Luggage Recommendations
Students, last year, I did a lot of research on luggage for Europe because I knew that I would be directing this program for at least ten years. So, I wanted to get some very durable luggage that would be light and also luggage that would fit within size limitations. [It is important to note that, if you shop for luggage for Europe, take a tap with you to physically measure every dimension on the luggage because some manufacturers “understate” the size of their luggage, knowing what the airline limits are. For example, if there is a length limit of 21” for a carry-on, some luggage will state that it is 21” on the label but I have seen that happen and the luggage is 23” or more!] On your checked bag, make CERTAIN that you do not use one with the "4 wheel system" -- they are virtually useless in Europe with uneven surfaces everywhere. But DO make certain that you have one with two GOOD wheels because you will need them.
TravelPro Brand Recommended
The brand that I chose is the same one that most professionals in the airline industry use: TravelPro (you see pilots with this brand all of the time in airports). Note that this is very expensive luggage IF you go to Dillard’s or another retailer to buy it. However, they introduce new lines every year and, if you are willing to go to Tuesday Morning (like I did) or purchase on-line (great prices at links provided below), you can get phenomenal discounts on it.
Delta’s Baggage Limits
Delta carry-on bag limit: Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches in combined length, width, and height and must fit easily in the Carry-on Baggage Check, which is located near the check-in counters and at the gate and is approximately 22" x 14" x 9."
Delta's checked bag limits is 50 pounds and 62" total (length+width+height).
With the above in mind, and if you need luggage, here are my recommendations and the two pieces that I bought:
Carry-On
The one that I would highly recommend is this one, and it is the one that I have shown you:
(Note: this is not the same one got at Tuesday Morning last year, I think that it is a newer and better one. I paid $95 for mine, and this one is just $130. Probably the best price you can find this year. Note the retail price of $540 on that website -- that is not puffery, I checked at Dillard's last year and these are indeed the pries.)
Also, there are some other options on that site, but you want to maximize size without going over. The one above is 40.5" total dimensions and Delta permits 45" so with some expansion, it still should come in under size.
Checked Baggage
Just looked up the checked luggage that bought last year and, if you guys can use some luggage, I would JUMP on this deal. I researched the heck out luggage last year and this is the best piece of luggage out there for international travel because of the quality and the size. It is a $620 piece of luggage and I paid $205 for it last year and these guys have it for $150. This is a phenomenal price for a great piece of luggage. This is the same one that I have shown you:
“Signal” Luggage Lock
I'm going to get these this year. A combo lock that accepts a TSA key, but a red thing pops up if TSA opens your luggage,
so you’ll know it’s been opened. A nice signal.
Packing Cubes
The below link shows a set of 3; buy two of these and you and Judy will be set for travel by mixing them between each
other as needed.
With these, all socks/underwear in one, folded shirts in another, etc. Then, just throw them in your suitcase. Also very handy to "shift weight" as needed between carry-on and checked bag. Also, if suitcase falls open (or is inspected), very easy to pick up stuff.
International Travel Tips From ATT
ATT Calling Rates in the Countries That We Are Visiting:
|
Country |
Regular
Per Minute |
ATT
World Traveler Plan |
|
Great Britain |
$1.39 |
$0.99 |
|
France |
$1.39 |
$0.99 |
|
Italy |
$1.39 |
$0.99 |
|
Austria |
$1.39 |
$0.99 |
|
Germany |
$1.39 |
$0.99 |
|
|
|
|
Skype
Students, I know that many, probably most of you, are very familiar with the use of Skype. If you could send me a quick write-up on it, I will put it in this section of the travel tips.
Packing Article
Great article written by Rick Steves – well-known international traveler and advisor:
Cheap Maps on Your Smart Phone While in Europe
[Students, note: very good to use for subway stops in each city we visit.] When I need a good map, I simply use the google maps app that comes with the device and then take a "Screen shot" (Home button & power button pushed simultaneously) of the parts of the map that I need, in any level of detail that I want. It gets saved as a photo in your photos app which you can access any time without the need for wifi. You can also do a directions search with your precise end point and it will give you step by step instructions/maps that are very accurate. Take a screen shot of each step and you're good to go without wifi. When that part of the journey is done, just throw away the photos.
Money Belt
Students, make sure that you get one of these money belts (See below) for portions of the program. The only places that you will probably need it are Paris and Rome and possibly London. There are a lot of pickpockets on the subways and in congested areas and there are also groups of gypsies with small children as distractors (and thieves) in some of the congested areas. They work in groups of 10-15. You will want to keep a separate credit card in there, your passport, money, and so on. With respect to a billfold, etc., here's what I do: I take a very small bill holder that only has room for my driver's license, a couple of credit cards, and some money. I ALWAYS keep it in my left front pocket and, anytime that I am in a crowded area, I keep my hand firmly in my left pocket. Don't mean to sound paranoid or scare you about it, but really, in Paris and Rome (Rome, especially), it is a good idea. Typically, some students won't do it and they are either very, very lucky but they sometimes get nailed on it.
Tour of a Money Belt (Your portable safe) By Rick Steves
Money belts are your key to peace of mind. I never travel without one. A money belt is a small, zippered fabric pouch that fastens around the waist under your pants or skirt. You wear it completely hidden from sight, tucked in like a shirttail — over your shirt and under your pants. (If you find it uncomfortable to wear a money belt in front — as many women do — slide it around and wear it in the small of your back.)With a money belt, all your essential documents are on you as securely and thoughtlessly as your underwear. Have you ever thought about that? Every morning you put on your underwear. You don't even think about it all day long. And every night when you undress, sure enough, there they are, exactly where you put them. When I travel, my valuables are just as securely out of sight and out of mind, around my waist in a money belt. It's luxurious peace of mind. I'm uncomfortable only when I'm not wearing it. Operate with a day's spending money in your pocket. You don't need to get at your money belt for every euro. Your money belt is your deep storage — for select deposits and withdrawals. Lately, I haven't even carried a wallet. A few bills in my shirt pocket — no keys, no wallet — I'm on vacation! Precautions: Never leave a money belt "hidden" on the beach while you swim. It's safer left in your hotel room. In hostel or dorm situations where your money belt shouldn't be left alone in your room, you can shower with it (hang it — maybe in a plastic bag — from the nozzle). Keep your money-belt contents dry (sweat-free) with a plastic sheath or baggie. Packing light applies to your money belt as well as your luggage. Here's what to pack in your money belt: Passport: You're legally supposed to have it with you at all times. Driver's license: This works just about anywhere in Europe and is necessary if you want to rent a car on the spur of the moment. Credit card: It's required for car rental and handy to have if your cash runs low. Debit card: A Visa debit card is the most versatile for ATM withdrawals. (I no longer use traveler's checks.) Cash: Keep only major bills in your money belt. Plastic sheath: Money belts easily get sweaty and slimy. Damp plane tickets and rail passes can be disgusting and sometimes worthless. Even a plain old baggie helps keep things dry. Contact list: Print small, and include every phone number or email address of importance in your life. Include your hotel list and all necessary details from your itinerary