Items to Avoid Bringing to Europe

It seems Europe and its many countries are always on the travel bucket list for a lot of people. For many people, there are certain countries in Europe that have been on their travel bucket list for years, for one reason or another. As such, it's wise to know the ins and outs of travelling there. According to Jane O'Shea, a writer for MSN.com page Splash Travels, here is a list of items she says you should avoid bringing into Europe

Also, you will see me put in some input on some of them. I read through this article and I can't even begin to believe or understand why some people would do that or bring that.

1. Bulky luggage for a two week trip

-Small train compartments and cobblestone streets are not suitable for large suitcases. Pack light, be flexible. Everything you need should fit into a carryon. If you overpack, you may as well hang a sign over your head saying rookie traveler. Then you'll be paying steep fees from the airline

The first suitcase here, the smallest one, is about the size of luggage I have. It's pretty small by comparison

-I honestly don't know how I would be able to fit at least two weeks worth of clothing into a carry on. Maybe a gym bag, but not a backpack. I also don't want to be those types of tourists that overpack their carryon. How would I be able to bring liquid items, such as shampoo / conditioner, body wash. etc? Airlines won't allow liquid items in carry ons. Besides, I've never overpacked to the point of incurring steep fees from the airline. I always weigh my luggage beforehand.

2. Full sized bottles of shampoo / conditioner

-First and foremost, you won't get past airport security with full size bottles of anything. They defy the TSA rule of 3.4 oz. They take up space for valuable souvenirs. European hotels provide the basic necessities and if you need more, local shops carry travel sizes that are just as suitable

3. Hairdryers / curling irons from the US

-First and foremost, understand that there is a severe difference in voltage between the US and Europe. Most US-made appliances don't comply or will not be compatible with European voltage outlets. You'll need a proper universal adapter for that country you're visiting. And besides, most hotels have built in hair dryers in the bathroom

4. Too many shoes

-While it's tempting to have an adorable pair of shoes for every outfit, it will take up space in your luggage. Cobblestone streets or uneven castle steps are not the place for heels. You're not Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of Sex & The City. Wear appropriate shoes for what you'll be doing. People in Europe tend to walk a lot. So it would be wise to bring flat heeled shoes that are both stylish and comfortable

5. Overpacked first aid kit

-While it's always good to pack a first aid kit, it's a bit excessive to have an overpacked first aid kit. If your first aid kit looks like something employed by field doctors during war time, that's too much. European pharmacies are excellent in quality and often provide much of what you would need. They are staffed by highly trained professionals who do speak English

6. Too many pairs of jeans / pants

-Jeans are fashionable, but do weigh a bit. Pack no more than two pairs of jeans, along with fashionable trousers or travel pants that handle changes in weather better. Laundry facilities are almost always available, and no one will be paying attention to how often you wear your pants

-Frankly, if I am on vacation, I am in no mood to do laundry while I am supposed to be relaxing. If I go to Europe, I'll bring two pairs of jeans. One black and one blue. So that they can go with any outfit. As for jean shorts, I am unsure if those would be acceptable. I'm sure they would, but I'm asking or researching beforehand

7. Workout weights / fitness gear

-Unless you're training for the Iron Man competition in Hawaii or some other decathlon, triathlon, etc., leave the weights at home. If you plan on exercising abroad, the gym you attend will have weights already there. Many of the hotels also offer fitness centers. Not only that, but navigating the cities also offer fitness in themselves, via walking or bicycling. You can safely pack a resistance band, though

8. Foreign currency exchanged in the US

-Exchanging your country's currency for the currency of the country you'll be visiting prior to travelling is a bit of an error. There are worse exchange rates at American or other foreign banks than in Europe. Notify your bank and use a no-charge international debit card. If cash is needed, withdraw when you arrive. It's safer, cheaper and smarter

-I am honestly not sure how I would do this. I can imagine getting an international debit card and loading it with money. But withdrawing it upon arrival? I'm not sure how to do that

9. Multiple guidebooks / maps

-Using multiple guidebooks or multiple maps once were ideal. Now they're dead weight. Download everything you need onto your phone. It saves space, time and weight. Maps are available off line, translation apps assist in almost every language and local guides are just a tap away

-I would have to get a local SIM card for my phone, if I took it. I don't think my mobile phone carrier has international rates

10. Flashy / expensive jewelry

-With busy tourist areas, flashing around expensive-looking jewelry is a good way to get robbed. Keep the shiny stuff at a minimum. Keep the irreplaceable heirlooms at home or in the hotel room, under lock and key. Europe's streets shine with history. Don't outshine the local sights with all your jewelry

11. American Flag / Patriotic-Themed Clothing

-Nothing says "tourist" more than patriotic stars and stripes. This screams "I'm American and proud of it." Patriotism is fine, but it can often bring about unwanted attention or even start trouble in politically sensitive areas. Locals dress with a modest sublety. Wearing loud, patriotic items will mark you out for tourist scams

12. Overly Touristy Clothing

-Shirts that say destinations or slogans announce to the locals you're a visitor. Locals rarely dress like advertisements for destinations or with slogans. Dress like the locals and everything will go smoothly

13. Clothing with Large English Print Logos

-Understated fashion, such as minimalist design and tailored cut suits, jackets, pants and more are the fashion order of the day in Europe. Nothing screams "I'm a tourist" more than a bit of clothing with large print logos or slogans in English. Dress like the locals, or best bet, don't wear anything that has large English print on it

-If I did wear anything with large English print logos, it would end up being a music t-shirt or sports t-shirt, such as a soccer (football) t-shirt or Formula 1 / IMSA shirt

I actually have this exact shirt at home

14. Short shorts / revealing clothing when visiting religious sites

-When visiting a religious site, it's best to dress respectively. Meaning no short shorts or revealing clothing. Bare shoulders, mini skirts, mini shorts, crop tops are a major no-no. It will ensure you are denied entry or get bad looks from the locals. Dress respectively and you will earn the respect of the locals

15. Flip flops for all day wear

-They are good for beach wear. Not for all day wear. They are not comfortable for long walks, they will irritate the inside of your toes and offer no protection from the elements. Sturdier walking sandals or casual sneakers would be your best bet

16. Multiple jackets instead of one option

-If you plan on packing multiple jackets, then you might want to rethink that. Pack two jackets that can be used for multiple occasions. Such as a mid-weight fleece / hoodie, a waterproof jacket or a thermal jacket. These options can tackle everything, from the chilly Alpines to misty, drizzly Irish weather. More than two bulk jackets hog space in your luggage and add weight. You want options, not a wardrobe

17. Clothing requiring an iron

-Clothes that wrinkle easily are not a smart option when traveling to Europe. Most hotels and rentals do not have an iron and trying to find one wastes time. Instead, bring clothing that does not require ironing.

-Quick hack: use a hairdryer. Set it to low heat and it will work like a steamer. It will get the wrinkles out and most if not all hotels have a hairdryer in the bathroom

18. Portable coffee makers

-Why anyone would bring this into Europe is anyone's guess. Europe is renowned for its various types and roasts of coffee. Most hotels do offer coffee as a breakfast option. Leave the portable coffee maker at home. It hogs up space in the luggage. Just leave it at home and try the local roasts

19. Too much makeup / cosmetics

-Some people have managed to turn the basic cosmetic bag into a walking Sephora store. Going full glam might work for a wedding, but not sightseeing in Venice. Pack items that have multiple uses, such as tinted moisturizer, travel size palettes of color and good lip balm

20. Towels / bed linens for hotel stays

-Some people are particular about the linens that they sleep on. Which is why they often bring their own bed linens. Hotels, rental properties and other accommodations often offer their own bed linens. Bringing your own adds weight and bulk to your luggage

21. Paper notebooks rather than digital notebooks

-Old school journaling is out. It's entered the digital age. Notion or Evernote have replaced the paper journal. Here, with these apps, you can write seamless notes, itineraries, and scanned documents. Old school paper notebooks add weight and bulk to your luggage. Take it into the digital age and thus make it easier and lightweight

22. US-based snacks or food that can be taken away

-Bringing snacks or food from your home country might be a taste of home, but it might not go over so well when you get through customs. Each country has strict rules and requirements on what is allowed to enter their country and what is not allowed to enter their country. Many countries band meat-based or nut-based items because of risk of diseases being introduced to their country. Not only that, you risk incurring fines for these violations. Before you travel, check if there are any food restrictions

23. Pajamas doubling as day wear

-When abroad from home, leave the pajamas at home, for wearing in bed. Wearing pajamas as day wear when you are out and about will get you a lot of strange looks. People in European cities dress with casual elegance, even when they are running simple errands. Pack the proper clothing for what you'll be doing

-I see people using pajamas as day wear around where I live. It is one of my pet peeves. It almost screams "I'm too lazy to put on real clothes." I would never do this!!

24. Cold weather gear in summer

-The puffy winter clothing might work in cold-weather destinations like Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, but it'll be useless in hot and warm weather destinations. Check what the weather is going to be in your destination prior to travelling. This will ensure you dress weather appropriate. And if you need a jacket, pack a light sweater or jacket

25. Full sized umbrella

-The full sized gold umbrella you own might fend off a Category 5 hurricane, but it will take up space on small streets. Instead, invest in a miniature, travel-size umbrella. They do the same thing as the larger ones, but take up less space around you. And also invest in a rain jacket with a hood. Those will keep your hands free and keep you dry

26. Books you won't actually read

-It's always nice to bring a book or two on vacation, to read and relax. But when you bring books you won't actually read, that hogs up space in your luggage. Be honest about your reading habits. Bring one book max or load up your Amazon Kindle or tablet with books

-Guilty as charged. I did this twice on vacation. I have since learned to bring only one book on vacation. And only read it while in my hotel room

27. Hard-shell suitcase for light travel

-When you are travelling light, your luggage should be light too. Using a hard-shell suitcase for a small trip is silly. They don't bend or flex like softer luggage does. If you're going to be treading stairs or hopping trains, a softer carry on backpack will be a better option. Unless you enjoy lugging a large hard-shell suitcase. Which, if that's the case, more power to you

-In relation to the bulky luggage option up top, if I plan on going to England for two weeks, I want enough clothing to last. Not only that, I need to put liquids in checked in luggage. How do people expect me to get through airlines with liquids in my carry on? I won't get past security. How would I be able to fit two weeks worth of clothing into a backpack? I don't want to waste time on vacation doing laundry when I could be taking in the sights, experiencing all that England has to offer

28. Multi pocket vest screaming "tourist"

-Those multi-pocket vests that some people jokingly call "safari vests." Tourists sometimes wear them for reasons unknown to others. Unless you're a member of a National Geographic set, leave the vest at home. Use an anti-theft day bag or crossbody bag instead to keep your valuables safe

29. Heavy camera gear without actually using it

-Those fancy cameras and all the bits that accompany them are great if you're a photographer. Otherwise, they are bulky and heavy. Most modern smartphones are able to take stunning pictures. So are small digital cameras. Snap pictures from your digital camera or phone. Phones and digital cameras can take photos that are just as stunning as those high-end cameras

30. New shoes that have not been broken in

-There is no better way to kill your feet than to wear shoes you have not broken in. European cities are made for walking. You can access so much in Europe by walking. As such, you need to ensure that the shoes you wear will be right there with you, providing comfort and style. Break the shoes in before the trip or bring an already worn pair. Comfort should always beat style

31. Money belts outside of clothing

-This one screams "I'm a tourist." Wearing a money belt outside your clothing is the easiest way to get robbed. When European local see a bulky lump under your clothing, they know right away it's a money belt. Instead, use a slim pouch under your clothes or a crossbody bag with zippers. Safe and low-key is the order of the day

-Also invest in a slim metal wallet that can fit into that crossbody bag. It's big enough for all cards and allows storage of cash too. It's perfect for vacations, concerts and more! Also ensure it's RFID blocking. Outsmart those digital thieves and their RFID scanners

32. Too large strollers for cobblestone streets

-Europe's streets are often small and narrow, lined with cobblestones. They are not made for large, bulky strollers. Lightweight, foldable, plastic strollers will be your best friend if you plan on trekking Europe with the little ones

33. Heavy keychains and multiple keys

-Many people are guilty of it. Having heavy keychains or many house keys on a single carabiner or keychain. This poses a massive risk overseas. If you lose the keychain or housekey, you no longer have access to what the key is for. Bring only what's necessary. Keep it simple and clean. And, if you do bring multiple keys, keep them in a safe place that no one but you can access

34. Large bottles of vitamins and supplements

-Use a pill organizer to organize the pills you need or a zip pouch to bring the pills you need. Border and customs agents might question any un-labeled pills you have in your suitcase. Taking regulation-size bottles of pills will hog up space in your suitcase.

-The only reason I do this is because the vitamins I take are of the gummy variety. I have a sensitive stomach and the coating on some vitamins can upset my stomach and cause nausea / vomiting. This leads security to thinking I take gummy narcotics because there are certain types of narcotics that come in gummy form. I got stopped by the airport TSA in Cancun, Mexico last year. They saw my gummy vitamins and stopped me. I told them that I take gummy vitamins because I have a sensitive stomach and cannot take certain types of vitamins. I told them that they could test them to ensure they were safe. They did and the results came back negative. They thanked me for understanding that it's their job to keep drugs out. The vitamins I usually take are multi-vitamins, immune support and probiotics. Nothing more

35. Extra sets of towels for pool / beach

-Why bring your own towels when hotels near the water and with pools offer towels to be used by tourists? If you insist on bringing one, use a quick-dry microfiber towel

36. Plastic water bottle rather than reusable

-Bottled water can add up in price. Instead, use a reusable water bottle. Not only are you saving money, but you're saving the planet. Many hotels across the world are transferring to better ecological practices, which means using reusable bottles in the hotel rooms and more. Many cities offer public fountains with crisp, clean, cold water. So you can safely bring your own bottle and refill up without the necessary waste of a plastic bottle

-Last year, when me and my family went on vacation, I brought a reusable metal tumbler for water. I plan on doing that on vacation from now on

37. Multiple power banks

-One single power charger is all you need. You do not need multiple power banks. More than one power bank is a tangled mess of wires and cords that will cause undue stress at airport security

38. Paper boarding passes rather than digital

-Mobile boarding passes are the thing of the future. Most people tend to keep paper boarding passes as a memento of their trip abroad, which is fine. With digital boarding passes, the process of boarding is quicker and cannot get lost. Paper boarding passes can get crumpled or lost. Save paper and use apps like Apple Wallet or other airline apps. This means less rummaging through your luggage at the boarding gate

-If you check in at the airline front desk, they give you paper boarding passes. Put them with your passport and put all of that in a safe place. When getting ready to board the flight, ensure you have everything you need and once on the plane, put everything in your carryon.

39. Clothing that does not match the itinerary

-If your itinerary includes a wedding or fancy gala overseas, then the fancy gear will be just fine. If you plan on walking around, sightseeing, leave the fancy gear at home. Make the clothing you bring match what you plan on doing. Travel clothing should match what you are planning on doing

40. Having cash only without a credit card backup plan

-When you carry mounds of cash, you look like someone out of Ocean's Eleven. It's risky and just plain ignorant. Many countries in Europe are moving towards cards and contactless payments. Ensure you are carrying enough money, both cash and card, to finance your whole trip. Use cash for small vendors or markets and a low-foreign-charge international credit card for larger purchases

41. Wallet with no RFID protection

-It might sound like something out of a heist film, but it's possible for people to walk by with an RFID scanner and scan your wallet. They now have access to the information regarding your bank, identity and more. Invest in a slim wallet with RFID-blocking technology to keep these electronic pickpockets from using RFID scanners on your wallet. It's a small price to pay for big peace of mind

42. Big handbags / totes for everyday use

-Unless you're Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of Sex & The City, leave the massive handbags / totes at home. These bags will tend to floppy and the owners forget to close them. This practically invites thieves to rob you blind. Instead, opt for a smaller, more easy to manage crossbody bag. Ensure this bag has lockable zips and hidden compartments. Wear this bag in front of you. This will keep pickpockets from rifling through your belongings while you're oohing and aahing at the beautiful history of Europe

43. Excessive tech

-The whole point of a vacation is to disconnect from technology. It's hard to do that when you bring so many gadgets you look like a walking, talking Apple store. Prioritize and make a list of what you will truly need. Your phone can do duty as a translator, map, camera, planner and more. Only pack the extra tech if you truly need it