Backpacking Tips     

What Not to Bring Backpacking in Europe

While everyone is telling you that there are essential things you must take with on a backpacking trip they seem to forget to tell you that not everything can come with you. As you are preparing to leave on your trip you have everything laid out across your bed and you know that it will not all fit in the backpack. Looking at your belongings you wonder what could you possibly leave behind?  You are certain that everything you have is essential. But you know that some things must be put back on the shelves or in your drawers.

What should you start putting back?  To begin with do not take with your guidebooks. These are incredibly bulky and very heavy. They simply take up way too much space. The best thing to do is photocopy what you need out of them and take with those pieces of lightweight paper that will not take up much room. This way you have the travel information that you need without the weight.

There is no reason to take your hair dryer with you. There are two reasons for this. First it is far too bulky and will take space away from things you actually need when traveling.  Even the ones that can fold up are still too big. The second reason is that if you are backpacking across Europe the plugs will not be the same and you would have to travel with several adapters as well.  Therefore this item is best left at home.

Even if you are an avid reader you shouldn't take more than one paperback book with you. Make it one you will not mind not bringing back. Backpackers will trade paperbacks with other backpackers they meet while traveling. This helps everyone get fresh reading material.

Do not take anything with you, even in your backpack, which holds a great sentimental value. Likewise do not wear any expensive or valuable jewelry. You do not want to take a chance on losing anything special or having any thing stolen. Unfortunately theft is one thing you will have to be aware of.

Cell phones are a question. Many phones from North America are not compatible with European SIM cards. If yours is not, leave it at home and buy a used one in Europe. The phone will be able to take a SIM card from other countries. If you do not feel the need to have a phone on your backpacking trip then that's all right as well. Not everyone does. It depends on how important it is for you to stay in touch with those back home.

Do not take anything with that you would not normally use. They may sound silly but if you do not need it normally why would you need it when you are traveling. Bring with clothes that you know fit you and are comfortable. Stay away from whites. Based on how you will be doing your laundry, all together, it won't stay white.