What To Pack When Backpacking Europe
May 26, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 6 Comments
You’ve decided to fulfill a lifelong dream by backpacking Europe. Congratulations on your ambition and sense of adventure. Obviously, such an undertaking requires proper preparation. In the words of renowned European travel expert, Rick Steves, the key to success is “packing light and right.”
Image via Wikipedia. A group of American tourists encounter Rick Steves.
Whether you’re traveling with a backpack or rollaboard luggage, Steves strongly recommends limiting yourself to one bag. By doing so, you eliminate the hassles of checking and retrieving extra luggage, paying excess and oversized baggage fees, and dragging multiple bags through security checkpoints and around the countryside.
So, how do you fit a whole trip’s worth of belongings into one backpack or carry-on? According to Steves, you “bring very little.”
“Don’t pack for the worst case scenario,” writes Steves in his article Packing Light And Right, available at ricksteves.com. “Pack for the best case scenario, and simply buy yourself out of any jams.”
Some valuable tips include:
- Review the Transportation Security Administration’s website for a current list the goods allowed and not allowed in carry-on luggage.
- Don’t pack more clothing than you need and be sure to take neutral colored clothes that mix and match, so you have a variety of outfits. This will reduce the weight of your luggage and avoid overweight bag fees.
- Pack using the “bundle” method. Wrap clothes around large objects (such as bags of toiletries or pairs of shoes), rather than folding or rolling clothes. The bundle method saves the most space and also prevents wrinkling.
- Minimize the number of items that require electricity, as converters can be costly, heavy and space consuming.
- Consider taking these travel accessories available from Austin House: portable laundry lines, travel laundry kits, sewing kits (a limited wardrobe can go a long way when you’re able to regularly wash and maintain it.
- For your safety, don’t dress in a way that would mark you as an affluent tourist. Limiting yourself to one bag also enhances personal security, since con artists prey on people carrying excess luggage.
As Steves points out, you can’t travel heavy, happy and cheap. You have to pick two.
Related articles
- Ways To Get Through Security Checkpoints Faster (travelproluggageblog.com)
- Starting our Journey! – Washington DC, DistrictofColumbia (travelpod.com)
Ways To Get Through Security Checkpoints Faster
May 24, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 3 Comments
With the increasing popularity of carry-on bags — both due to their convenience and the fees airlines now charge for checked bags — the passenger screening process has become very time consuming.
TSA Checkpoint - Orlando, FL
Therefore, it’s more important than ever to prepare properly. Here are several proven ways to get through security checkpoints quickly:
- Make sure you comply with the TSA’s “3-1-1″ rule, which allows travelers to carry-on one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag containing 3.4 ounce (100 ml) bottles of the gels and liquids. Simply place the quart-sized bag in the screening bin which airport security X-rays. If you don’t use a 3-1-1 bag to separate your liquids, you risk having security personnel hand-inspect your carry-on which wastes time and could result in some items being confiscated.
- Always use a Travelpro “Checkpoint Friendly” computer case when traveling with a laptop. Instead of having to handle your computer before and after scanning, you simply unzip the back of the case, lay it flat on the conveyer, zip up the case once it’s passed through the scanner, and proceed to your gate. These highly engineered cases feature a padded sleeve compartment which accommodates most 17″ laptops and — though they hold it during the X-ray process — they meet the Transportation Security Administration’s regulations regarding computers not being in direct contact with other objects while being scanned.
- Pack all metal objects (watch, cell phone, loose change, etc.) in your Travelpro rollaboard, which eliminates your need to handle them at the security checkpoint.
- Be sure to pack light, so you minimize the amount of luggage you must pass through security.
- Always wear “slip on” shoes. Nothing slows you down more than having to untie and retie your shoes while being jostled by fellow travelers.
- Survey the gate check lines, and avoid getting behind groups likely to take excessive time getting through the checkpoint (mothers traveling with small children, for example).
- If you’re traveling with children, make sure they’re dressed and packed properly. A few minutes of pre-trip planning can eliminate lengthy checkpoint delays.
Long security lines are undoubtedly here to stay. But by following these simple guidelines, you can reduce your time at airport checkpoints by 25% or more.
Photo credit: mrkathika (Flickr)
Tips For Traveling With Musical Instruments
May 19, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
So, you want to share your music with the world. But, your talent level (and travel budget) don’t yet warrant a chartered jet or customized tour bus. Looks like you’ll be flying commercial, but how are you going to transport your instrument? That depends on what you play and what airline you’re flying on.
If your instrument is too big, you can buy a ticket so it can occupy a seat. Totally worth it if it's an expensive instrument.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends checking brass instruments and carrying on stringed instruments (assuming they meet the carrier’s size limitations and fit into the overhead bin). You should always check with your airline to determine those restrictions.
For most carriers, the instrument case can’t exceed 45 linear inches (width + length + height). And remember, it will likely count as the one carry-on bag you’re allowed, limiting you to one additional personal item.
Also be aware that your instrument will have to be X-rayed or physically screened at the security checkpoint. TSA personnel are instructed to handle musical instruments very carefully, and are encouraged to involve you in the physical inspection.
It’s always best to remain patient and be courteous during the inspection process. If, for some reason, your instrument can’t be cleared, it will have to be checked.
Be advise that, unless you’re flying JetBlue or Southwest, you’ll be assessed a checked bag fee of $15 – $40, and may be subject to an overweight fee if your instrument weighs more than 50 pounds.
Plan to arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than normal when checking an instrument. The TSA recommends that you stay with your instrument while it’s being screened to ensure it’s repacked properly. If this isn’t possible, provide a short, hand-written note containing clear instructions (which a non-musician can understand) on how the instrument should be handled.
And, don’t forget to insure your instrument, because regardless how carefully you plan, pack and communicate, accidents can happen.
While flying with a musical instrument does involve some headaches, it’s a far better option than the alternative: bringing the world to your house to hear you play.
Photo credit: Modenadude (Flickr)
Carry On Luggage Clogs Security Checkpoints
May 17, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
The convenience of Travelpro luggage is no longer the only reason why more and more travelers are carrying on their bags.
The fees most airlines charge for checked bags are also contributing to this trend. So much so that security checkpoints are becoming overwhelmed with passengers shepherding their carry-ons through the scanners.
According to Christine Negroni’s article in the March 31 issue of the Miami Herald (Huge Hike In Carry-Ons Clogging Airport Security), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) estimated that passengers carried on 59 million more bags in 2010 than in 2009. This “luggage deluge” worries the U.S. Travel Association, which reported that airport screeners cannot keep up and that overall security could be diminished.
Congress may become involved. In a recent hearing, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was asked by Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu whether the airlines should be directed to contribute some of their bag fee revenue (over $6 billion in the past four years) to provide additional security.
As the debate over staffing, equipment and funding continues, Negroni reported that TSA spokesman Greg Soule denied that security was being compromised. “The number of bags brought to the checkpoint may affect passenger wait times,” Soule said, “but not the level of security we provide, which is our priority.”
Checked bags fees have become the airlines largest source of ancillary revenue, and a key contributor to their profitability in this age of $100+ barrel oil. Only two major airlines, JetBlue and Southwest, don’t currently charge for checked bags, a fact they heavily advertise in order to win business.
So how could the government and the airlines work together to alleviate the bottleneck at security checkpoint lines?
According to Negroni , the U.S. Travel Association suggested that the Department of Transportation require airlines to include one checked bag in their base ticket price, and strictly enforce the number and size of bags passengers are allowed to carry on.
The Airline Transport Association quickly dismissed this proposal, saying it “diminishes customer choice and competitive differentiation among carriers.”
The issue likely won’t be resolved soon. In the meantime – whether you’re checking your bag or carrying it on – make sure it’s a Travelpro Rollaboard.
How Can I Find Cheap Places To Stay?
May 12, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, you always want the lowest room rate. So, how do you make sure you get the best deal?
There are a number of websites specializing in booking rooms at deeply discounted rates. We’ve all seen the commercials, pop-up ads and radio spots touting the considerable savings available from Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, Kayak and similar sites.
These companies have developed special relationships with hoteliers, which enable them to secure rooms that would otherwise go unsold at sharply reduced rates. These sites can provide significant saving, and are a very viable option for the budget-conscious traveler.
To confirm the deals these sites offer, check out Bing.com/travel. Bing mines historical data to determine whether a hotel’s rate compares favorably with its past rates for similar time periods.
Also, when you’re considering a hotel or rental home and want to get a sense of their immediate surroundings, consult Google Earth.
If you’re interested in more than just the cheapest room, and want to plan your trip comprehensively as well as inexpensively, there are a number of full service travel sites:
Tripadvisor.com: The site enables you to not only search hotel options to your destination, but compare all rates available from several online booking sites. Tripadvisor also gives you detailed flight, restaurant, cruise, vacation and activity information, along with forums where your fellow travelers share their experiences, good and bad.
Expedia.com: Expedia delivers everything you need to research, plan and purchase your trip. The company provides direct access to one of the broadest selections of travel products through its North American website, localized versions throughout Europe, and extensive partnerships in Asia.
Travelocity.com: Travelocity is another full-service travel planning and purchasing website offering extensive flight, hotel, car rental, cruise and destination information, along with last minute travel deals.
If you plan to travel on a budget abroad, noted travel expert Rick Steves published 50 ways to “Stretch Your Dollar” in his blog at RickSteves.com. Listed below are several travel tips that apply not only to Europe, but to all international travel:
Travel off-season: Generally October through April in Europe. You’ll get cheaper airfare, find more budget rooms, spend less time in lines, and meet more Europeans than tourists. Big cities such as London, Paris and Rome are interesting any time of year.
A Bed & Breakfast offers double the warmth and cultural intimacy for half the price of a hotel. You’ll find them in most countries if you know the local word: Husrom is Norwegian for sobe which is Slovenian for Zimmer which is German for rooms in a private home.
Throughout Europe, budget chain hotels rent rooms at B&B prices. Since these cookie-cutter rooms cost the same for singles, couples, or even a family of four, they offer the greatest savings for traveling families.
Ask for a deal on your hotel room. You’ll have the best chance of getting a discount if business is slow. Go direct (a room-finding service costs the hotel a booking fee), offer to pay in cash, or stay at least three nights.
There are many resources for the traveler to not only secure the cheapest hotel room, but the best overall lodging value.
How Restaurant Review Sites Can Help You Travel
May 10, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Few things generate a heartier appetite than travel. You need to replenish all those calories you burn experiencing the sights and sounds of new destination. But, you’re not familiar with the area. So, what’s the best way to find a good place to eat?
Once again, technology comes to the rescue of the information (and food) starved traveler. Listed below are some of the restaurant review websites we’ve found most beneficial to those eating on the road:
Yelp: This site provides comprehensive dining information including maps, hours of operation, accepted credit cards and dress code. In addition, Yelp features a thriving social network with consumer reviews of restaurants nationwide (over 8 million reviews and 26 million visitors). Beyond its website, there are multiple ways to access Yelp, including its mobile site and Yelp apps for the iPhone, Blackberry, Palm Pre and Android.
Zagat: As one of the highest rated and best known restaurant information resources, Zagat requires a $24.95 annual subscription to access its member’s ratings and reviews. It’s an investment well worth making for travelers concerned about the quality of the food and service they receive (especially those who entertain business guests). Zagat’s “Events and Deals” section for select cities is accessible to members and nonmembers alike.
Urbanspoon: This site provides a wealth of basic restaurant information, including menus (when available) and links to critic reviews, blog posts and Urbanspoon user comments. The percentage of people who recommend the restaurant is clearly displayed on each restaurant’s page. Plus, most menus list prices, so you budget accordingly.
Citysearch: This site details the most popular restaurants, bars, spas and local events in 75,000 neighborhoods nationwide. Citysearch also offers a mobile application that include calendar and e-mail integration and Twitter functionality that enables users to tweet reviews and tips to followers instantly. Other Citysearch features include a Tip Calculator and “Split the Bill” tool which help you avoid over-paying.
Please remember not to let these online resources prevent you from asking the locals about their favorite area restaurants.
While their advice might not be as “cutting edge,” the gleam in their eye and enthusiasm in their voice will tell you all you need to know about the establishments they recommend.
Tips For “Living Like A Local”
May 5, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
If your overseas travel includes an extended stay, we highly recommend “living like a local.” There’s no better way to take in the sights and sounds of a new culture than to shed the “tourist mindset” and experience your destination the way a native does. Why passively observe when you can actively enjoy?
So, how does one live like a local?
First of all, learn as much of the language as possible. Invest in a good translation dictionary and focus on key phrases. When you need help seek the aid of younger people, who are much more likely to understand English. And don’t overlook common gestures which, in many destinations, are as important to communication as the language is.
Be aware of the scheduling differences, and plan accordingly. In Europe, for example, dinner often isn’t served until 7:30 PM or later. If you miss lunch and are seeking a mid-afternoon meal, gelato may be your only choice.
Speaking of food, one of the best ways to experience a country is to sample its food. Stride by the Americanized restaurants and find the local bistro offering the most authentic cuisine.
But, remember to take the necessary precautions. Though the foods you eat overseas aren’t necessarily unsafe, your body isn’t accustomed to them. This gastric unfamiliarity combined with the use of natural fertilizers abroad can lead to digestive difficulties.
To minimize your risk of contracting any food-borne illnesses while abroad, drink only bottled water, and avoid ice. Don’t eat raw or unpeeled foods (the foreign traveler’s rule of thumb is “Cook it, wash it, peel it, or forget it”).
Order entrees “well done,” and send them back if they’re not served hot. Use caution when ordering seafood, and steer clear of clams, mussels and oysters. Plus, avoid unpasteurized milk, cheese and yogurt.
One advantage of living like a local is that you avoid excessive tipping. The custom of leaving a 15 – 20% tip is not shared overseas, where restaurants traditionally pay the wait staff an adequate salary. However, a smaller tip is always welcomed.
Finally, maintain a healthy routine during your stay by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet. Make sure you drink in moderation, since most foreign beers and wines are much stronger than domestics.
Embrace your destination, and seek out all it offers. Your experience will be richer, and your hosts will appreciate your enthusiasm.
Mobile Phone Apps That Help You Travel
May 2, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Even if you’re traveling solely to escape the Information Age’s never ending intrusions, you shouldn’t swear off your mobile phone completely. Not when there are so many mobile phone apps that can not only aid you in planning your trip, but enrich your overall travel experience. Some of our favorite travel apps include:
Wi-Fi Finder: This free application links you to a directory of over 280,000 Wi-Fi access points in 140 countries worldwide, so you can stay connected without incurring high roaming charges.
Yelp: In addition to maps and directions, this free app provides user reviews, recommendations, ratings and photos of the places you plan to visit. It’s like having a trusted friend to guide you in each destination.
TripIt: This free app helps you effortlessly manage your trip by providing instant access to maps and directions, and links to airlines, hotels and restaurants, directly from your itinerary.
FlightTrack Pro: This flight-tracking application costs $9.99 but is well worth the investment. It monitors gate changes, delays, cancellations, and current weather conditions with an intuitive interface and detailed maps. FlightTrack also syncs up with your TripIt itinerary.
AroundMe: This free app can locate what you’re looking for (nearest gas station, grocery store, ATM, etc.) by keyword and provides you with maps and directions.
Travel Channel GO: This free app provides a rich multimedia experience before you leave home, enabling you to virtually experience your destination’s culture and attractions through the eyes of trusted Travel Channel hosts. It’s an invaluable tool for trip planning.
Currency: A free application that provides up-to-the-minute exchange rate information.
Taxi Magic: Need a cab? This free app will show you all of the nearby taxi services, and can even call them for you.
World Nomads: This free app present lists of dozens of basic travel phrases divided into categories. After navigating the categories (such as “places to stay” and “directions “), you can select an appropriate phrase and hear an audio clip of a native speaker pronouncing it.
The travel applications available on today’s mobile phones can be a godsend to the business traveler. And, even leisure traveler desperate to “get away from it all” will benefit from instant, accurate information.
