Packing Light & Right with Rick Steves

Rick Steves European Travel Talk 2014 | You'll learn now or you'll learn later: The first step to a great trip is packing light - you can travel for months with one carry-on size bag and still have everything you need for a great trip. We'll distribute packing lists, show off the latest in lightweight luggage, and demonstrate a professionally packed bag. Download the PDF handout for this class: goo.gl/KeTMZ6
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[@muradtravels]

Watching this again in 2023… the thing about pocket size cameras and literature… its crazy how powerful the iPhone has become. With one piece of tech I have like unlimited info, all my maps, video camera, translator, and so many features.

[@Paul71H]

Very true, though you can do all that with an Android phone too. 🙂

[@randystuddard332]

You are the only person I have found who rips up guide books besides me! My family hates my torn up travel books, but I travel light. Thanks. Another reason for loving Rick Steve’s travel info and videos!

[@youngbull73]

Rick Steves is an American Icon. No kidding either. My dad was watching Rick Steves when I was 10 and that was 20 years ago I think.

[@isrexinsane]

I like how you're shaky on your own age hahahaha

[@debraladams9140]

I haven't "checked" a bag in years. (with one exception to trek Mt Kilimanjaro) I've been to England in the winter for 9 days and used 1 carry-on. Once I went to Santa Fe, NM for a week, then stopped off for an upscale holiday in Las Vegas and used 1 carry-on. Rome for 7 days? 1 carry-on! Rick's video's for packing light are the best. Now I'm using packing cubes. *miracle*

[@carleu]

Rick has great information... his advises are A++++. we were robbed on a Bus in Portugal. Rick stated on his guide to be very careful with pickpockets in Lisbon.. so we did not listen... we were robbed. Rick understands and gives great tips. Thank you Rick!

[@INTUITIVENORSK2303]

Packing light is the best way to go for sure! Since learning these tips and tricks from Rick Steves, we have been following his wise advice and believe me when i say, it's the best thing ever and you will never regret it. It's amazing, to say the least. Now that we've experienced travelling light, with just "one" "medium" size suitcase (with wheels and extendable handle) between us & one very "small" carry on bag each, that's it, done! So light to push, pull, carry, lift, etc;, so easy to move around/maneuver, so easily portable & so very practical. A complete win/win! Actually, our next plan of action, is to invest in the complete Rick Steves small sized portable luggage. We want the real deal, as this means we'll be down sizing even more so, hence an even lighter and better travel adventure. Thanks for sharing & happy travels to all!

[@donovanfoto3263]

I did three weeks in Ireland May/June 2022. I packed with a backpack and a Hiking Vest. I put my passport and other pocket items in the vest. The rest was in the backpack. I cleared security quickly and was on the plane. Once we landed in Dublin, I was off the plane and out the door. No delays. Everything I bought, I sent home by mail and repeated the procedure to get home. Thankfully I did this going home. Hanna from Aer Lingus was a SAINT helping me through security and Customs to get on the plane, as I had spent all day, LITERALLY, doing the final COVID testing and getting cleared to fly.

[@kayjones6147]

Back in early 2000s, I fell in with a group of garden tour folks and went all over Europe yearly. From Ireland to Sicily - each year a different place. I always had a carry on (with wheels) and a back pack plus large pocketbook. So many of those with me were loaded up with heavy luggage, several pieces. I zipped off planes, buses, trains, no problem. My one rule - I must be able to carry all by myself. It was a less stressful method of travel, no having to decide "do I wear the blue or black for dinner tonight?", etc. I learned it was far more enjoyable enjoying the sights than worrying with and about luggage.

[@susanmazzanti5643]

I spent four weeks in England and Germany doing office work and carried one small piece of luggage. I dressed well enough to be able to work everyday in one office in each country and I am a woman. It made my life much easier and the local people I worked with more comfortable. Rick is so right. Pack light and don't spend all your time taking care of your stuff.

[@dawnrusso2621]

I like your honest, straight foward yet fun approach. Thank you!!

[@JimiHendrix998]

When I want to wash any clothing in a hotel room, I put it on and shower in it, washing it all over with the soap and then take it off and walk over it while I wash and rinse off. Then I rinse and wring it dry before hanging it over the shower rail.

[@Anonymousmoiselle]

Great info! Going on our first extended vacation to the UK, Ireland and Paris in a few months and have been watching travel videos and reading blogs like crazy; your videos and blogs are the most comprehensive. I'm pretty sure I've been watching Rick Steves since I was a preschooler in the 90's.

[@danakolpin1289]

I have learned that Merino Wool clothes are very good. It is cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

[@susanr5546]

Years ago, I was a travel agent and with short trips and helping to escort large groups overseas, boy, I learned fast. I also had the pleasure of hearing Rick speak some years ago in my area.

[@adamrobinson8620]

The comments are as much fun as the video! I have travelled as Rick suggests for maybe the last six years and it generally works well. The only exception has been an Antarctic cruise where we went from Chilean and Argentinian summer to the edge of the southern polar circle. The range of climates meant I had to carry more but it reminded my why I hate big suitcases. And my wife is actually keener on packing light than I am. So I get why some females are questioning Rick’s approach but really, he’s just giving you an idea. He’s not the suitcase police. Embrace it or choose not to. When travel resumes after the pandemic, we are going to experiment with small wheelie suitcases which we check plus larger soft backpacks as carryon. That might let us carry a bit more and still be convenient for getting around.

[@kurtsonat]

Rick iv'e been reading and watching your videos since 93 Your advice is great. I travel for 3 months in asia with two small packs a book bag sized bag and a shoulder mans purse. You can always do laundry.

[@Mike_Hogsheart]

29:02 you ALWAYS need to bring a towel, and have it on your person pretty much constantly. I swear, it's like some people never read the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy… Seriously though, a small towel is super useful in a lot of situations and doesn't take up much space. I rarely leave the house without one.

[@rick-be]

A dishtowel is enough for any drying need-I sometimes use the tee shirt I was wearing.

[@drdancerlisa]

Maybe two chammies - which weigh almost nothing dry: one for face and one for clean-ups...

[@rvelezaulet24]

I am so thankful of watching this video before my trip to Europe. It ready did help me. Thank you for the great tips!

[@Ntyler01mil]

I definitely over-packed on my last trip. My big mistake: bringing sweaters. It was winter and I could have worn them, but I just kept wearing the same zipper cardigan over the few t-shirts I brought. It was nice material and it looked great the whole trip. Synthetic fabrics or blends aren't always the best in the summer, but they work great in the winter. You can wear them repeatedly without the garment losing its shape. I also find hanging up your clothes can make a big difference.

Nicholas Miller I'm getting ready to go to Spain, and am worrying about what to pack, so you have really helped me.

[@drdancerlisa]

cashmere, in my experience, has the most warmth for the least weight, and, or course, down. I love my down vest; I can use it as a pillow at night. I put it in a pillow-case. Also, warm cashmere hate, which I also wear to sleep if cold room. One loses a lot of heat from the head...

[@sweetpapajazz]

This is inspiring. Thank you Rick, God bless and safe travels.

[@DavesIneosGrenadier]

We were on a train in Italy March 2018 and opposite us 4 young American girls got on the train, threw their handbags on the rack above and then after lots of laughing and being young girls they all put earphones in and closed their eyes. We could see two young guys walking through the carriages looking at bags on the racks. We warned the girls and they grabbed their bags. Next stop the guys grabbed a bag each from further down the carriage and jumped off the train and ran. They had their passports, money and all ID in their handbags so they were very lucky.

[@a1droneservices977]

We ripped a Rick Steve's guide book while changing countries. We put the section in a box and it was called book in a box and it was such a useful chapter.

[@kimberlylepine5115]

I found this really helpful. We are going to Copenhagen with our two sons, ages 3 and 9.

[@redelfshotthefood8213]

Kimberly Lepine : So, did you see people in shorts? Locals, I mean. 😉

[@ctcollinthib]

"If I had Sherpas, I'd set them free." Rick Steves is a baller.

[@games615]

Rick, thank you so much for all the helpful tips! I'm going to Brazil for 2 weeks and then 5 days later I'll be heading out on a 2 month trip to Europe/India. Although I have done my fair share of traveling, I have found many of the pointers you mentioned in your video to be spot on. I'm personally against using roller suitcases, I feel that backpacking is the way to go. Thanks again for the tips!!

[@onesouluniverse]

Riquiquisimo I'm going to RIo in 5 days. How was your Brazil experience?

[@games615]

I loved it. To beat the crowds at the sugarloaf and the christ redeemer you need to arrive as early as possible (find out when they open to the public). Find a good brazilian steakhouse (there are many, ask your hotel). Caipirinhas are amazing, especially with a quality cachaca. It is going to be cold, but if you insist on going to the beach I have been told by my brazilian friends that the farther south you venture the better the beach. Enjoy your trip!

[@samusaran181818]

I live in San Francisco, and I always see tourists with these huge suit cases (some can barely move their luggage around lol). On the train and buses, their luggage gets in everyone's way. SF is a small city with lots of stores, if you need something, SF has you covered! I also never travel with large bags. It's so much better for me to not check in any bags; I also don't have to worry if the airlines is going to lose my luggage.

[@mats7492]

800.000 people isnt small though..

[@madjayhawk]

I travel a lot and travel pretty light. Can't add one thing except maybe ducktape and a small screwdriver. Excellent job.

[@sandracarli1110]

Now Italian railway stations are really full of thieves. I read in the newspaper that some thieves dressed elegantly, stepped into a train and went to the 1. class. Many travellers slept, confident that all would be fine there. In Italy we grow up knowing that it is safe to always have your bag near you. Women also carry their handbag on the side of the walls when they walk in the streets. It is just a good habit. Another problem with tourists is that they go to some discos and drink too much (even girls). That makes them to very easy targets. :( As for clothing, Italians pay a lot of attention to the way someone is dressed. In Germany or Austria they take it easier.

[@GlobetrotterGranny]

We used to pack the kitchen sink in the early days of our travel. As time has gone by and with each successive trip, we have packed lighter and lighter. We pay attention to what we use and what we never use. We no longer pack for every eventuality, we pack in layers with lots of mix-and-match. We used to check one back each and have a carry on bag and a large personal item usually backpack style. Now? We have our carry on (a Rick Steves bag) and a smaller backpack (which mine primarily is for the electronics - camera, iPads, cords, etc.). I refuse to check a bag now. My husband is conforming and not complaining. Rick Steves began my journey to learning how to pack light. His advice was invaluable. However, I also watched other full-time travel couples and families and learned from them as well. I will never pack heavy again and I am soooooooooooooooooo glad. As I age it’s harder and harder to pack heavy and packing light gives me freedom to pivot as needed. Love packing now. It’s a challenge that i love to accomplishl

[@jackiepetrosky4611]

Rick Steves is amazing!!

[@evelynmead598]

I do used the money bags but I put my bills in ziplock to avoid ripping my bills because of sweats so always have ziplocks when I traveled, I use it many time and it’s a life saver

[@SpottedSharks]

I like the backpack because it leaves both hands free.

[@snowangelnc]

Also nicer than a rolling bag when walking on dirt or gravel.

[@chrystaltuckness5298]

For souvenirs, I now collect pendants that I switch on one chain - very small and great memories! And if I travel light, there is no room for gifts for others Oh well! Saves $

[@Peigi3]

He who packs light travels further.

[@acajudi100]

I have learn! Bali was my lightest for almost 2 months!

[@opwave79]

I totally agree about buying it there if you need it, especially toiletries. I’ve actually left toiletries at hotels instead of packing them for the trip home. I need the space for souvenirs.

[@triciabyrne7761]

You rock, Rick. Funny too! Thanks for all this terrific info. Heading to London in a few days. 💚💛🧡

[@LeahFfarid]

Look forward to run out of tooth paste in Bulgaria !!! Wish list now ..😍😍

[@graceyoung6380]

Marvelous advice to tread through every scenery with easy glee.

[@judithheineman4302]

Not everyone goes to a hotel. I always rent an apartment, and have to take everything. But I can still go for a couple of months in a single carry on. This time im taking my dog and still manage with one carry on and the dogs kennel. I just eliminate the unnecessary. It can be done.

[@gormalfun99]

Polyester, viscose, knitted garments wont wrinkle as much as pure cotton woven fabrics. Synthetic fabrics dry faster compared to cotton and linen .

[@anwaratlib]

Very valuable information, thank you Rick Steves Europe.

[@leew1598]

Thanks for the PDF link.

[@frankfurtrob866]

Washing your socks underwear works great in the bathroom sink even when using shampoo . Important as I tend to sweat up a lot!!!!

[@Ambient_Jazz2212]

wait, why am I watching this? I live in Europe

[@adamrobinson8620]

The same approach works well in North America.

[@marjan6008]

same reason I do? I live in Europe as well. And I find these kind of video's very funny

[@TheMarcelloFabrizi]

Rick, you're great.

[@phen0mejon99]

Why am I watching this? I'm not going on a trip nor am I planning one in the near future...

[@RitaReinaColen]

very interesting and I like this very much

[@ParanormalEncyclopedia]

I learned to pack light after I had the airline lose my luggage four or five times in a row. I was like "screw it if I can't fit it in carry on it's not worth bringing". Saves money when they make you pay for checked luggage and means no "well crap all my stuff is in another country".

[@DaWease]

during the bag review he mentions the 10 essentials that you never use, what are they?

[@mats7492]

really helpful.. i packed too much stuff all the time.. now i pack smart and lighter..way better

[@ChristopherPoitras]

This is good if your a backpacker going place to place and don't mind dressing like a scrub. Was never interested traveling like this when I was in my 20s and definitely not now closing in on 40s. I travel a lot but I pick a central location and make it my base. Anyways I have moved around on some trips and it's not a problem with my large suitcase. Plus I want everything with me.

[@rainyday9277]

Wonderful! Thanks so much, Steve!

[@timdowney6721]

Props for the Sony Rx100. That, a gorilla pod and some imagination of seeing an interesting image and you’re in business.

[@UtubeCliche]

Great talk, great advice

[@SeattleMick]

That's so funny he's had his hair on his legs pulled. I've had that happen twice wearing shorts, once in Guatemala and once in Lisbon.

[@user-di8hl7vh6z]

If you need to bring along everything to feel the comfy of home, then stay home.

[@billligon4005]

Wonderful Great talk. Thanks.

[@UnschoolingtheSpitz]

Great talk

[@redelfshotthefood8213]

Regular clothes washing prevents bug infestations. Bed bugs are once again active after the DDT knocked them out for decades.

[@pinayilocano2381]

I'm here to learn how to pack a bag and not pack my apartment when traveling!

[@Jrprez22]

Great idea with ripping up the books. Love it.

[@GymClubHouse]

30:30 why weren't we shown the example of the book? why was the camera doing a closeup the entire time on steve?

[@prettypuff1]

The only place you need to bring young children is to grandma and grandpas on the way to the airport ....

[@loveinaction2772]

Sounds good but you may have to buy them a ticket for a trip when you get back.

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

It's why I choose traveling than having kids

[@loveinaction2772]

I try each time but I’m still learning. Packing a carryon and backpack now.

[@DoolallyProductions]

Tell them brother. I can travel anywhere with my 32 liter bag (smaller than his), including winter travel. 2 pair of everything, 3 of socks, and that's it.

[@sharonhendricks8550]

Just found you Steve thank you

[@lisalu910]

He stresses, "You're on vacation, leave all the nice clothes, shoes, and makeup behind." Well yes, I get that. But if I'm in the big European cities like Rome and Paris, I want to look nice (especially in the evenings) and I can't pull that off with a pair of rumpled khakis and one pair of all-purpose walking shoes. Part of the experience, for me, is getting a little dressed up in these fashionable cosmopolitan cities, not looking like I'm living out of a rucksack for two months.

[@holyfox94]

lisalu910 That’s true. Locals, especially in France and Italy dress nice or, casual elegant. That means: no sportswear, no sneakers, no t shirts.

[@jmitterii2]

I would say then enjoy shopping, buy that makeup kit and nice clothes when you get there. You'll be surprised, it's often cheaper in Europe to find nice clothes and even makeup than in the US, either way an excuse to shop when you get there to see what they have and dress "European" face it most of its made in China or India like it is here in the states or Canada or Mexico or wherever.

[@jason25k]

@@jmitterii2 True thats why I like to have a little extra space to bring some things back in case. If I stuff a 40L backpack, I'm going to end up paying to check in regardsless

[@nanemoon9968]

European here, just pack one nice dress that does not wrinkle and matching nice flats. Instead of a daypack I chose a purse worn across. For makeup: bold red Lipstick and maybe a dot of mascara.

[@rexbear9756]

One tip about lockers, if your key does not have your locker number or if it is a combination lock then you need to take a picture of the locker so you will be able to find it again. I ran into this in Eastern Europe. I guess you could write it down also but I have a bad habit of not being able to find that little scrape of paper when needed.

[@valfletcher9285]

bring a skinny sharpie and write the info somewhere in permanent ink is what I do...such as on the tongue of my shoe or heck, even on the inside of my wrist - who cares these days people tatoo things all over themselves why not jot down a number ha!

[@gayleemason6694]

I travel with a pillow due to neck issues. Im excellent at packing light but the bulk of even a small pillow is a challenge. Any ideas?

[@justnoted2995]

Cool. But why did you stop showing the slides quarter into the show?

[@HolographicSweater]

a lot of his travel advices are just good advices for traveling through life in general, take the world on its own terms, roll with the punches, try the stinky cheese!

[@michaelsweeney5407]

Rick, curious...why haven't you moved to Italy? I am planning on it if things work out this year

[@D1944_]

Rick Steves Europe You wear your jeans for 30 days before washing....LOL That's funny!! Great information Thank you

[@mikerilling6515]

We have been asking you for YEARS to leave a blank page in between the different sections so that we can tear the books apart and take only that chapter of the book for our day trip, because by tearing them apart invariably , we take a page from the next chapter because you don’t leave a blank page in between and instead of spending all that money on expensive little Moleskine notebooks it’s much easier to buy a package of 24 of those notebooks from Walmart For $17

[@carrollcrew7]

I was enjoying every single word of this video until .... YOU RIPPED UP YOUR BOOK!!!! (GASP!!!) I have a whole shelf of your travel guide books and would never think twice of ripping up a book, but ... now I do see your point and I guess I'll be that one person that rips up one copy and buys another exact copy for my shelf!! ;) I'm reading up on Ireland right now getting prepared for our trip to London (5 days) then on a British Isles Cruise. I looked for a British Isles Cruise guide book, but didn't see one?! Not sure if that is available or not??

[@RickStevesEuropeOfficial]

Hi Tara, this is Rick's assistant Evelynn. Thanks for asking. Several ports in England are covered in our Northern European Cruise Ports guidebook: store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/northern-european-cruise-ports. You can see exactly what's covered by clicking the "What's Included" tab on that page. Our guidebook page binders can help keep your ripped out pages organized: store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/guidebook-page-binder. You can watch our travel talk about Northern European cruise ports here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIvJd6R6npV7irs. Happy travels!

[@KuruKuruGorilla]

So real so true

[@janedemian5483]

What about bringing medications? You have to keep them in their prescription containers for customs and it takes up a lot of space.

[@tobiascarlsen2804]

Free tip don't take expensive cloth they are not shy to rip out your cloth and putt into there plastic bags esply if they notice you in brand cloths. Freinds whent out hiking with branded out door clothing to return and there bags emptyd

[@sheelaghhalstead4549]

Note to producer: I was sometimes frustrated that the visuals were so dim or sometimes not even on camera.

[@patriciamoscato6586]

Does airport question your medication

[@danakolpin1289]

You are the best. I have watched you for years. How can I get a catalog or infinformation in your

[@RickStevesEuropeOfficial]

Hi Dana, Evelynn here. Thanks for asking. If you'd like to receive a catalog of our tours, you can sign up here: www.ricksteves.com/publications/tour-catalog-dvd-form. You can also see all of our tours on our website: www.ricksteves.com/tours. If you'd like to receive our Travel News email, you can sign up here: www.ricksteves.com/publications/travel-news-email. If you'd like to receive our Tour News email, you can sign up here: www.ricksteves.com/publications/tour-news-email. If you'd like to receive our weekly deal alerts for sales on our products, you can sign up here: www.ricksteves.com/forms/deal-alerts. Keep on travelin'!

[@charlottejmaloney8965]

Rick Steves' Europe b

[@vlura613]

Thank you so much, Rick. It was helpful🙏

[@lisalovelylpa]

I watching this , thinking I am going to Europe lol I am going to Waikiki ! But, I bringing my back pack ! Winks Lisa

[@cherylwilliams42]

I know that this is old…8 years ago…so have you changed any of your policies since this video? And, how do address senior citizens who may have to take a lot of prescription drugs along? Do you have them just leave out two items of clothing?

[@MyWorld-bu4ib]

What if you want to buy souvenirs?

[@lisalu910]

That's what the "Don't Tell Rick" fold-up bag is for! Or any lightweight fold up bag that you can pack in your luggage and fill with stuff you bought.

[@dexterhard]

i use my tom bihn 45 carry on bag 1 bag no check in bag

[@MajorAddiction]

+Osca Alva nice suggestion

[@gtiger766]

Where did you get the Wi Ho? Can you use it in England? Can one be rented?

[@caseyvee4419]

OK, he was talking about how hot it is in France now, then saying you can wear a pair of pants for 30 days? What gives? I can wear pants MAYBE 3 days in the WINTER in Virginia, IF I am not very active. I can't go more than ONE day without changing underwear and socks, though.

[@ericjurgens372]

it comes down to what you are comfortable wearing. I live in texas and i usually wear the same pair of jeans for a week or two in the summer.

[@caseyvee4419]

Eric Jurgens Well, I guess it is like you said, what you are comfortable with. MAYBE body chemistry enters into it, also, but after about the three days I mentioned, my pants start getting a case of the funk that no woman would go near. And I DO want women to go near my pants!

[@Ompasikom]

I'm with you Casey. I have to use at least two pair of pants for 30 days, alternating them.

[@Mateo-et3wl]

if you can't wear jeans more than 3 days without them stinking you need to see a dermatologist.

[@paulco4145]

Pretty funny, he's right about the weight, but I pack in bags half this size. Having a list is essential, as is buying local when you are there.

[@tostentwo]

Then there is the old time tested race car system. Take the part. Throw it in the air. If it comes down again it is too heavy.

[@joejojo5966]

Mr. Rick, do you feel Europe is still safe?

[@lone982]

I rip out the pages of my tour guides and staple them together. Also colour stick on tabs are helpful. They should come like that

[@ericchang9568]

Thanks for the great tips. I have a question: when we're out and about during the day, should we leave our passport in our hotel room, or carry it around?

[@lseward21]

A hotel safe is a good option,, particularly if you will stay in one location for a couple of days. If you do carry your passport with you, put it in the safety belt that goes around the waist (under your pants/skirt as he demonstrated). I’ve never had anything stolen from a hotel room but it may depend on where you stay (for example, hostels and cheap hotels in large cities are often in neighborhoods with higher crime.)

[@kayjones6147]

Use a money belt to put that passport in plus cash, extra credit cards, all kept inside your shirt - I have one that goes around my waste. Then a money clip to use for carrying bills in your pants pocket. Plus I put my plane tickets in my money belt.

[@bucki58]

Rick Steves!!!!!

[@charlie996]

I thought I was the only one who almost never washes their pants.

[@walkingrelaxingintheworld706]

I Love 💙💙💙

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

please share this with my wife and inlaws

[@rick-be]

I travel the same way,haven't check a bag in 25 years.

[@rick-be]

I gotta have 2 shoes,one usualy light sandals.