Here’s a quick read of some after thoughts from the trip..

• Dress in Layers
• Stick with plain bottoms printed shirts
• Bring nylon undies to wash out nightly
• Wear old clothes – toss once done as it lightens the suitcase, more room for souvenirs
• Extra cloth bags that scrunch up to nothing. I have a bag which rolls into a ball with a rope on the end – a life saver as it also attaches to the fanny pack waist band.
• Pack plastic bags for food, etc..
• Pack a set of utensils
• Consider bringing energy bars, nuts, especially for kids – buy low sugar.
• Get cell service – if bringing kids check out tracking devices for your kids
• Credit cards – the EU uses these more than cash, have 2 cards store in different places
• Copy of passport in suitcase in case pick pocketed.
• Fanny packs are my go to for everything. Sometimes I wear 2 – also good for storage. I put all my souvenirs in the second one on the return trip, that way Delta didn’t get me for another $75.
• Back packs – keep them on the front of the body
• Learn a few phrases of the languages of the country visit
• Smile, use hand gestures
• Visit the tourism office in the airport.  Their maps are the best.
• 2 chargers for the cell phone and carry both with phone cords and wall outlets.  There are small items which work effectively. Check out Amazon and the ratings.
• Electrical converters – bring several types, read the ratings as stated above.
• On medicine – bring extra and always on your person.
• Wear extra clothing on the plane. Heavy socks, head gear if you are bald or have short hair, eye covers – as these are no longer given. Any effort to keep warm will help with sleep.
• Avoid using the airline baggage service, keep bag with you on the plane. TRAVEL LIGHT..
• Take pictures of parking spots, routes you take for a destination, e.g. metro route etc..
• Obtain minimal cash, only small bills.  Use ATMs for withdrawal in public, lighted spot.
• Some banks offer free ATM linkage services – check out your bank, worth an ask at the branch.
• Check out Rick Steeve’s web site – he offers much free advice. Auntie Google him.
• Don’t bring tourism books, and if you do photo the important pages or buy light weight ones.
• Sometimes you have to bring the essentials – I recall trying to find Epsom salts in China when having back issues.  No one knew what I was talking about. Find the smallest size of the product if possible to allay your concern. Often difficult to locate particular needs in a foreign country.
• Try to find elevators, escalators if you do have heavy bags.
• When approached for money keep eyes closed as it sleeping or pretend reading.
• Escorted trips may be pricey but worth it, gives you a break if a self-guided traveler.  Find the location the night before, or have extensive directions, and leave EARLY the morning of. Use the location bathroom before the trip as tour buses are now discouraging or not allowing bathroom usage.
• Always tie a sweat shirt around your waist – warm to cold occurs quickly.  Museums can be cold as can buses, trains. Don’t get sick when away. Believe me I know – it’s a horror show.
• Extra pairs of sunglasses – I always bring 3. Check out the fold up kind – save space. Buy cheapies as sunglasses break or are easily lost. Hang them on your body in the neck of your shirt or in your hair.
• Consider bringing a hat for sun glare – another fold up item.
• Some museums still require a scheduled visit.  Make the reservation.
• READ THE FINE PRINT.  I ordered an EV rental car in error.  Full charge 4 hours and areas for charging limited.   Glad the rep notified me and was able to obtain a gas powered one.
• If ordering a car, check for an English manual, get the phone number of the rental office, make sure you get instructions on the GPS system, and for a standard car operate the gears prior to departure.  Bring a paper map for back up. Sorry, Generation Z.
• Ask the locals, they are helpful, and if they are not, ask another.  You are bound to find someone who will help you.

Have fun and Good luck!