I know this has been done before… but…

If you have any tips that aren’t really obvious- love to hear them!

Which tour are you going on and when?

Are you planning to check a bag or just do carry on?

I’m planning on carry on only. Small bag with a personal bag.

Best of Spain next week. Very excited. I’ve been planning this for ages.

What have you done in the past? Do you have a packing list? That's the first tip!

Don’t forget to make copies of your passport, to get your boarding pass, and charge you electronic devices. Don’t forget your cables. Don’t forget your adapter.

Once your luggage is packed see if you can lift it over your head if you are doing carry on.

Take at least 2 tap credit/debit cards. If attached to your bank let them know.

Smile, knowing you are going to enjoy a great tour.

Edit: take a couple of cheap wash cloths, ear plugs, mole skin, some bandaids, a few safety pins and whatever pain relief you prefer; asprin, Aleve, Motrin, Tylenol…

I’d take:

4 SS shirts
2 capris
1 pr long pants
1 LS layer
Unders/pjs/socks/bras
Rain layer

Charger cords for each electronic device
Big ziplock bag for hand washing

I’m cold tolerant so I’d not need more than this for Spain.

Hi Lisa,

Are you looking for the ideas that several of us replied to in this post?
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tours/preparing-for-a-rick-steves-tour

Don’t bring anything “just in case” except very specific medication. If you really need something, buy it there.

Spoken by a chronic over packer who is slowly seeing the light.

Did your scouring include the Packing Forum? If not, that's another place you could look for packing tips of every kind imaginable. They're relevant whether you're on an RS tour or traveling on your own.

Another place to explore is the Travel Tips: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips. They're useful for helping to remember what not to forget and especially for learning about what you don’t know that you need to know.

Personally, I usually sandwich an RS tour between self-planned extra time before it starts and after it ends. Last summer that combo added up to a total of 5 weeks in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales. As I always do, I packed for a week and did laundry or had it done for me along the way.

Beyond clothing, I make sure to take the meds I need for the length of the trip -- plus 2 weeks. I take a 2nd pair of glasses and my prescription for them. And I take multiple copies of the little emergency information form I made up that lists my emergency contacts, medical issues, doctors, medications and medical test results that aren't normal. I stash those in lots of places in the hope that if something happens to me and I can't speak and my purse disappears, someone will find a copy. Traveling solo at now 77 years old is a major reason for that, but truth be told, I've always done it and do it at home, too.

As for luggage, 99.9% of the time I carry-on a 2-wheeled bag that weighs no more than 20 pounds fully packed and a personal item (cross-body tote or backpack neither of which has a capacity over 20 liters) that will fit under the plane seat in front of me. That personal item has everything I'd need if the "big" bag disappears.

These are a few of my not forgets. Yours may turn out to be different.

Taking full containers of toiletries can add a lot of bulk and weight. Don't overpack those.

And then there's the shoe question.

I make a packing list in Word and print a copy. It is a checklist of every item I take, no matter how small, mundane or obvious. As I pack my rolling carry-on and tote, I check off every item. If something changes, I update both the current packing list and the master list.

My packing list also includes schematics for packing the suitcase and tote do I don’t have to reinvent the process each trip.

Customize any suggested packing list for you. Example: I take and wear leggings and won’t wear capris. Others take capris and won’t be caught dead in leggings.

It’s been a struggle but I finally have the carry-on <20 lbs and tote about 6 lbs, plus lightweight purse.

It has been done before. RS has a packing list. RS is a guy who has been around many times, so you should take it as it is.

Thank you very much everyone! I appreciate your thoughtful responses.

Lisa do test packs now. It will take a couple tries to get weight and bulk down to airline compliant and what’s manageable for you. You need to be able to easily lift your carryon into overhead bins. You don’t need packing stress the night before you leave,
Also, use packing cubes to organize your clothes. And small zippered bags to organize everything else.

Have a great trip!

I use a great app for shopping lists and for packing lists, called AnyList; after testing lots of list apps, this one is my favorite. You can share it with a significant other, syncs with iCloud, works on smartphones and computers. A must-have!

I pack dry-fit pants and shirts; in the summer, I bring convertible pants that go from shorts to long pants. I carry 4 total pairs of pants, and 7 shirts total, for a 15-day trip. Carry-on suitcase.

Contrary to what some people recommend, I only bring a single pair of high-quality walking shoes; if I should have an issue with them, I can always find a shoe store somewhere and get another pair.

Other things:

lightweight poncho
puffy jacket that goes into a tiny pouch (for cold weather),
very lightweight windbreaker with hood (all seasons)
small day pack that accommodates a water bottle
neck wallet
iPhone case that has a wrist strap on it
Sandmarc telephoto lens for the iPhone, with the companion case
sunblock
lightweight laundry bag
laundry detergent
baseball cap
(in cold weather) wool cap, gloves, and scarf
(if going to a beach) beach shoes
dryer sheets (keeps clothes smelling great in a suitcase)

“RS is a guy who has been around many times, so you should take it as it is.”

Actually, Rick’s list doesn’t work for me. He has too many items compared to what I take but part of that is knowing myself and how I travel. I don’t wear skirts or dresses at home so I’m not packing them. My RS meet up pal, Jean, DOES wear skirts and dresses so that suits her style of travel. I wash underwear every night so I don’t need 5 pr. although they are pretty light.

His list is a good place to start but then modify, modify, modify so it suits YOU.

I do agree with a packing list. I, too, have a master list then modify it for trip specific. This last trip I took rain pants but I normally would not need them. An outdoor focused trip needs different things from a regular RS tour.

BTW, Bob, thanks for the list app! I’m going to try that.

Many European hotels do not supply a washcloth with the room towels. I carry mine in a Ziplock bag for packing when damp.

+1 on AnyList. I also use Google sheets for my packing list and then just modify as needed for the destination. My advice with that is to save each destination packing list, with notes on what you did or didn't use. Then if you go back to Spain, your list is pretty much already done.

Couple of "packing mind set" thoughts:

1. For European travel in particular, you can buy stuff as needed. You're not trekking across the Sahara. You are not going anywhere that there aren't pharmacies, grocery stores, some version of Target, etc. Not sure if you need the sunscreen? Don't pack it. Forgot your toothpaste? Get some there. Need another t-shirt? Lost all your underwear? You'll be OK.

2. No one cares what you're wearing*. Jeans are OK. Skirts are OK. Sweatshirts are OK. Walking shoes and sneakers are OK for everything you'll be doing. Don't go out and buy something you would never wear here because you think you need it specifically for Europe. You won't wear it! *exceptions - cathedrals and other venues may have dress codes, usually no shorts/short skirts/bare shoulders.

3. Reduce your paper. Upload docs and boarding passes to Google Drive or similar if you feel the need to have back up. Insurance info, medical info, emergency contacts, itinerary, travel books - go digital.

Most importantly, have fun!

Take the guidebook they sent you with you (or at least parts of it). This will help you figure out what you want to do in your free time.

Dont worry about getting it perfect. You'll figure it out and get better with time. I've been traveling fro decades and I still often forget something or miscount my clothing items. It all works out. As was said, they have everything you might need there, if you forget it.

While several mentioned a packing list, no one discussed what I think is one of the most critical use for the packing list. With in an hour of wheels up on the return flight and between the first glass of wine and the second, I pull the packing list. I do a very extensive review of the list. Evaluate every item, modify as need, and save it. I now have the packing list prepared for the next trip. IMO, there is no point in having a packing list unless your evaluate it later.

I've been in Italy for about three weeks. One item I'm really glad I've brought is a travel extension cord with multiple places for plugs plus usbs. This is the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN1XJXBZ?linkCode=sl1&tag=retirementtra-20&linkId=d509031da1a5ccb79a097bb5da7a648b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&th=1

Per Frank’s comment - ” I pull the packing list (on the flight home). I do a very extensive review of the list. Evaluate every item, modify as need, and save it.”

I have an extra column in my packing list where I add notes about items - anything I didn’t wear, a reason why one dress was my favorite, etc.

But, my favorite hint is to take photos at my last hotel. I lay out everything folded separately on the hotel bed and take a photo of the clothes, a photo of my toiletry contents, a photo of misc., and a photo of my personal bag/purse items. Packing light, this all takes less than 10 minutes. I date & store those photos in my “Packing light” folder on the iCloud. Any evaluation notes go into the comments. Those comments are later added to my packing list, and the photos answer any questions, such as which navy dress?

Seriously- thank you everyone SO MUCH! I have received some truly useful and unique tips here that I will use. It’s past the point of the regular everyday tips and these are the true golden nuggets of experience and many years of travel that only you- dear travelers- can provide and this is exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you! I’m looking forward to incorporating your comments this next few days and after..
many thanks- Lisa

If you are considering bringing items you don't routinely use, like bar shampoo and conditioner, I recommend you try out the products before you leave on the trip. I want to reduce my liquids for my carry on. I found bar shampoo that I like, but so far, I am not thrilled about the bar conditioners. So, I may either bring a small container of conditioner or buy some overseas. I am also trying out new clothing and sheet detergent to see how well my clothes wash and air dry.

Have a fabulous trip.

Jean reminded me that last summer I took pictures of my clothes, except mine were after I'd weighed and test packed them and before I put them in my combo of regular and compression packing cubes for the last time. I use lists, but laying everything out on the bed and documenting it with pictures will now be a part of my packing routine.

I coordinate my travel wardrobe around a scarf that I love. As a result, everything I wear goes together, whether or not I wear the scarf. Last summer I ended up with these pictures:

1. Plane outfit including a short sleeve tee under a sweater, the scarf, pants, socks and waterproof ankle boots.
2. Outerwear including the rain jacket I wore on the plane and the fleece and flats that I packed.
3. Unders including bras, panties, shapewear, long underwear, pajamas and money belt.
4. Socks, warm gloves, watch cap and baseball cap.
5. Primary clothes including 2 pairs of pants, 3 short sleeve tees, 3 long sleeve tees and one long sleeve button up shirt.

Even though it was very cold and rainy in most of both Irelands, I could've done without the long underwear, one of the long sleeve tees and the gloves. Everything else I wore many times. I wore the button up shirt over a tee so consistently that I wished I had a second one instead of one of the tees. I love the scarf so much that I didn’t mind wearing it frequently, but if I'd had a second scarf in similar colors, I would've taken it, too.

I'm not a neutral person at home or on a trip. I tried being neutral once and was uncomfortable and bored the whole time. It's just not me, so I don’t follow the usual advice about travel colors. The colors and clothes I wear on trips to Europe are the same ones I wear at home. My BFF wears black all the time. That's her comfort zone. A woman who worked for me loved red and called it her neutral color. So one tip I have about packing is to take the clothes and colors that you feel good in whatever they are.

"So one tip I have about packing is to take the clothes and colors that you feel good in whatever they are."

Oh Lo!! THIS!! ^^^^

My capsule colors usually involve cobalt and aqua because I feel so good in them! Black or navy jeans/pants/capris and those shirts. I've noticed a hole in my fav aqua Lands End SS tee. They don't do the modal/cotton blend so much any more but I loved their shaping tees. Very sorry they are wearing out.....

Thanks everyone!

I am just starting Athens and the Best of Greece. I brought one pair of newish athletic shoes and a pair of Keen sandals that could double as water shoes when we swim in the Mediterranean. The Keens are more than a couple of years old and i found that i cannot wear them on the streets in Athens. The souls harden after a few years and they lose their ability to grip any surface that is smooth. So just because shoes are broken in, doesn’t mean they will work. Look at your shoes with a critical eye before you leave.

Good point about checking older shoes, Marcia P!

The soles of a pair of walking shoes I'd had/worn for years disintegrated while walking down a street in NYC earlier this year. The uppers looked perfect, but the sole material not so much.

We almost always travel with RS in April/May or Oct/Nov and therefore pack all the same things. We never pack more than 20 pounds so we can each handle our own luggage, even if we have to carry it up a couple flights. We don't pack anything we don't plan on wearing at least three times. Merino under layers are a life saver and work equally well in all weather situations. We always take a lightweight down vest and a rain shell. Nylon pants, no jeans, and nothing cotton. Exofficio or merino underwear is amazing. We carry a clothes line and clips, as well as inflatable "situpons" camping silverware, and collapsible cups for bread/meat/cheese/wine picnics. If you do check luggage, AirTags are essential! After doing this a few times, we have it down to a fine science! For us, carrying less is key to a less stressful travel experience. Additionally, we sometimes bring old underwear and socks that we wear and leave behind.

We took a small LED powered votive candle. Very small to fit in our carry on. It’s excellent for leaving in the bathroom at night for those nocturnal visits.

@Marcia - Oh wow! I had a similar situation once with well worn athletic shoes in Siena. Was really having difficulty on wet streets as they went downhill to the area where they run the Palio. Next trip I changed to the trail shoes offered by my main brand of shoe and that has helped. I would not have thought that would happen to Keens though!

@Liz - I wish there was a way to tell when a sole is going to disintegrate. I've not had it happen to me but have been on hikes with people where it did happen and I think some folks on the forum have talked about it. At least in NYC you might have had a store or two nearby where you could get a replacement!

International wall plug with multiple USB outlet was very useful for us during our Italy trip, since some hotels has very few wall plugs. It allow us to charge all our phones at same time.

In Rome and Florence, I got bitten by mosquito pretty bad. Both cities are surrounded by river so lots of them at night. I should have packed mosquito repellent.

Washcloths: we buy inexpensive ones and then we leave them behind in each hotel. Solves the problem of storing wet washcloths and a pack is really cheap.

Here's a 12-pk. on Amazon for $10:

https://www.amazon.com/Towel-Linen-Mart-100-Cotton/dp/B0BSNLJPT5/ref=sr_1_5?crid=30S6DXTZFO8UN&keywords=washcloths%2B12%2Bpack&qid=1695491551&sprefix=washcloths%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-5&th=1

I am just back from two tours. Remember to take some Covid tests and masks. And I find an extension cord of some sort essential. I took this one: https://a.co/d/b3uRsAp.
Not to be a pessimist, but OTC meds for cold/flu symptoms, fever are a good idea. If you need them, you will not want to be looking for a pharmacy.

When packing, pay attention not just to the expected temperatures, but to the expected HUMIDITY which might alter what you pack.

Bring immodium. I almost didn't and would have regretted it: in the town we were in, pharmacies were closed on Sunday. (OTC meds only sold in pharmacies in France!) Now I will never travel without it.

If you are thinking about 2 sweaters, don't. Just bring one. If you are thinking "a fleece and a jacket?" just bring one. Fewer is better.

Good luck!

@Marcia P,

I wonder if your aged Keen soles weren’t working well for surfaces since they were used in (salt?) water. Or could it be your environment in Houston?

I’ve been wearing the Keen Rose style sandals for several years. I have multiple pairs, but I took my favorite older ones again for a month in June in Europe. I think their first trip was 2018, plus lots of wear each summer. I have a different pair that I wear kayaking, etc. at home. I’ve lived in the Seattle area & northern Idaho during that time.

Thank you, everyone for the responses! Just great ideas. I hope this is helpful to other tour attendees.

I returned home from RS “Best of Spain” last week as a solo traveler. It was an incredible tour- I was able to fully immerse myself in Spanish culture and historical sites. Our tour guide, William, was incredible as were the local guides. My tour mates were absolutely fun and interesting and inclusive. While I had plenty of solo researched activities as well as the group tour activities to keep me busy, it was so nice to have the group dinners to enjoy everyone’s experiences at the end of the day. I highly, highly recommend this tour. It was beyond fantastic!

I would like to post some random thoughts on my original topic here-
I brought too many clothes. Even with a carry on suitcase and personal item. I brought a weeks worth of underwear and footy type socks for my tennis shoes- and probably a week and a half of mix and match clothing. I didn’t need to bring that many skirt/shirt combos. As many of us ladies on my tour said… we are all in the same boat and comfort is crucial as opposed to “fashion”. (The lighter the suitcase load the better!) I was grateful for the underwear and footies as I didn’t have to sink wash at the end of the day and actually had my clothing washed and folded for a nominal fee in Granada. I had it again in Sevilla as I was continuing on to Portugal. It was extremely helpful. I brought a lot of black clothing items. Fun thought- you can purchase jewelry etc in Spain to liven up your wardrobe choices!

Things I brought too much of- besides skirts and tops. Extra bag of medical supplies (over the counter stuff) as a solo traveller I was extra cautious about that as I couldn’t send someone to the pharmacy for me, but I would cut it back a bit in the future. It took up a lot of space in my suitcase!

I brought way too many off time entertainment sources- I was so tired at the end of each day- I didn’t watch any preloaded movies on my kindle, i didn’t need to buy all of the books I preloaded onto my kindle. I bought “the sun also rises” by Hemingway in Ronda and it was a fun experience to read during my solo dinners in Spain!

I brought an extra electrical converter which I was cursing at the beginning as it took up
some precious space in my suitcase , but happy as I left one behind in hotel- so I had a backup.

Perhaps the best thing I brought was a light duffel bag that folded into itself. (Rick Steves travel store) I actually checked this bag on the way home and put all of my dirty clothes into it so I had room for delicate souvenirs and gifts in my suitcase (wine and ceramics) etc.

I unfortunately never once wrote in the hardback travel journal I brought or used bag of coughdrops I brought(which may be blessing- we had zero Covid cases on my tour) I think I overpacked thinking of every potential pitfall I could run into. As a solo traveller I thought this was smart, but honestly- didn’t need half of it.

Happy I brought a swimsuit and black thin pareo scarf- this was handy for the beach coverup and cooler evenings as a shawl.

I also highly recommend bring TWO pairs of shoes- I brought Teva sport sandals and also very comfortable ASICS tennis shoes.

I pre- researched so so much for this trip. I brought my entire Rick Steve’s guide to Spain and never looked at it once! If you don’t have an idea of what you want to do in your free time I would recommend tearing out each city and securing with clips. Otherwise- don’t bring!

I planned so much- I printed a thin “book” - about 50 pages long - with computer screenshots of everything- plans, times, meeting spots, copies of tickets etc. I was worried if I lost my phone or it was stolen or broke. That was so valuable just for peace of mind and a nice souvenir afterwards!

Last but not least- pre tour trip on Sitges (beach time) and post tour in Cascais, Portugal and Lisbon were fantastic!

Happy travels, all! Lisa

Last - some folks have recommend a washcloth- YES! I brought one and accidentally left it behind in my first hotel! Bring a couple of your oldest thinnest ready for the trash washclothes! And a zip baggie for them. 😃

Lisa, I’m glad you had a wonderful time in Spain! We will be going back in 2024.

I always learn something to improve each packing trip, so it’s great that you’ve noted what you would like to improve for next time, too. I still go back & forth with a few items during the week before a trip as the weather forecast gets close.