What not to bring

There are always things that you wish you hadn’t taken - usually too late, when you’re schlepping up to the eighth floor of your pension. Rather than having to go through the agonies of offloading stuff halfway through your trip, here are some pointers about what you really might not need.

Too much paper

Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve found this a perennial problem. Those glossy brochures that I mentioned earlier are also given out by tourist offices in many of the countries you will visit, and are just as hard to part with. As before, copy any relevant information into a notebook, and then return the brochure or leave it at a hostel for others to read.

If you should minimize brochures, you should ultra-minimize books. The paper in books is magically transformed into lead when enclosed in a backpack and hoisted to your shoulders. One guidebook per person (preferably different books if in a group), then maybe one book more. If you want to bring something to read in spare moments, bring cheap paperbacks that you can trade or give away.

Pictures from Home

These are good to show to new friends, especially those whose ideas about America may have come from episodes of Dallas, Dynasty, or Baywatch; Canadians might want to consider bringing some postcards of Toronto, for those expecting to see whale meat roasting in front of an igloo. South Africans can amaze those Europeans expecting elephants in Cape Town, and for those Down Under here’s your chance to show the world your country is not just kangaroos, koalas, kiwis, and sheep.

Lou’s Travel Key Chain

My own invention, tried and tested. The idea is that the best equipment is the stuff you have with you when you need it - everything else is worthless at that time. So, the key chain includes a micro Swiss Army knife, a tiny flashlight, a bottle opener, an army surplus mini can opener, and a small spoon. Truly pocket-sized and incredibly useful. I carry one everywhere, and I’d patent it if I could.

Bug Repellent

If you’re visiting rural Scotland (midges) or the countryside in Holland or Scandinavia (saber-toothed mosquitoes), you absolutely must have some sort of bug repellent; and it’s handy to have when camping out or walking about in the countryside of any country. When buying this stuff, check the label for the amount of active ingredients: anything under about 25 percent will be ineffective. Creams and liquids such as Cutter or Jungle Juice are better than sprays. Be very careful with some of the more potent liquids (Jungle Juice, for example): they can melt plastics and ruin cameras, packs, ^d other things they leak onto. For camping trips to Scotland andTent

A tent is obviously essential for campers, but unnecessary for hostelers. A tent weighs so much and takes up so much space that it is difficult to combine hostels and camping without cursing the damn tent every time you sleep in a hostel. If you are getting around in a car, on the other hand, a tent is a very nice thing to have with you, just in case. For campers, unless you are planning a serious back-country European trip, you probably won’t need the same equipment you would in the mountains of the States or Canada.. Your biggest problem will be rain, not cold, and a rain fly is essential, especially in Britain or Scandinavia - at any time of year. Also, remember that you will be spending a much longer time living in your tent than on a typical camping trip. A small tent for two or three people can be very unpleasant. Go for a larger volume than is absolutely necessary. If you have the option, bring a freestanding tent and leave the stakes and guy lines at home. Campgrounds can get crowded, and also those little bits and pieces can get lost very easily. For more information on tents, see the book by Harvey Manning mentioned on p.44.

Personal Stereo

Only you know whether a personal stereo is essential for you. If it is, be careful where you use it - people wearing headphones are generally less aware of their surroundings, and thieves know this. The right music, though, can be a sure cure for homesickness.

Whistle

A whistle is essential for long-distance walkers and campers who head off the beaten track. Also not a bad idea for single women, as part of a key chain or on a necklace, just in case.

Calculator

Some sort of calculator is useful mainly for quick currency conversions. It doesn’t have to be anything special: the smaller and cheaper the better.

Deck of cards

Cards are a great conversation-starter and time-passer on long train rides, rainy days, quiet nights, or when you just can’t face another museum.

Compass

Absolutely essential for long-distance walkers, a compass is also surprisingly useful in large cities. Unless you have a gyroscope in your head, it is very easy to come out of a subway station disoriented, or to set lost in the maze of streets found in some old cities. A quick glance at your magic compass solves this problem, and will greatly impress your fellow travelers. Get one with a little mirror and a case, for both the protective case and the cute little mirror.

Sleeping pad

Campers should bring a thick sleeping pad, as much for insulation as for padding. A self-inflating type will be welcome in the mountains or in cold areas. If your pad of choice inflates in any way, bring a patch kit.

Stove

The “Gaz” butane/propane stove is the king of the European campgrounds, and its little blue cylinders can be purchased all over Europe. If you have one of these stoves, remember that the airlines will go berserk if you put one of those little propane bomblets in your luggage. The same thing goes for the bottle of gas for liquid stoves. Open fires are prohibited in most, if not all, European campgrounds, so if you’re camping, you’ll definitely need a stove. Note that stoves are for campers only; you won’t need one if hosteling.

Tent

A tent is obviously essential for campers, but unnecessary for hostelers. A tent weighs so much and takes up so much space that it is difficult to combine hostels and camping without cursing the damn tent every time you sleep in a hostel. If you are getting around in a car, on the other hand, a tent is a very nice thing to have with you, just in case. For campers, unless you are planning a serious back-country European trip, you probably won’t need the same equipment you would in the mountains of the States or Canada.. Your biggest problem will be rain, not cold, and a rain fly is essential, especially in Britain or Scandinavia - at any time of year. Also, remember that you will be spending a much longer time living in your tent than on a typical camping trip.

A small tent for two or three people can be very unpleasant. Go for a larger volume than is absolutely necessary. If you have the option, bring a freestanding tent and leave the stakes and guy lines at home. Campgrounds can get crowded, and also those little bits and pieces can get lost very easily. For more information on tents, see the book by Harvey Manning mentioned on p.44.

Cooking gear

Some sort of cooking gear can be useful, and not just for campers. Many hostels have fully stocked kitchens, however, so go very light on what you bring. One small mess kit for two people should be fine. Some plastic utensils will also come in handy - I recommend bringing at least a spoon. Cooking is work, but you’ll probably eat better, and definitely eat cheaper, cooking for yourself.

Washing liquid, clothes pins, a line

Washing liquid is a necessary evil, since you’ll need to wash things fairly regularly. Buy it in Europe. A few clothes pins are also useful,as is a solid piece of line about twenty feet long that can used for other things. I guarantee you will find other uses for it.

Sleeping bag

Obviously, a sleeping bag is mandatory if you are camping, and nice to have if sleeping indoors in rural areas and cool climates, as central heating has not made it to much of Europe’s countryside. A sleeping bag is only necessary if you will be spending time in the mountains, Northern Europe/Scandinavia, or other cold areas. For the big cities and for Southern Europe in the summer, a sleeping bag is not needed. Don’t forget your sleep sack - many hostels will not allow you to use sleeping bags instead of sleep sacks on beds.