Germany Packing

Pack lightly: lay out only what you absolutely need, then take half the clothes and twice the money. The Travelite FAQ (www.travelite.org) is a good resource for tips on traveling light. The online Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info) will generate a customized list of suggested items based on your trip length, the expected climate, your planned activities, and other factors. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, see The Great Outdoors.

Luggage: If you plan to cover most of your trip on foot, a sturdy internal-frame backpack is unbeatable. (For the basics on buying a pack,) Unless you are staying in 1 place for a large chunk of time, a suitcase or trunk will be unwieldy. In addition to your main piece of luggage, a daypack (a small backpack or courier bag) is useful.
Clothing: No matter when you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket or wool sweater, a rain jacket (Gore-Tex® is both waterproof and breathable), sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and thick socks. Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are must-haves for grubby hostel showers, and extra socks are always a good idea. You may also want 1 outfit for going out and a nicer pair of shoes. If you plan on visiting religious or cultural sites, you will need modest and respectful dress.
Sleepsack: Some hostels require that you either provide your own linen or rent sheets from them. Save cash by making your own sleepsack: fold a full-size sheet in half the long way, then sew it closed along the long side and one of the short sides.
Converters and Adapters: In Germany, electricity is 230 volts AC, enough to fry any 120V North American appliance. 220/240V electrical appliances won’t work with a 120V current, either. Americans and Canadians should buy an adapter (which changes the shape of the plug; US$5) and a converter (which changes the voltage; US$10-30). Don’t make the mistake of using only an adapter (unless appliance instructions explicitly state otherwise). Australians and New Zealanders (who use 230V at home) won’t need a converter, but will need a set of adapters to use anything electrical.
Toiletries: Condoms, deodorant, razors, tampons, and toothbrushes are often available, but it may be difficult to find your preferred brand, so bring extras if you’re picky. Contact lenses are likely to be expensive and difficult to find in Germany, so bring enough extra pairs and solution for your entire trip. Also bring your glasses and a copy of your prescription in case you need emergency replacements.
First-Aid Kit: For a basic first-aid kit, pack bandages, a pain reliever, antibiotic cream, a thermometer, a multifunction pocketknife, tweezers, moleskin, decongestant, motion-sickness remedy, diarrhea or upset-stomach medication (Pepto Bismol® or Imodium®), an antihistamine, sunscreen, insect repellent, and burn ointment.
Film: Film and developing in Germany are expensive, so consider bringing along enough film for your entire trip and waiting to have it developed until you get home. If you don’t want to bother with film, consider using a digital camera. Although it requires a steep initial investment, a digital camera means you never have to buy film again. Just be sure to bring along a large enough memory card and extra (or rechargeable) batteries. Less serious photographers may want to bring a few disposable cameras. Despite disclaimers, airport security X-rays can fog film, so buy a lead-lined pouch at a camera store or ask security to hand-inspect your film. Always pack film in your carry-on luggage, since higher-intensity X-rays are used on checked luggage.
Other Useful Items: For safety purposes, you should bring a money belt and a small padlock. Basic outdoors equipment (plastic water bottle, compass, waterproof matches, pocketknife, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat) may also be handy. Quick repairs of torn garments can be done with a needle and thread and small tears in other materials can be patched with electrical tape. Other useful items include: an umbrella, sealable plastic bags , an alarm clock, safety pins, rubber bands, a flashlight, earplugs, garbage bags, and a small calculator. A cell phone can be a lifesaver on the road;
Important Documents: Don’t forget your passport, traveler’s checks, ATM or credit cards, adequate ID, and photocopies of all of the aforementioned in case these documents are lost or stolen . Also check that you have any of the following that might apply to you: a hosteling membership card , driver’s license , travel insurance forms , ISIC , and railpass or bus pass .