What to Pack...

You might consider some of these items when planning your packing:

--Lightweight weather proof jacket with hood (It's bound to rain at least once!)
--Lightweight compact umbrella (the kind that's only 6 inches long and fits anywhere)
--Neck pillow for the plane or the bus (the foam kind that takes up more packing space or the inflatable kind that takes up no room at all)
--Passport pouch or belt (one that hangs around your neck or fits around your waist and under your clothes...the important thing is that your passport, credit cards, and majority of your money are out of sight and not easy for a pickpocket to snatch)
--Digital camera with extra batteries and memory cards (the more megapixels the better and more optical zoom is better than digital zoom as it allows for better cropping and sharper images)
--Small, compact binoculars
--Good sized back pack for your carry on for the plane (this can be stowed in the luggage compartment of the bus later)
--Rolling luggage (see previous blog on this)
--Day bag or fanny pack for carrying on the bus each day (just for that day's necessities, camera, etc.)
--Compact travel hair dryer
--Voltage converters for European plugs (kit will contain the voltage converter and the various types of plugs used internationally...their electrical outlets are not like ours)
--Blank journal
--Compass (for reading a map!)
--Universal luggage lock (allows the airlines access for inspection, but keeps other prying hands out)
--Travel alarm
--Good comfortable walking shoes (I like Teva brand, especially the sandals, but anything comfortable for walking distances and multi-level ground is fine. Watch for sales and look at outlet malls....just don't bring a new pair of shoes that are not broken in!)
--Tour guide books (Dorling-Kindersley Eyewitness Travel Guides are my favorite. They are in color, have maps and building diagrams, tell the highlights of a site, etc. They are a bit pricey, so look for them in the used book section of book stores and online. There are the regular travel guides with everything and then the Top 10 guides which are smaller, lighter weight, and cheaper. Suggestions: Top 10 Paris, Paris (complete), Top 10 London, London (complete), Top 10 Normandy, and Loire Valley. (If anyone has other suggestions for travel guides, please post.)

Note: I don't advocate buying from these online stores unless they are the best buy after doing comparative shopping. The links are provided to show you what the item looks like or to provide more information.