Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
When you carry your own luggage, it's less likely to get lost, broken, or stolen. Lengthy delay or quick, last-minute flight change? No problem—your bag is with you. You can also save money by bringing less. Read the fine print when you are choosing flights to understand add-on fees for checked (and sometimes even carry-on) baggage.
In Europe, you'll walk with your luggage more than you think you will. Before flying to Europe, give yourself a test. Pack up completely and walk around your house or block. Or practice being a tourist in your hometown for an afternoon. Fully loaded, you should enjoy window-shopping. If you can't, stagger home and thin things out.
Visit ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe.
*Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:*
• “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show
• “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio
• European tours: ricksteves.com/tours
• Guidebooks: store.ricksteves.com/shop/guidebooks
• Travel gear: store.ricksteves.com/shop
• Travel classes: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/travel-talks
• Rick Steves Audio Europe app: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-europe
Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.
When you carry your own luggage, it's less likely to get lost, broken, or stolen. Lengthy delay or quick, last-minute flight change? No problem—your bag is with you. You can also save money by bringing less. Read the fine print when you are choosing flights to understand add-on fees for checked (and sometimes even carry-on) baggage.
In Europe, you'll walk with your luggage more than you think you will. Before flying to Europe, give yourself a test. Pack up completely and walk around your house or block. Or practice being a tourist in your hometown for an afternoon. Fully loaded, you should enjoy window-shopping. If you can't, stagger home and thin things out.
Visit ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe.
*Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:*
• “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show
• “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio
• European tours: ricksteves.com/tours
• Guidebooks: store.ricksteves.com/shop/guidebooks
• Travel gear: store.ricksteves.com/shop
• Travel classes: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/travel-talks
• Rick Steves Audio Europe app: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-europe
Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.
