The best idea for your trip that Rick doesn't mention!

You're assuming that in this day of GPS, that people can still read a map...

Richard, Actually, Rick already has this covered.... travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=126&id=424 As I recall, he's used this in some of his older videos, so in a sense he has mentioned using a Compass. Cheers!

Ken,
I have four of his books(two signed) and the convertible bag. Watched many videos online and on PBS. I stand by my statement, yet if he does mention it it is worth repeating. RD

He has also mentioned it in at least one of his radio shows. I've carried one for years.

I often use a compass - either small one on my keychain or the one in my iphone. It's good to know what direction you are going in.

I, too, have a tiny compass I've found useful. (My phone has a compass app now, but I haven't tried it in the field yet.) Here is where I've found it to be the most useful: When exiting from a subway, it is easy to get turned around. Knowing which way is what really helps reorient me.

I do not think that I read this in a RS book where I get almost all my knowledge. I take a photograph of the metro sign that tells me where i am (or will be). This helped in Hungary and Russia where I had trouble recognizing and remembering the station names.

Does Rick mention dryer sheets. I take them along to put in my shoes at night. It helps reduce the odor from sweating feet.

i try to remember to take a picture of a calendar every morning so that I have a marker for each days picture taking.

Charlie that is brilliant! I am going to adopt the calendar-photo idea. I also like a thermometer I can clip to my backpack. Weather fanatic. :-)

Don't know whether he said it or not, but we learned to take a business card from the hotel or b&b we are staying in because we were in Strasbourg in France and neither of us could remember the name of the hotel where we were staying after we spent a long day touring the city. After another hour of walking round we did find it but learned a great lesson.

Taking with you the hotel's business card with the usual accompanying map is a constant Rick recommendation. For the reason you mentioned, it's helpful for finding your hotel after a long day. If all else fails, you show it to a cab driver and get home that way.

I'm so appreciative of your comments. I have't had the luxury of reading many of Steve's books. I look to these boards to "distill" the wisdom of many travelers' experiences. A compass sounds like a great addition to my backpack but..... tell me more about dryer sheets in my shoes? Not quite understanding but sounds interesting! Bev

@ Bev - Dryer sheets at night help keep the shoes from getting too stinky!

Dryer Sheets - and here I was hoping they would help dry out my shoes - may try them anyway.