Have you ever looked at Rick Steves' website? There is so much useful info on there, including specific packing advice. There's something on it called the graffiti wall, where travelers send in all kinds of up-to-the minute tips.

The site is very well organized but also fun to read even if you're not going to Europe.

Yes you do need to worry about pick-pockets. There are gangs that come to Stockholm in the summer just for that. The newspapers would write about that all the time.

Make sure you have some shoes you can wear into shower areas when you do the shared bath thing. Sometimes you're lucky it is clean other times not so much.

A large back-pack used to be very common to have when in hostels. I did these when younger and traveling all over Europe. I'm from Sweden. Since you'll be moving around a lot it is most practical as it isn't as hard to carry around as say a suitcase or other bag. The wheeled carry on bags weren't too useful to me back then and not as common. I would think it would work as well. No matter what you have that is stuffed with stuff you look like you're traveling.

Have fun!!

The electric plugs there are different so make sure you have one of those converter plugs to use for any electrical components you may have. I'm really excited for you, my husband lived in Stockholm for several years and says it's amazing!

My DD just spent her spring semester abroad in Italy. She lived in Florence, but having no classes on Fridays left her free to travel someplace practically every weekend. She traveled to Rome, Pisa, Chianti, etc. Also, while there, she had bus2alps.com which provides very inexpensive travel options in Europe - Greece, Spain, etc. She only stayed in hostels, and they were much nicer than she was expecting. No where near as nice as being in a 4 star hotel, but for the cost, a good way to travel through Europe.

As far as packing light, pick one basic dark color as a base (I do black). I take leggings, shorts, skirt and a dress. Since you have access to a W/D you only need 1 of each. I then add one black t-shirt and 3 colored t-shirts or blouses. I throw in a couple of matching fashion scarves, as well as a v neck pullover cashmere sweater.

I don't know if you like Chico's clothing, but I know they have a travelers line for that specific purpose. I am not a Chico's person, their clothing doesn't fit me well, but I have quite a few friends who rely heavily on the Chico traveler line for ease in packing less. I like to do my own mix and match with just basics and use accessories to kick it up if required depending on where we are going. We cruised the high arctic for 3 wks and I managed with 1 suitcase. I needed boots, coats, etc. and still managed on 1 suitcase which included my pillow (crazy but I have to sleep on my own pillow, LOL).

When I pack for up to a week, I use my good ole standby Patagonia backpack. Perfect for traveling. It definitely makes you take only what you absolutely need. Mine has few zipper compartments, etc. BEST TIP: Take the basics out of your closet and try everything on with options at home. Take only those things you know will look good together, as well as being versatile. Then stick with them. The options will be fresh in your mind.

I roll my clothes, and use tissue paper for anything that might wrinkle. Don't usually travel with that type of stuff, but if I need to wear a dress, I just roll it in tissue and into the backpack it goes. I love the Patagonia women's clothing and it travels well.

Don't forget to pack an electrical converter set if you're planning to use a hair dryer or something of that sort.

I learned to pack leanly from my SIL who never travels with anything more than a backpack. You would never know it if you met her on the street. She is fashionable and well dressed, doesn't look like a wrinkled up homeless woman.

Pickpockets are a problem even here in the US. Check out some of the traveler catalogs and buy one of the document/money holders which you wear around your neck, putting it under your clothing. Just have to layer with a t-shirt or tank with a short/long sleeve blouse on top.

I am a layer type person since many times we start out very early in the morning when its still cold and I peel things off as the day wears on. Stow them in my back pack and then put them back on as it gets cooler in the evenings. Some days we don't ever get back to the hotel at all to change.

Your trip sounds like lots of fun! Wish I were going. Have a great time!

I was on a 17 day trip with my sister, her daughter and her husband. I took mostly black clothes and referred to them as my Vatican outfits, lol. I even wore black tennis shoes that were well disguised. I just can't walk that far without comfortable shoes. We washed socks and underware in the sinks if we underestimated how many and we brought with us some cheap or well worn wash cloths because they do NOT have them Europe. We were all over Italy I feel like I have walked the country and then in France. I can tell you that most people in Europe seem to wear black. Sleep in a t-shirt and baggy light weight t-shirt material shorts or longer then you will be well covered when sharing a bath and no need for a robe etc. Have fun! Chico's has some easy to pack things not usually a fan but for times like travel comes in handy. I do love their jewelry.

I second taking black. I tried to pack light for Paris, but still overdid it. You will be so happy if you don't have to lug a heavy bag. Can you borrow a hair dryer in Sweden?

You will look like a tourist no matter what you do, so don't worry about that.

I used my money belt for my passport and extra cash. Only carried what I needed for the day in my Pac Safe pocket book. Pickpockets and other con artists do look for tourists, although we had no problem. Someone tried the "gold ring" scam on us, but I knew about it and we just walked by.

Pack light, take a few precautions and enjoy!

Oh, Trip Advisor is a great site for info.

Oooh, I'm envious & excited for you! I loved Denmark & Sweden when I visited there in 1989.

I second the Rick Steves site for gathering some info & ideas. I actually still have his convertible backpack/luggage from my '89 trip. One of his old tips was to pack your bag with what you think you'll need & then walk around your hometown carrying it all day to test it. After lugging it around you may decide to jettison some items. A bit extreme maybe but it does get the idea across to pack light.

The only problem with doing wash in Europe is the energy efficient machines are so slow and chew up alot of valuable time. But if your family has one you can use while you're hanging out and catching up with them it won't be as bad as sitting at a laundry-mat.

A few years ago, my sister meet my nephew in Paris for a 2 week vacation. He was doing a 6 month grand tour thing and she meet him there & then they traveled together. It was a highlight of her life. To spend time with just him, doing something different & exciting, and to see him after so many months & after he had been traveling alone & learning & coping & maturing. I hope your experience with your son is just as wonderful.