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Rick Steves Shop sales

Another question. I plan on purchasing luggage and several different items from the RS store. I know they had a sale during December, but I hadn't started my packing list yet, and didn't know what carryon I wanted. I'm assuming they do another sale during the year. Does anyone know typically when that is?

Posted by
16895 posts

There is a rotating special online every week and you can sign up for weekly deal alerts. Carry-on sized luggage is sometimes featured. Store-wide sales are rare and typically coincide with our travel class events in November and January. Memorial Day weekend may bring some special offers, but I doubt that any plan has been decided.

Posted by
524 posts

Thanks Laura. I'll sign up for those weekly alerts!

Posted by
70 posts

Hi Lulu,

I have purchased several of the RS bags and can give you my thoughts and recommendations and honest opinions. Anything in particular that you are looking for? Quickly, I currently use the convertible carry on and love everything about it. I also use the Appenzell Day back for shorter (domestic) trips and love that too. I use the Veloce shoulder bag for my laptop (I have a macbook air and it fits perfectly with accessories - I also used it (once - very recently) with my work laptop - clunky HP and it was a bit chunky and cumbersome - would not recommend for big notebook computers). I purchased the rolling backpack for my wife and she loves it. All bags were purchased between 2-3 years ago. The bags were made by a travel company - KIVA designs, but I am not sure if KIVA still makes the bags for RS. I have also used the Civtia day bags and they are great. I recently purchased the Civtia hemp bag - and while its a bit stiff, it looks really snazzy and I look forward to using it this spring-summer. C-mon its hemp, what a conversation starter! Finally, I use a version of the Travel Toiletries Kit (that unfortunately RS does not carry anymore). It was the in between size of the current Travel Toiletries bag and the Classic Toiletries Kit. - I purchased the current bag as well (for my wife) and has yet to use - other than a less sturdy (although lighter) hook, and two inches bigger, The classic toiletries bag is nice, but I per the (now unavailable) toiletries bag. I currenly use the classic bag as an emergency kit that I leave in my car.

Not sure when you are traveling, but if not until next year (or you are patient) you can wait until the end of the year, when most items go on sale and shipping is free over $50. I usually purchase several items during these events and (hope) that this continues. A couple of other nice doo dads to purchase incude plug adaptors (dirt cheap and essential at $1 each,) and notebooks including the RS notebooks (which I love - the bigger size mainly) and the the Molenske notebooks.

Peace,
Joseph.

Posted by
795 posts

I love the RS luggage and bags. You are making a good choice to use those.

Posted by
8901 posts

Most sales are for 20% off. You will need to choose if waiting, and hoping, for a sale is worth the possible savings versus having the luggage bought and feeling ready to go.

Posted by
139 posts

Love my RS 20" roller. Lightweight and practical. Got the blue because I'm the only female in the family, and our boys use the bag some times too. It's very nice but wish I'd gotten the purple!

Posted by
524 posts

Thanks all. The biggest purchase I want to make is the 20 inch carryon, so I'm glad it has a good reputation. I want packing cubes, maps, translating guidebook, different money pouches, maybe an alarm clock, quick dry washcloths, adapters. I saw those adapters for $1 at XMAS and almost snagged some. We aren't going until fall. I'll wait just a couple more months for the luggage.

I actually think I made a mistake. I saw the adapters are on sale for $1 and ordered three of them plus 2 streetwise maps and a RS guide book cover to hold together ripped out guidebook pages. $6 shipping. It was early this morning and I wasn't thinking clearly. I could have ordered from Amazon...$35 minimum order and free shipping. I should have waited, I won't make that mistake again. I could have ordered more stuff I know I needed to get to the $35. Note to self: do not order anything before the first cup of coffee is running through the brain.

Posted by
10617 posts

The packing cubes are fantastic. I have 3 sets and have been using them for years. They are still as good as new. I prefer the RS packing cubes to the Eagle Creek cubes I have. Will you have a phone with you? I use my phone as an alarm clock and as a translator. I have translation apps that work off line. I try to minimize what I take. As for the washcloths, you can buy small microfiber towels that will dry fast. If you are on Facebook you can become 'friends' with Rick. From time to time he has Facebook only sales. I scored 2 Citiva day bags for $5 each! I gave one to a friend and I'm keeping the other one to replace the one we already had when it wears out. We've had it for about 9 years and it gets used often. It is still like new too. The plug adapters have been 'on sale' for $1 for years. No need to buy them before the price goes up.

Posted by
524 posts

I just recently downloaded Google translator...so you think that is good enough? I still think I will get a small alarm clock, don't trust our phones completely and we have some early AM trains to catch. Just not sure I want to spend $25 on a RS clock, seems there should be some light weight cheaper ones out there. Thanks for the suggestion to FB friend. I now feel more of a dunce than ever purchasing those adaptors this morning and having to pay $6 in shipping fees. I am springing for the his luggage thought, at 6 lbs and just 2 wheels....you can hardly find those in any stores now. they are all the 4 wheeled ones.

Posted by
10617 posts

Where are you traveling? In most places that tourists go you won't have trouble communicating. Any offline translator app should be sufficient to see what menu items are. That eliminates the need to search for places with an English menu. I try to learn how to say please, thank you, hello, yes, no and do you speak English in the native language of every country I go to. If you want to learn a little more, try the Duolingo app.

Posted by
8901 posts

I really like my ebags packing cubes. Frequent sales there and often free shipping. You may want to compare prior to purchase.

Posted by
8901 posts

I wanted to make sure Lulu knows that all travel bags are 20% off on the Rick Steves site right now. I think this is the sale you were waiting for.

Posted by
496 posts

GAAAAH!!

I just bought two of the Rick Steves Convertible Carry-Ons last week, and -NOW- they go on sale?

Is there any chance I can get refunded the difference? :(

-- Mike

Posted by
16341 posts

GAAAH!!
I just bought two of the Rick Steves Convertible Carry-Ons last week, and -NOW- they go on sale?
Is there any chance I can get refunded the difference? :(
-- Mike

Don't ask us. Call RS Customer Service and ask. The worst they could do is say no.

Posted by
524 posts

@carol. Yeah! Thanks for telling me! Yes, this is the sale I've been waiting on! Makes my decision of which bag to buy that much easier. This will be almost $100 cheaper than the Eagle Creek.