Shirts. Take up to five short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts in a cotton/polyester blend. Arrange mix according to season.

Sweater. Warm and dark is best - for layering and dressing up. It never looks wrinkled and is always dark, no matter how dirty it is.

Pants. Bring two pairs: one in lightweight cotton and another in super-lightweight for hot and muggy big cities and churches with modest dress codes. Jeans can be too hot for summer travel. Linen is great. Many like lightweight pants/shorts with zip-off legs. Button-down wallet pockets are safest.

Shorts. Take a pair with pockets - doubles as a swimsuit for men.

Swimsuit. Especially for women.

Underwear and socks. Bring five sets (lighter dries quicker).

One pair of shoes. Take a well-used, light, and cool pair, with soles that have good traction. Sturdy, low-profile tennis shoes with a good tread are fine, too. (Some people bring along an extra pair of sandals in case the shoes get wet.) For winter travel, bring heavy shoes (for warmth and to stay dry).

Jacket. Bring a light and water-resistant windbreaker with a hood.

Tie or scarf. For instant respectability, bring anything lightweight that can break the monotony and make you look snazzy.

Money belt. It's essential for the peace of mind it brings. You could lose everything except your money belt, and the trip could still go on. Lightweight and low-profile beige is best.

Money. Bring your preferred mix of a credit card, debit card, an emergency stash of hard cash, and a couple of personal cheques. Have a debit card for ATM withdrawals, a credit card and about $400 in cash as a backup.

Documents and photocopies. Bring your passport, airline ticket, rail pass or car-rental voucher, driver's license and so on. Photocopies and a couple of passport-type photos can help you get replacements more quickly if the originals are lost or stolen. Carry photocopies separately in your luggage and keep the originals in your money belt. In your luggage, you'll also want to pack a careful record of all reservations (bring the hotels' written confirmations), along with a trip calendar page to keep things up-to-date as your trip evolves.

Small daypack. This is great for carrying your sweater, camera, literature, and picnic goodies while you leave your large bag at the hotel or train station. Fanny packs (small bags with thief-friendly zippers on a belt) are a popular alternative, but are magnets for pickpockets and should never be used as money belts.

Camera. A digital camera and one high-capacity memory card means no more bulky bags of film. A mini-tripod allows you to take crisp shots in low light with no flash.

Water bottle. The plastic half-litre mineral water bottles sold throughout Europe are reusable and work great.

First-aid kit, medicine and vitamins. Keep medicine in original containers, if possible, with legible prescriptions.

Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses and prescriptions. Contact solutions are widely available in Europe. Because of dust and smog, many travellers find their contacts aren't as comfortable in Europe. Bring your glasses just in case.

Sunscreen and sunglasses. Depending on the season and your destination.

Map. Get a map best suited to your trip's overall needs and pick up maps for specific local areas as you go.

Small notepad and pen. A tiny notepad in your back pocket is a great organizer, reminder, and communication aid.

Now that your bags are packed and ready to go, be prepared to enjoy a wonderful trip that marks the beginning of your journey with your life partner. Bon Voyage!