Europe Bound!

- Just because it fits does not mean you should bring it. A couple days before we left I found myself saying “Wow, we actually have some extra space. Maybe I will bring (such and such)”. Once we were on the road I really regretted bringing those few things. When you are packing and unpacking as frequently as you are on a Rick Steves’ tour you just want less. Period. Also you carry your bag from point A to point B. Every little thing adds weight and trust me - you don’t want to break your back for that extra scarf.

 

- I recommend a suitcase that has backpack straps, wheels, and expands. If you can have a backpack with all three, in my opinion, you are set. Mike and I bought one suitcase that was a backpack with no wheels. That suitcase got annoying really fast, especially because 80% of the time you can wheel your suitcase. We also bought a suitcase that was very small so that it could fit into any carry on size possible. Before I left to Europe I remember feeling really nervous about lost luggage so I was bound and determined to not have my luggage checked. So we purchased a carry-on that was small and would fit into any overhead. But once I got to the airline and went through the whole luggage experience I felt like it didn’t matter as much as it once did in my mind. We flew with Delta, and they asked for people who would be willing to check their carry-ons. When they checked me in they asked, and I was adamant that I wanted to keep our luggage and they were totally fine with that. I don’t know if you will have the same experience, but I think it’s not a big deal. If I were to do it again I would get a normal carry-on that has the potential to expand. Why the potential to expand? If you get any souvenirs or anything while in Europe you have the possibility to expand your carry on. 

 

- I brought pants that I already had that were really comfortable for me. They were actually work pants which was nice because I could dress them up pretty easy.

 

- Shoes. Oh shoes! I remember before I went to Europe I read and read and read shoe reviews, and let me tell you- biggest waste of time. Ok, maybe I’m being a little extreme, but in all reality shoes are going to be different for everyone. My advice when it comes to shoes is to go to a high quality shoe store somewhere in your area. When there, try on shoes like there is no tomorrow. Once you think you have a pair, purchase them and wear them a lot. If they don’t work hopefully you have a couple back-up options from your shoe-trying-on spree that you can purchase. Additionally, if you buy leather shoes and you have just one spot that rubs wrong you can get them stretched! The heavens have parted. I bought a pair of black, mary jane-style, leather shoes for Europe. I was stoked about them and took them on a work trip to break them in. After a few days of wearing them I freaked out because one of the shoes was totally rubbing the top of my foot. Well I called the shoe store and they let me know they could stretch that specific spot. They did and, lo and behold, my shoes were made perfect. I took them to Europe and wore them most days and loved them.

 

- I do think you should bring two pair of shoes. My feet really appreciated the variety. I recommend bringing a pair of sandals. Which pair? I would go through the same process as above. Mike and I both brought Chacos. Even though a lot of people rant and rave about Chacos, we were not fans. Some people say you need to wear them to get used to them. Well, after wearing them a ton, we both still don’t prefer them and would have brought different sandals. Again, you might have a completely different experience. The one pro of Chacos is that they are great for hiking so you can kill two birds with one stone.

 

- Use packing cubes. I purchased two sets of packing cubes on Rick Steves’ website and they were very handy. I really liked packing cubes because they kept things organized in our suitcases, which was very important since we were changing locations so frequently.

 

- As you Google and search etc. you will see all kinds of tips for packing light. No tips really matter more than "just pack less" - period. That is the most important tip- don’t pack very much. Be ready to do laundry and you will be fine with a small amount of clothes.

 

You can find a lot of great products I'm talking about here at Rick Steves' site.