So you’ve booked that perfect villa or apartment, you’ve got your airline tickets to Europe, and there’s an empty suitcase sitting on your bed… Now what?
A thousand different items could go into that open bag– but don’t get bogged down in “what-ifs,” or you’ll end up lugging around the kitchen sink! Don’t procrastinate, either… Good packing can make the difference between a brisk walk to another terminal and a missed-plane disaster; between exploring all day and “sitting this one out” to nurse swollen blisters; between sleeping soundly and staying up all night to a symphony of barking dogs. So pack light– and smart! Here’s how.
Clothes: The secret is layers. I usually take a few light, short-sleeved shirts that can be washed in the sink, a few pairs of underwear, and two good pairs of pants. After that, pack one or two long-sleeved shirts that can be worn over the t-shirts, a sweater, a canvas hat, and a waterproof windbreaker with a hood. If you have clothes that layer well, topped off with the windbreaker, you won’t need a jacket. You’ll be...