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Post by Evan on Jun 17, 2004 22:52:05 GMT -5
This is perhaps a very stupid question. It's my first legitimate trip to the continent (I have been to Ireland) during the summer. We are going to Britain, Spain, and France. I have heard that guys don't wear shorts in some of Europe? I'm packing and I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, but I dont want to be sweating to death in Nice because I only brought pants. Any tips about not just the shorts, but for the first time backpacker/hosteller in general would be appreciated greatly. Thanks.
-Evan
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Post by Eagle on Jun 18, 2004 12:12:05 GMT -5
EVAN, I haven't been to "the continent" yet, but I've heard that some sites will deny entry to those in Shorts or other informal clothing. This seems to apply mostly to religious sites, where a certain amount of modesty or respect is expected. I suppose wearing shorts would be an issue only if you were going to visit sites of this type.
One option you might want to consider would be "zip-offs". I have a pair of Tilleys that are always along on my travels. If it's hot the legs come off and go in my Daypack, but when the temp's cool off a bit in the evening, or I'm going somewhere more formal the legs are easy to re-attach.
As far as other comments for the first time Backpacker, was there anything specific you were interested in? I'm sure there are lots on this board that could offer suggestions, but some idea on what type of information you want would be helpful.
Hope this is of some help. Cheers!!!
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Post by Kim on Jun 18, 2004 13:45:17 GMT -5
It's not so much the shorts.. it's the length of the shorts. Mainly this applies to the women and the short shorts.., guys usually wear knee length ones and those are fine.
Also, for women, generally they want your shoulders to be covered as well so if you are wearing a tank top, pack a sarong in your bag to throw over your shoulders.
Now if you were visiting temples in Asia, that's another story. They are STRICT with their dress codes. Europe, while they have some general rules, it's not bad.
Definately bring shorts - you will stand out regardless once you open your mouth anyway, you mine as well not boil to death as well. ;D Seriously, you won't feel awkward at all, trust me.
Kim
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Post by Evan on Jun 19, 2004 0:07:58 GMT -5
Thanks alot! And in terms of my first time backpacker question, I should really rephrase that, I have done alot of backpacking hiking, but travelling with my pack overseas is new for me. My main concern is really security, I have read a couple posters who mentioned using a bike cable. Do you guys feel this is a necessary I won't be having any overnight train rides, but I am hostelling. Also, I know that my reference to 'the continent' sounded really stupid, I was just trying to differentiate between the British Isles and mainland Europe and it seemed right late last night... anyway, thanks for the help!
-Evan
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Post by jennifer on Jun 19, 2004 9:17:30 GMT -5
I think Europe is quite safe, just as safe as back home. Of course they see a lot more tourists, so you have to watch your stuff, but I don't think it would be worth carrying something of such weight around all the time. If someone wants your pack or what's in it, they'll get it no matter what lock you put on it. Even if you lock it, they can use a knife and cut through the bag, the zippers, or whatever! Even if you lock it to a post, to the railings of the train, to the bed, they might not leave with it, but if they're sneeky, they'll get in it!
I think putting a lock on your packs screams out " I have something in here worth protecting"! Of course it doesn't mean that by not putting one people will think your pack is worthless, but it doesn't send out the same message.
I think it's up to you if you think it's worth carrying, but by the end of the day, your pack seems always too heavy, I personnally would not have wanted to have 4-5 pounds more!
and once more, this is only in my own opinion, each backpacker has a different style and method of travel, I only give my opinion, but doesn't mean it's the right one!
xoxo
jen
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Post by Kim on Jun 19, 2004 9:45:03 GMT -5
No, it didn't sound stupid at all! We prefer people give us as much background info as they can!
Some people like to take cable locks to lock their pack to their bed during the day. The reality is though, is that everything of worth should be on you in a money belt during the day anyway. Tickets, money, passport etc.
People aren't too into the clothes, they want the good stuff.
I always lock every zipper on my pack with one of those little locks - whether I'm on the train or leaving my pack in the hostel. I think it discourages people from checking out what you have. Also, get an extra one for your daypack to keep sticky fingers out of it during the day.
Kim
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Post by Eagle on Jun 19, 2004 16:05:09 GMT -5
EVAN, a few more comments on pack security. I just returned from England, and in the Hostels I stayed in some people locked everything up and some just left their packs & belongings open. As far as I know nothing was stolen, however there's always the exception.
Many Hostels have some form of Lockers in each room (in varying sizes) to store Packs in. You will need to take a small Padlock with you, as none is provided. Some Hostels sell small Padlocks at a reasonable cost for those that need them.
If the Hostel doesn't provide Lockers, you have the choice of just leaving the Pack open (making sure all your valuables are in your money belt, of course), or lock the zippers closed and/or lock the pack to the bed with a small cable. Eagle Creek sells a small stainless steel cable and combination lock that is very compact and easy to carry. As mentioned above, you're only protecting against the "honest people" as Backpacks have inherent weaknesses and if someone wants to gain access it's fairly easy to do.
I usually put my packs in the locker when I was going out touring, or just locked the zippers shut if no Lockers were provided. It was only intended to keep people from "snooping", and only provided minimal theft protection. I had both key-operated as well as combination locks available, and I used both types.
You likely won't have any problems, but it's still best to take a few precautions. Good luck with this and have a great time on your trip!!!
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snorkelman
Senior Travel Member
Travel Guru
Posts: 220
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Post by snorkelman on Jun 21, 2004 17:56:39 GMT -5
Some people are worried about looking like a tourist if they wear shorts. My advice is who cares? You will obviously be a tourist when you have a huge backpack on your back, and also as soon as you open your moth and speak.
Unless you can legitimately get by without being an obvious tourist, don't let that factor into your decision at all.
In the summer you should bring shorts.
If you want to get into clubs and churches, you might need a pair of long pants.
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