About Us
| Packing We try to pack light...we get better every time we go. Use carry-on size suitcases...and roll-on duffel bags Do not bring large size suitcases. European cars are smaller...and packing the car is like a puzzle game. Also, large cases are hard to maneuver in train stations and buses. Don't bring new shoes....You will just get blisters. Bring a older pair and you will probably be willing to throw them away at the end of the trip. Bring neutral colors..tans, browns, blacks and blues Trust us... Americans don't really "blend in" wearing yellows, pinks, and teal Bring mostly casual clothes...if your travels include one or two big cities...bring one nice shirt and pants Ladies...bring one little black dress...not too dressy Bring layers and a windbreaker. No coats. We even survived glacier snow in the Alps in a t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, sweater and jacket in layers. Same with pants....sweats over jeans. Bring a bathing suit and water shoes ...you never know when you will need them. We bring a duffel bag for everyone's shoes (limit of two pairs per person) and their coats...we put umbrellas and rain ponchos in the outside pockets...and it is all kept together and can stay in the car. No need to lug it in/out of hotels We bring a duffel bag for a catch all....it holds the toiletries, snacks, picnic blanket etc...on the flight over. Then becomes the dirty laundry bag & souvenir bag. Bring lots of ziploc bags in several sizes...you will use them for everything! Pack light...you never know how far you have to walk or carry upstairs. |
| Family Travels Before You Go |
Bring Your Medicines with You Bring prescription medicines with you--in their labelled pill bottle. And an assortment of over the counter medicines...headache, upset stomach, cold medicine, eye drops, anti-itch cream, Benadryll Ask your doctor for a generic antibiotic for just in case. |
| Walking the streets of London Everyone had a carry-on size case One duffel bag for shoes and coats One duffel bag as catch-all. Total of 7 small suitcases for five people for three weeks of travel ***Even my teenage daughter can pack for three weeks into a carry-on*** |
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| Before you go....Plan ahead. Again, buy the Rick Steves' travel book for your area of planned travel. Read more at "How We Travel" Make copies of pages Make notes or cheat sheets. Make a copy of your passport to carry in your luggage Make a copy of your itinerary and give it to family members or friends. If you travel frequently, see if you have Frequent Flyer miles to cash in, discounts for rental cars, or have enough "points' for free stays at the larger hotel chains. |
| Film and Batteries are very expensive in Europe. Bring what you think you need and then more! |
| Hotel Reservations We have travelled "free-spirited" and gone without any plans. But believe me, it is more stressful. Use a good travel book (like Rick Steves') Do on-line research Check out their websites Check out blogs and trip advisories on the net. Design a rough itinerary and make hotel or B&B reservations in advance. Sometimes up to two months in advance. |
| Picnic Planning We have a little fold-up picnic get-up with a small cutting board, paring knife, cheese knife, plastic utensils, wine opener etc. We bring a "Neat Sheet" This blue thin sheet is water and stain repellent We have used it everywhere. We also buy little sacks of small trash bags and hand wipes. Once we arrive, we visit the grocery store for plates, cups, napkins, ziplocs and anything else we need |
| Bring local currency with you so will not need to hunt for a ATM when you arrive or be ripped off at local exchange offices See "How We Travel" for more info |
Make Sure Your Passport is Current Also check to see if your destination requires a Visa Make a copy to keep in your luggage In the event your passport is lost or stolen, a copy will help you when you need to contact the Local US Embassy for help |
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