Most European hotels do not provide wash cloths -
bring one and a zip lock bag to store it in if desired.
Bring a bar of soap - most hotels provide a liquid
soap/shampoo dispenser in the shower. Not real good stuff. The same goes
for shampoo, if you want it. Take samples or travel size products - buy
more while there, if wanted.
Dual-voltage curling irons and blow driers are
available in the US at many drug stores, Target, Wal Mart, etc.
Take plug adapters for your cell phone charger,
laptop, electric razor, etc. Plug adapters are available for approximately
$4.00.
If the voltage info on your device states "110-220
volts" or "120-240 volts", all you will need is a plug adapter. No power
converter is needed.
Most CPAP machines are dual voltage. Check the
data label. Coil-type immersion units are good for boiling water to use in
CPAP machines. Distilled water is not always readily available. Make sure
the coil will operate on 220 volts.
US Dollars are no good in Europe. The currency
used there is the Euro or other country-specific currency. They have no use
for American currency. DO NOT bring traveler's checks. Most places will
not accept them for conversion. If they do, the exchange rate will be bad.
ATM's are the cheapest source of obtaining local
currency. ATMs are more easily found in Germany than in the States. Most
of them will bring up an English menu when you insert your card. Bring at
least one debit card tied to a checking account. It is a good idea to open
up a second account with a backup debit card in case of card failure. The
card should have a VISA or MasterCard logo. (PIN should be 4
digits.)
Notify credit/debit card companies which countries
you will be in so your cards will not be blocked. Just call the
customer service number on the back of the card and tell them the dates.
American Express and Discover credit cards are not
commonly accepted in Europe. VISA and Master Card are accepted most
places. Capital One credit cards do not charge conversion fees on
purchases. Most cards charge 2-3%.
Take good walking shoes. There will be a lot of
walking. Europeans walk more than we do.
Pack as lightly as possible. Many hotels do not
have elevators - travel lightly.
Make photo copies of the information pages of your
passport and store them in your bag. Also, it is a good idea to register
with the American Consulate in the country you will be visiting. You
can do that online.
Many doctors will prescribe antibiotics,
anti-diarrhea pills and sleep aid before your trip. It is a good idea to
have at least the first two filled. It is not that Europe is dirtier, just
that you are away from your usual medical support.
If you have a pacemaker, notify the personnel at
the airport security checkpoints.
In Germany, most of the bottled water is mineral
water. Save the bottle and refill from the tap. Yes, in Western Europe, at
least, the water in cities is just as safe as it is in the US.
Be sure that your passport
has at least six months remaining at the
end of your
trip.
One of the most important tips: don’t go over there
demanding that you be treated special. Don't expect everything to be
as it is at home. Go to Europe to experience the
culture and enjoy the differences as well as the similarities to our own.
