The Clever Way Rick Steves Says To Test Your Packing Skills Before Heading To Europe
One of the biggest tips that travel expert Rick Steves drives home, regardless of destination, is to pack light. He only brings a carry-on bag and a personal item and requires his tour participants to do the same. This is an official rule people always regret breaking on a Rick Steves tour, as they quickly figure out how convenient it is to pack light. "You'll never meet a traveler who brags: 'Every year I pack heavier.' Too much luggage slows you down," Steves' team wrote on an Instagram post.
Heavy bags don't just slow you down. They can make your arms and shoulders pretty sore. Put your light packing skills to the test by carrying your luggage around for a bit before leaving for your trip. "Pack up completely and walk around your neighborhood. Or practice being a tourist in your hometown for an afternoon." If you get too tired, head home and rethink everything you had planned on bringing. A common piece of advice says to pack what you think you'll need, and then cut it in half.
You can buy things during your trip if necessary
"Scrutinize each item," Rick Steves says in a blog post. Then remove things that may only come in handy once or twice during your trip. Steves is frugal but knows that some items are better to buy than pack. For example, should you pack an umbrella? Or just buy one if you get caught in the rain at some point? You can always leave something like an umbrella behind when you get ready to head home without feeling like you've wasted a ton of money. Even better, someone else might pick it up and be able to use it later on.
When it comes to clothing, make sure you aren't packing too much by following the 5-4-3-2-1 system (also called the 1-2-3-4-5 system). This works even for trips exceeding two weeks. A common lineup is five tops, four bottoms, three shoes, two dresses, or layering elements like jackets, and one set of accessories. The accessories bundle could be one belt and one hat, or whatever fits your trip best. The goal with this method is to stick to the necessities. Keep in mind that there are practical ways to do laundry when traveling, even right in your hotel room.