You have to choose what kind of luggage you will carry.

- The backpack is the king for long travels. You have to travel a lot, walk a lot and you need to move comfortably across train and bus stations, hostels and streets. It is the best option for your body as it distributes the weight over the strongest parts of your body. It is light, comfortable and hand free. The main problem are the airports. If you have to take a plane with it you should take some precautions because the probabilities of take it broken on arrival are high.

- The suitcase is hard and depending on the size you could introduce more things. Although many of them have wheels they are much more uncomfortable to be moved. They are valuable for a travelling involving airports and taxis or buses that leave you in your hotels. You can take the smallest ones without checking in them in many flights.

- The bag is a mix of properties, lighter and cheaper than a suitcase. It is used for both type of travel, as it is very versatile and can substitute both the backpack or the suitcase. In comparison with the backpack the bag is worse for the back. If we compare with a suitcase the bag is much weaker and can be broken in a flight. On the other hand it is easier to move with a bag than with a suitcase.

In this section we are going to focus on the backpack, as the other two don´t have many mysteries. However the next tips and the luggage list is useful for anyone.

Your backpack should be comfortable enough to allow you to carry at least 9-14 kg. Your backpack should be proportional to body size, but limiting to the range to 50-80 Litre. Ask the sales person which range of sizes are convenient for you. If you are strong you can take the highest sizes of your allowed range. Biggest sizes have the advantage to be able to put more things in or to have this room available for other things (food, souvenirs, etc.).

Try out as many different styles as you can before you make your decision. Look at the different compartments as it is very useful to have several to keep things organized. The last thing to consider in your decision is if the backpack is beautiful or not.

The most expensive backpacks are for professionals, mountaineers, etc. Generally a moderate price (60-120 € or 100-180 $) is enough and will suit your purpose just as well as the expensive ones. If you find cheaper prices don´t trust much as probably they are more uncomfortable to wear and broke much easily.

This section is focused for those who have more difficult to decide what to take and who travel for long periods of time, generally backpackers. But go on reading if you don´t belong to this group, as you will see some ideas that you could take advantage of.

There is a thought that everyone repeats but that fixes very well here: pack only what you're sure you will need.and then keep half of that at home. You have to be conscious that you don´t need a different clothing each day, so you will have to do your laundry if you don´t want to punish yourself with a really heavy backpack. Take into account that you will walk a lot till hostels, train stations or visiting a city with no time to leave the luggage anywhere. Remember that if you run out of something you can buy it.

As the destinations offered in Europe are all very diverse, you should pack adapted items to your chosen zones. Take time to research the weather in the countries you will be visiting. Get an idea of what sort of weather to expect but remember that it varies much from day to night and between different places. Be conscious of the season in which you are travelling. People backpacking in the spring and autumn should be prepared for both warm and cool weather. Although you go during summer, you should have something for cold or rainy weather, especially when you travel to Northern Europe .

Coordinate your packing list with your itinerary. It is not the same if you are going to go over coasts and beaches than cities, or if you will go out at nights, or to nice restaurants, to hike, etc. Think about where you're going and what you'll be doing, so you can dress appropriately.

You will want to bring a few more personal things. Don't pack too much before you set off because you will no doubt accumulate souvenirs during your trip.

To organize your belongings is essential, because you will find what you want without putting everything in a mess. By filling all the compartments of you backpack you don't need to empty every single item out of your bag to find any thing. You really save on space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them, and you can easily organize items by packing them in plastic or zip lock bags. Additionally, think about what you'll need most often near the top.

When two or more travel together, many of the packing list items can be divided in order to avoid replicating them.

If after reading this you still go on thinking that it is better to carry a lot of things, you can fill your backpack and walk for half an hour through your city. Probably at your return you will start to take things out.

And don't forget, when traveling, comfort's the last thing you want to skimp on.

Below are items every traveler, especially those planning to backpack, will need. They are grouped in: indispensable, highly recommended and optional.

Day pack

A day pack (a small school backpack) is almost as essential as the backpack. You will use it for several purposes:
- Generally people wear the smaller day pack on their front when carrying the larger main backpack on their back. They reduce the weight of the backpack, they put into the daypack the items which can´t be carried in the crammed backpack, or they keep the most important items there.
- At airports you can take with you the daypack filled with the essential items you want to keep with you if your backpack has to be checked in.
- It is indispensable when you take day trips. There are many things that you will carry daily, as water bottles, cellular phones, guidebooks and maps, food, cameras, sweaters, pens, etc. And many things, papers and brochures you will take.

If your don't come with one you should bring at least another small bag to store your every day essentials.

Documents and valuables

Cash.
Credit card.
Passport or Identity Card.
Driving License.
Plane tickets, train tickets, bus tickets, Eurail or Interrail pass...
E111 or another insurance.
International Student Card, Hosteling International Membership Card, Youth Card.

Security pouch and belt

It is the better way to carry cash and valuables. It you want to know more about the security pouch have a look to the security section. If the pouch need to be linked to a belt, don´t forget a belt.

Shoes

Good shoes are another priority. One hard decision is about taking one or two pair of shoes. The first and more important pair of shoes have to be comfortable and practical, this is the main property, as their purpose is to walk. Don´t use a new pair of shoes for that, this is one of the worst ideas. You might suffer a lot, with many blisters and feet destroyed. If you are planning to carry only one pair of shoes, choose some that look decent and can be worn in many scenarios, for example at night in a town. Many restaurants and clubs don´t allow tennis shoes or sandals. For that reason we don´t recommend to bring tennis shoes or sandals, especially as the only option.
If you decide to bring a second pair of shoes you could choose a pair of sandals, to use if weather is hot and if the main pair of shoes is appropriate to walk in the evening or night through a city.
As another option for a second pair, if your main pair is not very decent for all scenarios or if you plan to walk a lot through cities, restaurants or clubs, you can take more elegant shoes.
If you plan to do any hiking or adventure walking, a hiking boot or sport sandal will serve you better, again being comfortable and not new.
Shoes one of the most difficult items to pack, given their typical weight and bulk. It is usually best to pack a pair of shoes tightly together, soles out, with the heels at opposite ends. Don't neglect the spaces inside your packed shoes for fragile items or anything else.

Clothes

It depends completely on the places you will visit and the weather.

Choose dark or neutral colours for clothing, so any dirt acquired won't be too apparent. Select a few versatile separates that you can mix and match. Stick with one or two colour schemes if you worry about that.

Take clothes you can easily wash. Take light clothes if you can choose.

Cool weather clothing: we suggest to carry always a sweater . If the weather is supposed to be hot you will find some rainy or cool days, specially during night. Forget about a bulky jacket, because layering clothes is effective as well.

If you are traveling in the off-season or to Scandinavian and Baltic countries you should carry two sweaters at least, and you can put both if it is too cold. If you are going really far to the north or to cold places, you will have to take a coat, but it will occupy a lot of space in your luggage.

A couple of light weight trousers would be good, and if possible one of them elegant enough for town life and going out (for example jeans). One of the most useful trousers are those that have zippers to separate the down part of the leg, converting it into a short. You carry two clothes in one, and it is very nice for weather changing.

For women, dresses are not necessary, but again is your decision.

You should carry several t-shirts, as they are very versatile, light and comfortable. If they dry fast is better for doing the laundry. Cotton is good. 5-8 is an adequate number, depending on your preferences (more weight or more often laundry). Some of them could have long sleeves if you foresee cool weather. If you are a woman you can carry some tops instead of t-shirts.

A shirt or two to go out at night with something elegant is a good choice.

Shorts or skirts are useful in summer or in off-season at South Europe . One is enough, specially if you bring zippered trousers.

If you plan to go to the seaside, swimming pool or to sunny places (South Europe specially), don't forget the swimsuit, and a hat.

As underwear and socks is concerned we suggest to carry many of them, as they take little space and if you carry many it would give you freedom to choose when you want to do your laundry. Maybe you think that it is too much, but 7-10 socks and underwears could avoid you to depend always on your laundry.

Don´t forget a pyjama or sleeping clothes prepared for the weather you will find.

There are different articles to pack and organize clothes as packing cubes and packing folders. They allow you to find what you are looking for without taking everything out of your bag and to optimize your space. These items are up to you, many people can live without them.

Toiletries

You should bring a travel toiletry organizer . The most adequate is a small toiletry bag, but there are other bags that could serve.

Simplify the toiletries and don´t overload your pack with many hygiene products. You can always buy more basics as you travel. Carry a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, small under arm deodorant, fingernail clipper, gel and shampoo (if you want a conditioner, better a shampoo-conditioner in one), ear sticks, many Kleenex and sun lotion (if going to beach or sunny places). If you are a woman don´t forget your menstrual supplies. If you are a man take your saving items or the shaving machine.

We suggest to have always some Kleenex or toilet paper with you. You will find in many occasions that there is no paper in trains, hostels or public toilets.

There are other additional things that are not strictly necessary, as little scissors, tweezers, perfume in little vials, moisturizing lotions or making up items. A bar soaper in a container is useful although you can employ your gel.

Put the dangerous toiletries (those which could spill onto your luggage) in plastic bags.

If you want to look good during the travel but you don´t want to bring many bottles and containers one solution is to collect those small samples that are given for free in pharmacies or perfumeries: lotions, perfumes, conditioners, etc. You can throw away those packets when used.

As make up is concerned pack small, taking just the basics in small containers and only one colour of everything. If you are on a long trip and run out, many of the major cities in Europe have shops where you will recognize the same makeup. However, if you are doing an Interrail or a long trip you can survive without making up, and perfumes attract flies and mosquitoes. It is not very appropriate for daily excursions, but if you plan to go out at night very often you may take some making up items. It is your choice, depending on how much you like making up.

Water bottle

A water bottle is compulsory to carry. Keep it filled at all times, because you avoid having to buy tons of water (especially in summer) and there are places where there won´t be any possibility to buy. If you forget the water-bottle you can buy a 1 to 0,5 litres bottle and refill it during the trip.

Pen and notebook

Bring something to write down addresses, locations, telephone numbers, restaurants and timetables. You can write down in a small card all the data you need before starting the travel (for example booking codes, booked accommodation telephone and address, exchange rates, timetables, etc.).

Swiss army knife

You will use it in many occasions. If you don´t have a swiss one a small similar knife is also useful. It would be better if the knife includes scissors and a corkscrew.
Knives have been banned from carryon luggage, so you might consider checking your bag. If you don´t want so you can buy a cheap kitchen knife anywhere.

Hair dryer

Podéis llevar uno pequeño sobre todo si tenéis el pelo largo. Se puede utilizar para secar la ropa lavada también. Recordad que puede que necesitéis un adaptdor de enchufe o corriente si el secador de pelo no funciona a varios voltajes.

Cartera o monedero

You can take a small one if you have long hair. You could use it to dry washed clothes as well. Remember that you may need a converter adaptor plug set if the hair dryer is not duel voltage.

Wallet-money belt

Daily cash and often required cards (young, hostel or international student) can be kept in a small wallet or coin purse.

Plastic or garbage bags

Take many with you as they don´t take space and are very light. Many interesting uses: separate wet clothing and dirty clothes, rain cover, eating blanket, garbage, etc.

Shower shoes

Sandals or simple flip-flops help prevent getting foot fungus from the communal showers in campings, hostels or pensions. They are useful for going to the beach as well. If they are wet and you have to travel, you can hang them outside the backpack.

Mobile phone and charger

Before traveling contact with your phone company and ask for information to be sure that the mobile phone is prepared to be used abroad (this possibility is called roaming). The cover will vary and the costs will depend on each company. Don´t forget that you will generate expenses when receiving calls abroad as well as the person who calls.

It would be better to know if the battery charger is compatible with the places that you will visit. You might need an adapter.

It is cheaper to buy an international phone card abroad, but there are many cases (one can imagine many situations) when you will use a mobile phone, for example if you are visiting a country for a short period of time, or if you want to send only a SMS or if you have an emergency and need to make a quick call, for example to book an accommodation.

You can use it also as a calculator or alarm clock, allowing you to leave those items at home.

Compact travel umbrella

Keep a small umbrella in your daypack when cloudy, even if you took also your waterproof jacket. The umbrella is something complementary to rain coats and garbage bags, allows to protect you or your luggage and believe us that you miss an umbrella if you have rain all day.

You have to consider if you will need it, because if you foresee using it one or two days, you may leave it at home (or leave next item, or both).

Waterproof jacket

You can take a light one that you may use with your umbrella.

Guidebook

It not only helps to plan your trip and for everyday information, but it serves also as a reading material for boring moments. Maybe you should buy it in your own country before leaving, as it is not always easy to find a guide in your language in foreign countries.

Towels

If going to hostels or campsites you must carry a small towel or two for daily purposes (including shower). You should also take a big towel if you plan to go to the beach of if you are travelling in night trains or in cool weather, as the towel will serve you as a blanket (but if you carry a sleeping bag or sheet forget this).

Alarm clock

Very useful if you don't want to miss your flight or train. If your clock or your mobile phone have alarm you can avoid carrying this.