Tips for Packing and Laundry on your European Tour
It’s always good to start thinking about packing well before the tour and here are some ideas for those you enjoy checklists. You won’t need everything on the list and we do advise you pack as lightly as possible. Click here for a printable list.
Tip 1: Pack your documents. Use the Reformation Tours’ zipped travel wallet to keep your passport, travel documents etc. in a safe place. Double–check your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date. It’s a good idea to have a photocopy of your passport and credit cards with you, in case you lose them.
Tip 2: Pack light. Hotels will provide you with towels, soap, shampoo, and a hairdryer, so you don’t need to bring those. Bring the minimum amount of everyone, as you can easily purchase more on tour if necessary.
Tip 3: Pack for comfort. You will be doing a fair amount of walking, so you will want to have comfortable shoes. As the weather is often changeable, layers work well, and don’t forget a raincoat.
Tip 4: Pack for relaxing. You are on vacation, so you don’t need to bring dress clothes. You may want to include one smarter outfit if you are going to a concert. Bring some neutral base items, such as jeans or black pants, and then a variety of shirts / tops that match, but don’t take up much room in your bag. Quick-dry fabrics that don’t require ironing are the most practical.
Tip 5: Pack to avoid doing laundry. Hotels charge a fee to do laundry, so it’s best to either bring enough for the full tour or handwash smaller items in the hotels if you have 2 night stays. If you are on an extended trip to Europe, you might want to visit a Laundromat during your stay. The hotels will be able to give you directions to the nearest one.
Tip 6: Organize your packing. As travel involves staying at different hotels, we recommended organizing your items into mesh bags, zip-lock bags, or packing cubes (one for socks, another for shirts etc.).
Tip 7: Pack to blend in. As a general rule, European adults don’t wear athletic clothing, unless they are playing sports. Shorts are worn in the UK, but less so in the rest of Europe. Baseball caps will also mark you out as American, as will white socks and tennis shoes. Europeans are more likely to wear well-fitting (rather than oversize) clothing and more subdued colors. Scarves are very popular with all age-groups.
