Rick Steves Just Told Us His Top Travel Mistakes to Avoid

[CTyankee]

4. I learned how to pack a bag back when I went to Europe every year to see art.

I had one lightweight, mid sized bag I called my "Europe bag" and learned how to roll underwear into long rolls and frame the inside of the bag with them. I folded the pants flat, folded once and shirts flat with sleeves tucked under. One extra pair of shoes went on top, upside down. I wore the light coat that was perfect for spring or fall weather. My carry-on bag contained extra undies, a little travel bag with cosmetics (very few), hairbrush and travel toothbrush, a small purse with credit card, some $, and a few Euros. I had a cross body bag, worn between my outer clothes and a light weight jacket, for my passport. No cell phone in those days.

Hopefully, your hotel will have an adapter you can use to plug in whatever you need to plug in (like a phone). Don't take a blow dryer, your hotel or inn will likely have one in the bathroom.

Whatever you do, DO NOT LOSE YOUR PASSPORT. I can tell you from one experience when my passport was stolen, you do not want to put your sorry ass in front of a U.S. consulate or embassy and explain THAT situation. They will NOT be amused by how you lost it.