel costs, and other expenses. These may have been quoted in your currency, which may not be as valuable as the currency in your destination country, which means these costs are likely to be higher. In addition to the actual exchange rates, you will likely have to pay fees each time you purchase European currency. You should consequently always take more money than you believe that you will need when you embark on a visit to Europe.

It's a good idea to make a copy of your passport to take with you when traveling.
It's a good idea to make a copy of your passport to take with you when traveling.

Carry a travel guide. This can be an excellent tool whether your visit to Europe is for business or for pleasure. If you are sure that you will visit only one country, you can buy a travel guide for that country only. If there is a possibility that you may cross borders, you can get a guide that provides information for numerous countries. Also, if you do not speak the language in your destination country, purchase a dictionary that translates your language to the language in that country.

If possible, bring several different travel guides that offer in-depth information on your destination.
If possible, bring several different travel guides that offer in-depth information on your destination.

For many people, a visit to Europe involves staying in hostels as opposed to hotels or resorts. If you will be a hostel dweller, you should pack twin-sized sheets. Getting these at the facility commonly involves additional fees. You should also invest in a good set of small locks so that you can secure your luggage or closet doors in case you have to share a room.

Many guide books that cover European destinations are available in both print and electronic formats.
Many guide books that cover European destinations are available in both print and electronic formats.

Make a copy of your passport and carry the copy with you on your visit to Europe. Remember to keep it in a different place than your passport. If your original document is lost or stolen, the copy will likely come in handy. Also bring an extra major credit card or a bank card with the Visa, Visa Electron, or MasterCard logo. You do not have to use it, but it is a good safeguard in the event that something happens to your cash or the card you plan to use.

Europe-bound travelers who are bringing laptops or other electronic devices should be sure to pack an adapter plug.
Europe-bound travelers who are bringing laptops or other electronic devices should be sure to pack an adapter plug.

If you live in a place where 110-volt outlets are used, your plugs will not fit the sockets in Europe, where 220-volt outlets are used. If you plan to use items such as your cellphone charger or laptop, you will need to purchase either adapters or alternate plugs. Remember, however, that all items cannot withstand 220-volts of power even with an adapter.

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    • It's a good idea to make a copy of your passport to take with you when traveling.
      By: Popova Olga
      It's a good idea to make a copy of your passport to take with you when traveling.
    • If possible, bring several different travel guides that offer in-depth information on your destination.
      By: Freesurf
      If possible, bring several different travel guides that offer in-depth information on your destination.
    • Many guide books that cover European destinations are available in both print and electronic formats.
      By: Maridav
      Many guide books that cover European destinations are available in both print and electronic formats.
    • Europe-bound travelers who are bringing laptops or other electronic devices should be sure to pack an adapter plug.
      By: HappyAlex
      Europe-bound travelers who are bringing laptops or other electronic devices should be sure to pack an adapter plug.
    • Anyone traveling anywhere in Europe should do their research.
      By: ilynx_v
      Anyone traveling anywhere in Europe should do their research.
    • Some hostels require that guests bring their own towels, as well as pillows and bed linens.
      By: Inger Anne Hulbækdal
      Some hostels require that guests bring their own towels, as well as pillows and bed linens.