Travel Savvy
What to Wear on the Plane
Plan your plane outfit to transport your heavier or bigger and bulkier items, including a jacket or sweater, your bulkier clothes, a scarf to keep your neck warm (this one has a hidden security pocket), and your heaviest walking shoes.
That said, don't be like Natalie Wynn. a traveler indignant about the overweight luggage fees - story from a 2019 Metro UK article:
"I put on four dresses, two pairs of shorts, I tied a dress around my neck, I put a skirt on, I shoved two dresses down the dresses I had on, and two pairs of shoes as well, and a cardigan."
TSA Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a number of regulations that you must follow when packing for your trip. These regulations apply to all flights departing from the United States, including flights to Europe.
Here are some of the most important TSA regulations to keep in mind:
Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. These containers must be packed in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag.
Sharp objects, such as knives, scissors, and nail clippers, are not allowed in carry-on luggage. These items must be packed in your checked luggage, or purchased when needed.
Batteries must be removed from electronic devices and packed separately. This is to prevent fires in the event of an electrical malfunction.
For more information on TSA regulations, please visit the TSA website.
With these guidelines in mind, you'll be well on your way to packing and preparing for your trip of a lifetime to Europe.
Planning Your European Vacation
Passport and TSA/Border Requirements
When planning your trip, research the passport and visa requirements for the country you will visit. Some countries require your passport to be valid for a certain number of months after your visit is scheduled to end. If your passport needs to be renewed or you need a new passport, determine how long this will take. It may be necessary to pay for an expedited passport. Check this State Department Travel site for current information.
Currency Conversion
Determine the current currency exchange rate for the countries you are visiting and investigate how much cash you will need and the best place to exchange money when you get there. Determine the exchange rates and fees of your credit and bank cards. In researching currency exchange and credit card advice, I found conflicting recommendations. This is the most helpful article I found.
Travel Insurance
Check what your health insurance covers when outside the US, and any automatic coverage offered by your credit card company. If additional insurance is needed, research based on your needs and purchase immediately.
Deciding Where to Stay
Here's what to look for:
Check out the area first. The accommodations you pick and the area surrounding them play a key role in both safety and your enjoyment of the trip. While you may think "I only need someplace to sleep" you may find yourself scrambling for new accommodations when you arrive.
Check crime maps for the location to select the safest areas. Check on availability of nearby transportation
Use only trusted travel booking sites. We like Trivago as a starting place, and use a variety of well known sites like Hotels.com, Expedia.com, Booking.com AAA and Hotwire. If you have a problem call the property or your travel agent and insist they resolve it. They can often do a courtesy cancellation if they agree something is wrong and help you find a safer place to stay. Booking and cancellations are often easier directly with the hotel.
If you are looking for boutique hotels, Oyster.com has reviews from Oysters' own employees who inspect the hotel themselves and write the cons as well as pros of the hotel.
Read all the reviews and stay away from anything less than a customer satisfaction rating of 4/5. Everyone in my family has made the mistake of booking a cheap hotel only to learn it was not a bargain and had to find other lodgings quickly.
Take extra care when traveling alone. If traveling alone pick hotels not Air B&B or VRBO. If going to either site choose only verified hosts and correspond with the owner to answer your questions before booking.
If US style amenities are important to you, pick an American chain like Marriott or Hilton. Be sure to sign-up for reward points wherever you stay.
Where ever you decide to stay, be sure to check the cancellation policy and ensure you are getting any discounts you are entitles to like senior or motor club discounts. Some hotel chains promise the lowest rates, and paying a few more dollars a night for a room for last-minute cancellation privileges is worth it.
Check for bed bugs when you get there. Pull back the sheets in the top corner of the bed. If there are small black dots on the mattress corner seam, that is bed bug poop. Immediately call the front desk and ask for another room or, if unavailable, your money back.
How to Pack for a Trip to Europe (or anywhere)
My aunt is known for her prowess at packing light and navigating airports through security. She’s had many years of practice, and one of her mantras is carry-on luggage only. This requires great forethought and organization. Here is some of her advice for carefree travel.
"Only take what you need. The airline will not be able to lose or delay delivery of your baggage. Sometimes you luck into a chance to take an earlier flight,... you can only take advantage of this earlier flight if you have you luggage with you. "
and
"There are shops everywhere in Europe, so if you forget something, you can easily replace it."
Packing
Packing for a trip to Europe can be daunting, especially if you only want to bring a carry-on suitcase. But it's doable to pack light and still have everything you need for a week or more. Here are a few ideas to help ease the process:
Choose a hard-sided carry-on suitcase. Check your airline’s size and weight restrictions. Look for a suitcase that is lightweight and has plenty of compartments for organization.
You are allowed a personal carry-on item in addition to the suitcase. Carry a backpack, duffle bag, computer case, or overnight bag and stash a small purse inside. Consider a travel passport wallet. If you are carrying a computer, you may want a hard sided or structured computer case with room for extras..
The most important items in your bag, and the heaviest, are shoes. You can expect to walk a lot, and I mean a lot. A good pair of walking shoes, not white if you don’t want your feet to scream American tourists, is essential. To save weight, wear them on the plane. Pack a second pair in your bag. In the summer, pack the aforementioned sandals. In winter, dressy flats. Good socks and nylon anklets complete your feet.
Put all carry-on liquids (3.4 ounces each or less) together in a quart ziploc-type bag for security. Include soap for handwashing.
Keep medicines with you at all times. Remember to pack pain relievers, allergy medicines, digestion aids, blister pads, toothbrushes, etc.
Roll clothes rather than fold them to reduce wrinkles and pack them more tightly.
Use compression packing cubes and Ziploc bags to organize your smaller items and keep everything clean.
Pack versatile clothes that can be hand-washed. Travel knits like these pants are a great option. Choose clothes that are neutral colors and wrinkle-resistant, and can be dressed up or down. With a variety of tops, you will need fewer skirts and pants.
Pack to dress in layers. Europe can be a bit chilly in the summer, so it's important to pack layers. A light jacket or sweater can be worn on chilly nights or when you're exploring. Consider a large scarf, like this one with sunscreen, that can go to the pool, beach, or out on the town.
Weigh your luggage with this luggage scale before you leave for the airport. If you plan to bring back souvenirs, allow some extra weight to accommodate these treasures.
A final word from our aunt: So, as long as you pack your passport, money, including credit cards, and a good pair of walking shoes, the only other thing you need to pack is your sense of adventure and a really good sense of humor. Laughter makes up for almost any deficit. Have a great adventure!
What You Can Bring Back
Before buying gifts and souvenirs make sure you have a plan to get them home. Keep all receipts for customs purposes. Find out how much you are allowed to bring duty-free into the US from other countries you have visited before you leave. For information, go to the US Customs website. Focus on making memories rather than shopping when you get there.
Additional Resources
Paris Travel Guide 2023: The Most Complete Guide to the City of Love | Discover Ancient History, Art, Culture, Food and Hidden Gems of Paris to Plan an Unforgettable Trip Paperback, by Daniel N. Martin (Author)
Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door: The Travel Skills Handbook (Rick Steves Travel Guide)
Paperback, March 8, 2022, by Rick Steves (Author)
Rome Travel Guide 2023: The Most Complete Guide to The Eternal City | Everything you Need to Know Before Planning Your Trip: Ancient History, Attractions, Food, Art and Culture
Paperback, March 23, 2023, by Mike J. Darcey (Author)
European Railway Atlas 2023: Designed for Interrail/Eurail Global Rail Pass – Includes detailed InfoRailMap for Austria, French Alps, Northern Italy and Switzerland
Rick Steves Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese (The Rick Steves' Greece) Paperback by Rick Steves (Author), Cameron Hewitt Gene Openshaw
Spain Travel Guide: The Most Up-To-Date Pocket Guide to Discover Spain’s Hidden Gems and Experience an Unforgettable Dream Trip Following the Advice of a 39-Year-Experienced Guide Paperback – Thiago Myers (Author)
Portugal Travel Guide: The Most Up-To-Date Pocket Guide to Discover Portugal’s Hidden Gems and Experience an Unforgettable Dream Trip Following the Advice of a 25-Year-Experienced Guide Paperback, by Larry Lopez (Author)
Online Resources (FREE)
Duolingo - Learn some basics of the languages spoken where you are visiting for free
Fodors Travel - trip planning tool
Safety and Security on a European Trip
Millions of people visit Europe each year without incident. Those who do run into problems may have inadvertently made themselves a target through their actions. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
What Not to Take
This is wisdom from the security officer of a well-known aid organization who is tasked with keeping employees and volunteers safe.
If you’ve got it, don’t flaunt it. The items recommended in this article are moderately to lowly priced because that is safer to carry them than luxury items for travelers. Dress as much like the Europeans/locals as possible to avoid advertising yourself as a tourist.
Leave the following at home:
Valuables like real jewelry and designer handbags, wallets, or luggage.
Expensive electronics, such as high-end cameras.
Consider the following for your personal safety and financial security:
Let your credit card companies know where you are going. Only take the cards needed for the trip.
Consider hidden wallets, belts, or pouches for valuables. These come in many styles for both men and women.
Make copies of all ID, especially your passport, and credit/debit cards. Keep one with you in another hiding place, and give one to your family.
Leave a travel itinerary with family.
Check with your mobile phone company to ensure your plan will cover your travel areas.
If you are considering staying in a local hotel or area you are uncertain is safe, do your research first to find the safest areas and places to stay. Start with the US State Department site.
If you must travel with cash and valuables keep them in the hotel safe. Only carry the cash you need that day.
Learn useful phrases in the language of the country and have translation software handy.
Have the address where you are staying written down with the telephone number. Keep the number of the American Consulate handy.
Avoid talking loudly in public places or brandishing maps on the street.
Avoid being critical of your host country or other behavior that would turn-off local citizens. Your wellbeing may depend on their goodwill.
Before going out, especially at night or alone, ask your hotel concierge or host about safety in the area.
Finally, listen to your gut. Practice good situational awareness. If you ever feel unsafe look for ways to move out of the situation or area immediately. You do not have to be polite to someone who is bothering you. Our instincts are often right.
