Power adapter (Note: Great Britain and Ireland use different adapter then rest of Europe)
iphone and iphone charging cable
Laptop and laptop charging cable
Camera and charger
Airpods
EarPods (for use on plane)
Foreign Travel
Passport
Covid-id vaccination card
Money belt/neck wallet
Foreign Currency
Credit Card (no foreign transaction fees)
Toiletries
Shampoo (2 oz)
Soap
Razor and shave gel (2 oz)
Brush
Tooth brush
Floss
Toilet paper (for hikes)
Medications
Prescription medications
Remember to photograph the prescriptions in case you lose your medications.
Miscellaneous
Laundry bag
Receipt folder
Small plastic bags
Plastic spoon & fork
Vitamins
Bandaids & first aid kit (blisters)
Travel grocery bag
Guide book & maps
Ear Plugs
Lessons Learned from traveling to Scandinavia in July/August 2022
When traveling outside the United States, I like having some of the local currency with me so I do not have to find an ATM in the airport. ATM fees at arrival airports can be significant and the exchange rate will not be in your favor. So I go on-line to my bank and order the currency I need 3-4 weeks before I depart. My bank (BOA) charges $7.50 for the service, but I get a good exchange rate and I do not need to find an ATM when I arrive outside the United States.
Take at least two credit cards with you and keep them in separate places. Make sure that none of your cards pay a foreign transaction fee.
Before leaving the United States, set up your credit card accounts to automatically send a text every time there is a foreign transaction. No matter how small. This will let you know what your exchange rate is and more importantly, if someone else is using your credit card number.
Set up Apple Pay or Google Pay before you leave. Most European countries, especially Scandinavia, accept mobile payment apps everywhere you go while many establishments are not accepting cash.
Coffee Shop Stockholm
E-mail yourself your itinerary along with documents you will need like train tickets and hotel reservations.
When planning your trip and you are flying into and out of two different airports, fly into the smaller airport and out of the larger airport. The reason: in the event something happens on your trip that requires a schedule change, there will be many more options at the larger airport.
Book your hotel reservations directly with the hotel. The reason: if there are problems with your reservation, it is easier to solve the problem with the proprietor then an on-line booking service.
Plan your trip, as best you can, to always stay at each location at least two nights. While this is not always possible, it provides more efficient time for sight seeing.
EATING: Do not go into a restaurant where the menus are in English. Try restaurants and cafes where the menu is written on a chalk board in the local language.
Pack light and travel light and use carry-on luggage. If you are not sure if you need an item, like sun tan lotion or an umbrella, leave it at home. Europe has pharmacies and grocery stores too. Flying and getting around Europe is much easier with carry-on.
