Unique travel tips
Unique travel tips
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Our biggest packing takeaway was to travel LIGHT.
Packing light is optimum for many reasons:
Airport Fees: Large/excessive luggages = additional travel fees for each flight. This can really add up – especially if you don’t have a direct flight. (We accidentally spent close to $340 just on this issue alone. Sad face.)
Stairs and Hills: There are lots of inclines and floors to climb in Europe! In fact, there the ground floor is considered as “0” so even if you think you are on the first floor, you may not be! You have to exert a lot of energy and strength lugging around luggage (pun intended).
Packing and Repacking: It is best not to overstuff your bag before you depart because then it becomes a time consuming headache to repack it in between locations.
Souvenirs: It is great to leave room for purchases! Carrying souvenirs in your baggage is much less expensive than shipping them separately.
Public Transportation: Lastly, folks who take large luggage may struggle for space on crowded public transportation which can be stressful. Plus the dirty looks are awkward!
If the concept of “traveling light” causes you to fear outfit repeats in your photos, have no fear! A good way to change it up is to incorporate accessory changes like sunglasses, dangle earrings, headbands, or compact scarves.
A hack we heard of is stuffing jacket(s) into a pillowcase. That can save space in your bag while also offering some relief during an uncomfortable flight!
Our biggest packing takeaway was to travel LIGHT.
Packing light is optimum for many reasons:
Airport Fees: Large/excessive luggages = additional travel fees for each flight. This can really add up – especially if you don’t have a direct flight. (We accidentally spent close to $340 just on this issue alone. Sad face.)
Stairs and Hills: There are lots of inclines and floors to climb in Europe! In fact, there the ground floor is considered as “0” so even if you think you are on the first floor, you may not be! You have to exert a lot of energy and strength lugging around luggage (pun intended).
Packing and Repacking: It is best not to overstuff your bag before you depart because then it becomes a time consuming headache to repack it in between locations.
Souvenirs: It is great to leave room for purchases! Carrying souvenirs in your baggage is much less expensive than shipping them separately.
Public Transportation: Lastly, folks who take large luggage may struggle for space on crowded public transportation which can be stressful. Plus the dirty looks are awkward!
If the concept of “traveling light” causes you to fear outfit repeats in your photos, have no fear! A good way to change it up is to incorporate accessory changes like sunglasses, dangle earrings, headbands, or compact scarves.
A hack we heard of is stuffing jacket(s) into a pillowcase. That can save space in your bag while also offering some relief during an uncomfortable flight!
Double (even triple) check each airline’s baggage policies to avoid incurring unexpected fees.
Of course, we recommend only using carry on sized baggage because:
They cost less than checking oversized bags.
Smaller carry on bags are easier to transport through Europe.
By keeping carry on luggage by your side through the flight process, you can have the peace of mind that they will not be lost in the airport’s baggage check. Plus, you won’t have to wait in the dreaded baggage check area after arriving!
When packing, it cannot be emphasized enough to take the weather into consideration. Layers are your best friend, whereas large, bulky clothing pieces become your enemy! It is also helpful to take into account the activities you will partake in to help guide your clothing selections.
Consideration of footwear is vital. It is important to have comfortable, walkable shoes that are already broken in, prior to your trip. Nothing can ruin a travel day quite like blisters, so please thoroughly vet your shoes beforehand! Sacrificing style over functionality (especially with footwear) is just not worth it when traveling internationally!
A hack we heard of is stuffing jacket(s) into a pillowcase. That can save space in your bag while also offering some relief during an uncomfortable flight!
We have put together a recommended packing list, organized by category. Hyperlinks are embedded should you need to purchase the suggested travel item.
Documents
Passport for international travel; Real ID or passport for domestic travel
Visa credit card (or debit card) with no foreign transaction fee
Travel visa approval (if required)
Country specific items
Small cash and coins in local currency
Outlet adaptor(s)
Electronics
Solis international wifi device/portable charger and charging cord
Cell phone and charging cord
Travel items
Pen
International stamps
Sunglasses (prescription if applicable)
Baggage, organizers, and bag accessories
Sustenance
Beer bottle and wine opener (without a knife, otherwise TSA will confiscate it)
Weather-related items
Toiletries
Swimwear
Swimsuit
Double (even triple) check each airline’s baggage policies to avoid incurring unexpected fees.
Of course, we recommend only using carry on sized baggage because:
They cost less than checking oversized bags.
Smaller carry on bags are easier to transport through Europe.
By keeping carry on luggage by your side through the flight process, you can have the peace of mind that they will not be lost in the airport’s baggage check. Plus, you won’t have to wait in the dreaded baggage check area after arriving!
When packing, it cannot be emphasized enough to take the weather into consideration. Layers are your best friend, whereas large, bulky clothing pieces become your enemy! It is also helpful to take into account the activities you will partake in to help guide your clothing selections.
Consideration of footwear is vital. It is important to have comfortable, walkable shoes that are already broken in, prior to your trip. Nothing can ruin a travel day quite like blisters, so please thoroughly vet your shoes beforehand! Sacrificing style over functionality (especially with footwear) is just not worth it when traveling internationally!
A hack we heard of is stuffing jacket(s) into a pillowcase. That can save space in your bag while also offering some relief during an uncomfortable flight!
We have put together a recommended packing list, organized by category. Hyperlinks are embedded should you need to purchase the suggested travel item.
Documents
Passport for international travel; Real ID or passport for domestic travel
Visa credit card (or debit card) with no foreign transaction fee
Travel visa approval (if required)
Country specific items
Small cash and coins in local currency
Outlet adaptor(s)
Electronics
Solis international wifi device/portable charger and charging cord
Cell phone and charging cord
Travel items
Pen
International stamps
Sunglasses (prescription if applicable)
Baggage, organizers, and bag accessories
Sustenance
Beer bottle and wine opener (without a knife, otherwise TSA will confiscate it)
Weather-related items
Toiletries
Swimwear
Swimsuit
Carabiner clasps (to secure purse zippers)
Medicine organizer (include pain killers, antacids, stool softeners, anti-diarrheal, etc.)
Period supplies like pads, tampons, and/or menstrual cup (if applicable)
Prescription medications (if applicable)
Contacts (if applicable)
Condoms (if applicable)
Carabiner clasps (to secure purse zippers)
Medicine organizer (include pain killers, antacids, stool softeners, anti-diarrheal, etc.)
Period supplies like pads, tampons, and/or menstrual cup (if applicable)
Prescription medications (if applicable)
Contacts (if applicable)
Condoms (if applicable)
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