Packing--Travel Necessities--What travelers needs to bring on their trip to Europe

	TOILETRIES Don't overload yourself with these--they do sell soap, feminine hygiene products etc. in Europe. Click on the toiletries link to see what I brought with me on my trip.
	TRAVEL TOILETRY ORGANIZER You can buy a toiletry bag, use a PVC mesh bag, or use a couple of sturdy Hefty-Zip Lock bags for a short trip.
	TOWEL Eagle Creek Travel Towel ($19.85, Large 39" x 19½", $29.85 Extra Large 55" x 29”). For a couple more dollars you can get an XL towel with a case. Made of high performance micro-fiber, these lightweight towels wick away moisture for extra fast drying. For those with long hair, a microfiber hair turban is great--I use mine at home and when I travel. *A travel towel is definitely worth the money. A stinky, wet/damp towel in your backpack is not something you want to experience.*
	You can buy a cotton/poly travel sheet for about $25 or a Silk DreamSack for $59-$69. The advantage of buying a silk one is that is weighs less, takes up less space, feels very nice, and offer greater protection against bed bugs. I spent the money to buy a silk one, but a cotton one will work just fine. (Go to Hostel FAQ to find out about sleep sheets.)
	CAMERA & FILM Of course your won't need film if you bring a digital camera, but you will have to bring a adaptor plug set and/or a voltage converter if your camera needs to be recharged regularly. Check to see if your camera needs this.
	FIRST AID KIT Make one with things frequently needed from your medicine cabinet--don't forget tweezers or fingernail clippers. I usually put my first aid kit in a heavy duty plastic zip-lock bag or a PVC mesh bag.
	SEWING KIT you can buy a cheap one or make your own with several colors of thread wrapped around a piece of cardboard, a couple of needles, a needle threader, an extra button, and a couple of safety pins.
	SWISS ARMY KNIFE or Leatherman-type tool (you can only bring this if you plan to check your luggage). Make sure your knife or tool includes scissors and a corkscrew. Check here for what is permitted in carry-on luggage: http://www.tsa.gov
	MONEY BELT Keep your money, credit cards, and passport close to you at all times. Money belts fasten around your waist underneath your clothes. I usually wear mine with the pouch in back because that is more comfortable for me. Everyday money and coins can be kept in your pocket in a small wallet or coin purse. If you get robbed, you'll only lose that easily accessible cash. There are also pouches you can wear on your leg, around your neck, or from your belt.
	DAYPACK/TOTE BAG/CAMERA BAG Many larger travel backpacks come with a small daypack. If yours doesn't come with one or you would like to bring another small bag with you, get a small school backpack, tote bag, or camera bag to store your every day essentials.
	LUGGAGE LOCKS Combination or key locks for backpack zippers prevents people from snooping through your bag when you are in a dorm room without a locker. A larger padlock or cable lock is needed to fit hostel lockers. Also consider a TSA 3-Dial Lock and Cable for securing your backpack on trains or in hostels.
	NO-CLOTHES-PIN-CLOTHES LINE Great for when you do laundry in the sink. The Flexo-line holds up to 12 lb of wet clothes, thanks to its surgical-quality, natural latex rubber tubing which is woven in THREE braids (not the usual two). You can also get a two rope version as part of a laundry kit, if you prefer.
	SINK STOPPER Essential for when you are washing your socks and underwear in the sink. Very cheap and takes up very little packing space. You can also get this as part of a laundry kit.
	CONCENTRATED LAUNDRY DETERGENT or LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT PACKETS Wash your socks, underwear, and other clothes in the sink with just the right amount of detergent. You can also get this as part of a laundry kit.
	GUIDE BOOK(S) and PHRASE BOOK Everyone needs a guide book to help plan their trip and for everyday information while traveling. A phrase book can come in handy when you need to communicate with local people in country you are visiting.
	TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK If you don't want to miss your flight home or an early morning train, make sure you bring along a travel alarm clock. There is also a Super-Loud Travel Alarm Clock for those people who need a little extra oomph to get out of bed or prefer a digital clock. A word of warning: Don't play the "snooze" game with your alarm or fellow dorm mates will be forced to kill you for disturbing their sleep.
	MONEY Use a combination of ATM card (widely available in Europe), credit card (Visa or MasterCard), and travelers checks. I only bring along a few travelers checks for backup because it is much easier just to use my ATM card. *Please make sure the PIN for your ATM card is only 4 digits AND notify your bank/credit card company that you will be using your ATM/credit card abroad.*
	IDENTIFICATION Passport, driver's license, student ID, etc. Remember to make several photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and hide the two other copies in different places in you luggage. You can also scan your passport and store the photo in your on-line e-mail account.
	SUN GLASSES I thought these were optional when I went, but I ended up having to buy a pair while abroad. Save yourself the time, money, and squinting by bringing a pair with you.