Italy gets more intense and robust the farther south one goes. Naples and the towns in and around its’ Bay are a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and culinary delights. In this Travel Talk Tuesday episode, David shares his favorite destinations in the area. Learn about the islands of Ischia and Capri. Plus, David shares his recipe for Pizza Margarita.
BTW, we dug into the pizza before taking a photo, but here is half of it.
There are many more of my Travel Talk Tuesday episodes in the archives. If you are looking for more information, videos, or advice about European travel, check here https://davidmcguffin.com/ttt
You’ve seen it in countless advertisements for the Prudential Insurance Company, The Rock of Gibraltar juts out of the flat and arid landscape of southern Spain like a hump on a camel’s back. In this episode, learn about the UK-controlled hunk of rock perched between Europe and Africa. I’ll also introduce you to my favorite Andalusian hilltown, Arcos de la Frontera, and the Balcony of Europe in Nerja.
There are many more of my Travel Talk Tuesday episodes in the archives. If you are looking for more information, videos, or advice about European travel, check here https://davidmcguffin.com/ttt
David returns from 8-weeks on the road leading tours in Europe. In this episode, David shares a few Greek cooking recipes and talks about his Best of Greece tour destinations.
There are many more of my Travel Talk Tuesday episodes in the archives. If you are looking for more information, videos, or advice about European travel, check here https://davidmcguffin.com/ttt
Updated: September 2022 – by David & Charlotte McGuffin, Dawnielle Jacobson, Audra Dupuis and Natalie Kelly
Packing can sometimes be the worst part of a trip: spending too much time deciding what to take and then regretting bringing too much. Here are some packing tips, travel “hacks” and a few suggested packing lists to help you pack quickly and efficiently and get on with enjoying your trip.
My number one tip
Pack light! I usually travel with one carry-on suitcase (9x14x20) and a small backpack (This may seem impossible, but all you have to do is follow the tips in this blog). On my group tours, everyone has to lug their bag around, over uneven cobblestone streets, and up several flights of stairs. Don’t make yourself miserable by bringing an oversized bag. As a bonus, bringing a carry-on means you can be sure that your bag will show up at your final destination. If your checked bag doesn’t make it on the plane, it may take several days for your bag to catch up with you, especially if you are on tour. Check with your airline for carry-on size restrictions and measure the bag yourself (wheels included).
If you’re worried about having room for souvenirs, consider packing a duffle or foldable bag in your suitcase to check on the way home.
What type of clothing to pack for Europe
Bring comfortable clothing. There is no need to buy a new travel wardrobe. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes that are travel tested.
Pack items that can be layered for the varied climates. Sweaters or a light jacket should suffice, except for winter travel. Jeans, pants, and skirts are fine. In recent years, Europeans living south of the Alps and in hot climates wear shorts much more often.
Years ago, I’d suggest no shorts, but that has changed. I wear shorts in Greece, Spain, Italy, and at the seaside. In the summer, I pack one pair of shorts that can do double duty for jogging/exercise and swimming and one pair of very lightweight cargo shorts. I also bring a pair of jeans and a two pair pair of lightweight slacks.
Bring shirts and blouses that can be mixed and matched so you can make multiple outfits out of a few staple items. For an extended stay, you can also wash items in your bathroom sink or go to a laundromat if needed.
Most European churches require respectful dress; knees and shoulders must be covered. Make sure you plan for those days or bring a scarf or shawl to cover your arms.
Making it fit
Pick out your clothes, shoes, and accessories for the trip. Then put a third of it back. Most people are over-packers. Put back the shoes that look nice but are not warm or comfy. Put back that “just in case” outfit. All makeup should fit in one little sandwich baggie. Pick your favorite makeup look and only pack the stuff for that.
Most hotels have a hair dryer, but they usually are less powerful than what we are accustomed to at home, so you might consider bringing a small travel-sized blow dryer. Do yourself a favor and go out and purchase an inexpensive dual voltage (120/240 VAC) blow dryer from Target or Walmart. These usually sell for less than $20. A bonus is you’ll not need a voltage converter to use it, just a wall socket adapter.
Plan to wear the bulkiest items on the plane. Wear your biggest pair of shoes, your thickest scarf, maybe a sweater, and your coat. You can remove these items as soon as you board, but this will free up space in your bag.
Roll your clothes. This is a big space saver. If you are pressed for space, you can put your clothes in gallon Ziploc bags and push the air out as you seal them. Consider filling bags by outfit so your luggage is well organized and you don’t have to search for things.
Fill your shoes (and bras) with socks and underwear to use every available space.
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Give yourself time to make sure it all fits and that your bag won’t be too heavy for you.
A few more packing tips
Put dryer bounce sheets in between your clothes to keep them smelling fresh
Pack the heaviest items in the bottom of your suitcase (by the wheels) so that it is easy to roll
Use a contact case to store liquid makeup, like foundation.
Keep powder makeup from breaking by putting a cotton ball or pad in the compact
Use a pill case to separate jewelry
Put your shoes in a shower cap or plastic grocery bag to contain any dirt
Roll up your belt and put it in the collar of a dress shirt to keep the collar stiff
Use an old glasses case to store your chargers and/or headphones so they don’t get tangled.
To prevent liquids from spilling, unscrew the lid, cover with a small piece of plastic wrap and then screw the lid back on
Use a large binder clip to cover your razor, or bring a few disposable razors.
Store cotton swabs in an old medicine bottle.
Winter travel tips
If you are traveling in the winter, make sure you are prepared for the “worst” weather. You will probably encounter snow and ice. The sun reflects off the snow, so don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. Bring warm socks and shoes and clothing you can layer. Wear your heavy winter coat on the plane and stow it in the overhead bin. This will save a lot of space in your suitcase.
Charlotte and I use the following packing lists for winter travel:
Charlotte’s Winter Packing List
One Heavy Winter Coat – hip length or longer;
Gloves;
Earmuffs;
Several scarves for fashion and warmth;
At least one hat;
Small travel umbrella;
Boots/shoes that are comfortable, well broken-in, and travel-tested;
Thermal socks;
Five pairs of pants and/or jeans;
Long-sleeved fashion tee shirts;
Sweaters and Turtleneck shirts;
“Cuddle-duds” (long underwear) from JC Penney;
Underwear and bras for the trip’s duration.
David’s Winter Packing List
Hip-length wool pea coat;
Gloves;
Earmuffs;
Several scarves for fashion and warmth;
At least one hat;
Small travel umbrella;
One pair waterproof Gortex boots that are comfortable, well broken-in, and travel-tested;
three pairs of light-weight, moisture-wicking socks;
two pairs of pants and/or jeans;
Four moisture-wicking long-sleeved tee shirts;
Four long-sleeved cotton button-down shirts;
Two lightweight cashmere sweaters;
Underwear for the trip’s duration;
One pair of lightweight silk “long-johns.”
Packing List
Here are some additional packing suggestions, which can be adjusted based on the time of year.
The Essentials
Passport (valid at least six months beyond the end of your tour)
Debit/Credit cards (inform providers of your travel dates)
Insurance cards (just in case)
Driver’s license (as an extra ID)
Photocopies of the above (in case they are lost or stolen)
Foldable duffle/Tote bag (if you plan to buy many souvenirs)
Summary
With this information, I hope you are ready to grab that suitcase and start packing. Remember to pack light, bring appropriate attire for the location and the weather, don’t bring too much, and use your space efficiently. I hope you find my packing lists useful.
The Musée du Louvre is the world’s largest and oldest museum. It houses famous works of art such as The Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and countless world-famous paintings dating up to the mid-1800s. It is overwhelming, crowded, and impossible to see everything in one visit. Over the years, I’ve developed a route visiting what I deem to be the “best of the best” the Louvre has to offer. Tonight, I’ll share this route and the works of art along the way. Also, I’ll include a new audio-guided walking tour, available for download, and a printed companion to the art.
There are many more of my Travel Talk Tuesday episodes in the archives. If you are looking for more information, videos, or advice about European travel, check here https://davidmcguffin.com/ttt
I’ve visited the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland many times, but I’ve never gone to the “Top of Europe” until my last trip. The Jungfrau (Mountain) soars high above the valley and surrounding peaks. The Jungfraujoch (mountain pass, literally yolk)) sits at 3454 meters (11,332 feet), capped with an observatory, restaurants, gift shops, and exhibits. Outdoors, it is cold, and snow and ice are guaranteed 365 days a year. The Aletsch Glacier flows peacefully down its southern slope towards Italy.
There are many more of my Travel Talk Tuesday episodes in the archives. If you are looking for more information, videos, or advice about European travel, check here https://davidmcguffin.com/ttt
