Our best advice is to follow these tips and pack light. We've included sample packing lists below - print them and follow along when you're getting ready for your trip.
What to Bring

• If you are purchasing luggage for the trip, consider luggage on wheels.

• The general rule is to lay out everything you think you need, then put half of it back in your closet.

• On your flights and on the bus, you are allowed one suitcase and one carry-on bag. European coaches have luggage compartments based on the assumption of one suitcase per person, and local safety laws prevent suitcases from being put in the bus aisle. Your carry-on bag needs to be small enough to fit under a bus seat.

Your Suitcase

If you can't carry it yourself, you have packed too much. Bring a lightweight suitcase (use luggage on wheels for extra ease). The limit is 44lbs per person, which includes one suitcase and one small carry-on item. Airlines require ID tags on suitcases. Keep a list of the total contents of the suitcase. If your luggage is lost, the list will help you file any insurance claims.

Lost/Stolen Luggage

Unless in the care of the airline, your luggage is your responsibility and should never be left unattended. If you lose your luggage on the flight, you must file a claim at the airline's lost-luggage office before leaving the customs hall of the airport. If your luggage is stolen, you must file a police report to be covered by the Comprehensive Protection Plan.

Electric Current

In most of Europe and Argentina, electric current is 220 volts, not 110 as in the U.S. (it’s 110 in Costa Rica). Buy a hairdryer or razor adaptable to 220 volts (most travel appliances are).

Main Suitcase—Sample Packing List

In general: bring comfortable clothing—and about half the things you think you'll need!

• A travel alarm clock or watch (battery-operated).

• Two pairs of shoes, one for walking and one for dressier occasions—theater, disco, dinner.
Never bring new shoes!

• Pair of jeans. You’re almost always guaranteed to need them, and you can wear them almost daily if you need to.

• Pair of casual shorts, weather permitting.

• Pair of nicer pants. These can rotate in to replace jeans or can be used to dress up.

• Skirt or dress for the theater or dinner.

• Shirt that can be worn with trousers or khakis.

• T-shirts or collared shirts.

• Long-sleeve shirts.

• Something warm that can be layered-sweater, flannel shirt, windbreaker or sweatshirt. The key to packing right is layering. Weather in Europe is unpredictable.

• Toiletries and cosmetics.

• Kleenex.

• Travel umbrella. Medicines: aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, Band-Aids, disinfectant. Keep medication you’re currently using in your carry-on bag and let your group leader know what you are carrying.

• Extra photocopy of your passport and visa, two extra passport photos, and an extra list of your travelers check numbers.

Carry-On Bag--Sample Packing List

If you can't carry it yourself, you have packed to much!

• Reading material for your flight.

• Passport and visas.

Never pack travel documents in your suitcase.

• Your itinerary and hotel list. This is vital should you ever become separated from the rest of the group and have to give your hotel address to a taxi driver.

• Essential toiletries and a change of clothing, in case you become separated from your suitcase for a few days.

• Photocopy of your air ticket and passport. Your group leader normally holds the airline tickets for the whole group.

• An inexpensive camera and plenty of film. Make sure to keep some extra batteries in your main suitcase.

• Sunglasses.

• Extra set of glasses or contact lenses.

• Any necessary medication.

• Address book, your Travel Journal and pens.

• List of travelers check numbers, PIN numbers, US and overseas telephone numbers for any credit cards, bank cards, etc.