We've been traveling fairly extensively for the last 8 years. Here are some of the things that we've learned along the way:
What to know, where to go...
The Rick Steves website has good travel tips. Read them, and live them. Also read your guidebook before you leave. Cut out the relevant pages and bring them along. You'll have the info you need without the bulk of the entire book. For free time, I find that the Atlas Obscura website has hints about curious and little-known gems.
It’s not a fashion show! Pack light!!!
We learned this the hard way but it's one of the most important changes we've made over the years -- one backpack or small bag per person, mostly for daily use, and one airline carry-on.
We invested in 2 pair of multi-pocket quick dry pants (with zip off legs so they convert to shorts) and 5 quick dry shirts (3 is fine, but I like a little variety 😊) A few changes of underwear and you’re set. Our primary clothes usually take half the carry-on. The rest is for other essentials: 2 long sleeve tees, rain pants, small umbrellas a hand fans if you're expecting hot weather, travel size toiletries, swimsuits, and a med kit. Wear your jackets on the plane. Wear one pair of good walking shoes. You can pack snacks for travel days and still have room for souvenirs!!
After you de-plane, a laundry pod stuffed into an empty drink bottle makes enough detergent to do a quick wash in the sink each night. It only takes a few minutes and lets you save so much space. Use the hotel hangers to air dry them. Keep undies and socks to wash when you spend 2 nights because they typically take a little longer to dry. A light piece of clothesline and some clothespins are very helpful.
Its all about organization...
Packing cubes are all the rage. We are experimented with them for the first time on this trip. They do seem to help keep things organized. Also travel pouches for your meds and toiletries.
Here are a couple of photos of our luggage. All of our clothes are to the left. I also carry a small sewing kit, clothes line and pins, laundry stain pen, some costume jewelry (usually souvenirs from other trips), hair brush, and athletic tape to prevent blisters. The fold-up liquids container is great for keeping everything organized (although you may need to re-package in quart bags for the plane). That, and a small toiletries bag go into my backpack. The bungies are great for strapping the bag to the handle of your carry-on in the airport.
The point here is that you really can bring everything you need in a couple of small pieces of luggage! With room to spare!!
For cold weather, stuff any gloves, hats, winter scarves that you aren't wearing into the jacket you will bring on the plane. This will save room in your suitcase. Alternatively, a light quilted jacket paired with a windbreaker will not add weight and will fit nicely into your carry-on. No need for heavier pants, just add a layer of yoga tights or hunting thermals.
Ladies, if you just absolutely MUST "dress up" for group dinners, bring one pair of lightweight black slacks, a couple of light blouses, and a pair of ballet slippers. These won't take up much room or add much weight. Or you could dress up your travel shirts with a nice scarf or some costume jewelry - maybe even something you bought on your trip that will also be a good souvenir!
The pants, hiking boots and T-shirt are my day wear. At night, the shirt could be paired with black blacks, ballet slippers or sandals, and the necklace that I bought on this trip!
The right clothes make the trip...
Pants with lots of pockets come in very handy. Zippered or Velcro pockets help to prevent pickpocketing. And always keep your money and credit cards in a deep front pocket or a travel purse close to your body. This is my travel purse. It holds our passports, money, credit cards, fan, phone, and glasses. It stays on my person always, and it has cut-resistant straps.
Its a weighty issue...
When packing, you need to keep weight in mind. There are restrictions on the weight of your overhead carry-on. However, as long as your "personal item will fit under the seat, it is not weighed. So place all of your heavier, but smaller items in it. Think charger packs, meds, liquids, snacks, and any electronic items you might need to show at security (especially in other countries where TSA Pre-Check won't apply).
Food Tips...
Not
all of your food is included so ask your guide for recommendations. You’ll find
out where the locals eat. It will be better and also less expensive.
The transportation system is your friend!
If you are like us, and hail from towns without mass transit, the subway and train system might be a little intimidating. Don't let that stop you! The metros and trains are very safe and quite easy to use. Its an inexpensive alternative to taxis for airport transfers and for those "free time" adventures! Your guide or practically anyone in the transit hub will usually be glad to help.
And those photos...
Take lots of pics but keep only the best and learn how to caption them on your phone so you will remember where you were. You and your friends will appreciate it later!
And most of all...Keep on Traveling !!!