I wish I had viewed this video before traveling to Europe last summer. My husband and I each bought the Rick Steves' convertible carry-on backpack (we love them). They are very roomy! So I was able to pack a lot of different items. After a week of lugging around heavy backpacks, we found a DHL outlet in Nürmberg and sent back a box of stuff. It cost $75 to do, but worth every penny. Next time, I will wear my carry-on around town a few hours to see if it is light enough before I travel!
I travel a lot from local to international. I use my Rick Steves' Convertible Carry On Backpack (green) everytime and have recieved more comments from people about how perfect it is!
The pocket knife / nail file / toiletries are often confiscated at UK airports because of all the ridiculous "security" checks. So to avoid having your favourite aftershave or newly bought toiletries taken from you leave them at home. The rules are not uniform across Europe as I once accidentally packed my Leatherman into my hand luggage in Salzburg and the airport security let me through. Common sense prevailed in Austria whereas in the UK bloody mindedness is the order of the day by security
Packing a carry on is smart and the way to go for the most part, but only if the airlines your taking has a lenient carry on restriction. It's hard for my to pack a carry on because the airlines I'm taking only allows up to 15lbs for a carry on, and the lightest i can go is 17lbs. so it'll be hard for me to carry on. RICK STEVES I NEED HELP!!! haha.
I've seen this a million times. Good solid advice. Bit dated WRT gadgets and electronic. For guys I 'd recommend a bit more style or refinement in the wardrobe than Rick sports, esp if u will be going to some of the more sophisticated euro capitals. For what not to do see the couple with backpacks at 1:06. She's dressed classy and nice, while he looks like a 12 yr old boy.
@baconlatte, they're both wearing light coloured shorts and t-shirts (although one is black and the other white). Why does the man look like a twelve-year-old and not the woman?
Rick Steves is the best traveler in the world. Without him no American tourists will survive :) I rely a lot on his guide book and I made successful trips from it. Grazzi!
having a smartphone makes wonders. just having wifi, can help a lot when walking in a city. this next time i am going to be carrying my camera, and extra memory storage for it, my nook color which i can carry as i walk and i can browse the web or read on the plane. my family thinks is crazy traveling like rick steves.. but it's such a conformable travel. I like also carrying a durable plastic bag like the ones sold in supermarkets to carry laundry or bring things i cannot place in my bag.
Also, with advancing technology you can pick yourself up a GSM quad band unlocked phone with a 16GB sd card, 5megapixel camera that can act as your travel phone, mp3 player, alarm clock, watch, and camera all in one small hand-held device! Can't do better than that. Forgo the laptop and other individual gadgets... internet cafes are all over Europe if you need to check email (unless you are on business).
I pack much like Steve - this can work for a woman just fine. When packing for our honeymoon 27 years ago - and my first trip to Europe - my soon-to-be-husband said basically, "you pack it, you carry it". That cured me fast! We have traveled very light ever since. It's doable - one just needs a little bit of discipline. Of course the side effect is that I look to be wearing the largely the same things in all my travel photos...lol
@lsusc I am a woman so I understand looking fashionable and traveling light do not seem to go together :) but i always tell myself I have to keep my luggage manageable. I always go for a 24+4L backpack (medium) with a small wheeled luggage (like those black ones pulled by two women in the video). it's great for a non-backpacker like me.
Then again I've been the opposite of a hoarder my whole life.
My motto is, if I don't use it, someone else should.
So I give away stuff I don't use to people who have shown any interest in something like it. Even if they don't need it, at least they may appreciate it more than I do. :P
Actually, the real reason why everything is expensive in Europe has more to do with the "hidden" ~ 20% VAT tax built into the price of every good and service whereas in the US there are some states which don't even have any form of sales tax and online purchases are tax free as well. Keep your receipts in Europe... if you spend more than $200 you can get a refund on all the tax you paid at the airport if your a non EU citizen!
Another great tip on packing light is only pack the necessities. You only need the necessary amount of clothing for the duration of your trip. Be realistic about what you're going to wear. Be comfortable and practical! I find that rolling my clothes helps to fit more when needed.
Toiletries - you can buy almost everything in Europe except tampons and deodorant. Both are difficult to find. It took me three days to find tampons and one box cost more than $10. Toothpaste, etc. is everywhere. Only thing I would add is a water bottle with a filter on it. Very handy, will save you lots of money (especially on trains) and will keep you from getting sick.
@SheOwnsFrodo I didn't have a problem finding tampons in France, Paris at least had a good selection of female products. They were even in a little corner grocery store (not a big place) right down from where I stayed. They WERE a little bit expensive, but I chock that up to the exchange rate more than anything else. Tampax was about 6 euros/box (which at the time I went, was over $9, although now would be around $7.50ish) whereas the same size box at home, is about 6 dollars.
@SheOwnsFrodo I agree about deodorant though, I couldn't find solid stick deodorant ANYWHERE in Paris, they only had the liquid roller ball kind, which I hate. If you like solid deo, definitely bring enough for your trip!
i look at people pulling little wheely suitcases and think "poor them! they can't get a backpack?" ...it's so much more mobile! yes, you have to keep it light for your back's sake, but look at that women pulling her little wheely suitcase! it's wobbling and practically about to tip over and she's walking on relatively level ground! imagine what it would do on Europe's many cobblestoned streets! backpack...go with the BACKPACK!
Packing light is essential if you are into traveling and not so much into impressing other people. One thing that Rick mentions in this video, but didn't relate it to clothing, is buying shirts, pants and jackets while on the road. When traveling, you can see what the locals wear, then purchase to fit with their dress norms. Enjoy your travel experience - shop locally, lodge away from tourist centers and leave your big bags of "stuff" at home!
@TravelerScout packing light is essential... nothing worse than lugging around a heavy bag, even worse, a pair of heavy suitcases!, while sightseeing or trying to get from one destination to another. on and off trains, into and out of accommodations.... part of the appeal, at least for us women, I'm sure, is buying some nice clothes while in another country.
I wish I had viewed this video before traveling to Europe last summer. My husband and I each bought the Rick Steves' convertible carry-on backpack (we love them). They are very roomy! So I was able to pack a lot of different items. After a week of lugging around heavy backpacks, we found a DHL outlet in Nürmberg and sent back a box of stuff. It cost $75 to do, but worth every penny. Next time, I will wear my carry-on around town a few hours to see if it is light enough before I travel!
I travel a lot from local to international. I use my Rick Steves' Convertible Carry On Backpack (green) everytime and have recieved more comments from people about how perfect it is!
The pocket knife / nail file / toiletries are often confiscated at UK airports because of all the ridiculous "security" checks. So to avoid having your favourite aftershave or newly bought toiletries taken from you leave them at home. The rules are not uniform across Europe as I once accidentally packed my Leatherman into my hand luggage in Salzburg and the airport security let me through. Common sense prevailed in Austria whereas in the UK bloody mindedness is the order of the day by security
Packing a carry on is smart and the way to go for the most part, but only if the airlines your taking has a lenient carry on restriction. It's hard for my to pack a carry on because the airlines I'm taking only allows up to 15lbs for a carry on, and the lightest i can go is 17lbs. so it'll be hard for me to carry on. RICK STEVES I NEED HELP!!! haha.
I've seen this a million times. Good solid advice. Bit dated WRT gadgets and electronic. For guys I 'd recommend a bit more style or refinement in the wardrobe than Rick sports, esp if u will be going to some of the more sophisticated euro capitals. For what not to do see the couple with backpacks at 1:06. She's dressed classy and nice, while he looks like a 12 yr old boy.
@baconlatte, they're both wearing light coloured shorts and t-shirts (although one is black and the other white). Why does the man look like a twelve-year-old and not the woman?
Rick Steves is the best traveler in the world. Without him no American tourists will survive :) I rely a lot on his guide book and I made successful trips from it. Grazzi!
having a smartphone makes wonders. just having wifi, can help a lot when walking in a city. this next time i am going to be carrying my camera, and extra memory storage for it, my nook color which i can carry as i walk and i can browse the web or read on the plane. my family thinks is crazy traveling like rick steves.. but it's such a conformable travel. I like also carrying a durable plastic bag like the ones sold in supermarkets to carry laundry or bring things i cannot place in my bag.
Also, with advancing technology you can pick yourself up a GSM quad band unlocked phone with a 16GB sd card, 5megapixel camera that can act as your travel phone, mp3 player, alarm clock, watch, and camera all in one small hand-held device! Can't do better than that. Forgo the laptop and other individual gadgets... internet cafes are all over Europe if you need to check email (unless you are on business).
I pack much like Steve - this can work for a woman just fine. When packing for our honeymoon 27 years ago - and my first trip to Europe - my soon-to-be-husband said basically, "you pack it, you carry it". That cured me fast! We have traveled very light ever since. It's doable - one just needs a little bit of discipline. Of course the side effect is that I look to be wearing the largely the same things in all my travel photos...lol
@lsusc I am a woman so I understand looking fashionable and traveling light do not seem to go together :) but i always tell myself I have to keep my luggage manageable. I always go for a 24+4L backpack (medium) with a small wheeled luggage (like those black ones pulled by two women in the video). it's great for a non-backpacker like me.
Then again I've been the opposite of a hoarder my whole life.
My motto is, if I don't use it, someone else should.
So I give away stuff I don't use to people who have shown any interest in something like it. Even if they don't need it, at least they may appreciate it more than I do. :P
Actually, the real reason why everything is expensive in Europe has more to do with the "hidden" ~ 20% VAT tax built into the price of every good and service whereas in the US there are some states which don't even have any form of sales tax and online purchases are tax free as well. Keep your receipts in Europe... if you spend more than $200 you can get a refund on all the tax you paid at the airport if your a non EU citizen!
Another great tip on packing light is only pack the necessities. You only need the necessary amount of clothing for the duration of your trip. Be realistic about what you're going to wear. Be comfortable and practical! I find that rolling my clothes helps to fit more when needed.
Toiletries - you can buy almost everything in Europe except tampons and deodorant. Both are difficult to find. It took me three days to find tampons and one box cost more than $10. Toothpaste, etc. is everywhere. Only thing I would add is a water bottle with a filter on it. Very handy, will save you lots of money (especially on trains) and will keep you from getting sick.
@SheOwnsFrodo I didn't have a problem finding tampons in France, Paris at least had a good selection of female products. They were even in a little corner grocery store (not a big place) right down from where I stayed. They WERE a little bit expensive, but I chock that up to the exchange rate more than anything else. Tampax was about 6 euros/box (which at the time I went, was over $9, although now would be around $7.50ish) whereas the same size box at home, is about 6 dollars.
@SheOwnsFrodo I agree about deodorant though, I couldn't find solid stick deodorant ANYWHERE in Paris, they only had the liquid roller ball kind, which I hate. If you like solid deo, definitely bring enough for your trip!
i look at people pulling little wheely suitcases and think "poor them! they can't get a backpack?" ...it's so much more mobile! yes, you have to keep it light for your back's sake, but look at that women pulling her little wheely suitcase! it's wobbling and practically about to tip over and she's walking on relatively level ground! imagine what it would do on Europe's many cobblestoned streets! backpack...go with the BACKPACK!
Packing light is essential if you are into traveling and not so much into impressing other people. One thing that Rick mentions in this video, but didn't relate it to clothing, is buying shirts, pants and jackets while on the road. When traveling, you can see what the locals wear, then purchase to fit with their dress norms. Enjoy your travel experience - shop locally, lodge away from tourist centers and leave your big bags of "stuff" at home!
@TravelerScout packing light is essential... nothing worse than lugging around a heavy bag, even worse, a pair of heavy suitcases!, while sightseeing or trying to get from one destination to another. on and off trains, into and out of accommodations.... part of the appeal, at least for us women, I'm sure, is buying some nice clothes while in another country.
I disagree with Rick here. While overpacking is not a wise thing, I pack several changes of daytime clothes, nighttime clothes, workout gear, running shoes, swimwear, shower shoes, and a laptop bag.
I sometimes have to pay extra baggage fees, but it is worth it. Dressing well gives the locals a positive impression of Americans and it pays dividends with the opposite sex too.
"Packing light" and appearing like a frumpy American like Steve would negate the joy of the travel experience.
@ContrarianExpatriate packing light doesn't necessariily mean looking frumpy..it depends on what kind of clothes you wear. Rick is very plain with his clothing choices in general...but he's not a 'tacky tourist'.
@ContrarianExpatriate packing light doesn't necessariily mean looking frumpy..it depends on what kind of clothes you wear. Rick is very plain with his clothing choices in general...but he's not a 'tacky tourist'.
I wish I had viewed this video before traveling to Europe last summer. My husband and I each bought the Rick Steves' convertible carry-on backpack (we love them). They are very roomy! So I was able to pack a lot of different items. After a week of lugging around heavy backpacks, we found a DHL outlet in Nürmberg and sent back a box of stuff. It cost $75 to do, but worth every penny. Next time, I will wear my carry-on around town a few hours to see if it is light enough before I travel!
annarborkm 2 weeks ago
I travel a lot from local to international. I use my Rick Steves' Convertible Carry On Backpack (green) everytime and have recieved more comments from people about how perfect it is!
macrent2 2 months ago
The pocket knife / nail file / toiletries are often confiscated at UK airports because of all the ridiculous "security" checks. So to avoid having your favourite aftershave or newly bought toiletries taken from you leave them at home. The rules are not uniform across Europe as I once accidentally packed my Leatherman into my hand luggage in Salzburg and the airport security let me through. Common sense prevailed in Austria whereas in the UK bloody mindedness is the order of the day by security
EverywhereVirtually 5 months ago
Packing a carry on is smart and the way to go for the most part, but only if the airlines your taking has a lenient carry on restriction. It's hard for my to pack a carry on because the airlines I'm taking only allows up to 15lbs for a carry on, and the lightest i can go is 17lbs. so it'll be hard for me to carry on. RICK STEVES I NEED HELP!!! haha.
Adrian2c 5 months ago
I enjoy his accent.
Hawkeyes711 5 months ago
I just bought Rick's bag from your site. Congrats, your subliminal messaging behind "giving your useful tips" worked :-P
sterling729 7 months ago
I've seen this a million times. Good solid advice. Bit dated WRT gadgets and electronic. For guys I 'd recommend a bit more style or refinement in the wardrobe than Rick sports, esp if u will be going to some of the more sophisticated euro capitals. For what not to do see the couple with backpacks at 1:06. She's dressed classy and nice, while he looks like a 12 yr old boy.
baconlatte 7 months ago
@baconlatte, they're both wearing light coloured shorts and t-shirts (although one is black and the other white). Why does the man look like a twelve-year-old and not the woman?
cassmi87 4 months ago
Rick Steves is the best traveler in the world. Without him no American tourists will survive :) I rely a lot on his guide book and I made successful trips from it. Grazzi!
hadabenz 7 months ago
Hes carrying his convertible carry on bag.
lambchopxoxo 9 months ago
I always bring a second pair of shoes: flip flops. theyre light and no matter where i am at when and if my feet hurt i put them on
lambchopxoxo 9 months ago
having a smartphone makes wonders. just having wifi, can help a lot when walking in a city. this next time i am going to be carrying my camera, and extra memory storage for it, my nook color which i can carry as i walk and i can browse the web or read on the plane. my family thinks is crazy traveling like rick steves.. but it's such a conformable travel. I like also carrying a durable plastic bag like the ones sold in supermarkets to carry laundry or bring things i cannot place in my bag.
juan1974mendez 11 months ago
Also, with advancing technology you can pick yourself up a GSM quad band unlocked phone with a 16GB sd card, 5megapixel camera that can act as your travel phone, mp3 player, alarm clock, watch, and camera all in one small hand-held device! Can't do better than that. Forgo the laptop and other individual gadgets... internet cafes are all over Europe if you need to check email (unless you are on business).
georgio941 1 year ago
I pack much like Steve - this can work for a woman just fine. When packing for our honeymoon 27 years ago - and my first trip to Europe - my soon-to-be-husband said basically, "you pack it, you carry it". That cured me fast! We have traveled very light ever since. It's doable - one just needs a little bit of discipline. Of course the side effect is that I look to be wearing the largely the same things in all my travel photos...lol
lyw59 1 year ago
nice computer rick.
dspkillerVolvo850R 1 year ago
I can't believe Rick packs so much! I went with about a third of that. Not to brag though... I have a bad back.
zck7 1 year ago
That packing would be okay with me. BUT, how do you pack for a woman? That would never do for my wife.
lsusc 1 year ago 7
@lsusc Our travel experts have compiled a packing list for women on our website in the "Plan Your Trip" category.
RickSteves 1 year ago 3
@lsusc I am a woman so I understand looking fashionable and traveling light do not seem to go together :) but i always tell myself I have to keep my luggage manageable. I always go for a 24+4L backpack (medium) with a small wheeled luggage (like those black ones pulled by two women in the video). it's great for a non-backpacker like me.
SugarKatie 1 year ago
It would be so cool to be able to travel with this guy
tanrat7 1 year ago
What kind of is he using? I'd love to get exactly what he has.
Shift4g 1 year ago
@Shift4g Rick is using the Rick Steves' Classic Back Door Bag.
RickSteves 1 year ago 2
@RickSteves
the bag does not look like the Classic back door bag on the website - this bag looks alot softer and less rigid - could it be another bag ??
ashjoma 10 months ago
This was great for two friends of mine.....Thank you..
MarcusLeepapi 1 year ago
All the stuff I own already fits in 2 boxes.
Then again I've been the opposite of a hoarder my whole life.
My motto is, if I don't use it, someone else should.
So I give away stuff I don't use to people who have shown any interest in something like it. Even if they don't need it, at least they may appreciate it more than I do. :P
ArtificialSouls 1 year ago
@ArtificialSouls That's the spirit.
spaidergaem 1 year ago
Actually, the real reason why everything is expensive in Europe has more to do with the "hidden" ~ 20% VAT tax built into the price of every good and service whereas in the US there are some states which don't even have any form of sales tax and online purchases are tax free as well. Keep your receipts in Europe... if you spend more than $200 you can get a refund on all the tax you paid at the airport if your a non EU citizen!
georgio941 1 year ago
Another great tip on packing light is only pack the necessities. You only need the necessary amount of clothing for the duration of your trip. Be realistic about what you're going to wear. Be comfortable and practical! I find that rolling my clothes helps to fit more when needed.
emilykbisignano 1 year ago
Toiletries - you can buy almost everything in Europe except tampons and deodorant. Both are difficult to find. It took me three days to find tampons and one box cost more than $10. Toothpaste, etc. is everywhere. Only thing I would add is a water bottle with a filter on it. Very handy, will save you lots of money (especially on trains) and will keep you from getting sick.
SheOwnsFrodo 1 year ago 2
@SheOwnsFrodo I didn't have a problem finding tampons in France, Paris at least had a good selection of female products. They were even in a little corner grocery store (not a big place) right down from where I stayed. They WERE a little bit expensive, but I chock that up to the exchange rate more than anything else. Tampax was about 6 euros/box (which at the time I went, was over $9, although now would be around $7.50ish) whereas the same size box at home, is about 6 dollars.
AUlostchick09 1 year ago
@SheOwnsFrodo I agree about deodorant though, I couldn't find solid stick deodorant ANYWHERE in Paris, they only had the liquid roller ball kind, which I hate. If you like solid deo, definitely bring enough for your trip!
AUlostchick09 1 year ago
@SheOwnsFrodo
if u ever come to Portugal, my country, dont worry about tampons and deodorant, u can find those everywhere ^^
MoonLover456 1 year ago
@SheOwnsFrodo LOL! well here in england we can find everything we need (;
LetsMakeUp21 1 year ago
i look at people pulling little wheely suitcases and think "poor them! they can't get a backpack?" ...it's so much more mobile! yes, you have to keep it light for your back's sake, but look at that women pulling her little wheely suitcase! it's wobbling and practically about to tip over and she's walking on relatively level ground! imagine what it would do on Europe's many cobblestoned streets! backpack...go with the BACKPACK!
Siobanphotogirl 1 year ago
Packing light is essential if you are into traveling and not so much into impressing other people. One thing that Rick mentions in this video, but didn't relate it to clothing, is buying shirts, pants and jackets while on the road. When traveling, you can see what the locals wear, then purchase to fit with their dress norms. Enjoy your travel experience - shop locally, lodge away from tourist centers and leave your big bags of "stuff" at home!
TravelerScout 1 year ago
@TravelerScout packing light is essential... nothing worse than lugging around a heavy bag, even worse, a pair of heavy suitcases!, while sightseeing or trying to get from one destination to another. on and off trains, into and out of accommodations.... part of the appeal, at least for us women, I'm sure, is buying some nice clothes while in another country.
Siobanphotogirl 1 year ago
I wish I had viewed this video before traveling to Europe last summer. My husband and I each bought the Rick Steves' convertible carry-on backpack (we love them). They are very roomy! So I was able to pack a lot of different items. After a week of lugging around heavy backpacks, we found a DHL outlet in Nürmberg and sent back a box of stuff. It cost $75 to do, but worth every penny. Next time, I will wear my carry-on around town a few hours to see if it is light enough before I travel!
annarborkm 2 weeks ago
I travel a lot from local to international. I use my Rick Steves' Convertible Carry On Backpack (green) everytime and have recieved more comments from people about how perfect it is!
macrent2 2 months ago
The pocket knife / nail file / toiletries are often confiscated at UK airports because of all the ridiculous "security" checks. So to avoid having your favourite aftershave or newly bought toiletries taken from you leave them at home. The rules are not uniform across Europe as I once accidentally packed my Leatherman into my hand luggage in Salzburg and the airport security let me through. Common sense prevailed in Austria whereas in the UK bloody mindedness is the order of the day by security
EverywhereVirtually 5 months ago
Packing a carry on is smart and the way to go for the most part, but only if the airlines your taking has a lenient carry on restriction. It's hard for my to pack a carry on because the airlines I'm taking only allows up to 15lbs for a carry on, and the lightest i can go is 17lbs. so it'll be hard for me to carry on. RICK STEVES I NEED HELP!!! haha.
Adrian2c 5 months ago
I enjoy his accent.
Hawkeyes711 5 months ago
I just bought Rick's bag from your site. Congrats, your subliminal messaging behind "giving your useful tips" worked :-P
sterling729 7 months ago
I've seen this a million times. Good solid advice. Bit dated WRT gadgets and electronic. For guys I 'd recommend a bit more style or refinement in the wardrobe than Rick sports, esp if u will be going to some of the more sophisticated euro capitals. For what not to do see the couple with backpacks at 1:06. She's dressed classy and nice, while he looks like a 12 yr old boy.
baconlatte 7 months ago
@baconlatte, they're both wearing light coloured shorts and t-shirts (although one is black and the other white). Why does the man look like a twelve-year-old and not the woman?
cassmi87 4 months ago
Rick Steves is the best traveler in the world. Without him no American tourists will survive :) I rely a lot on his guide book and I made successful trips from it. Grazzi!
hadabenz 7 months ago
Hes carrying his convertible carry on bag.
lambchopxoxo 9 months ago
I always bring a second pair of shoes: flip flops. theyre light and no matter where i am at when and if my feet hurt i put them on
lambchopxoxo 9 months ago
having a smartphone makes wonders. just having wifi, can help a lot when walking in a city. this next time i am going to be carrying my camera, and extra memory storage for it, my nook color which i can carry as i walk and i can browse the web or read on the plane. my family thinks is crazy traveling like rick steves.. but it's such a conformable travel. I like also carrying a durable plastic bag like the ones sold in supermarkets to carry laundry or bring things i cannot place in my bag.
juan1974mendez 11 months ago
Also, with advancing technology you can pick yourself up a GSM quad band unlocked phone with a 16GB sd card, 5megapixel camera that can act as your travel phone, mp3 player, alarm clock, watch, and camera all in one small hand-held device! Can't do better than that. Forgo the laptop and other individual gadgets... internet cafes are all over Europe if you need to check email (unless you are on business).
georgio941 1 year ago
I pack much like Steve - this can work for a woman just fine. When packing for our honeymoon 27 years ago - and my first trip to Europe - my soon-to-be-husband said basically, "you pack it, you carry it". That cured me fast! We have traveled very light ever since. It's doable - one just needs a little bit of discipline. Of course the side effect is that I look to be wearing the largely the same things in all my travel photos...lol
lyw59 1 year ago
nice computer rick.
dspkillerVolvo850R 1 year ago
I can't believe Rick packs so much! I went with about a third of that. Not to brag though... I have a bad back.
zck7 1 year ago
That packing would be okay with me. BUT, how do you pack for a woman? That would never do for my wife.
lsusc 1 year ago 7
@lsusc Our travel experts have compiled a packing list for women on our website in the "Plan Your Trip" category.
RickSteves 1 year ago 3
@lsusc I am a woman so I understand looking fashionable and traveling light do not seem to go together :) but i always tell myself I have to keep my luggage manageable. I always go for a 24+4L backpack (medium) with a small wheeled luggage (like those black ones pulled by two women in the video). it's great for a non-backpacker like me.
SugarKatie 1 year ago
It would be so cool to be able to travel with this guy
tanrat7 1 year ago
What kind of is he using? I'd love to get exactly what he has.
Shift4g 1 year ago
@Shift4g Rick is using the Rick Steves' Classic Back Door Bag.
RickSteves 1 year ago 2
@RickSteves
the bag does not look like the Classic back door bag on the website - this bag looks alot softer and less rigid - could it be another bag ??
ashjoma 10 months ago
This was great for two friends of mine.....Thank you..
MarcusLeepapi 1 year ago
All the stuff I own already fits in 2 boxes.
Then again I've been the opposite of a hoarder my whole life.
My motto is, if I don't use it, someone else should.
So I give away stuff I don't use to people who have shown any interest in something like it. Even if they don't need it, at least they may appreciate it more than I do. :P
ArtificialSouls 1 year ago
@ArtificialSouls That's the spirit.
spaidergaem 1 year ago
Actually, the real reason why everything is expensive in Europe has more to do with the "hidden" ~ 20% VAT tax built into the price of every good and service whereas in the US there are some states which don't even have any form of sales tax and online purchases are tax free as well. Keep your receipts in Europe... if you spend more than $200 you can get a refund on all the tax you paid at the airport if your a non EU citizen!
georgio941 1 year ago
Another great tip on packing light is only pack the necessities. You only need the necessary amount of clothing for the duration of your trip. Be realistic about what you're going to wear. Be comfortable and practical! I find that rolling my clothes helps to fit more when needed.
emilykbisignano 1 year ago
Toiletries - you can buy almost everything in Europe except tampons and deodorant. Both are difficult to find. It took me three days to find tampons and one box cost more than $10. Toothpaste, etc. is everywhere. Only thing I would add is a water bottle with a filter on it. Very handy, will save you lots of money (especially on trains) and will keep you from getting sick.
SheOwnsFrodo 1 year ago 2
@SheOwnsFrodo I didn't have a problem finding tampons in France, Paris at least had a good selection of female products. They were even in a little corner grocery store (not a big place) right down from where I stayed. They WERE a little bit expensive, but I chock that up to the exchange rate more than anything else. Tampax was about 6 euros/box (which at the time I went, was over $9, although now would be around $7.50ish) whereas the same size box at home, is about 6 dollars.
AUlostchick09 1 year ago
@SheOwnsFrodo I agree about deodorant though, I couldn't find solid stick deodorant ANYWHERE in Paris, they only had the liquid roller ball kind, which I hate. If you like solid deo, definitely bring enough for your trip!
AUlostchick09 1 year ago
@SheOwnsFrodo
if u ever come to Portugal, my country, dont worry about tampons and deodorant, u can find those everywhere ^^
MoonLover456 1 year ago
@SheOwnsFrodo LOL! well here in england we can find everything we need (;
LetsMakeUp21 1 year ago
i look at people pulling little wheely suitcases and think "poor them! they can't get a backpack?" ...it's so much more mobile! yes, you have to keep it light for your back's sake, but look at that women pulling her little wheely suitcase! it's wobbling and practically about to tip over and she's walking on relatively level ground! imagine what it would do on Europe's many cobblestoned streets! backpack...go with the BACKPACK!
Siobanphotogirl 1 year ago
Packing light is essential if you are into traveling and not so much into impressing other people. One thing that Rick mentions in this video, but didn't relate it to clothing, is buying shirts, pants and jackets while on the road. When traveling, you can see what the locals wear, then purchase to fit with their dress norms. Enjoy your travel experience - shop locally, lodge away from tourist centers and leave your big bags of "stuff" at home!
TravelerScout 1 year ago
@TravelerScout packing light is essential... nothing worse than lugging around a heavy bag, even worse, a pair of heavy suitcases!, while sightseeing or trying to get from one destination to another. on and off trains, into and out of accommodations.... part of the appeal, at least for us women, I'm sure, is buying some nice clothes while in another country.
Siobanphotogirl 1 year ago
I disagree with Rick here. While overpacking is not a wise thing, I pack several changes of daytime clothes, nighttime clothes, workout gear, running shoes, swimwear, shower shoes, and a laptop bag.
I sometimes have to pay extra baggage fees, but it is worth it. Dressing well gives the locals a positive impression of Americans and it pays dividends with the opposite sex too.
"Packing light" and appearing like a frumpy American like Steve would negate the joy of the travel experience.
ContrarianExpatriate 2 years ago
@ContrarianExpatriate packing light doesn't necessariily mean looking frumpy..it depends on what kind of clothes you wear. Rick is very plain with his clothing choices in general...but he's not a 'tacky tourist'.
Siobanphotogirl 1 year ago
@ContrarianExpatriate hahaha totally agree with you.
tecaistes 1 year ago
@ContrarianExpatriate packing light doesn't necessariily mean looking frumpy..it depends on what kind of clothes you wear. Rick is very plain with his clothing choices in general...but he's not a 'tacky tourist'.
Siobanphotogirl 1 year ago
@ContrarianExpatriate hahaha totally agree with you.
tecaistes 1 year ago
This video is very good - I'm a research freak before I travel, and even I didn't know some of these tips.
electrogeek77 2 years ago
Rick Steves is my homeboy.
AceTracer 2 years ago 36
Wonderful tips and presentation as always!
CaliforniaTravelTips 2 years ago 16
Great video. Could you post the packing light for women as well?? I saw the list on your website but seeing it makes it easier to plan ahead :)
alyrios 2 years ago
Another topic that would be well worth discussing is what to do if your backpack gets stolen or you lose it, with your passport in it !!??
NorceCodine 2 years ago
good vid tho'
GBJ83 2 years ago
This subject is what made RS the master traveler to listen to, in my opinion. I use Eagle Creek products for packing, it's a good company.
noodleninjaa 2 years ago
Hey this video is great, thanks! Wish I could convince my parents to pack light like this.
lorenswendsen 2 years ago
this video is very helpful, more so then the other videos from "how-to" channels! thanks so much!
AlmightyBungholio9 2 years ago