The key to traveling well is traveling light. We have made a sample packing list for you to follow based on the experience of our tours.

What to Bring:

• Remember that you are responsible for carrying your own luggage and therefore should be able to carry it by yourself. If you are purchasing luggage for the trip, consider buying luggage on wheels.
• A good rule of thumb is to lay out everything you think you need, then put half of it back in your closet.
• On your flights and on the bus, you are allowed one suitcase and one carry-on bag. European coaches have luggage compartments based on the assumption of one suitcase per person, and local safety laws prevent suitcases from being put in the bus aisle. Your carry-on bag needs to be small enough to fit under a bus seat.

How to Bring It:

Choose a lightweight suitcase, preferably one with wheels. Check with the airline what their weight restrictions are. The weight limit of 44 pounds per person includes one suitcase and one small carry-on bag. Label all your luggage with tags. Before you leave, make a list of the total contents of your suitcase. If your luggage is lost, the list will help you file any insurance claims.

* Due to increased airline security, locked luggage is not permitted. When traveling by bus or train, locks may be used.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Your luggage is your responsibility and should never be left unattended. If you lose your luggage on the flight, you must file a claim at the airline's lost-luggage office. If your luggage is stolen, you must file a police report to.

Sample Packing List for Your Main Suitcase

In general, bring comfortable clothing—and about half the things you think you'll need!.

• Battery-operated travel alarm clock or watch.
• Two pairs of shoes, one for walking and one for dressier occasions, such as dinner, the theater or disco.
• Pair of jeans. You're guaranteed to need them, and they can be worn almost daily
• Pair of casual shorts, weather permitting.
• Pair of nicer pants. These replace jeans or can be used to dress up.
• Skirt or dress for women, and dress shirt and tie or nice sweater for men, for dinner or the theater.
• Kippah for Men when visiting holy sites
• Shirt that can be worn with trousers or khakis.
• T-shirts or collared shirts.
• Long-sleeve shirts.
• Something warm that can be layered, such as a sweater, flannel shirt, windbreaker or sweatshirt. The key to packing right is layering!
• Toiletries and cosmetics.
• Tissues.
• Raincoat
• Medicines: Aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, Bandaids, disinfectant. Keep medication you're currently using in your carry-on bag and let your group leader know what you are carrying.
• Extra photocopy (in color, if possible) of your passport and visa, two extra passport photos and an extra list of your travelers check numbers.

Sample Packing List for Your Carry-on Bag

You must be able to carry it yourself! Remember to pack light!

• Reading material for your flight.
• Passport and visas. Never pack travel documents in your suitcase.
• If traveling to Canada or Mexico, a notarized letter of permission from your parent(s) or guardian(s).
• Your itinerary and hotel list. This is extremely important in the unlikely event you become separated from the rest of the group and have to give your hotel address to a taxi driver.
• Essential toiletries and a change of clothing in case you become separated from your suitcase for a few days.
• Photocopy (in color, if possible) of your airline ticket and passport. Your group leader will most likely hold on to the airline tickets for your entire group.
• Plenty of film and an inexpensive camera. Make sure to keep some extra batteries in your main suitcase.
• Sunglasses.
• Extra set of glasses or contact lenses.
• Any necessary medication.
• Travel Journal
• List of travelers check numbers, PIN numbers and U.S. and overseas telephone numbers for your credit cards and bank.

Climate

Be prepared for wide temperature swings, especially in Europe during the spring. Here is a general guide (average daily highs in °F):

	January	April	July
Amsterdam	45	60	72
Athens	55	70	93
Barcelona	55	68	85
Beijing	24	57	79
Berlin	40	57	75
Brussels	40	59	73
Buenos Aires	75	62	50
Dublin	45	58	70
Edinburgh	45	57	69
Geneva	35	57	75
Heidelberg	36	56	75
Hong Kong	63	79	90
Lisbon	51	58	71
London	45	58	74
Lucerne	43	58	76
Madrid	48	63	85
Moscow	21	49	70
Munich	34	56	77
New York	39	60	85
Nice	55	68	82
Paris	43	60	77
Rome	48	68	93
Salzburg	29	47	64
San Jose	85	81	77
Sydney	81	75	63
Venice	45	69	89
Vienna	37	59	76