Planning & Packing

Preliminary Packing List

Due to limited luggage space & weight restrictions on the motor coach, AESU requires that you limit yourself to one suitcase only, (approx. 29"x 20"x 10") plus one carry-on tote bag (8"x16"x 21"). Please note: Many airlines will be assessing a fee for a passenger's second checked bag. Most airlines allow one bag free of charge. Some exemptions apply. Check with your airline for details.

A must is light-weight, wrinkle-proof clothing (wash & wear, permanent press, etc.). Exact quantities depend on the length of tour.

Women: Concentrate on coordinated outfits that you can mix & match according to color. 5 tops/shirts, 3 skirts and/or slacks/capris, 1 semi-dressy dress, 2 WARM sweaters. Essential: 1 light coat or raincoat, 1 bathing suit, 1 pair pajamas, enough underwear & socks so that daily laundry isn’t necessary, 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes that are soft, well-ventilated, and have moderate to no heel!!! (Rubber soles are ideal for cobblestone, and we suggest closed-toe for chilly weather. Break them in before you go.), 1 pair semi-dress shoes, perhaps tennis shoes.

Men: 5 shirts, 4 pair slacks, optional sports jacket, 1 dress shirt, 2 warm sweaters, 1 light-weight raincoat, 1 pair bathing trunks, 1 belt, 1 tie, 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (rubber sole), 1 pair dress shoes, perhaps tennis shoes, enough underwear & socks so that daily laundry isn’t necessary.
Everyone: Summer travelers should pack lightweight fabrics. Some shorts are fine but remember often shorts & uncovered shoulders are not appropriate at some religious sites. Winter travelers should pack light woolens or fleece and remember that several layers are the best. Also take one coat or sturdy jacket.

Miscellaneous Items: 1 bar of soap in plastic case, washcloth, 1 small beach towel, toothbrush & paste, razor & cream, sunburn & insect bite lotion, small manicure set, sewing kit & scissors, matches, plastic bags, band-aids, shampoo, deodorant, short clothes line with clips, small amount of liquid detergent in plastic leak-proof container, wash-n-dries, spot remover, rain hat or compact collapsible umbrella, sunglasses, extra glasses or contact lenses (bring prescription), wrist watch, durable Travel Alarm Clock, kleenex. (Women: make-up, tampons or napkins. If you must bring a small hairdryer, you will need an electrical converter (transformer) for current—220 volts and a packet of varied plug converters. Both are available at luggage stores, electrical stores, or hardware stores, etc. A good compact (3 oz.) transformer to ask for is ``Franzus.’’) If you can’t avoid bringing clothes that need ironing, you will need a small travel iron. (For both iron and dryer if you are purchasing, you may want to look for dual-voltage products.) Remember, if you are traveling with a friend, only one of you needs to bring dryer, iron, converter & plugs! Travel Diary, digital camera , digital memory stick, batteries. Do not pack sharp items, scissors, etc. in carry-on. (Optional items—inflatable pillow for bus rides, calculator, money belt). A few personal checks are also good to bring along.

Medicine: Anti-motion sickness (e.g.: Dramamine), anti-diarrhea (e.g.: Kaopectate), laxatives, cold medicine, and perhaps multivitamins. Necessary prescriptions in plastic bottles (if needed have doctor write stand-by prescriptions). Please note that most name brand cosmetics and toiletries can be bought overseas. Make sure all items are in leak-proof, plastic containers before packing.

Packing: Plan before you pack. Make sure everything is clean and mended. Remember heavy items on bottom and toward lower end of case when it is standing upright. Use a "Category Layer System" - dressy items in bottom, pants in middle, shirts on top, for example. NEVER PACK YOUR PASSPORT! KEEP IT SEPARATE! Pack 2 extra passport photos if possible, in the event you misplace your passport: photo-copies of your passport's personal data pages and of your flight tickets: a listing of your traveler's check numbers, your credit card(s), and of your ID's, all in a safe place in your baggage. This information will assist in quickly replacing lost or stolen items. Always keep actual documents with you, never in your checked suitcase. Mandatory for all travelers: PACK YOUR CARRY-ON BAG with what you will need for ONE overnight on arrival: in the event that the airlines misplace your luggage, you will have all you need for your first overnight until your luggage arrives.

Packing information applies to Europe travel