Rick Steves' Simple Luggage Tip Makes Returning Home From Europe Less Of A Hassle

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Packing for a trip to Europe can be pretty stressful. Many of us end up overpacking, only to return home to realize we didn't need half of what we brought along. Luckily, travel pro Rick Steves always has great advice on deciding what to bring, and which type of bag to pack it in. However, the guidebook author would be the first to tell you that there's more to the story than just picking a suitcase and heading out. If you're like most travelers, you're going to purchase souvenirs during your trip, which take up precious space. To solve this issue, Steves has a simple hack: He suggests on his website that you bring an extra lightweight bag along, just in case. This way, you don't end up having to abandon your heaviest shoes or bulkiest sweater in a European hotel to make room.

Steves recommends bringing only one suitcase and one day bag along on your European vacations, which doesn't leave a lot of leeway for souvenir purchases. So, instead of cramming everything into your suitcase, and possibly breaking that pretty ceramic vase you purchased in Florence, he advises packing your extra items in the new bag and using it as a carry-on. Then, you can check your regular suitcase for the return trip. He adds, "this is when those expandable compartments really come in handy," since they'll allow you to shop to your heart's content and bring it all home with you.

Bringing an extra bag is a great idea, but one that's heavy or bulky can be more of a problem than a solution. Instead, Rick Steves says to pack "an empty featherweight nylon bag." His general rule is to keep the weight of your regular suitcase at 7 pounds or below (when empty), as he explains in another post on his website. However, for an extra bag you're packing inside that suitcase, you can find something much lighter. One idea on Amazon is the Nanobag Standard Ultralight 19-Liter Heavy Duty Foldable Reusable Grocery & Travel Tote. It folds down into a tiny, pocket-sized pouch and comes in a number of colors. It weighs 0.9 ounces and holds up to 66 pounds. There's also a Daypack style with zipper closures.

If you're worried that a lightweight bag may not keep things from breaking, pack the fragile items in your checked bag, padded securely in your clothing, and stash some of your other items in the lighter bag. You can also try lining your suitcase with bubble wrap before your trip. That way, you have additional cushioning for breakables. Finally, if you're looking for a new suitcase for a European vacation, Steves has advice for choosing the best luggage for international travel. Additionally, he recommends bringing a money belt along to wear under your clothing to help keep pickpockets from getting their hands on your cash.