All good travelers must have the right set of tools on their journey. When traveling across oceans, continents or anywhere there are many items that are must have. This list of items will be helpful mostly for the backpacker but can be useful for others too.
-Backpack
Make sure it's sturdy and light. Choosing this depends a lot on what you are doing. If you are backpacking make it an internal frame pack, if you are just touring make it a day pack.
-Walking Shoes
This is one of the most important items you need to bring. Make sure they are very sturdy, strong and supportive. If you are backpacking around then your shoe is even more important. Make sure you do not skimp on this item, find the best and pay for it.
-Money
This is an obvious needed item. No matter where you go you need it, but the form of it needed can change. Nowadays travelers checks are pretty pointless. My suggestion is that you bring a credit card, debit card, checks, and cash. Make sure you change your cash for the local currency (the Euro in most of Europe). When you exchange your cash make sure you look at multiple options. Don't just settle for the first place the offer it, look around for the best exchange rate.
-Clothes
Duh. Bring clothes, but not as many as you'd think. If you are backpacking make sure you travel light. Many experienced backpackers recommend up to 3-4 shirts, 2-3 pairs of pants (probably the kind that zip to shorts), 4-5 pairs of undergarments, and maybe a swimsuit (men lightweight shorts are fine).
If you are going really light though I would recommend even less. A pair of pants along with maybe some light sweats or shorts, 2 shirts and maybe 3 pairs of undergarments. You can always wash more if you are looking to go lightweight. Remember you are there to see the world and travel, you shouldn't worry about carrying a 30 lb bag on your back.
-Jacket
Invest in a good lightweight rain jacket. Something lightweight, breathable, packable and definitely waterproof. Make sure it will stand up to a lot of use and getting thrown around. Along with this you probably will want some lightweight mid-layer, possibly a down or synthetic thin puffy jacket. You can use this as your main jacket if it isn't raining, or as extra warmth if it is cold out and raining.
-Something to Do
I'm not saying you will be bored there, I'm just saying you will have down time. Time you WANT to rest, along with plane time, train time, rain time, etc. Bringing a book might not be a bad idea. Also, think about what you enjoy at home and maybe bring something along that you can try in Europe. For example, I love Disc Golf, so I just might bring a Disc to Europe so I can play some courses, otherwise I might just buy a disc over there.
Always remember, whatever you forget you can buy. So pack light and if you forgot it, buy it.
