Much like you, we’ve been travelling a lot in the past 18 months, and after every trip, I usually make notes as to what I could have done to improve my trip. I only note those variables that I control, and at the top of that list is usually what I have packed.
Many of you have told me that there’s a direct correlation between the amount of luggage you’re packing, and your overall level of frustration when it comes to the logistics of travel. LESS is MORE. But what do you pack?
Here’s crack at my list when I go to Europe. I specify “Europe” simply because a trip to an extremely hot place, or an extremely cold place is going to necessitate some adjustments to my list:
First the general framework:
- Layers – we’re often in Europe in the shoulder season, which means it might be 85 degrees, or it could be 40 and raining. You need to be prepared for both.
- Fabrics – Jeans and other heavy cotton garments are heavy, not good in rain, and don’t pack well. Synthetic fabrics that will dry overnight (if you end up having to wash them in your room) are preferred.
- Laundry Soap – I pack for 7-days. If I’m away longer than that, I plan on doing laundry. This is where dry laundry-detergent sheets come in really handy.
- Mix & Match – some people pack for a different outfit every night over 14 days. This is fine if you can pack that much luggage. I prefer to travel with about 3 or 4 outfits, and then mix and match various items to make up different combinations. For men, this might mean different shirts, pants and/or jackets. For women it’s as easy as a scarf or other accent.
- Packing Cubes – these will allow you fit more into a small suitcase, and to keep things organized.
Here’s some specific things from my list:
- Rain Gear – You’ll never regret packing this. I ALWAYS bring a rain coat, and if there more than a 50/50 chance of rain, then I also bring an umbrella and rain pants. The nylon-type fabrics are very compact… so even if you don’t use them, it’s worth throwing them in.
- Shoes – this is the hardest part of packing. First, I wear my heaviest/most bulky shoes on the plane to spare the space in my luggage. I always take one pair of comfortable walking shoes, and then one (or maybe two) pairs of shoes to wear at night. I also throw in flip-flops or something casual for walking around the ship.
- Base Layers – I take 7 sets of these – call it socks, underwear and undershirts. See my note above about fabrics.
- Insulation – I’ve got my rain coat if it gets wet or windy. I need one layer of insulation if it gets colder than I think. It’s also good for outdoor decks at night.
- Zip-away pants – These are great for mixed weather, when you don’t know if pants or shorts are more appropriate – you’re covered for both.
- Snacks for travel days – if you’re concerned about what you eat, it’s worth throwing some healthy protein bars in your carry-on if you have a long travel day.
- Electrolyte Replacement or Rehydrating Salts – it’s really easy to get dehydrated when travelling, and you can get these tablets at any pharmacy.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
AMA Waterways is offering 20% off river cruises on select dates and itineraries. Here’s a couple of examples:
Rhine River from Basel to Amsterdam (7-nights)
- Depart November 21 or 23, and you catch the front end of the Christmas Markets
- Visit Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge, Lahnstein, Cologne, Amserdam. Here’s our video from when we did that trip a couple of years ago: https://youtu.be/UHzzsujRcDY
- French Balconies from $3439 per person in November, or go in March 2024 from $3849.
Wine-themed cruise on Main/Moselle Rivers – from Luxembourg City to Nuremburg (7-nights)
- This itinerary is great for those that have already done the Rhine and/or the Danube, and are looking to explore something a bit different in Western Europe
- Visit Luxembourg City, Trier, Bernkastel, Alken, Cochem, Rudesheim, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Eltmann, Nuremburg. This itinerary has it all: wineries, Roman ruins, gothic castles, and scenic cruising in the Rhine Gorge.
- Depart October 31 or November 7, 2023. French Balconies from $3899.
- Depart July 31 or August 7, 2024. French Balconies from $4499.
Croatia & Greece with SilverSea (Venice to Athens)
This cruise is perfect for those that want to immerse themselves in Croatia and the Greek Islands, AND you can explore the marquis ports of Venice and Athens pre and/or post cruise.
- Departing Venice for 11-days starting July 15, 2024.
- Visit Venice, Zadar, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Nafplion (Greece), Syros, Symi, Paros, Athens.
- Window suites at $6350, and Verandas from $6950. Get an additional 10% off if you pay in full at the time of booking.
- Includes all taxes & fees, a shore excursion in every port, open bar, gratuities and wifi on the ship.
National Parks and Denver
You’ve been asking for more domestic options, so here one idea:
- 14-days between Phoenix and Denver.
- Visit Scottsdale, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Page (AZ), Zion NP, Grand Teton, Springdale (UT), Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Yellowstone NP, Sheridan (WY), Rapid City (SD), Mount Rushmore, Rocky Mountain NP, Denver.
- Depart in September 2023 for $5699, OR May/June 2024 for $5399
MIssissippi River with Viking
- 8-days round-trip from New Orleans departing December 16 or 23.
- Visit New Orleans, Darrow, St. Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg and Baton Rouge
- Prices start at $2999 per person with FREE air and Stateroom upgrade.
- Includes all taxes and fees, round-trip air, transfers, beer/wine with meals, a shore excursion in every port, and wifi on the ship.
World Cruise with Viking
Extended voyages are not for everyone, but Viking sure makes it easy with a package like this.
- Departing Los Angeles for 121 days on January 9, 2024.
- Visit 23 countries – sailing westward to Hawaii and the South Pacific Islands. Then on to New Zealand and Australia, and up to Southeast Asia, and over to India, and up the Red Sea and Suez Canal into the Mediterranean before sailing up the Atlantic Coast to finish in London.
- Includes round-trip business-class air, transfers, all taxes and fees, all visas and entry permits, open bar on the ship, gratuities, luggage forward service (to ship your bags to the cruise, a shore excursion in each of 50 ports of call, specialty dining.
- Also get an additional $1000 per person shore excursion credit, $1000 per person on board credit
- Veranda suites start at $54,995 per person, with an additional 3.3% off if you pay by E-check.
Recently booked a Viking Cruise?
Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online or by phone. Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.
We’ll check over your booking to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.
We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.
There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).
Also, in case you’re wondering, there is NO fee to work with us. We get paid commission by the cruise lines after our clients travel. So, please get in touch to let us know about your existing reservations (including those made while on board).
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
