Before you are ready to get out of here and go to Europe you need to make sure you have everything!! While packing, check out my backpacking to Europe Checklist as a guideline to be sure you are ready to go with all that you need. Remember, these are the absolute essentials. There is no need to bring things that you will never use. 1. Passport; I can not stress this enough. You will not be able to go anywhere without it. It is your ultimate ticket to the world. 2. A copy of your passport taped on the inside of your backpack; in case you lose the original 3. Alarm Clock; are you a heavy sleeper? This will tell you to get up and explore! 4. Travel Lock; in case the security lockers in your hostel do not work you have a backup 5. Security Belt; keep your most valuable belongings in place and out of gypsy hands 6. Reservations; including hostels, air fare, train etc. 7. Flip Flops; you might want to shower with them on 8. Snacks for the long plane rides 9. Money; including credit cards and cash 10. Travel laundry detergent 11. A whistle; summon help if needed (pepper spray is illegal) 12. Keens 13. Marmot Backpack Now for the clothing.. If you are going in the summertime I would highly recommend; - 1 pair of pants - 1 pair of underwear for each day - 1 sweater/hoodie - 1 pair of stockings (girls) - 2 pairs of shorts - 2 tang tops or white beaters - 2 other styled shirts - 3 tee shirts - 3 bras (girls) - 6 pairs of socks - Toiletries; toothbrush, deodorant, retainer, shaver, shower gel, shampoo, lotion, place these in travel containers so you do not have to have to pay to get your bags checked If you are going in the Wintertime or Autumn; - the same as the above list except - no shorts - 3 pairs of pants - 4 long sleeve shirts - 2 tee shirts -2 warm jacket/ fleeces To summarize, make sure that you plan ahead. Common sense prevails here! Dress for the weather and be prepared for anything that might come up. This list is just more or less includes the essentials that you will need for a short to medium term trip to Europe. Make sure to adjust how much of an item to bring based on how long you are going to be traveling for. But more importantly, have lots of fun and meet some new people!