INTRODUCTION - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 26

the insurance agency that writes your homeowner's policy. Ask the same question
they ask in those television commercials: “Am I covered?” You may need additional
coverage during your absence. One final caution: Don't announce your forthcom-
ing vacation plans in the newspapers, or on any social media site. You may trust
all of your online friends, but do you trust all of their friends, who may also be able
to see your information? Thieves can read, too. Save the social column, and the
posting of pictures for your friends to be jealous of, for your return.
What to Take?
Half the clothes and twice the money! Obviously, the practical answer to this ques-
tion is, “As little as possible.” We usually tend to pack everything we might con-
ceivably use during a vacation, lug it everywhere, use it very little, and return home
with longer arms. In these days of wash-and-wear fabrics (and deodorants), such
an approach is not necessary. A good recommendation is to take one medium-
sizesuitcasewithwheels and a shoulder bag or two small bags. Hold to this rule,
and you will have a more comfortable trip. Regardless of how comfortably warm
you expect the weather to be at your destination, pack a sweater. Brief cold spells
in Europe are not uncommon. Stow a small pocket flashlight in your shoulder bag
together with a collapsible umbrella or rain hat in the “unlikely event” that you may
need them.
Bring a washcloth if you normally use one, since they generally are not found
in European hotels. Take an electrical converter and adapter plugs for your
electrical appliances, such as electrical razors and hair dryers. Travel-size, dual-
voltage hair dryers are more convenient—you only need to switch the voltage to
the European 220 and add the appropriate adapter plug.
If you must take expensive jewelry with you (which we do not recommend), take
a copy of its insurance appraisal as proof of purchase to customs officials upon
your return. The same for watches produced by foreign manufacturers. You may
have bought that solid-gold Rolex in a St. Louis pawnshop for a song, but the cus-
toms inspector could have you singing a different tune if you can't come up with the
paperwork! Also bring proof of purchase on any expensive items you are travel-
ing with, such as your laptop computer or video camera.
If you wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, take a copy of the eye-
glass or contact lenses prescription with you. The same applies for prescrip-
tion medications. Even if you use only over-the-counter drug products, we sug-
gest taking an adequate supply of the item in its original container. Many such
products are not available in Europe or are sold under a different label or pack-
aging.