We're Going to Europe! Now, How Do I Pack?

I'm studying and touring in Europe for nearly three weeks and you want me to take just one checked bag?

Yes!

But you can use a carry-on bag, too.

A few weeks ago, Professor Crowe and I were lucky to be part of a group hearing a lecture by travel expert Rick Steves.

Professor Pisarski with Rick Steves in Des Moines, October 2014

During the lecture, we learned a lot about best practices for travel and travel seminars.  Rick is a proponent of immersive experiences.  He believes, as we do, that being a tourist implies that you should try to fit in with the natives as they live their everyday lives. Travel is a a great learning experience but only if you are willing to let go of some preconceived notions.  Rick has a philosophy that everyone can learn a few key words in another language, and then use problem-solving skills to "understand" the rest.  He believes, as we do, that travel requires an open mind.

Here is a link to Rick Steves' philosophy about packing for foreign travel.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light


And here is a link to a USA Today article enumerating weight and size limits for luggage used for foreign travel.  Remember, size of the luggage includes adding together the dimensions for length, width and height.  If your luggage has spinners (not just rollers) then the dimensions have to include the size of the spinners (in other words, your suitcase's interior dimensions will be smaller).

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/baggage-requirements-international-airline-travel-12505.html

The article has some sponsored links that remind us about Cyber Monday deals, in case you don't have luggage sturdy enough for international travel.


Our next post will be about passports and travel documents.