Pre-Trip Tips #2 - Packing

By now I hope that all of you have started setting aside all of the things you will need to pack for the trip.  Please follow the packing list that we have given to you.  Please let me know if you need another, and I will send it along right away.

Packing Tip #1:  Know where everything is and keep it there.

One essential element in packing is knowing what you have and where you put.  This seems obvious, until you start looking for something and cannot find it.  I suggest that each of you pack your suitcase and day pack a couple of times.  Do this in an empty space (living room floor or a cleared bed, for example) so that you can see everything at once.  I like to keep things in plastic bags by type, that is, pants in one bag, shirts (neatly folded) in another, etc.  The advantage can be two-fold:  first, you can rifle through your bag without mixing everything up; and second, if you get closely inspected at the airport, repacking is very quick, and you have not lost order in your bag.

Packing Tip #2:  Help out lost luggage.

Although not common, bags do get lost.  Most of the time they come to the hotel within 24 hours.  To expedite delivery, put the name of our first hotel on a second luggage tag that is folded over:

March 17-19, 2013

HOTEL PHILIPPOS

3, Mitseon Street

Athens 117 42

Tel: +30 210 9223611/14

 

Packing Tip #3:  All essentials in the day pack during the flights.

So what if your bag does arrive late?   Have one night's extra clothing (underwear, socks, shirt, and perhaps pants) and your toiletries in your carry-on day pack.  And keep all of your more valuable electronics in the day pack all the time.

Packing Tip #5:  Make your bag distinctive.

If you have a black bag, you are in the inconspicuous majority.  Everyone should put an easily identifiable, non-political ribbon, sticker or tag on the outside of his checked bag.  It just makes things so much easier at baggage claim.

Packing Tip #6:  Some reminders. 

• Travel light
• Bring some sort light rain-resistant coat
• The weather in Greece is variable at this time of year, so layers are essential

I use Rick Steves's website to double-check my thinking.  It is a great site for advice on traveling in Europe.  He is, of course, writing for all trips to anywhere in Europe, but if you want more information, he is very reliable:  Rick Steves Travel Tips

Next:  Personal Electronics