When packing for a trip to Eastern Europe it's important to keep two things in mind: the weather and European culture. Those brightly-colored sneakers and short-shorts may be all the rage in your hometown, but in Europe, they might contribute to you standing out in a negative way.
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Women's Clothing for Summer in Eastern Europe
During hot summer months in Eastern Europe, light dresses and skirts are common outfits for Eastern European women, paired withsandals or heels for footwear. As a traveler, plan to wear comfortable, light clothing that you can layer for cooler days. Slacks and jeans are good, too. Include a couple of nicer outfits even if you don't plan on dining out at special restaurants or attending concerts. You might get some unexpected use out of them. In any case, you won't look out of place if you have to wear something a bit dressier for a day of sightseeing or museum hopping.
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Men's Clothing for Summer in Eastern Europe
Despite the heat in the summer, men in Eastern Europe wear shorts less often than do men from the United States. Instead they'll wear slacks and summer shirts with summer footwear—but usually not sneakers. Pack similar items if you want to fit in, but do note that shorts are acceptable if you do want to stay cool (they'll just label you as a tourist). And if you go hiking? Pants are always better, even when it's hot. One word: mosquitos.
Eastern Europeans generally don't wear sneakers or running shoes as a part of their everyday wardrobes. Comfortable walking shoes are much less likely to signify that you are a Westerner. If you don't own a pair of these, make sure you test and break in a pair before you travel.
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What Not to Wear When You Travel to Eastern Europe
Generally speaking, sneakers, shorts, and to a lesser extent, the typical "jeans and t-shirt" outfit, will make you easily identifiable as a traveler from the United States. The stereotypical tourist's backpack is also a visual clue. Messenger-type bags for men and shoulder bags for women are more in keeping with Eastern European style sense. In addition, you can keep an eye on their contents more easily than you can the contents of a backpack.
Continue to 5 of 8 below.
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Clothing for Sightseeing Trips to Cathedrals
Summer travel in Eastern European countries where Eastern Orthodoxy is practiced will mean visiting cathedrals open for public view. Both men and women should have their legs and arms covered (short sleeves are okay), and women should have their hair covered. Men will invariably be asked to take off their hats when applicable.
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Minimizing Your Summer Wardrobe for Eastern Europe Travel
Summer travel in Eastern Europe means that you'll be able to pack more clothing than you would if traveling during cooler seasons. However, you should still pack items easily discarded if you need more room on your return trip—you might end up shopping quite a bit. In addition, try to pack outfits that are interchangeable with each other. Eastern Europeansgenerally don't maintain vast wardrobes, and it's okay to be seen in the same outfit more than once in succession.
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Hiking Clothes for Summer Travel to Eastern Europe
If you venture at all outside the city, you'll no doubt encounter great hiking opportunities. Eastern Europeans take their hiking seriously—what they consider a little stroll might be much more than you expect. Make sure that you wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen, bug repellent, and cotton clothing that is comfortable and breathable.
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Best Packing Practices
Given that you might be lugging your suitcase over cobblestones, then up several flights of stairs (many older buildings don't have elevators), pack light! Get organized with packing cubes, and carry as few bags as possible. But don't forget to pack a range of essentials: for instance, an umbrella or disposable poncho. Summer storms are typical and can catch you off-guard when you're sightseeing. The poncho option will scream "tourist," but it will keep you from walking around in wet clothing after a downpour.
Also consider packing a scarf or a light sweater—even though it's typically hot in the summer, it's not uncommon to have a cool day here or there. And finally, pack some materials like bubble wrap or tissue paper in case you need to wrap any fragile souvenirs.
Think t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, shorts, trousers, jeans, sweaters, and a rain jacket. If you're travelling in summer, you'll need more lighter clothing like skirts, dresses and shorts, and if you're travelling in winter you'll need to rug up with thermals, jeans, woollen sweaters, scarves, beanies and gloves.
Include a pair of dark blue or black jeans and a pair of pants that are made from a lighter fabric, like cotton or linen; the breathability will keep you cool. Vests, tank tops and t-shirts are great to wear with your jeans or a pair of shorts.
Essentials – travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, razor & deodorant. Pack liquids in sealable plastic baggies to avoid leaks. Stain Removing Wipes – travel-sized wipes or a stain removing pen for getting rid of spots. Washcloth – many European hotels do not provide washcloths.
If you're doing a capsule wardrobe, you can't go wrong with natural fibers. We mentioned linen pants earlier, but cotton and linen tops and dresses are also great choices. Natural fibers pack well and clean up easily, and will keep you cool during the day.
A complete set of dishes might be well-received by someone setting up a new home. Other items to look for include handmade goods you are likely to encounter throughout eastern Europe, such as silk-screened or batik scarves, silver jewelry, paintings, linens, ceramics and lace.
So, how much money do you really need for 3 weeks in Europe? While it varies depending on your travel style and destination, a budget of around $2,000 - $5,000 USD should cover your expenses. Of course, this is just a rough estimate - the more you can save, the better!
Think t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, shorts, trousers, jeans, sweaters, and a rain jacket. If you're travelling in summer, you'll need more lighter clothing like skirts, dresses and shorts, and if you're travelling in winter you'll need to rug up with thermals, jeans, woollen sweaters, scarves, beanies and gloves.
First, don't dress like a tourist. Wearing a fanny pack, a backpack, or clothing that references America, are prime examples of what not to wear while traveling in Europe. To not stand out as a tourist, wear what the locals wear--- neutral colors, scarves, and layers.
You won't look out of place by wearing color but it's easier to stick with darker colors because it hides stains and wrinkles better than brighter colors. And darker colors are easier to match so it makes packing light easier.
Such articles would include: gases and sprays such as pepper sprays; sharp objects such as knives or razor blades; drills or saws; baseball bats or clubs.
Liquids carried in the aircraft cabin such as aerosols, drinks, toothpaste, cosmetic creams or gels must be carried in a transparent plastic bag - maximum capacity 1 litre - and no container may hold more than 100 ml. Liquid containers larger than 100 ml must be placed in checked baggage.
To give a very simplified overview, my Europe packing list included: 7 dresses, 2 pairs of jeans, 8 tops (a mix of long sleeves, short sleeves, and tanks), and 3 pairs of shoes. I did wear a couple of things twice, but I think that is better than overpacking and lugging too much stuff with me.
You will probably pay the most if you fly to Europe during the summer when everybody else wants to go. You can find cheaper rates by flying during the winter (except for December) and by having flexible dates.
Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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