PACKING - Europe On a Budget - page 37

Jeans. In my opinion, a pair of well-fitting dark jeans are the best pants for traveling in
Europe. Dark jeans match everything, they're comfortable, and they're easy to dress up for a
night out. Plus, denim is extremely durable and they can be worn for weeks at a time without
needing to be washed.
Some hardcore travelers don't wear jeans because they are fairly heavy and take forever to
dry. While it's true, I still think the benefits of jeans heavily outweigh the disadvantages.
Chinos. A pair of well-fitting neutral/dark color chinos is a good option that can be either
casual or dressy.
Shorts. In general, men in Europe don't wear shorts, but it is becoming more common-
place. If you choose to bring shorts, stay away from the baggy cargo shorts and choose a more
fitted style. You may want a pair of lightweight athletic shorts for wearing around the hostel
but wearing them in public will single you out as a tourist.
Swimwear. If you go to the beach then you'll need something to wear. A pair of athletic
shorts can always double for a swimsuit.
Socks
The one thing you shouldn't skimp on is the comfort of your feet. Ask any experienced traveler
and they'll tell you the importance of quality socks. I know, socks aren't exactly exciting but
they truly do make a difference in your comfort.
The best socks are made from fine merino wool and its benefits are numerous. Many of
you probably have bad memories of itchy wool, but quality merino wool is soft and comfort-
able. In addition to adding extra cushioning, wool naturally wicks moisture away from your
skin—which keeps your feet dry and blister free. Wool is also naturally odor resistant, so you'll
be able to wear a pair of socks a few times before having to wash them (I alternate pairs each
day so I don't wear one pair two days in a row). Lightweight wool will air-dry fairly quickly,
but heavyweight wool will take a bit longer. And wool isn't just for winter. Lightweight wool
is great during the summer and it will actually help keep your feet cool and dry. The major
downside is the price, but my socks have lasted a few years—so think of it as an investment.
If you want to save a little money, there is also the option of synthetic (nylon, spandex, poly-
ester, polypropylene, acrylic, etc.) socks. Synthetic materials have many of the same benefits
as wool, but they don't perform quite as well. Synthetic will probably dry quicker than wool,
but the material does have a nasty reputation of smelling. Some companies treat the fabric
with an antibacterial coating, but it still doesn't perform as well as wool.
The one fabric you want to avoid is cotton. While it is the cheapest option, it is also the
worst. Unlike wool and synthetic material that wick moisture away from your skin, cotton
absorbs moisture and traps it against your skin. This will cause your feet to be chilly and