rick steves travel items

• Travel guru Rick Steves never checks a bag. Here are the 25 things he always packs in his carry-on.

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• Travel writer and television personality Rick Steves spoke to Insider about his go-to travel items.
• Steves spends four months out of the year traveling Europe for work, and he only brings a carry-on bag.
• Steves' must-haves include hemp shorts, Bose headphones, Patagonia pants, and bags he designed.

If you've watched public television in the last 30 years, chances are you're familiar with Rick Steves. Steves is best known for his travel show " Rick Steves' Europe " detailing his travels throughout Europe and beyond. 

He still spends 4 months out of the year in Europe filming and researching his show. Yet, he only brings a carry-on. He never checks a bag. "When you're going on an international trip, especially Europe, you pack for the best scenario, not the worst scenario. If you need something, you buy it," Steves told Insider.

We caught up with Steves while he was home in Washington state to learn what exactly he packs in his carry-on.

Steves has his own line of travel gear that he sells on his site . We tend to avoid including recommendations when an individual has a financial interest in the product. However, Steves helped design the products and uses them when he travels. So, we've included his favorites from his product line in our roundup.

Here are the products Steves considers indispensable when traveling:  

Rick steves convertible carry-on bag.

"The carry-on bag that I use, I designed, and I just love it," said Steves. "It's designed to be as big as you can take onto the airplane. That's basically 9 by 22 by 14 inches. To me, it's got a real smart configuration of pockets with a laptop in mind and with a quick ability to stow things when you're going through security and a big panel in the flap that is really good for putting shirts. You can carry it like a suitcase and hide the shoulder straps, or you can pull out the shoulder straps and throw it on your back. I like it because it's squishy, so it fits in the overhead locker with no problem."

"It only costs, what, about a hundred dollars? If somebody said 'this bag's better' and it costs $400, I'd buy it. But, I can't get a better bag than that for my purposes," Steves added. "I'm sort of a minimalist. You can't even see our name on the bag. It's gray on black. Nothing pops out. If there's a fancy bag and this bag sitting there in the hotel lobby, and a thief wants to grab one, they're not going to grab mine. That works really well for me."

Rick Steves Security Pouch

"I've got this little black flipped-in security pouch that I've designed that just clips into the bottom of the bag," said Steves. "I hope there are no thieves listening right now. They could look around, they could even look in the bag, and they wouldn't even see it. That to me is very comforting."

Rick Steves Civita Day Pack

"When I'm out and about, I need to have like a purse or a day bag or a briefcase or whatever you want to call it," said Steves. "We've designed this thing called a Civita Day Pack. It's got a very light and huggable material. You can put a sweater in, and it almost works as a pillow, and they added shoulder straps. The security pouch can flip into this one. The pocket configuration is simple but very, very practical."

Osprey Day Bag

"Now, when I go hiking in the Alps, I've got an Osprey bag that I just love," Steves said. "It's a high-tech day bag. I'm crazy about it, but that's for hiking in the mountains. I don't even feel it's on my back when I've got my Osprey bag on."

Moleskine Classic Notebook

Whether you're a writer or you just want to remember the details of your adventures, a pocket-sized notebook is a smart item to bring along on your journeys. "My little Moleskine, I just love," Steves said. "I'm fanatic about those little black notebooks." Moleskine notebooks are celebrated for their durability, a must if you keep your notebook in your pocket.

Coast Refreshing Deodorant Soap Bar

"I've got a quirky approach to toiletries," said Steves. "I leave home with one bar of soap and one squeeze bottle of my favorite shampoo. I never ever use one of the 'itsy-bitsies' for my own personal cleaning that a lot of people just use in hotels. I just have my little tube of shampoo and my favorite bar of soap." Steves's favorite soap is Coast Classic Scent.

Biolage Shampoo

Steves kept mentioning that he always brings his favorite shampoo. I had to press him to find out it's Biolage, which comes in several varieties depending on your hair care needs.

Gillette Fusion5 Razor

The Gillette Fusion5 Razor is the best-selling men's cartridge razor on Amazon. It features five blades designed to offer a smooth shave. "I love my Gillette Fusion5 shaver," said Steves. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) site, disposable razors are permitted in carry-on bags .

Kevin Murphy Rough Rider Clay

"The only little fancy thing I have is some moldable styling clay for my hair, Kevin Murphy Rough Rider," Steves said. "Nobody knows that."

Rick Steves Removable Toiletries Kit Caddy

"I love my little toiletries kit. Remember when you stay in budget hotels, a lot of times you don't have a lot of hard surfaces in the bathroom, and you also have stray hairs. It's not always as clean as you might like it to be. What I like to do is be able to hang my toiletries, and you don't need a big flat area to spread out your toiletries. You got it right there hanging on the wall next to the sink. That works well."

Dash Hemp Shorts

"I love a company called Dash Hemp," Steves said. "It's hemp wear, and it's in Santa Cruz. Their shorts are great for travel."

Patagonia pants

"I generally just wear jeans, but if it's really hot and I want a lighter pair of pants, I've got a pair of Patagonia long pants that I really like. It's just smart from a zippers and buttons and pockets point of view. It's very comfortable, but I like long pants on when I'm on the road. It's cool, even though it's long."

Meriwool shirts

"Since I hiked in the Alps, I've really gotten into wool undershirts and underwear. I use Meriwool." Meirwool clothes are made from merino wool, which is celebrated for its moisture-wicking and odor-resistance properties.

"The hemp shirts are not great when it's really hot. When it's super, super hot, I go to REI, and I buy a shirt that you can wash and wring and put it on, and five minutes later, it's dry. I'm always working when I'm traveling, so I've got notes, and I've got things I got to keep track of. I put my glasses on and off, and if I don't have a shirt pocket, I feel like I'm at a disadvantage. I like shirts with a pocket."

Ecco walking shoes

"For shoes, I've long used my Eccos," said Steves. The Ecco Exostrike shoes are designed to be lightweight and offer a durable grip and shock absorption, making them ideal for long days on your feet.

Merrell hiking boots

"If I'm hiking in the Alps, it's Merrell hiking boots," Steves said. Merrell hiking boots are featured prominently in our guide to the best hiking boots for women because they work for various foot shapes and are well-suited for long hikes.

Rick Steves 500 ML Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Steves always has a water bottle with him in his day pack. This 17-ounce option is available on his site for $10 and is made of durable stainless steel. It's small enough to fit in a bag's side pocket, and the leak-proof screw-top features a hole to accommodate a strap or carabiner.

Rick Steves Civita Moneybelt

"I bring a money belt for times when I'm feeling like I'm going to be out and about on the road, and it's a smart idea to have things tied to my waist under my clothing, as far as my valuables. We've produced a beautiful money belt to my specs on our website."

Rick Steves Packable Tote Bag

In addition to the carry-on and day pack, Steves also packs an empty tote bag. "I'm lucky because I've got my own company, so I just designed the bags to my needs," said Steves. "We've got a thing that is called the Packable Tote Bag. That is one of those kinds of bags that pulls up into its exterior pocket. You can stick it just in the bottom of your main bag, but then you've got a sturdy bag that you could actually check onto the airplane if you're flying home with souvenirs."

Rick Steves Packing Cube Set

"Packing cubes are something that help you organize your bag in a way that's almost like a chest of drawers. It's odd, but I guess it's probably one of the most popular things we offer. You have to have stuff bags or packing cubes to organize your gear within your bag. Otherwise, it's just a mess."

Ziploc Bags

"Ziploc baggies are a godsend. I rip up my guidebook and staple together the chapters and either rubber band them together or put them in a Ziploc baggie. That's important. Ziploc baggies are really handy on the road."

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones

"I just love my Bose noise reduction headphones, the big kind that goes around your ear. That's a major investment of packing space for me to take something that a lot of people would think is not essential. I leave home with about 20 pounds on my back. The noise reduction headphones give me privacy on the airplane and privacy on train rides, and they give me beautiful music or beautiful silence depending on what I like. When I'm wearing them, nobody will talk to me."

Headphone splitter

"Having a splitter and earbuds with a universal jack is handy because two people can listen to the same rented audio device. If there's a way you can split the output, you can be together. You can be in sync, and you can save money."

Rick Steves Continental Europe Electrical Adapter

"Bring extra adapters. It's a good idea to duct tape your adapter to your plugs, so you don't pull the plug out of the wall and leave the adapter in the wall. We sell our adapters at a loss on our website for a dollar a piece."

"Have masks, serious masks, the N95. Have a good selection of them, so you don't have to wear the same one for a long time, and have them always available."

More Travel Advice from Rick Steves

During our interview, Steves offered plenty of non-product-specific travel advice that's too useful not to share. Here are some highlights:

On traveling light

"I absolutely never check a bag. These days, with all the chaos and frustration at airports, that's more important than ever. I generally wait to board till the very end, and I just always find a place to squish my bag up on top."

On doing laundry on the road

"I just wash my laundry in the sink generally. I use the shampoo that comes in the hotel room. My philosophy about washing clothes on the road is you don't need to have the high standards that you have at home. If you get a step to 65% clean, that's dang good when you're on the road. Don't stress out about that."

On traveling with kids

"When the kids are really little, forget about packing light. Just rent the car and go from airport to airport with the car and take whatever the mom thinks is important to take. That was my philosophy when I had tiny kids. As the kids get older, then they become more like little adults, and they can carry their own gear, and they can pack light just like mom and dad. Of course, kids have a short attention span, and they need to have their entertainment. I think you err on the side of generosity as far as tools to keep them entertained on the road. I think it's fun to have the kids have their own money belt so they can be responsible and take care of their money."  

On safe pandemic traveling 

"Have a photocopy or some kind of a copy of your CDC card showing you're fully vaccinated and fully boosted. I tape one copy to my passport and another one I have in the outside pocket of my day bag. That's really helpful. But otherwise, I've got a special sensor in my own body: I want to have space. I want to have ventilation. I want to keep my distance, and I don't want to be stuck in an enclosed area that's not ventilated with a lot of people who are unlikely to have embraced science and have their shots. I don't go to crowded interiors where you got a lot of people who culturally would be opposed to vaccinations. When I go to museums, and I go to the little restaurants I like to go to, and when I go to galleries and palaces in Europe, I'm surrounded by people who believe in science and love art, and they got their shots. That's good. I still wear a mask indoors when I'm on public transit and so on."

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Gear Review — Rick Steves Travel Gear

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The Gear Junkie: Rick Steves Travel Gear By STEPHEN REGENOLD

Rick Steves, a travel writer and television host, has spent one-third of his adult life living out of a suitcase in Europe. Indeed, since 1973 he’s been away an average of 120 days a year, often taking his wife, Anne, and their two children along for the trip.

Consequently, Steves knows—I’d assume almost preternaturally—what makes for good travel gear.

Working with KIVA Designs in Benicia, Calif., Steves’ namesake company ( www.ricksteves.com ) sells a line of travel accessories ranging from money belts to suitcases to billfolds made for deriding a thief.

I employed some of Steves gear traveling last month, including the 21-inch Roll-Aboard. This $139.95 suitcase—sized at 9×21 x 14 inches—is made to pass most airlines’ carry-on size limits, though still magically cram enough clothing for a week’s stay.

The polyester package is nothing too unique. It’s essentially a nice suitcase at a fair price, plus there are little touches like a Lexan frame to provide some protection of your belongings inside.

Multiple small zip pockets and a large internal mesh pouch promote organization. For toting through the airport, there’s a telescoping handle that pulls out to 23 inches long. Inline-skate wheels keep it rolling smoothly on carpet or cement.

The Classic Back Door Bag ($79.95) is a similar product, though with backpack straps instead of the wheels and pull handle. This pack also lacks the Lexan frame found on the Roll-Aboard.

Described as a “just-the-basics” bag, the Classic Back Door measures 9×21 x 14 inches and weighs about 2 pounds when empty. There are several zipper and mesh pockets.

But the Classic Back Door has no waist belt for support, and the design is kind of boxy and strange—halfway between a suitcase and a backpack, but not really either one. I was a bit perplexed as to when this in-between design would have an advantage.

More interesting was Steves’ Lambskin Travel Wallet, an $8.95 billfold made to hold only a day’s worth of spending money and receipts. Your passport, credit cards and other valuables should be kept safely tucked inside a money belt.

Following this philosophy, in the rare case you’re held up or pickpocketed, you’ll lose only a small bit of cash.

Plus, there’s a multilingual card inside the wallet made to perturb the proverbial thief, as it reads: “Sorry this contains so little money. Consider changing your profession.”

I like that. The billfold is an idea born of experience on the road; the words, humor and optimism in the face of the wide world.

(Stephen Regenold writes The Gear Junkie column for eight U.S. newspapers; see www.THEGEARJUNKIE.com for video gear reviews, a daily blog, and an archive of Regenold’s work.)

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The Top Travel Tips We've Learned From Rick Steves

It's rare to meet an avid vacationer who hasn't heard of Rick Steves, especially if they like to adventure in Europe. The Gordon Ramsay of travel, this American wanderer has toured the globe and shared his tips, tricks, and insider knowledge with a vast fan base through his popular guidebooks, syndicated column, television show, radio show, and website. With the help of Steves' expertise, myriad travelers have learned to streamline the process, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, and avoiding long lines at top tourist attractions.

From straightforward tips on packing less and researching a destination before visiting to first-hand advice on protecting yourself from pickpockets and boosting your cultural exposure by staying at a local B&B, we can learn much from Rick Steves. No wonder he's so popular! We checked out Steves' blog, scoured through guidance on his website, and read multiple articles to find some of his most helpful suggestions. Whether  planning a last-minute vacation or scheduling a trip a year in advance, these tips will guide you toward a happy, healthy, and successful getaway.

Get organized before you go

Whether it's a sightseeing itinerary, hotel booking, or dinner reservation, organizing and planning before you travel can help relieve tension later. Some museums require advanced booking, for instance. If you get your tickets beforehand, you can show up at your allotted time, skip the queue, and get right to the best part: exploring. If you have a must-try eatery on your bucket list, Rick Steves said in an interview with  Travel + Leisure , "you would be really wise to put it on your list of things to make a reservation for in advance." That way, you can look forward to your meal instead of worrying about getting turned away at the door.

When it comes to booking accommodations, Steves is of two minds. First, he loves the freedom of changing destinations on a whim. Reserving a room at the last minute makes this easy — nothing ties you to a particular place. But Steves also understands the effects of a long day of travel. In an article on his website titled " Reserving Rooms as Your Travel ," he advised "booking in advance for the first few nights, as finding a room when jet-lagged can be stressful." In another  piece about researching a trip, Steves suggested getting to know the area you plan to visit. Read an updated guidebook, consult a map, visit tourist information websites for advice, and check out the local sites associated with the destination to get the lay of the land.

Don't check a bag

Sticking to carry-on luggage isn't a new idea, nor is it solely associated with Rick Steves. Traveling with a bag that can fit in the overhead bin will save you money, time, and potential delays. Plus, limiting yourself to a carry-on can help you fly standby or jump on an earlier flight. It also eliminates worries about lost or stolen luggage. "It's more important than ever to travel light," Steves explained to  Travel + Leisure . "Two weeks, two months, man, woman, winter, summer, it doesn't matter, you just need a carry-on bag."

Not sure how to whittle down your want-to-brings to must-haves? In an article on his website about packing light, Steves suggested spreading everything you want to bring on the floor. Be honest when looking at the piles and decide what you really need versus what items (like soap and shampoo) you could buy when you reach your destination. 

Instead of packing a heavy coat, Steves advised adding layers to your suitcase. And remember, you can always do laundry somewhere, so there's no need to overpack. Trust us, it's possible to pack for a seven-day vacation in only one carry-on . Using packing cubes is another great tip. They help organize your belongings and compress clothes to occupy less space in your bag. Are you traveling by yourself? There are  five items every solo traveler should pack : a backpack, an action camera, a tablet, a smartphone sanitizer, and a GPS messaging device.

Take steps to stay healthy

Nothing can derail a trip quicker than an illness or injury. Whether it's a cold, food poisoning, or something more serious, staying on top of your health while traveling is essential. In an article on his website titled " Tips for Healthy, Happy Travels, " Rick Steves said the first step to staying well begins on the plane. To avoid dehydration, he suggested eating light meals, drinking plenty of water or juice, and avoiding coffee, alcohol, and sugar. Get up and walk around on long flights to reduce your risk of blood clots. This can also help with boredom and discomfort.

Steves wrote that it's important to eat nutritiously despite being on vacation. "Budget travelers often eat more carbohydrates and less protein to stretch their travel dollars. This is the root of many health problems," he stated. "Protein helps you resist infection and rebuilds muscle." So be sure to add protein to at least one meal per day. 

Other health-saving tips include actions that are likely common knowledge, like washing your hands frequently (pack sanitizer for times when soap and water aren't easily accessible), practicing safe sex, exercising, and sleeping for 7 to 8 hours each night. While you may have access to a pharmacy or drugstore at your destination, in a separate piece titled " Medical Care in Europe ," Steves advised packing any prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and other meds (i.e., for colds, motion sickness, constipation, and diarrhea) to prepare for anything.

Live like a temporary local

To experience a more authentic vacation, Rick Steves told  Forbes  that he recommends traveling like a "temporary local." That means you should stay in small, family-run hotels and guesthouses. These types of accommodations are often quaint, comfortable, and budget-friendly. They also tend to offer a more personal touch than larger, more expensive hotel chains. Plus, Steves said in an article on his website about European B&Bs that local accommodations keep tourists "closer to the everyday life of the culture [they] came to experience." B&Bs are a favorite accommodation choice for Steves. "Staying at a European bed-and-breakfast is a bit like having your own temporary mother while you travel," he explained.

Steves suggested dining at restaurants outside the tourist zones when it comes time to eat. Go where the locals go, and you're in for a tasty, fresh, and affordable meal, he said in his website's article about eating well in Europe . If the menu is handwritten, Steves told "Forbes," "that means they are catering to savvy locals, serving what's seasonal and fresh in the market." In other words, you're more likely to enjoy your food choice and get it at a reasonable price.

Don't ignore lesser-known destinations

There's nothing wrong with having your heart set on visiting tourist hot spots like Europe's Venice, Paris, and London. These historical gems are traveler heavyweights for a reason –- they're chock full of landmark attractions, stellar restaurants, luxurious hotels, and plenty of interesting things to do. However, by only visiting these A-list locales, you're doing yourself a disservice. It's the "second cities," as Rick Steves called them in an interview with  The Seattle Times ,  i.e., the lesser-known destinations, where you'll find fewer crowds and often equally as noteworthy (or potentially even more remarkable) points of interest. So next time you're in Barcelona, why not tack on a visit to Figueres, where you'll find a truly impressive and unforgettable museum dedicated to former resident Salvador Dalí, not to mention excellent restaurants.

In an article on his website titled " Europe Trip Itinerary Tips ," Steves suggested alternating big cities with smaller villages and countryside. "Break a Venice-to-Florence-to-Rome trip with an easygoing time in Italy's hill towns or on the Italian Riviera," he wrote. That way, you'll be able to sneak in a little peace and quiet while soaking up the beauty in these Elysian spots, giving you a more well-rounded view of the country. As Steves stated in that same article, "Judging Italy by Rome alone is like judging America by New York City."

Time your visits

Sometimes, you can't avoid uber-crowded cities and popular attractions. Whether it's due to your long-held desire to visit Rome in summer or your penchant for checking top tourist sites off your list, occasionally, there is no way around putting yourself in the middle of chaos. When that's the case, follow Rick Steves' advice: choose your timing well. "In the most crowded European cities," Steves said in an article on his website titled, " Traveling Against the Crowd in Europe, " "it pays to get out early and stay out late." This way, you can be first in line for busy attractions like the Colosseum, or in Greece, you could hit the tail end of Athens' Acropolis queue by arriving just before this landmark attraction closes.

If your must-see tourist sites offer advance booking, take advantage of that option before heading out. Then, you can go to that specific point of interest without encountering any stress or time-wasting lines. If you're visiting a common cruise ship port in Europe (like Santorini, Dubrovnik, and Florence), this advice will come in particularly handy, Steves wrote in the article. These popular spots get swarmed by tourists on a day trip from the boat, which means the attractions will be super busy, especially at midday.

Step outside of your comfort zone

Part of the fun of traveling is experiencing the unknown and being open to new adventures, be they in the form of unique activities, exciting cuisine, or bespoke entertainment. Instead of sticking to a touristy part of town and eating in a well-known restaurant, for instance, Rick Steves recommends stepping outside your comfort zone, if only for a meal. If you're in Coimbra, Portugal, for example, he wrote in his website's article, " Top Travel Mistakes — and How To Avoid Them ," he advises travelers to "leave the quaint Old Town and head to the local university's cafeteria to eat and practice Portuguese with students and professors." In doing so, tourists gain a chance to meet locals, learn about their culture, and create a new connection that will enhance their travel experience. 

Leaving the tourist zone, Steves said, will get you away from crowds, high prices, and potentially disappointing food. Instead, wander even a few blocks away to find a new adventure filled with more ambiance, better cuisine, and happy locals. "By being open to differences and staying flexible," Steves shared in his article " Making the Most of Your Trip ," "I have a better time in Europe — and so will you." Try new things and stop where you weren't expecting to. If you pass a street fair on your journey, take the time to check it out. In his article, Steves also suggested sitting beside a stranger at a bar and striking up a conversation.

Don't let saving money cloud your judgement

Just because something is cheap doesn't mean it's a good deal. In some cases, for instance, a less costly room with poor online reviews will cause more headaches than it's worth. If you hope to save money on accommodations, look for a charming B&B. In an article called  "Thrifty 50 Travel Tips," Rick Steves wrote, "A B&B offers double the warmth and cultural intimacy for half the price." Plus, you're bound to get a good night's sleep, so you'll have more energy for sightseeing the next day.

"Smart travelers spend a little extra to polish off the rough edges of a trip," Steves said in "Making the Most of Your Trip." In other words, spending a small fee to secure an advance spot in line for a tourist attraction or opting for the slightly more expensive fast train is often worthwhile. Also, instead of futzing around with buses late at night, spend a few extra dollars on a taxi back to the hotel. Feeling too tired after your flight to figure out the city's public transportation? Save yourself the stress and hail a cab. Your time is valuable, so deciding when to splurge on things like a car share, taxi, or anything else that can help save you time or energy is essential to your happiness.

Expect problems and move on

It's rare for a trip to go perfectly. Whether you've arrived in Florence to find the Uffizi Gallery shuttered (the city's museums are closed on Mondays), hiked Scotland's Old Man of Storr only to find it too wet and stormy to marvel at the view, or lost your wallet to a pickpocket on the train in Rome, something's bound to go wrong on vacation. According to Rick Steves, the trick is to roll with it when things don't go your way. "No trip is without its disappointments," he shared on his website. "Travel is exciting and rewarding because it requires you to ad-lib, to be imaginative and spontaneous while conquering surprise challenges."

Yes, it can be frustrating and potentially scary when things don't go the way you planned — losing a wallet or passport can cause tension, especially if you panic. Instead, Steves advised in his article " Losing it all...and Bouncing Back " to stay calm and ask for help. Find someone who speaks English to assist you in dealing with local officials.

Prepare yourself for potential pitfalls before you leave home. Take photocopies of essential documents or upload digital files to the Cloud. In the same vein of preventing issues, Steves recommended calling the car rental agency the day before a trip to confirm the details of the arrangement. The same goes for hotel reservations and flights; double-check before you leave to ensure you won't hit any roadblocks.

Be vigilant

While no one wants to think about being pickpocketed on vacation, this is an unfortunate reality in many cities across the globe, especially when traveling through Europe. "Thieves target Americans not because they're mean but because they're smart," Rick Steves said in "Thrifty 50 Travel Tips." "They know we're the ones with the good stuff in our purses and wallets." When traveling, Steves suggested wearing a money belt. Keep your most important items (i.e., cash, credit cards, passport, driver's license, room key) in the belt and hide it under your pants, shirt, skirt, or other clothes. "You'll save money by not losing it," he explained. To ensure you and your belongings are well protected, know what to look out for and which places to avoid.

Any crowded tourist site (i.e., Buckingham Palace) or public train or bus (i.e., the Metro in Paris) is a prime spot for pickpocketers looking to make an easy score. "If you're not constantly on guard, you'll have something stolen," Steves wrote in " Outsmarting Pickpockets and Thieves " on his website. Protect yourself before leaving home by making copies (or taking photos) of important documents and keeping them in the Cloud in case something is lost or stolen while on vacation.

Keep a journal

No matter your age, it's impossible to remember every aspect of a trip. Jotting down memories in a journal (the old-school paper kind or an online version) is a great way to document and revisit your experiences. "I find that if I don't put the lessons of travel in my journal as they happen, these moments can be like shooting stars I just miss...or butterflies I thought I saw," Rick Steves wrote in a  Facebook post.

Not sure how to start? It's easy. Sit down somewhere comfortable and start writing. In an article titled " The Zen of Travel Journaling, " Steves recommended "[leaving] out the boring stuff." When rereading years down the line, you won't care what you ate at a not-so-great restaurant. You will, however, enjoy remembering the place's character, the important things you did, the people you met, and the way you felt while visiting.

Another of Steves' top tips for journaling is to avoid recording things in chronological order. Instead, he suggested writing about your surroundings or interacting with someone local. He said to be diligent about observing your surroundings and disciplined in writing often. Even if you only have time to jot down a few bullet points or rough thoughts, that's fine. You can always go back and flesh things out later.

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Personal items

Will most International airlines let you use one of Rick's bags as your carry-on and the Civita day bag separately as your personal item with the IPad, book etc.?

I have flown Delta, Alitalia, Air France, KLM, all with the RS 20" rolling carryon and the Civita daybag.

Yes in general. The main concern will be with budget airlines within Europe, like RyanAir, Wizz air, easy jet, etc. Some of these - not all - allow one bag only. No personal item at all.

We've used Delta, Air France, Lufthansa, and EasyJet and used the RS 20" rolling carry on and the Civita day bag or the Veloce Bag as a personal bag. EasyJet does restrict one to ONLY one carry on item, but by paying just a little bit more you can carry on two and get early boarding.

Despite what others have done, I would research, measure and weigh and then comply with the rules of the airline.

Here are some numbers for cabin luggage. Some airline also limit the size of the personal item; Wizzair makes you pay for the personal item. Some have no weight restrictions, some have weight restriction on the luggage but not the personal item and some have combined luggage & personal item weight restrictions. You really have to do your homework

Aer Lingus (EI) 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 22 lb

Air Canada (AC) 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 22 lb

Air France (AF) 21.5 x 13.75 x 9.75 26.5 lb

Alitalia (AZ) 21.5 x 13.75 x 10 17 lbss

American Airlines (AA) 22 x 14 x 9

Delta (DL) 22 x 14 x 9

KLM (KL) 21.5 x 13.5 x 10 26 lbs

Lufthansa (LH) 21.5 x 16 x 9 17 lbs

Scandinavian Airlines (SK) 22 x 16 x 9 55 17 lbs

United (UA) 22 x 14 x 9

Virgin (VX) 50 (linear) 127 (linear) 30 lbs

Wizzair 16 x 12.5 x 9.8

Brussels Airlines 21.5 x 15.5 x 23

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