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Backpack Wandering
Backpacking Europe
Backpacking through Europe is a rite of passage for many American youth. There is nothing like the freedom felt while wandering across an unknown land with all your worldly possessions on your back and only a vague idea of where you are going. The first backpacking trip through Europe is always the toughest. It takes a while to learn the skills needed to avoid travel mishaps. Here are some tips for backpacking through Europe.
Pack Light. This can not be emphasized enough. If you are hauling a heavy bag around Europe you will be miserable. Only take two changes of clothing. Do laundry often and if something wears out buy a replacement. You do not need to bring everything with you. Most things you can buy in the United States you can buy in Europe.
Take the Right Bag
Buy a travel backpack that fits airline carry-on specifications. This is 45 linear inches. Measure it by adding up the length, width and height of the bag. This way you can take your backpack with you in the passenger compartment of the plane. It also forces you to pack light. Make sure the backpack has wheels. Pulling is a lot easier than carrying.
Use a Travel Wallet
Your passport, credit cards, and money must not be lost while backpacking through Europe. Put them in a hidden travel wallet that hangs around your neck or in your waist band. Be paranoid about protecting these things. Replacing them will be a nightmare.
Get Out of your Comfort Zone
You are backpacking through Europe to experience something different. Do not limit yourself to hanging out with other Americans and eating at McDonalds. Try new things and force yourself to interact with the locals. Amazing things happen when people who think they are different realize that they have much in common. Try traveling alone for a while. You will have no choice but to talk to strangers.
Photographs and Journal
Your most precious souvenirs from backpacking through Europe will be your photographs and journal. Take a lot of pictures and write in your journal every day. You will treasure them in the future. Forget about all that worthless junk in the tourist shops. If you absolutely must buy something, mail it home immediately. Do not lug around souvenirs while backpacking through Europe. It will weigh you down, might get stolen, and probably break anyway.
Backpacking through Europe is a rite of passage for many American youth. There is nothing like the freedom felt while wandering across an unknown land with all your worldly possessions on your back and only a vague idea of where you are going. The first backpacking trip through Europe is always the toughest. It takes a while to learn the skills needed to avoid travel mishaps. Here are some tips for backpacking through Europe.
Pack Light. This can not be emphasized enough. If you are hauling a heavy bag around Europe you will be miserable. Only take two changes of clothing. Do laundry often and if something wears out buy a replacement. You do not need to bring everything with you. Most things you can buy in the United States you can buy in Europe.
Take the Right Bag
Buy a travel backpack that fits airline carry-on specifications. This is 45 linear inches. Measure it by adding up the length, width and height of the bag. This way you can take your backpack with you in the passenger compartment of the plane. It also forces you to pack light. Make sure the backpack has wheels. Pulling is a lot easier than carrying.
Use a Travel Wallet
Your passport, credit cards, and money must not be lost while backpacking through Europe. Put them in a hidden travel wallet that hangs around your neck or in your waist band. Be paranoid about protecting these things. Replacing them will be a nightmare.
Get Out of your Comfort Zone
You are backpacking through Europe to experience something different. Do not limit yourself to hanging out with other Americans and eating at McDonalds. Try new things and force yourself to interact with the locals. Amazing things happen when people who think they are different realize that they have much in common. Try traveling alone for a while. You will have no choice but to talk to strangers.
Photographs and Journal
Your most precious souvenirs from backpacking through Europe will be your photographs and journal. Take a lot of pictures and write in your journal every day. You will treasure them in the future. Forget about all that worthless junk in the tourist shops. If you absolutely must buy something, mail it home immediately. Do not lug around souvenirs while backpacking through Europe. It will weigh you down, might get stolen, and probably break anyway.
Backpacks
Travel backpacks are the preferred luggage of students, budget travelers and world adventurers. They are versatile, sturdy and easy to carry around. Recent developments in travel backpacks make them more useful and convenient than ever. Many don't even look like backpacks. They can be converted from travel backpack to rolling bag to stylish luggage with a few zippers and hidden compartments.
History
Until the 1980s, travel backpacks were based on the hiking backpack model. There were bulky, featured sleeping bag rolls and had exterior metal frames. They were unattractive and advertised that you were a backpacker when you walked around a city or tried to squeeze it onto crowded public transportation. In the 1980s, luggage companies started making convertible backpacks to appeal to a new generation of young American travelers heading to Europe. Frame were made of plastic and sewn inside the backpack. Straps could be hidden in zippered compartments to make them look like ordinary luggage. Soon afterward wheels were added making the transportation of the travel backpack even easier. There are new advancements every year. They now feature space age materials that are light weight, waterproof and practically indestructible.
Misconceptions
Many travelers prefer to pull their travel backpacks around on the wheels. The term "travel backpack" is fast becoming a misnomer. There are travel backpack owners who have never put one on their back.
Features
Travel backpacks are now seen as regular luggage with plenty of conveniences. Most measure exactly 45 linear inches making them the maximum airline carry on size. Most have day packs that can be zipped on and off the main bag. Wheels give the travel backpacks mobility while the hidden straps allow it to be used as a backpack if the traveler encounters stairs or a beach. Many have external straps that can hold on other items and special pockets to store miscellaneous items. Some even have luggage locks, water bladders and compartments for iPods and laptop computers built in. The Juice Bag ES100 Backpack is made out of recycled plastic bottles and has a solar panel to charge electronic devices.
Considerations
Choose a travel backpack for comfort and durability. Before you buy one put it on in the store, load it up with some weight and walk around for a while. Adjust it so that the weight rests on your hips not your back. A link to connect both straps together is a nice feature that keeps the weight from pulling your shoulders back. If you are even slightly uncomfortable in the store you will be miserable on your trip. Don't buy a travel backpack that is not comfortable.
Identification
There are many manufacturers of quality travel backpacks. North Face, Travel Smith and Eagle Creek have made them for decades and are leading names in the business. Tom Bihn, Juice Bag, Arc'Teryx and Gregory Baltoro are also known for quality and innovative features. A quality travel backpack will cost between $200 and $500.
Travel backpacks are the preferred luggage of students, budget travelers and world adventurers. They are versatile, sturdy and easy to carry around. Recent developments in travel backpacks make them more useful and convenient than ever. Many don't even look like backpacks. They can be converted from travel backpack to rolling bag to stylish luggage with a few zippers and hidden compartments.
History
Until the 1980s, travel backpacks were based on the hiking backpack model. There were bulky, featured sleeping bag rolls and had exterior metal frames. They were unattractive and advertised that you were a backpacker when you walked around a city or tried to squeeze it onto crowded public transportation. In the 1980s, luggage companies started making convertible backpacks to appeal to a new generation of young American travelers heading to Europe. Frame were made of plastic and sewn inside the backpack. Straps could be hidden in zippered compartments to make them look like ordinary luggage. Soon afterward wheels were added making the transportation of the travel backpack even easier. There are new advancements every year. They now feature space age materials that are light weight, waterproof and practically indestructible.
Misconceptions
Many travelers prefer to pull their travel backpacks around on the wheels. The term "travel backpack" is fast becoming a misnomer. There are travel backpack owners who have never put one on their back.
Features
Travel backpacks are now seen as regular luggage with plenty of conveniences. Most measure exactly 45 linear inches making them the maximum airline carry on size. Most have day packs that can be zipped on and off the main bag. Wheels give the travel backpacks mobility while the hidden straps allow it to be used as a backpack if the traveler encounters stairs or a beach. Many have external straps that can hold on other items and special pockets to store miscellaneous items. Some even have luggage locks, water bladders and compartments for iPods and laptop computers built in. The Juice Bag ES100 Backpack is made out of recycled plastic bottles and has a solar panel to charge electronic devices.
Considerations
Choose a travel backpack for comfort and durability. Before you buy one put it on in the store, load it up with some weight and walk around for a while. Adjust it so that the weight rests on your hips not your back. A link to connect both straps together is a nice feature that keeps the weight from pulling your shoulders back. If you are even slightly uncomfortable in the store you will be miserable on your trip. Don't buy a travel backpack that is not comfortable.
Identification
There are many manufacturers of quality travel backpacks. North Face, Travel Smith and Eagle Creek have made them for decades and are leading names in the business. Tom Bihn, Juice Bag, Arc'Teryx and Gregory Baltoro are also known for quality and innovative features. A quality travel backpack will cost between $200 and $500.
Packing for Europe
When packing for European travel you should focus on being light and efficient. Realize that Europe is a modern place. Anything you buy in the United States you can get in Europe. There is no need to bring a giant bottle of shampoo or ten pairs of socks. Taking a lot of heavy suitcases will make you miserable when you have to schlep them around. Do yourself a favor and take less.
The airline limit on a carry on bag is 45 linear inches. You measure linear inches by adding a bag's length, width and height. The airline limit for checked luggage is 62 linear inches. If you have more than two of them or any weigh more than 50 pounds you will be charged an excess baggage fee. If it is possible, limit yourself to a carry on bag. If you must check luggage take just one or two. Only buy luggage that is smaller than the airline size limit. Weigh your luggage before leaving your home. It does not take much to make a bag weigh 50 pounds. Make sure your luggage has wheels. It makes moving it easy.
It is a common misconception that you must bring everything with you when you pack for European travel. Most products sold in the United States are readily available in Europe. Take only small travel sized toiletries and restock when you run out. Pack just a few changes of clothing. Take only easy care fabrics. If you wash your clothes by hand at your hotel, you wont have to carry around a bag full of dirty clothes. You can also use the "throw away" method. Take clothes you don't want anymore. As you wear them throw them away. Buy new clothes in Europe. This is a great excuse to shop.
It is essential that you keep your identification safe when you travel to Europe. Make copies of your passport, visas, tickets, itinerary, credit cards, ATM card and traveler's check receipts. Keep a set of these copies with you and another set with someone you trust at home. If you lose these items the copies will be a big help in getting them replaced.
Your suitcases will function best if you make efficient use of space. Take only comfortable walking shoes. People walk a lot in Europe so you want to take care of your feet. Try to take only one extra pair of shoes. They are heavy and take up a lot of space in your bag. Fill your shoes with rolled up socks and put them at the bottom of your suitcase. The heaviest items should always go at the bottom. Roll up your other clothes and fit them together to fill up all the space. If you have something fragile, wrap it in your clothes and put it in the middle.
European airline security is strict. You cannot take any sharp items or liquids in your carry on luggage. Pack all these things in your checked luggage inside two zip locked bags. You do not want your toiletries exploding in flight and ruining everything in your suitcase. If you are only taking a carry on bag, leave sharp items and liquids at home. Buy what you need when you arrive in Europe.
When packing for European travel you should focus on being light and efficient. Realize that Europe is a modern place. Anything you buy in the United States you can get in Europe. There is no need to bring a giant bottle of shampoo or ten pairs of socks. Taking a lot of heavy suitcases will make you miserable when you have to schlep them around. Do yourself a favor and take less.
The airline limit on a carry on bag is 45 linear inches. You measure linear inches by adding a bag's length, width and height. The airline limit for checked luggage is 62 linear inches. If you have more than two of them or any weigh more than 50 pounds you will be charged an excess baggage fee. If it is possible, limit yourself to a carry on bag. If you must check luggage take just one or two. Only buy luggage that is smaller than the airline size limit. Weigh your luggage before leaving your home. It does not take much to make a bag weigh 50 pounds. Make sure your luggage has wheels. It makes moving it easy.
It is a common misconception that you must bring everything with you when you pack for European travel. Most products sold in the United States are readily available in Europe. Take only small travel sized toiletries and restock when you run out. Pack just a few changes of clothing. Take only easy care fabrics. If you wash your clothes by hand at your hotel, you wont have to carry around a bag full of dirty clothes. You can also use the "throw away" method. Take clothes you don't want anymore. As you wear them throw them away. Buy new clothes in Europe. This is a great excuse to shop.
It is essential that you keep your identification safe when you travel to Europe. Make copies of your passport, visas, tickets, itinerary, credit cards, ATM card and traveler's check receipts. Keep a set of these copies with you and another set with someone you trust at home. If you lose these items the copies will be a big help in getting them replaced.
Your suitcases will function best if you make efficient use of space. Take only comfortable walking shoes. People walk a lot in Europe so you want to take care of your feet. Try to take only one extra pair of shoes. They are heavy and take up a lot of space in your bag. Fill your shoes with rolled up socks and put them at the bottom of your suitcase. The heaviest items should always go at the bottom. Roll up your other clothes and fit them together to fill up all the space. If you have something fragile, wrap it in your clothes and put it in the middle.
European airline security is strict. You cannot take any sharp items or liquids in your carry on luggage. Pack all these things in your checked luggage inside two zip locked bags. You do not want your toiletries exploding in flight and ruining everything in your suitcase. If you are only taking a carry on bag, leave sharp items and liquids at home. Buy what you need when you arrive in Europe.
Packing for Asia
When packing for a trip to Asia, focus on taking as little as possible and making the most efficient use of space in your luggage. Just about everything you can buy in the United States you can also buy in Asia. In many cases these items are cheaper and better than what you can get at home. You do not need to pack extra clothing and toiletries for a trip to Asia. The less you take, the easier it will be to get around Asia with your suitcases.
When packing for a trip to Asia, limit yourself to three days worth of outfits. If you are traveling to Asia on business you can add one or two more days worth. Make sure that everything you bring goes with each other. That way you can mix and match to make new outfits. Take only easy care fabrics and do laundry often. That way you will never run out of clean clothes. Limit yourself to travel size toiletries. If you run out of anything or any of your clothes wear out, just buy a replacement there in Asia.
When packing for a trip to Asia, get luggage that fits the maximum sizes allowed by international airlines. Checked luggage must be less than 62 linear inches when you add up the length, width and height. They also must weigh less than 50 pounds each. You can check up to two bags like this. Passengers are allowed one carry on bag measuring 45 linear inches weighing less than 40 pounds. Always weigh your luggage before going to the airport. It is very easy to exceed the weight limits.
You will probably be walking a lot in Asia. Take only comfortable walking shoes. Even your dress shoes must be comfortable. Choose black shoes since they go with everything. Take as few pairs of shoes as possible. Shoes are heavy and fill up luggage fast. Take one or two spare pairs of shoes at the most.
Roll up all your clothing before packing. This reduces wrinkling and removes air pockets. Shove rolled up socks and underwear inside your shoes to make use of that space. Pack large garments like sweatshirts and jeans first. Fill the spaces with smaller items like t-shirts and shorts. Keep the season in mind. Asia can be very hot, humid and very wet. Consider taking a lightweight rain jacket or folding umbrella. Place all toiletries in ziplock bags and place them at the top of your luggage.
Travelers must consider airline security when packing for a trip to Asia. Place most of your liquid items inside your checked luggage. You are limited to 3 ounce containers of liquids in your carry on luggage. Also pack scissors, nail clippers, and anything else sharp in your checked luggage. Do not take weapons, explosives or anything flammable under any circumstances.
Keeping your travel documents safe is a top priority while packing for a trip to Asia. Make copies of your passport, visas, airline tickets, identification, credit cards, traveler's checks, and anything else important. Leave one copy with someone at home and keep another copy in your carry on luggage. Place all the original documents in a travel wallet that you can wear under your shirt or inside your waist band.
When packing for a trip to Asia, focus on taking as little as possible and making the most efficient use of space in your luggage. Just about everything you can buy in the United States you can also buy in Asia. In many cases these items are cheaper and better than what you can get at home. You do not need to pack extra clothing and toiletries for a trip to Asia. The less you take, the easier it will be to get around Asia with your suitcases.
When packing for a trip to Asia, limit yourself to three days worth of outfits. If you are traveling to Asia on business you can add one or two more days worth. Make sure that everything you bring goes with each other. That way you can mix and match to make new outfits. Take only easy care fabrics and do laundry often. That way you will never run out of clean clothes. Limit yourself to travel size toiletries. If you run out of anything or any of your clothes wear out, just buy a replacement there in Asia.
When packing for a trip to Asia, get luggage that fits the maximum sizes allowed by international airlines. Checked luggage must be less than 62 linear inches when you add up the length, width and height. They also must weigh less than 50 pounds each. You can check up to two bags like this. Passengers are allowed one carry on bag measuring 45 linear inches weighing less than 40 pounds. Always weigh your luggage before going to the airport. It is very easy to exceed the weight limits.
You will probably be walking a lot in Asia. Take only comfortable walking shoes. Even your dress shoes must be comfortable. Choose black shoes since they go with everything. Take as few pairs of shoes as possible. Shoes are heavy and fill up luggage fast. Take one or two spare pairs of shoes at the most.
Roll up all your clothing before packing. This reduces wrinkling and removes air pockets. Shove rolled up socks and underwear inside your shoes to make use of that space. Pack large garments like sweatshirts and jeans first. Fill the spaces with smaller items like t-shirts and shorts. Keep the season in mind. Asia can be very hot, humid and very wet. Consider taking a lightweight rain jacket or folding umbrella. Place all toiletries in ziplock bags and place them at the top of your luggage.
Travelers must consider airline security when packing for a trip to Asia. Place most of your liquid items inside your checked luggage. You are limited to 3 ounce containers of liquids in your carry on luggage. Also pack scissors, nail clippers, and anything else sharp in your checked luggage. Do not take weapons, explosives or anything flammable under any circumstances.
Keeping your travel documents safe is a top priority while packing for a trip to Asia. Make copies of your passport, visas, airline tickets, identification, credit cards, traveler's checks, and anything else important. Leave one copy with someone at home and keep another copy in your carry on luggage. Place all the original documents in a travel wallet that you can wear under your shirt or inside your waist band.
