If a newcomer were embarking on their first trip to Europe, specifically Germany, what’s the single essential item you’d recommend they bring along? An online acquaintance is seeking your guidance!
A netizen recently asked, “What are the must-haves going to Europe for the first time?
My husband and I are going to Germany for our honeymoon next month. Besides the outlet adapters, what are some serious must-haves you don’t generally know you need as a first-time traveler? We’ve never been to Europe before and need some advice please!”
Here’s a list of stuff people commented.
Know Your Credit Card Fees
“Know your credit card fees or lack thereof. Assuming your cards have no foreign transaction fees, pay in local currency so your card will handle the currency conversion at a favorable rate.”
Do Not Bring Many Toiletries
“I would say to not bring many toiletries. It’s fun to go into a chemist and buy local brands. Plus, when you get home, you smile every time you use your deodorant. I usually buy small luggage when I get there to take any purchases home. If I don’t just mail them back.”
Cash
“In Germany you will need cash, many places do not accept cards, and some just the local EC cards, so keep cash at hand to avoid a bad time when it is time to pay.
After covid, things were starting to get better in this regard but I have seen many businesses going back to cash only.”
Waterproof Shoes And A Waterproof Jacket
“I’m a big fan of waterproof shoes and a waterproof jacket for European travel. My friends thought I was a bit crazy and then we wound up having to walk a mile in the rain from the bus stop to our hotel one night.
Not to mention all of the times it drizzled during our walking tours. It’s something you don’t think about when you drive cars everywhere. A travel umbrella would be fine too.”
Download An App For Translation
“If you are not fluent in the language, download an app for translation. Make sure you download the language for offline use.”
A Small Packable/Foldable Reusable Shopping Bag
“You’re going to have a great time, Germany is wonderful. Great food, amazing sites.
It’s also super civilized – don’t overpack. Pack like you would for a trip in your own state. You’ll be able to find any day-to-day stuff you need very easily just as you would at home.
Take your passports, ATM cards, credit cards, plug adapters, charge cords and camera/phone. Maybe a jacket – October can start getting chilly at night.
If you enjoy style, pack a minimum amount of clothing to leave room for shopping. There’s awesome clothing and shoes that you don’t find in the US. Do bring a small packable/foldable reusable shopping bag if you have one. Germany was way ahead of us on recycling and cutting down waste.
Even 15 years ago, you’d get dirty looks from cashiers and other customers if you didn’t bring a bag at the checkout of a grocery/convenience store.”
Willingness And Budget To Buy Yourself Out Of Unexpected Problems
“Must have: willingness and budget to buy yourself out of problems during the trip. Forgot or lost headphones? Buy new ones!
Missed your transportation? Pay whatever it costs to buy a new flight, train ticket or taxi don’t sit around arguing with someone over something like $200.
Are you hot? Buy a mist fan or umbrella. It started raining at 8 am and you forgot your raincoat at the hotel? Buy a new one.
Tour cancelled or missed and the only available one is $400 and looks great? Do it!
International travel is not the time to skimp and save, feel free to spend your way out of problems this will reduce discomfort and fighting. International travel is not the time for frugality.”
A Small Carabiner
“I love having a small carabiner which I leave on my belt loop – I use them to secure any bag strap if that bag isn’t precisely on me. I use it to connect a bag on a train, to my chair in a coffee shop, and they are also useful to hang bags being used as a trash bag or to make a snack bag accessible (again, on a train, bus, etc.).
Of course, I also don’t leave valuables in those bags, but it’s nice to not lose the bag.”
Get A Revolut Account
“Get a Revolut account. You will be able to convert currencies and you can get a physical and digital card. Very helpful for navigating and avoiding annoying bank fees.
Also, if you have T-Mobile, you’re in luck. You’ll be able to roam for free with the magenta plan. You’ll want to buy additional data for international. Also, get WhatsApp if you don’t have an iPhone so you can avoid the fees for calls.
Take a pair of sandals cause you will walk. Trust me. They walk everywhere out there.”
Download The Airport Map & The Train Company App
“Download the airport map before you head home because sometimes, finding your way around an airport in another country can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re running late.
Also, if you plan on taking trains around Germany, maybe download the train company app to help you navigate routes and to get notifications of schedule changes.”
A Washcloth
“My standard answer to this is to bring a washcloth if you want one. I think I’ve only ever seen them included in hotels/B&Bs/AirBnBs once or twice in my 10+ trips to Western Europe.”
A Wallet That Can Fit Euros
“Euros bills are larger than US Dollars, having a wallet that will fit them is helpful. You will also have a lot more change than you are used to.
Get a travel guide, I recommend Rick Steves, it will help with planning.”
A Stool Softener
“This may be a bit too personal, but I’ve traveled through the UK, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Coming from the US where I typically eat lots of vegetables/fiber, the cuisine in Germany (specifically) caused ‘issues’ with my digestive system.
I’d pack a stool softener just in case. In a pinch, apple juice works!
Also, don’t rent a car from Sixt. Otherwise, have fun!”
Lotions, Conditioners, Etc
“Do not assume hotels will have things like lotion, conditioner, etc like we do in the US hotels. Most just have shampoo and a bar of soap.”
Prepare Yourself For ‘No AC’ Days
“Air conditioning is not very common in Europe. If you’re going on warmer days prepare yourself.
Make sure your hotel has AC if temps are going to be 75F or more. I’m from the American South and thought I could hack it in London and Paris in August, and it was miserable.
Our Paris hotel had AC which was a sweet relief after a day out. A small number of shops and some restaurants but it’s unpredictable.
I was very surprised the museums weren’t temperature controlled.”
Over The Counter Medications
“Not that you need to bring them with you, but if you need any over-the-counter medications, you cannot get them from grocery stores in Germany. You have to go to a Pharmacy.
We usually just pack enough to get through the trip.”
Reusable Water Bottle
“Carry a reusable water bottle. Most cities have free drinking water fountains in public spaces.
Use public transport for local as well as inter-city travel. Install Uber, Bolt and FreeNow on your phone if you want to call a taxi.”
At Least Two Credit Cards Enabled For Tap To Pay
“Have at least two credit cards enabled for a tap to pay.
Search any sites, buses or trains if you need to make reservations or prebook tickets. Things will sell out near the date.”
Comfort Walking Shoes With Padding
“COMFORT WALKING SHOES WITH PADDING and a compact walking stick if you have bad balance. Europe is not like the US with nice even paved sidewalks and streets.
It’s OLD there are cobblestones and crooked steps all over. It’s hard on the ankles and feet.
You do a lot of walking in Europe if you want to site-see. It’s amazing though you’ll have so much fun. Schnitzel is the thing so try it all over. I loved it when I went.”
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