European Travel Skills: Packing

[dydp]

“Pack for the best scenario, not for the worst” …. love this❣️

[brendagardner]

I used to pack with a backpack. But after 3 falls I figured out it was effecting my balance. MD diagnosed Ménière’s disease. So it is small wheeled carry on for me. Now I love it. And I travel a lot.

[MsBackstager]

I just got into packing cubes. Since hotel drawers are not always clean, put the cubes into the drawer just to keep everything clean.

[debbieworth]

If you are washing your clothes in the sink, after you rinse and wring them out, put them in a towel, roll back and.forth and this will further dry the items even more. Less wet, faster dry. Thanks Rick! Just got your money belt for men to wear on waist and women to wear around neck, I wear mine around my waist and put it in my pants. Got the belts for my son and daughter-in-law. We are going to Cairo to see pyramid, cruise the Nile and go see the Red Sea. Can't wait😊 Happy travels to all!

[jacqudace]

Just completed my first trip to Europe at 61. Took a rolly 9x15x13 and a flexible day pack. For 8 days. I'm pretty happy with how I did. I brought two pairs of cotton pants, shorts, two natural fiber tees that canbe dressed up with jewelry or a scarf. I did wash up the pants, undies and tees in the sink, although some of my hotel had laundry. They came out fine. My tour was constantly on the move and I did not want to check a bag! The only thing I regret is not packing Neosporin, I got a small infection and while pharmacies are everywhere in Spain, they don't sell antibiotic ointment.

[artSFCA]

I agree Rick! Packing light will make the trip more fun not a burden.

[onlykathynelson]

This is why the European river cruises are so great! Your hotel travels with you!

[buffalomind]

Amen! I have a lot as practically all of us have, but for the longest I’ve only utilized a fraction of a fraction of everything ai have on a daily basis. I realized how much better being a minimalist is than purposely going through a ton of stuff you don’t need. You are clearer of mind & therefor action. It’s awesome. I am going on a vacation in a month, and will pack 2/3rds less than the last time, and for here on out nothing will change.

[AnneMB]

Shoes: 2 pairs - runners for comfort and better shoes for evenings out. Wear the larger shoes on the plane. This has worked for my last 6 holidays.

[lisaspikes]

I just love Rick Steves! He’s the definition of a nice guy. In the same category as Fred Rogers.

[micapetey]

I love to travel but I also love to dress up and not look like a tourist when I’m abroad. I also plan on doing some serious shopping when I’m in France and Italy so I need room. Podiatrists will tell you to alternate your shoes every day so at least two pairs of shoes. I pack lots of neutrals and then add scarves and jewelry to mix it up.

[karentresen]

I have packed light for years. However, I tend to pack too light. For instance I thought I could make it for two weeks in Hawaii with one swimsuit, flip flops, a sarong, tinted sunscreen/makeup, tooth brush and nothing more.. I figured I could wear the sarong as a dress or skirt and that's all I needed. After day 4 wearing a swimsuit I had to go out and buy a dress and some underwear. Opps! Now I pack a little more & I ALWAYS travel with powdered silk wash detergent and a backpacking clothes line. I also found that shampoo works as body wash/shampoo/laundry detergent/dish soap!

[dianastacey]

Those cobblestone streets are hard on roller suitcases. Mine broke. Venice means a lot of walking from the boat taxi that dropped you off for your hotel. Most places I bought stuff at would ship it home for me. If they won't I still recommend shipping your shoes or whatever home instead of trying to carry the stuff. Jewelry is the only exception. The most dangerous place I walked was on the marble in Greece where the pretty ancient building does not have rubber mats or railings everywhere. One person on our cruise broke his leg. I was younger and was terrified. Rubber soles were not really a guarantee so imagine walking on ice.

[deathnote]

Use to watch his show all the damn time. Love you Rick

[Imuchday-soudonthave]

He partakes in the smoke. Always surprised me that he does. He provides great info.

[reneebarger]

I invested in the Samantha Brown carry on luggage and we love it! There is a lot more space than you imagine. I have packed enough for both me and my husband for a 2 week trip in the suitcase and tote. But we do not take hair dryers, curling irons, clocks, etc. We use basic toiletries, if it doesn't fit in a quart size zip lock bag, it doesn't go. Color coordinate your clothing to 2 matching colors so that you can mix & match (I make 5 different outfits out of 1 pair of pants, 2 tops & 2 scarves).

[ebermtheburn]

Additional: rolling suitcases have a tendency to break due to the medival cobblestone streets and also what got mine broken was having to haul it out of a train with stairs. They tend to break right at the wheels, and the ones that break are the cheap ones from the China market or swap meet flea market. So there is probably the best reason why you should go with a carry-on backpack. If you do choose the rolling suitcase, make sure it's light enough to carry over the cobblestone or up & down the stairs of the train or trolley.

[lessia_bonn]

We travel to Europe quite often. Last trip, I packed a few less outfits. Since we take lots of unique photos (huge part of the fun), packing more lightly left me with too many photos in which I was wearing the same clothing. Lesson learned. I'm going back to packing a "medium" amt. I do believe it depends on what a person values. My hubby is fine with all his photos - year after year - featuring him in white shirts.

[tinamourra]

Im all fir packing light but i think there needs to be consideration for the size of the clothes. If im XXL i wont be able to fit as many items vs someone who wears xxs

[dpmu]

Right on Rick! - I do use a roller bag - and a day back that I strap onto the roller (21.7/14/9). I don't usually check my bags - unless a suit and dress shoes are needed for a special occasion.