Travel Smart--Packing Tips

Rule #1 (Actually it's the ONLY packing rule!) – Pack light! In general, you can have one checked bag and two carry-on bags, but I don’t recommend any large suitcases because you have to porter your own luggage during the tour. You should plan on one average size suitcase (rolling is your best bet) and a backpack or under the airplane seat size bag. I do not plan to check my bag but use the smaller size and carry on both bags…your call.

BAGGAGE:

--United Airlines baggage policy

--British Airways baggage policy

As required by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, baggage service charges for your entire itinerary are determined by the marketing carrier for the first segment of your itinerary. Your originating marketing carrier is the airline whose flight number is assigned to the first segment of your itinerary.

If you plan to check a bag, it must not weigh over 50 pounds.  Anything over that will impose an

Dimensions for a carry on bag

overweight fee.  If you check a bag, one carry on bag such as a backpack or bag whose total dimensions do not exceed 45 inches (length + height  + width, such as 9x14x22 and can be stowed in the overhead bin) AND one personal item such as a purse or laptop not to exceed 36 inches (9x10x17 and can be stored under the seat).

A coat or jacket, reading material, and food bought in the airport do not count towards carry on.

If you decide not to check a bag, then your purse or laptop must be stowed in one of the two carry on bags and the same dimensions apply.  You may be surprised at what you can pack in a smaller bag and what you can live without for a short travel time!

Consider packing a day bag in your luggage, something a bit smaller to carry just the essentials you need for the day (camera, water, itinerary, notes, tissues, etc.)  You won’t want to carry a backpack full of all your toiletries and extra items around all day as all that will be stowed in the bus baggage compartment.

PACKING TIPS:

Roll clothes to save space

--roll clothes to prevent wrinkles and save space or put a day’s set of clothes in 2-1/2 gallon Ziploc bags and squeeze out the air before sealing.
--consider wearing slacks twice with different shirts each day to save space. Then 2 days clothes can be packed in one of those large Ziploc bags.

--put toiletries, camera, and a change of clothes in your carry on…going and coming.
--pack extra camera batteries and memory cards.
--prescriptions need to be in original bottles. Ask your pharmacy if they can provide you with smaller bottles with labels.  If not, transfer complete labels on larger containers to smaller ones.
--pack some extra garbage bags for dirty or wet clothes. Pack extra different sizes of Ziploc bags for a variety of reasons.
--pack easy traveling snacks (not ones that crumble or melt). Sometimes dinner or lunch is late depending on the schedule.

--consider collapsible refillable water bottles.
--keep your actual passport inside your clothes in a neck or waist pouch.  Also keep the majority of your money in this same safe place. Just take out the daily amount of cash. Also watch out for pickpockets!  Read these practical reviews on wearing neck or waist (and other) pouches.
--make sure that any day visiting a religious site that shoulders and knees should be covered (if you’re in shorts, wrap a shawl around your waist or slip on wind pants)

3-1-1 rule for carry on liquids

--always carry an umbrella or a breathable, waterproof rain jacket.
--toiletries should be packed 3-1-1….gels, aerosols, liquids in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces in only one bag that is no larger than one quart. Try to get as many in travel size as possible. This bag will need to be out and go through the security scan outside your luggage. Too many toiletries or health and beauty aids in too large sizes is the number one way to take up a lot of space in luggage.  And you only need to put liquids in this 3-1-1 bag.  Other toiletries can be packed in a separate bag in your luggage.

--wear comfortable shoes!! Don’t bring new ones you haven’t broken in yet—UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  I don’t care how cute they look with that new jacket! Bring a spare pair in case a strap breaks or they get wet. I like Teva brand, and I've bought them on clearance racks, Ross at a discount, and on Amazon.
--pack a journal and write, write, write. Remember the fun!
--bring a light jacket…expect some cool weather.

--might even pack some light weight gloves and scarf.  Evenings could be cool.

--expect unpredictable weather…layer, layer, layer…it could be warm to downright cold—all in the same day!

--prepare for both kinds of weather and bring sunscreen also.
--avoid packing valuable jewelry. Less is more.

British type plug adaptor

--will need an electric voltage converter and a plug adaptor for the countries we are visiting as European electrical outlets are different from US. They are 220v instead of 110v. I recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit available at Walmart or Target. View more information about plug and socket types for various countries.
--pack a travel alarm or make sure the one on your phone works. There are wake up calls, but sometimes they don’t always go through.

--wear a watch or use a phone clock to make sure you are where you need to be on time.
--share some things with roomies (i.e. hair dryer, curling irons, etc.) and save space.
--wear your most bulky shoes and pack the lighter ones.
--It’s an overnight flight so try to get sleep in flight. A neck pillow really helps! There are inflatable ones that save space in luggage and those comfy, cushy ones that I just drape on the outside of my luggage handle and don't pack.
--throw in a fabric softener sheet to keep your suitcase fresh.
--pack a flat duffel or backpack that you could use as a second carry on to hold souvenirs on the return flight if you check your larger bag.
--always have some tissue in your pocket…just in case there is no toilet paper at a pit stop.

--bring your own washcloths or bath sponges.  European hotels typically do not provide washcloths.  Or you could use those disposable dish cloths and just throw them away after each use.
--don’t forget your passport, driver’s license (for another form of ID), travel documents/flight information, copies of passports (in both bags, one at home and email to yourself), and any insurance paperwork other than EF.

--information on this blog is meant to be printed and used as your travel guide, so you only need to print the parts you want. However, if you want a published guide, I recommend the Dorling-Kindersley Eyewitness Travel Guides. They are detailed, lots of pictures and diagrams, and my favorite...but they are heavy! If you are buying used travel guides, make sure the copyright date is the most current as they are updated regularly.  Here are the most recent for Scotland and Ireland.

--checked bags should not be locked for possible security checks, so use a twist tie on the flight. You can lock them during the trip. Also if you check your bag, tell the airport check-in attendant to check your bag all the way to our final destination..and then make sure the tag they attach says so BEFORE they put it on the conveyer belt!

Here are a few tips that some of you contributed:

--wear support stockings on both plane trips for circulation.  [Note: we have had a lot of people who have had problems with swollen legs and ankles.  Maybe this will help.]

--wear a comfortable OLD dress or slacks on the plane and leave at the first hotel freeing up packing space.  Spring is the time to clean out your closets!  I have had a traveler who packed all old clothes she planned to discard and just left them behind at each hotel.  She came home with a suitcase full of souvenirs!

--since it is rainy much of the time at our destinations, packing pocket disposable raincoats takes up no space and costs a $1 at the dollar store.  Toss them when you are through.  [Note: I wouldn’t leave your regular rain jacket at home, but it wouldn’t hurt to have one or two for emergencies in your backpack.]

--pack a travel size Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray.  [Note: I have had more than one person tell me it works, although I have not tried it myself.]

For additional information on packing, refer to a previous blog posting that I wrote after having a meeting for a previous tour.  It has detailed information about packing light and other tips.  You might pick up a few more packing tips from this earlier blog posting too.

Although these three Rick Steves European Travel Skills videos cover a lot more than packing, they give a lot of practical travel tips and are worth watching.  And be sure to check out Rick Steves suggested packing list.

Part 1 (24:57)

Part 2 (24:57)

Part 3 (24:57)

Here are some interesting Pinterest boards on packing:

Pinterest: Packing Ideas
Pinterest: Packing Tips and Inspiration
Pinterest: Travel Packing (How and What)
Pinterest: Packing Ideas

Or better yet, repin your favorites on your own Pinterest board.

Packing for Our Trip

Rule #1 (Actually it's the ONLY packing rule!) – Pack light! You can have one checked bag and two carry-on bags, but I don’t recommend large suitcases because you have to porter your own luggage. You should plan on one average size suitcase (rolling is your best bet) and a backpack or under the airplane seat size bag. I do not plan to check my bag but use the smaller size and carry on both bags. Your call.

BAGGAGE:

--Dallas travelers on Lufthansa may carry on one bag maximum size 22” x 15” x 9” and also carry on a personal bag maximum size 12” x 15” x 4”, such as a woman’s handbag, laptop case or shoulder bag.  Any electrical appliances such as in iPod, iPad, laptop, CD player and/or phone must be in one of the carry-on bags.  (EF backpacks are acceptable.)

--for detailed carry-on baggage information on Lufthansa, click here.

--Lufthansa allows for one free checked bag in economy class with maximum 50 pounds and 62 inches (length+width+height).

--for detailed checked baggage information on Lufthansa, click here.

--St. Louis travelers on United may carry on one bag maximum size 14” x 9” x 22” and also carry on one personal item such as a shoulder bag, backpack, or laptop bag.

--for detailed carry-on baggage information on United, click here.

--looks like the United travelers will have a $25 checked baggage fee for each leg of the flight.  You will need to be prepared to pay that at your initial airport when you first check your bag with maximum size of 62” (length + width + height) and 50 pounds.  This can be avoided if you carry on two bags as detailed above. (Note: This is based on looking at United’s web site.  If I’m wrong I will let you know.)

--for detailed checked baggage information on United, click here.

--consider packing a day bag in your luggage, something a bit smaller to carry just the essentials you need for the day (camera, water, itinerary, notes, tissues, etc.)  You won’t want to carry a backpack full of all your toiletries and extra items around all day.

PACKING TIPS:

Roll clothes to save space

--roll clothes to prevent wrinkles and save space or put a day’s set of clothes in 2-1/2 gallon Ziploc bags.

--consider wearing slacks twice with different shirts each day to save space.
--put toiletries, camera, and a change of clothes in your carry on…going and coming.
--pack extra camera batteries and memory cards.
--prescriptions need to be in original bottles. Ask your pharmacy if they can provide you with smaller bottles with labels.
--will need an electric voltage converter and a plug adaptor for the countries we are visiting as European electrical outlets are different from US. They are 220v instead of 110v. I recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit available at Walmart or Target. View more information about electrical standards around the world.
--pack some extra garbage bags for dirty or wet clothes. Pack extra different sizes of Ziploc bags for a variety of reasons.
--pack easy traveling snacks (not ones that crumble or melt). Sometimes dinner or lunch is late depending on the schedule.

--consider collapsible refillable water bottles.
--put a copy of your passport in your bag and keep your actual passport inside your clothes in a neck or waist pouch. Also keep the majority of your money in this same safe place. Just take out the daily amount of cash. Also watch out for pickpockets!  Also leave a copy of your passport at home.
--make sure that any day visiting a religious site that shoulders and knees should be covered (if you’re in shorts, wrap a shawl around your waist or slip on wind pants)

3-1-1 rule

--toiletries should be packed 3-1-1….gels, aerosols, liquids in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces in only one bag that is no larger than one quart. Try to get as many in travel size as possible. This bag will need to be out and go through the security scan outside your luggage. Too many toiletries or health and beauty aids in too large sizes is the number one way to take up a lot of space in luggage.
--wear comfortable shoes!! Don’t bring new ones you haven’t broken in. Bring a spare pair in case a strap breaks or they get wet. I like Teva brand, and I've bought them on clearance racks, Ross at a discount, and on Amazon.
--pack a journal and write, write, write. Remember the fun!
--weather is expected to be in the low 50s to high 70s so you need to bring a light jacket.

--always carry an umbrella or a rain jacket.

--prepare for both kinds of weather and bring sunscreen also.
--avoid packing valuable jewelry. Less is more.
--pack a travel alarm. There are wake up calls, but sometimes they don’t always go through.

--wear a watch or use a phone clock to make sure you are where you need to be on time.
--share some things with roomies (i.e. hair dryer, curling irons, etc.) and save space.
--wear your most bulky shoes and pack the lighter ones.
--It’s an overnight flight so try to get sleep. A neck pillow really helps! There are inflatable ones that save space in luggage and those comfy, cushy ones that I just drape on the outside of my luggage handle and don't pack.
--throw in a fabric softener sheet to keep your suitcase fresh.
--pack a flat duffel or backpack that you could use as a second carry on to hold souvenirs on the return flight if you check your larger bag.
--always have some tissue in your pocket…just in case there is no toilet paper at a pit stop.

--bring your own washcloths or bath sponges.  European hotels typically do not provide washcloths.
--information on this blog is meant to be printed and used as your travel guide, so you only need to print the parts you want. However, if you want a published guide, I recommend the Dorling-Kindersley Eyewitness Travel Guides. They are detailed, lots of pictures and diagrams, and my favorite...but they are heavy! There is one for each of the cities we will visit: Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Budapest. Try Half-Price Books or the used ones on Amazon.
--checked bags should not be locked for possible security checks, so use a twist tie on the flight. You can lock them during the trip. Also if you check your bag, tell the airport check-in attendant to check your bag all the way to Berlin..and then make sure the tag they attach says Berlin BEFORE they put it on the conveyer belt!

For additional information on packing, refer to a previous blog posting that I wrote after having a meeting for a previous tour.  It has detailed information about packing light and other tips.  You might pick up a few more packing tips from this earlier blog posting too.

“How to Pack for a Trip to Central Europe” is also an informative site.

Here are some interesting Pinterest boards on packing:
Pinterest: Packing Tips and Inspiration
Pinterest: Travel Tips: Packing (How and What to Pack)
Pinterest: Packing Ideas

Or better yet, repin your favorites on your own Pinterest board.

More Travel Tips

--Pack a small compass. It will help on those days (like London) when you are on your own reading a map. It is extremely helpful in navigating winding streets or orienting yourself once you exit a subway.
--Airports require you to pack toiletries 3-1-1...that is, only 3 ounces each of liquid toiletries in a one-quart bag and only one bag per traveler. Try using a free zippered plastic bag that a valance curtain came in when you bought it. It is about the right size but slightly deeper, holds more, and is sturdier. Use varying sizes of these bags for shoes, underwear, and any other storage need.
--European hotels do not provide washcloths and you will have to pack your own. Although thin, I cut disposable Handy Wipes in two and carry one for each day. They take up no space and I throw them away when I'm through.
--When packing the electrical adaptors for foreign countries, do not take the entire assortment. Only take the ones for France and England.
--To facilitate speed in removing and putting shoes back on during airport security, you might try one of two things. One, wear slip on sandals or flip flops to go through security and then have a pair of socks to wear on the plane. Or, if you fear your feet swelling and need to wear lace up shoes through security, try elastic laces such as Lock Laces. Check sporting goods stores.
--If you plan to check luggage and want to weigh in as light as possible, try a rolling duffle. It could take off several pounds at weigh in.
--In the hotel at night, keep your passport, money, cell phone, camera, and any other important items together in one bag by your bed. In an emergency, you can just grab the one bag and have everything you need...say in case the fire alarm goes off. Been there...done that!
--Public restrooms do not always have hand soap. Here is a good use for all those hotel size bottles of shampoo you've been saving. They work great as liquid soap. You can also buy mini bottles of hand sanitizer (but the shampoo was free!)
--Lightweight, washable, and multifunctional, a cotton sarong is an easy and practical addition to your baggage. It can serve as a swimsuit cover-up, a picnic blanket, that temporary skirt in a cathedral, an extra pillow or light blanket for the plane or bus, an emergency towel, or a tablecloth. Check out all the ways to tie a sarong on these YouTube videos.
_

More Packing Tips

Here are a few suggestions for packing that will provide more space for your souvenirs on your return trip.

1. Collect old clothes throughout the year or clean out your closet before packing. Wear them on the trip and then leave them behind. It frees up space in your luggage as you go. Just leave behind a note for the maid as she might not be able to keep them if she can't prove you intended to leave them. You can do a good deed for someone in need and lighten your load. And no stinky laundry to tote around!

2. Pack a collapsible suitcase or duffel bag in your checked luggage. It doesn't take up much room and on the way home, pack the dirty laundry in it then pack your fragile souvenirs in your sturdier luggage. Or you could pack everything in a medium suitcase which then fits inside a larger suitcase. Either way, you have 2 suitcases for the return trip.

3. If you are a reader, take along old paperbacks that you don't really care about keeping. Just leave them behind as you finish reading and your luggage lightens as you go...and frees up more space.

4. Roll your clothes when you pack. They say it takes up less space in your luggage and helps prevent wrinkling. Just smooth out all the wrinkles as you roll them up.

5. Put things in other things. Stuff socks in shoes which also helps to hold the shoe in shape. Stuff underwear in nooks and crannies. Fill up up outside pockets with extra items.

6. Wear your heaviest and bulkiest items onto the plane.

7. Pack only travel size toiletries and make use of those free hotel toiletries you've collected. They are small and disposable. And bring only the essential toiletries. Some things you CAN live without for a few days!

8. Consider vacuum bags that take the air out and compress the items or use oversize ziploc bags and squeeze out excess air.

9. Leave behind anything unnecessary. Travel with the minimum. After all, you are only going to be gone just over a week!

Take a look at this Ultimate Packing List. It has some handy tips and is designed for using only a carry-on bag. Perhaps you'd like to try that this trip!

Travel Tips from Passports #1

Note: The following is a reprint of a few tips from the Travel Tips section from Passports. It can viewed in its entirety at Passports and typing in your username and password or the group preview code farmer09 (that's a zero and nine). I will periodically post some of their tips on our travel blog for your convenience.

*Travel light, especially if you are visiting several cities! Take one SMALL carry-on bag and one medium-sized piece of baggage (wheels are essential) to be checked. We recommend that you bring only the necessities. Once you have packed your bags, pick them up and carry them for a few yards then ask yourself if you are prepared to spend the next week or so doing the same. If not, then you have over-packed! Do not lock your suitcase before a flight. Security agents may need to look inside, and may break your lock in order to do so.

*Be prepared for any kind of weather. Always pack a sweater, sweatshirt or other light, long-sleeved outerwear in case of cool evenings or cloudy days when you are traveling in the summer.

*Layers are the tops! Take a couple of close-fitting tank tops to wear under your shirts/tops, if you get a bit chilly. They will take up hardly any room in your suitcase but that extra layer will keep you cozy. Even on warm days, nights can be cold, and it's always cooler on oceans or rivers.

*Always wear a pair of broken-in, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers during the tour and on the airplane. Never take new shoes on tour.

What to Pack...

You might consider some of these items when planning your packing:

--Lightweight weather proof jacket with hood (It's bound to rain at least once!)
--Lightweight compact umbrella (the kind that's only 6 inches long and fits anywhere)
--Neck pillow for the plane or the bus (the foam kind that takes up more packing space or the inflatable kind that takes up no room at all)
--Passport pouch or belt (one that hangs around your neck or fits around your waist and under your clothes...the important thing is that your passport, credit cards, and majority of your money are out of sight and not easy for a pickpocket to snatch)
--Digital camera with extra batteries and memory cards (the more megapixels the better and more optical zoom is better than digital zoom as it allows for better cropping and sharper images)
--Small, compact binoculars
--Good sized back pack for your carry on for the plane (this can be stowed in the luggage compartment of the bus later)
--Rolling luggage (see previous blog on this)
--Day bag or fanny pack for carrying on the bus each day (just for that day's necessities, camera, etc.)
--Compact travel hair dryer
--Voltage converters for European plugs (kit will contain the voltage converter and the various types of plugs used internationally...their electrical outlets are not like ours)
--Blank journal
--Compass (for reading a map!)
--Universal luggage lock (allows the airlines access for inspection, but keeps other prying hands out)
--Travel alarm
--Good comfortable walking shoes (I like Teva brand, especially the sandals, but anything comfortable for walking distances and multi-level ground is fine. Watch for sales and look at outlet malls....just don't bring a new pair of shoes that are not broken in!)
--Tour guide books (Dorling-Kindersley Eyewitness Travel Guides are my favorite. They are in color, have maps and building diagrams, tell the highlights of a site, etc. They are a bit pricey, so look for them in the used book section of book stores and online. There are the regular travel guides with everything and then the Top 10 guides which are smaller, lighter weight, and cheaper. Suggestions: Top 10 Paris, Paris (complete), Top 10 London, London (complete), Top 10 Normandy, and Loire Valley. (If anyone has other suggestions for travel guides, please post.)

Note: I don't advocate buying from these online stores unless they are the best buy after doing comparative shopping. The links are provided to show you what the item looks like or to provide more information.

Packing Toiletries

The Transportation Security Administration requires that carry on toiletries (liquid, gel, and aerosol) be limited to 3-ounce containers placed in a one quart clear zip top bag, and TSA only allows one bag per traveler. It is known as TSA's 3-1-1 and is meant to speed screening and minimize liquid volume.

Medications are not included in this and should be declared separately for inspection at the checkpoint. The zip bag of toiletries must also be placed in the bin separately during inspection. For more information on 3-1-1, then click on the left links on the above site to learn more about permitted and prohibitive items and more details on 3-1-1.

Now is the time to start shopping for those needed travel size items which are not always so readily available especially if you must use a specific brand. Be on the lookout and start stocking up now. An online resource is Minimus.biz. Here you can find all kinds of toiletry and food travel size items. They have free shipping for orders over $20.

Also check with your cosmetics provider as they sometimes have travel sizes available. For example, Mary Kay provides several travel size products as free promotionals. Also pick up the travel size toiletries at hotels where you stay. Even if you do not use that type of shampoo, you now have a disposable travel size bottle to put yours in.

If you must bring a larger size toiletry then it must be placed in your checked bag. Just remember that carrying around ALL your regular size toiletries will take up a lot of space in your bag and a lot of extra weight for you to have to carry...think small!

Luggage

One of the first questions I'm always asked is: What kind of luggage do I need? On the flight out, you may check one bag and carry on one bag. On the return flight you may check two bags and carry on one. What kind and size bag? Talk to anyone who has traveled with me before and you will get the best answer--the smaller the better! You are your own porter. Use a bag with rollers.

The official way to measure luggage is to add the width, height, and depth of a bag including the rollers and any expandable pockets. The one I always use is a 45" rolling bag--23 x 14 x 8. It's HOW you pack that let's you carry a smaller bag. (More about packing light in a later posting.)

I use a good size backpack as my carry on bag. It fits easily under the airline seat, easy to tote in an airport and/or while rolling a separate bag. I also carry what I call a "day bag" while on tour--something to carry some daily necessities on the bus while the luggage and bigger backpack are stowed under the bus. One of those lightweight drawstring backpacks works well as it can be rolled up and packed.

I also use a small flat over-the-shoulder purse just big enough for my digital camera and a coin purse to hop off the bus to see a site. You should also have a passport pouch (neck or waist) to carry your passport and money for safety.

You use whatever is comfortable and easy for you to manage...but remember, smaller is always better!