Vacationing in Europe is a dream come true for many Americans looking to explore off-the-beaten track destinations. If you’re planning a trip to locations like Deia, Llucmajor Beaches, Alcúdia’s Old Town, or The Hilltop Town and Monastery of Valldemossa in Mallorca, you can look forward to spending long hours exploring scenic mountain trails or relaxing in the beach soaking up the sun. Most travel guides will list all the supplies you must have along for a comfortable and memorable trip. But, the most essential are personal care items, including medicines and toiletries. Read ahead for some of the first things that should go into your bag.
Pack Two Day’s Worth of Supplies in Your Cabin Baggage
Airlines operate using a carefully streamlined system of sorting and packing baggage. But, there is always the possibility of your bags arriving a couple of days after you. For this reason, make sure to have at least two days worth of toiletries, medications, and other necessities with you. This step is especially important if you take prescriptions for managing health conditions.
Although medicines are available in European pharmacies, the brands and compositions may differ from the ones your medical practitioner has prescribed. Ensure good health all through your trip by packing an adequate supply. And don’t forget your vitamins. Backpackers hiking in remote locations might want to add a hemp roll-on pain reliever to their first-aid kits to prepare for the possibility of sprains and injuries.
Bringing Toiletries You Absolutely Need
If you’re unsure about the daily items you use, take a quick look at the bathroom sink, shower, tub, and dresser. Toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, razor, and nail clippers should go into your kit. You’ll also want to bring deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body lotions, moisturizers, and perhaps, contact lens solution. Invest in smaller bottles for the carry-on bag and preferably, pack unopened products to minimize the risk of leaks and spills. If you’re bringing opened bottles, pack in zip-locs. The lower air pressure at higher altitudes can make liquids expand and pop the caps.
Switch to Light-Weight Alternatives
Whether or not you’re going on a backpacking holiday, lowering baggage weight can be easily done by switching to lighter alternatives. Let’s start with chewing gum containing Xylitol. This product is great for cleaning your teeth without a toothbrush, toothpaste, water, and sink. Xylitol is an anti-bacterial compound that also works to control a running nose and sniffles.
You can also bring a jar of baking powder. This versatile kitchen staple makes an excellent cleansing agent. Sprinkle on your toothbrush for sparkling teeth. Or, dissolve a tablespoon in a little water for instant shampoo. Here’s another positive–relieve the itching and burning sensation from a bug bite by spreading a little baking soda mixed in water. Best of all, even if you run out of your favorite brands of toiletries, you can always find baking soda in any supermarket.
Other Essentials for Your Trip
Americans attracted enough ridicule during the pandemic for their obsession with toilet paper. But, bringing a supply on your vacation in Europe is no laughing matter. Also, pack in anti-septic ointments like Neosporin, antihistamines, band-aids, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen or an alternative. Having a small bottle of vinegar in your kit is also great for relieving an itchy scalp and soothing skin irritation. You can also use it as a substitute for deodorant, hair conditioner, and shaving cream.
When packing for your trip to Europe (or any other destination for that matter), make sure to have these essentials along. You’ll have a delightful trip.
