European Travel Skills: Packing Light - Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide

[@kp1884]

I know someone who went on a trip to Asia. She went to a local thrift store and bought clothes that she thought were comfortable. At the end of her trip she left them in her hotel room with a note in the local language asking the hotel staff to donate it to a local charity. That way she could have enough room for souvenirs.

[@brutustantheiii8477]

THIS is Truly Excellent Advice. Thanks

[@RosERosE-123]

Yes, i do this every time. The locals get very excited about our clothes donations

[@yvonnefarrell1029]

Best travel advice here from Rick. My mom told me, "Yvonne, are you really going to carry that around France for 6 months? Try seeing how far down the driveway you go with that." Yeah, five minutes later, I was back unpacking! No regrets. Also, ship home any stuff you have bought, on the day before you leave. Your baggage will be lighter coming home than it was going overseas. Thank you, Rick and "happy travels" this year everyone 2023.

[@savedfaves]

Always bring your Princess Vespa Industrial Strength Hair Dryer

[@ajl1239]

'Don't pack for the worst case scenario, pack for the best case scenario!' -Great advice, Rick!

[@thecountrygoer3619]

Yes great advice. Rick . When I have a trip to US I brought one suitcase and When coming back to the Philippines I had two suitcases.. oh my God...with plenty of chocolates. Now I learned from you Rick Steve

[@mikebennett146]

This is actually one of my fave vid's from him. Same with the 'toiletries kit' video. I like minimalism, essentialism, efficiency. It makes for a happier life, both while travelling and at home.

[@hotelsetc]

It is very important to pack light not only for easy travel but to keep away thieves. You not only want to protect yourself, but enjoy yourself.

[@GlobalAdventurer]

Before my first ever extended European trip some years ago, I read just about every book Rick Steves made. I still use his advice even today. Thank you Mr. Steves!

[@o2bnov0307]

Another tip to share: When I came over to Italy I was not able to use the 2-prong adapter in many locations. I found out that Italy has a 3-prong plug in many (newer) locations. My wall socket has some "cut outs" to allow the older plug to work, but in my home I was out of luck. My 2-prong would not work without an additional adapter...easily found in local hardware stores.

[@TheNando85]

I just bought an Italian adapter, three prongs . Most of Europe used the two prongs .

[@RickStevesEuropeOfficial]

You can find "Rick Steves' Europe" on public television. Check your local listings - try our "airtimes finder" at our website (listed in the description), under the TV tab, to find out where to tune in.

[@annagilda1]

It always makes me smile when I see people from outside Europe, trying to board a Ryanair flight with a huge carry on bag and then they are surprised at getting charged, packing light for Europe or anywhere for that matter makes life so much easier.

[@msmusik2]

quick tip for girls!! I read that you need a converter and adapter for heat appliances like straighteners ect. But then I read that sometimes converters dont work, so I think its a safe bet to get dual voltage straighteners, maybe get a mini one since their less expensive and you'd probably only need it for the trip your taking

[@BriannasPlanet]

When I went to Europe, I packed everything in a small school backpack and that's it. And I went for three weeks. TRUST ME, you don't need to pack everything. You will be so happy packing lights and you won't struggle carrying everything along. Once you get to your hotel, just hand wash your clothes and dry them. It works great and this is coming from a woman! Only bring the bare necessities!!!!

[@hfs7274]

BriannasPlanet Great advice. I fuly agree with you.

[@horseplop9]

this video is Obsolete now

[@clintonwacker994]

Smart Girl. I wish you would talk to my wife!!!

[@horseplop9]

My,friend says wash in the Sink but that sounds diagusting on alot of levels

[@toddboothbee1361]

That's what I want to do. I want a backpack with dimensions 40 x 25 x 20 cm so that I can board planes without fuss or extra charge, and store pack under seat. I was worried this was too small. Now if I could find such a backpack--they must be rare.

[@california4623]

I am studying abroad in Italy for about 5 months, but I expect to travel a lot while I am there and after my program ends. I have loved researching different videos on how to pack light :)

[@paulfine1883]

I have had the bag he is using for several years, still in great shape. I have used this bag all over the world.

[@Liphted]

I've used adapters that had every single style of prong while I was in the army. They are useful tools.

[@romyfleurs]

Thank you Rick! Very helpful tips!

[@mpizar]

Hi Rick I loved the tips you gave, because they are important details that often forgotten, like the adapters. When I visited Buenos Aires, I just remembered the adapter when I was at the Hotel, and my cellphone with low battery. Thanks for your tips, they are very important for us.

[@bokeflo]

I thought I was packing pretty light but now I'm going to aim to pack Rick Steves Light. Great Tips.

[@sharonshasha3589]

When I travel I bring old clothes so I can leave clothes behind after wearing them, so I can bring gifts home.

[@katfran492]

Me too!

[@beverlyfitzgerald7675]

A few days ago, I returned my new, 2 piece soft-side luggage to the store & bought Rick Steves' rolling carry-on and super-lightweight shoulder bag. The carryon only weighs 6.5 lbs. My goal is to keep the packed weight to less than 20 lbs. After all these years, no more heavy bags :)

[@marjoriewilliams1350]

Rick Steve’s travel

[@alanwchase7449]

Great advice,most travel is by rail and believe me you have to get on trains quickly and stow your luggage in an overhead bin.So less is more.

[@keikei3301]

I love Rick Steves!!

[@ersterhernd]

This video gave us great info for our first trip to Europe. We followed it and had an easy time getting around for three weeks. One pointer if visiting Switzerland, the two prong Euro Plugs shown in this vid didn't fit the Swiss outlets. There's a specific version required for that country, it has smaller round prongs on it.

[@pmeske59]

I read a lot of packing advice prior to traveling to Europe last summer (16 days). Instead of one bag, I used a 18" wheelie upright & a slim back-pack. I was able to pack at least 1 week's worth of clothing & 1 pair of light wt. loafers in the wheelie. I used expedition type clothing for daily excursions. Only did laundry 1 time. I convinced my wife and 2 daughters to do the same & we had an easy time of it. A travel back-pack would have worked better in at least 3 of the cities we visited.

[@amtrakfan2]

Rick is right to pack light when traveling to Europe. The only heavy things that Rick & his film crew bring to Europe, are the camera & sound equipment to make an episode of Rick's tv show.

[@daniellemontreal3491]

All hail Rick Steves, Lord of the Carryon!!!!!!!

[@AlonsoRules]

I'm going for 7 weeks. Whatever I pack into my bag for leaving my home country is what I'll have for that whole time. I only really intend on taking camera equipment, 2 sets of clothes, toiletries and an emergency set of clothes.

[@kimberlytate2623]

Thank you! Kimberly Re'nee HAPPY TRAVEL🙏🏻😄😄

[@bikewithandrew]

I'm excited that you'll be visiting Indiana University at Bloomington! Just wish tickets were affordable for a student like me.

[@Magicman1-2-3]

This guy is pretty chill do

[@TenCupsOCoffee]

Snarky Rick is my favorite. "If you can't find it here, perhaps you should ask yourself how 4 million Europeans get by without it" 😂😂

[@JB1994]

400 million

[@hinmin12]

We now download everything on our phone or tablet, but I still keep attractions maps of cities, with restaurants marked on them. I still carry a Sony camera with me.

[@ryandvy1]

With travel backpacks such as the ones you mentioned, what are some tips you could give for making them safe from pickpockets? I had always been warned to not travel with a backpack in Europe...

[@submarine2580]

I am planning 2 week travel. It is a helpful advice.

[@pennytraveltv2788]

Not gonna lie, when I was younger I would make fun of this guy, but now he's Godsend. Sorry Steve!

[@annastuttard3386]

Great tips - thanks! I just wanted to say that in some countries you can use shorts as a swimming costume, but in France you are not allowed in the pool unless you have the tight, body-hugging type trunks. We found this out the hard way when my parents came to visit and my dad was only allowed in as a spectator because his trunks were not the right kind.

[@bbaker777]

Great stuff and always such good, practical advice from Rick Steves.

[@rothschildianum]

"Pack for the best scenario" is the best advice. Americans also use too many stuff, this makes traveling light becomes very difficult.

[@lgerback34]

Great video. Thank you for the information.

[@YurrahAlHadi]

I agree. I love to travel and cant wait til i can starr. I remember watchinf his shows and globe trekker. I cant remember if he was in that show, but yh.

[@sfranc01]

This is great and fits with my experiences well. The only thing I disagree with is in regards to what is available there. For a woman there are items that you cannot buy or get there easily. If you use certain medications, bring them from here. Just because you can buy them here without a prescription, doesn't mean you can over there or you find the right product. A good example is yeast meds (sorry guys). I would always bring a box in the event of a yeast infection, since they are not over the counter there and one trip years back was almost ruined because of that.

[@danensis]

Try looking at the generic name of your medication, rather than the marketing name. You'll probably find them all available in pharmacies across Europe.

[@erinlikesacornishpasty4703]

@@danensis actually that's not true. I learned from a girlfriend who lives in Germany that A LOT of things we normally get over the counter, like medication for yeast infections, are prescription only. She said they couldn't even get regular cold and cough medication we'd normally find here without a doctor's prescription. Now, I lived in England for a while and I could find all kinds of stuff over the counter when I just asked store clerks and local friends, but it depends on the medication. I ALWAYS bring my preferred feminine hygiene products when I travel now, because I don't want to have to stress out for even a few hours trying to find what I need. And that's if a store is open when you have your emergency; lots of places in Europe aren't open Sundays and I'm sorry, but I don't want to suffer with a yeast infection or free bleed for even 24 in a strange country.

[@tobiojo9454]

Great tips

[@johnmcfadden9620]

Being Vintage age, we can’t carry a heavy back pack or suitcase. What kind of bag do you recommend with wheels?

[@athinath1769]

Hello. Do you have a tour guide for Japan? I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

[@jagdeepsinghwahi]

I am from India and I am looking your all video.. very nice I am going second time Europe ..

[@mrmaaical8727]

I’m in love with your videos Sir

[@strongyang]

Cool video! I'm going to pack my backpack under 20lbs for my winter trip to Western and Northern Europe for 18 days.

[@TheMenghi1]

Can someone advise me about where to buy a convertible suitcase/backpack?

[@hbta521]

Traveling and packing light is a great skill to have, especially if hotels, porters and private transportation are out of the question. Why go through the hassle of checking in and possibly losing your baggage during your travels?

[@GlobalAdventurer]

Paul Davis You're absolutely right. That's why I always maintain control of backpack when taking taxis. I never hand it over to the driver to store in the trunk.

[@BornToBunk]

We enjoyed your clip!

[@MultiDeelite]

Thanks for the review!

[@amandacousins928]

What luggage am I supposed to bring for 5 weeks in western Europe

[@dannyh9010]

My wife and I (we were in our early 50’s, so not kids) took only the Rick Steve’s backpacks and a Pacsafe shoulder bag for 2 weeks in Italy. We did laundry on day 7. Wash and repeat for however many weeks you need.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

I have a green bag backpack from Rick’s shop. It has been to Europe twice - but with neighbors! Not me!

[@robertrosenberg]

I love the bit where you have to persuade your (presumably American) audience that Europeans use toothpaste. It reminds me of a time when I was working in New York and a guy I worked with who was about to go travelling in Europe asked me "Do they have pizza in Europe?"

[@yeaabuddy8929]

Robert Rosenberg hahaha. nope. europeans go to pizza hut for pizza

[@stevelipowski5337]

That is not at all what he was saying. You may not be a native English speaker, but this isn’t close.

[@mgusanito097]

I saw this for the first time today. When are you usually on tv?

[@dalferr]

Thank you!

[@stevemccollum2011]

Instead of buying a cell phone wouldn't to just as easy to buy a sim card? How much do prepaid cell phone service cost?

[@melissacanales4253]

Very interesting and thanks for the info 😎

[@lyricaldove6250]

Some helpful ideas, but I would not bring paper books. I have an iPad mini and download ebooks. It's been a few years since I took a paper book to read when I travel. You can download guidebooks as well as novels.......

[@UnicornsNeedLove2]

It's always a good idea to bring at least one magazine or one paperback in case your tablet or phone goes dead. You'll still have something to read.

[@ahmedibrahimhassanhajiali]

Traveling light is great when the taste is perfect.

[@ImaginaryJeremy]

I'm traveling through Europe currently and filming it all for my channel and had such a hard time packing light. I'm sure I'll be learning the hard way along my trip now! Definitely good advice.

[@autry2012]

Don't i need transformer besides adapter in Europe? years ago, in Swizterland when I plugged my hair blow dryer into the outlet using only adapter, blew off my hair dryer with smoke .

[@HD74189]

I am travelling with my husband and 3 kids so how many bags should i back.?

[@gamerwc2013]

Hi, For a 30 days Europe trip, staying at hostels and visiting more than 3 European countries. Packing the essentials in a medium 4 wheeled luggage means packing light ? . I think.. i need extra space for things I’ll buy. It’s allowed to bring epilator, scissor & nail clipper in a carry-on? . Thanks!

[@no8do]

rick we enjoy all of your videos, books and tips...i always wonder why when you taste some type of food you only put the tip of it in your mouth as if you're being careful of really getting a taste for the item.

[@YurrahAlHadi]

I dont think it really matters. In the us the plug goes either way. Its not like ppl r going to stuff the plug in the same way he held it up, even if its not fitting.

[@Ayram9]

Didn't he used to sell his own travel backpack or suitcase? If he still does I wonder how it compares to the high end ones on the market like the Ospreys.

[@dannyh9010]

We wondered the exact same thing. Ordered both. The Ospreys were more comfortable, but the RIck Steve’s brand carried more volume and was lighter. In Italy for 2 weeks, we carried them only when actually moving cities, so to and from the trains, the water taxi, etc. The RS ones were perfect for us.

[@Ayram9]

@@dannyh9010 Great to know, thank you!

[@MK-ex4pb]

this is such great advice. ive learned all this the hard way on my current trip. i took a towel, forgetting i can buy one for a few pounds or euros if i need to. i brought several books i haven't read or written in. i needed cough drops and they were easy to find and i think even cheaper than America. I'll definitely pack better next time!

[@ferryanolin6707]

Great video!

[@ModSoFenGliScH]

Thats a nice backpack ricky! ;-)

[@SpencerStanley]

Packing light is the key! I always cut down my load every trip.

[@udanikarunarathna6176]

Thank its very important

[@henrybrar]

isn't it a old video with new shots?

[@Itsjeffyoung]

Rick thats an amazing backpack/small suitcase which brand is it !

[@RickStevesEuropeOfficial]

That's the Rick Steves Convertible Carry-On, available at www.ricksteves.com/shop

[@bethaustin4789]

Did anyone else from the UK realise he held the adaptor upside down?

[@deathbros100]

Great video

[@zydxuzysmvufz6e517]

this helps a lot thank u

[@joek5159]

I was just curious what the 10 essentials are in your little bag

[@rzawilski]

It’s actually a camping / boy scout thing. If you look up “10 essentials,” you’re supposed to have food, water, shelter, fire-starter, etc. I can’t remember all of them but it’s basically what you’re supposed to have if you’re in the wilderness. Not totally necessary for urban Europe but good to know!

[@lorlast5204]

i dont use the books.. i use apps overall great tips

[@rupeshkumargupta1139]

One of my friend told me about European electric adapter it's different from our India.

[@donsoley746]

This gent tells the truth..!

[@americanallthewayredneck3917]

not till recently I started paying attention to light packing..Rick knows

[@kuruvillasam2229]

A friendly advice: for the benefit of non-europeans,please slow down the captions a bit ie show the captions a little more time.Europeans can hear your voice commentary while others may read the written @t this way all can enjoy your @t example is that of "Booking @t"

[@bobfotoples6950]

Is the bag shown the Convertible Carry-on bag or the Classic Back Door bag?

[@TheArgos12]

Convertable carry on.

[@worldcitizeng6507]

that's this 1 thing I didn't bring but I end up needed it; since the older hotel front desk didn't speak English well, I had a terrible sore throat from the dry air, so I pointed to my throat, acted like I was about to gurgle, she eventually understand it and gave me some salt lol

[@marierika2012]

That's the ebag!? Yes! I got mine with wheels.

[@roshandangwar1]

Very good tips. These rules apply almost everywhere, in general. We, Indians, tend to travel heavy, so lot's of good lessons here. Thanks.

[@glorianachacon]

No new information?! This is exactly the same as the old video...

[@briancollins9977]

first rule of travel . is if you can,t carry or drag your own baggage/ suitcase/ rucksack then don,t expect anyone else to carry it for you.....

[@scotsam7590]

Oh Rick, the amount of unnecessary items people are still bringing in this day and age boggle the mind.

[@marjan6008]

it's you're talking about Europe like it's one country. And most of the stuff you need for travel you can buy anywhere. When I travel I bring old cloths that's gives me an good excuse to buy new stuff. Now I see that this video is from 2013 a lot has changed in 5 years.

[@jhope9860]

👄 thank you

[@HalloweenNobody]

I walk around with a video camera and a platinum card in my iphone wallet, and only buy food and water...sometimes a bag to carry home some rare books :-p wryyyy.

[@InspiringWomenTravel]

Hi Rick, This is great and is almost exactly what I take when I travel myself. I can't bear to see so many people struggling with enormous suitcases and too many packages. One on my back and one around my waist or across my body is all I've ever taken, even for up to 12 months. Excellent video thanks. Nicely put together with very clear information. ryandvy1 see the range of super anti-theft packs and luggage at Pacsafe.

[@hfs7274]

Inspiring Women Who Travel Granted they are poor people battling with cumbersome luggage. But who is to blame for this. If people think they need everything they take then they are just stubborn and can struggle as far as I am concerned nowadays. Just buy at your destination if you need something. If people are on a strict budget and say cannot buy an extra t shirt or whatever then it is better if they just stay at home.

[@horseplop9]

@@hfs7274 this video is Obsolete now unfortunately

[@aurisme]

My wife should see this video

[@SHER7067]

There is no way I can just bringone pair of shoes!!:)

[@joehall7883]

Agree. I need my flip flops, need a comfortable pair for long day walks, a nice pair for the symphony, and my Asics running shoes (avid runner). So yes I'm light everywhere else, but shoes I gotta have.

[@dd-5634]

Robert Rosenberg : Why would you say something so ignorant ? Everyone in America uses toothpaste and everyone I've associated with in Europe also uses toothpaste or tooth powder

[@xAmyApocalypsex]

YOU JUST SAVED MUH LIFE

[@1MSRAVENCLAW]

i leave as much at home as i can,

[@r2m40]

Always pack simple. Dont complicate your life.

[@Satyr_Art_Studio]

"Shorts". Ah yes.... Shorts in Europe.