This list is specifically for my trip, meaning specific airlines and neighborhoods; but that doesn’t mean it can’t easily be tailored for other trips.
*-My personal recommendation, but not necessary
Italic – needs to be easily accessible
Carry-On Baggage:
| AIR CANADA |
Standard article |
Personal article |
| Maximum size |
9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in
Wheels and handles included. |
6 in x 13 in x 17 in |
| Maximum weight |
22 lbs |
22 lbs |
| EASY JET |
Only one cabin bag is allowed with no weight restriction |
| Guaranteed Size |
7.8 in x 15.5 in x 19.6 in |
Guaranteed space aboard |
| Maximum Size |
9.8 in x 17.7 in x 22 in |
Might have to be moved to hold storage |
In other words, you can have one small suitcase or duffle bag, and a regular sized backpack or purse, on our flights to and from the US. If you’re checking a suitcase (which I strongly recommend, find on page 6), a smaller duffle bag or back pack instead of a smaller suitcase is better for your carryon. Rolling two suitcases is a pain, trust me. Duffle bags and backpacks are easy to throw across your shoulder while still carrying your personal item, and are lighter than even small suitcases. You’re also less likely to over pack a smaller duffle bag or backpack, which makes it even lighter.
Carrying both a small suitcase/duffle and a personal bag or backpack comes in handy for before, on, and after the plane. Anything you might need during the flight or at the airport, make sure it is in your personal bag; anything else put in your carry on suitcase/duffle or your checked bag. You can store the suitcase or duffle in the overhead compartment, and by keeping the things you want/need handy in your personal bag, you won’t have to get up and dig in the overhead compartments during the flight. This will keep you, and those sitting near you happier.
Now, for our flight between London and Rome it gets a bit more difficult, and you really might want to plan to pay for a bag to go into hold (page 6). Trying to fit everything you’re packing for three weeks, in one small bag, will most likely result in frustration and forgotten items; but more power to you if you want to go for it. On the EasyJet flight we get one small bag in the cabin with us. Personally, I usually go with a duffle and a backpack, like what is allowed on Air Canada; but considering that on our EasyJet flight we can only have one carry on, I’ll go with a backpack for easier organization and transportation on both flights.
*Something I also do, is pack a smaller purse or clutch into my carry on. Having the smaller bag within a bag is easy for at the airport, on the plane, and also when you get to your destination. I can have everything important right at my fingertips at the airport, I can have both a big and small personal bag while traveling, and I can pop to the loo on the plane without causing a ruckus by sorting through my bag.
General rules when packing your carry-ons:
- All liquids and gels must be under 3.4 ounces. If it is any bigger it will be thrown away. (don’t learn the hard way like I did)
- All liquids and gels must be placed in a one quart sized or smaller plastic bag and you can only have one bag.
- Your medications must be in labeled bottles and prescriptions must be in their original and labeled bottle. These also should be in a plastic bag.
- Both plastic bags should be easily accessible, as you need to pull them out when going through security.
- Also on the need to be accessible list are: laptops, e-readers, tablets, video games, dvd players, etc. as they also need to be pulled out through security.
- Make sure to pack breakables and all necessary medications in your carry-on.
- Make sure your carry-ons are organized and neat.
- Bring photocopies of all important documents: IDs, passport, insurance, itinerary, etc.
Packing your carry-on suitcase/bag:
o An extra outfit– pants (or trousers as they call them in London), underwear (called either pants or knickers), shirts, socks
o A pair of comfortable pants – not your bright pink pajama pants, but something non-constricting
o An extra pair of shoes
o A Jacket or Cardigan
o Hair brush/comb
o Non-Emergency Medications
o Jewelry
If you aren’t checking a bag:
o Toiletry Quart sized bag – Travel size: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, *lotion (you can easily transfer the sanitizer and lotion to your personal bag after security)
o Disposable razor & cartridges
o Toothbrush
o Loofah/wash cloth
o Plus all other wardrobe items listed under the checked bag list
Packing your personal bag: if you are only taking one carry-on, combine this with the above list, cancelling the doubles of course.
o A sweater (a jumper or pullover) or a cardigan (a cardie)
o Flip-flops or socks – more comfortable on the plane than normal shoes, but don’t plan to wear your flip-flops anywhere but on the plane or in the apartments (aka flats), because flip flops aren’t thought of too highly in Europe
o Eye mask – You might end up next to someone who wants to read the whole way. Eye masks also induce a deeper, more peaceful sleep.
o Ear plugs – Even if you aren’t sensitive to noise while sleeping, planes and airports can be noisy, and you never know when you’re going to end up on a plane with a screaming baby or child.
o *Pillow – The pillow provided on planes is usually small and easily flattened, a neck pillow is great for sleeping on long flights
o Journal/Notebook – Just a good idea in general
o Pen and or Pencils – What else are you going to write with
o Toiletry/Makeup Pouch – Keeps things more organized
*Tissues – For those moments when you don’t have a napkin- Chapstick or Lip-gloss
- *Lotion – You never know how your skin will react in the air
- *Colgate Wisp brushes- an easy fast, disposable mini-toothbrush
- Wet Wipes – When you’re flying for 10+ hours being able to freshen up is heaven
- Mini-Deodorant – Do you have to ask?
- Mini sanitizer bottle – This is a must have when traveling
- Hair Ties
- Feminine Items – Just in case
- *Make-up
o Medication Ziploc Bag – Emergency/Necessary Meds should remain in your personal bag, but you can move the non-essentials to your small suitcase or duffle
o Copy of complete flight itinerary
o Boarding pass
o Passport
o *ID
o Wallet
o Cash (it’s usually cheapest to get foreign money out of ATMs in the country, depending on your bank, but getting a little before leaving is smart): and remember we will be using pounds in London: £ and euros in Rome: €.
o Laptop/Tablet
o Address of hotel or hostel
o Guidebook – It’s good to look at on the plane
o *Phone
o *Music player
o Headphones – it’s smart to have comfortable outside the ear headphones, in case you fall asleep. If you have any plans on enjoying your own personal tv screen and don’t want to pay the airline for cheap headphones bring your own.
o Book or e-reader – To pass time.
o Chargers and cords – Air Canada, amazingly, has usb charging slots as well as three prong outlets next to the screen.
o *Crossword, Sudoku, word search, etc.
o *Deck of cards – So you can play with friends or by yourself
o *Empty water bottle – Saves you money and you can fill it up once you get past security
o Snacks – If peanuts and pretzels aren’t your thing, or you just get hungry
Checked Baggage or Hold Luggage
| |
Average Weight Limit |
Maximum Weight Limit |
Dimensions |
Price |
| Air Canada (From and to US) |
50 lbs |
51-70 lbs+$100 |
62 inches(h+l+w) |
1st bag – Free2nd – $100 |
| Easy Jet (From London to Rome) |
44 lbs |
46-70 lbs+$$ |
Bigger than cabin bag |
$19-$36Depending on flight and only when paying ahead of time |
Checking a bag is one of the easiest ways to travel, though sometimes scary depending on which horror stories you have heard. I personally haven’t ever lost my luggage and have only had my checked bag searched once (they do random checks to make sure you’re not carrying anything illegal). A checked bag doesn’t have nearly the amount of packing restrictions as carry-on luggage, meaning you can bring things from home that you would otherwise have to buy like toiletry items, which can be very expensive in Europe.
General Tips when packing bags:
o Roll your clothes – folding takes up more room and is more frustrating to go through
o Put in a few dryer sheets – keeps your clothes fresh
o Organizers are a great idea if you want to spend a few bucks
o Leave room for any potential souvenirs
o Check the weather before you pack
Day Clothes
o Trousers – jeans, slacks, etc.
o Skirts*
o Dresses* – Varying types/lengths
o Tops – All types with options to dress up and down
o Tank tops/camis/undershirt* – Layers are a very smart idea, because, like in Oregon, the weather can change on a dime
Night/Sleep Clothes – whatever you like to sleep in and be comfortable, but enough coverage you won’t be embarrassed walking down the hallway of the dorm in London or around your apartment in Rome… Speaking of which:
o Shorts – You can bring day shorts as well, but shorts are generally disliked in Europe and seen as children’s clothing
o Sweatpants, yoga pants, etc.
o Tanks and/or Tees
Outerwear
o Sweater/cardigan
o *Sweatshirt/hoodie
o Windbreaker/light rain coat
o Small umbrella
Accessories
o Lightweight scarves* – very highly recommended!
o Shoes – flats, boots, toms, etc. non-tennis shoes and non-heels are best ——Tennis shoes or sneakers, though comfy, are gym material and will scream tourist. Putting a nice pair of insoles in your other shoes can make them comfy as well. Try not to bring too many pairs since they can add on a decent amount of weight, as well as take up valuable space.
o A few key pieces of jewelry*- Non-expensive
o Underwear & Bras – if you don’t plan on doing laundry, bring plenty
o Leggings*
o Comfy socks
o Sunglasses
o A paper/fabric handheld fan*- humidity is a pain no matter what country you’re in
Toiletries: Can be full size, but please place liquids in a plastic bag to prevent spill mishaps.
o Shampoo/Conditioner
o Body Wash
o Deodorant
o *Perfume
o *Lotion
o *Shaving cream
o Feminine Items
o Disposable razor & cartridges
o Toothbrush
o Toothpaste
o Loofah/wash cloth
o *Makeup
o *Hair Straightener – You can always plan ahead with a friend and share
o Brush/Comb
o Hair Ties/Clips/Bobby Pins
o Extra pair of contacts, contact case
o Glasses case (and glasses)
o Bit of laundry soap*- even if there aren’t washers and dryers sinks work well for small items
Miscellaneous:
o Text books
o Power adapters
o Notebooks
This is a typical room in the dorm where we are staying in in London.
http://halls.london.ac.uk/summer-housing/international-hall
I don’t have a picture of the apartments we’ll be staying in in Rome, but here is a link to a blog about the perfect day in the neighborhood we’ll be staying in: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/travel-tips-and-articles/77701
Some links for travel items you may need/want:
a travel scarf: https://www.etsy.com/shop/speakeasysupplyco
Power outlet adapters:
for Italy (Type L): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YL6HY6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3LUFH2VJGQEOW&coliid=I2HJZ59G3G6Y1O&psc=1
for UK/London (Type G): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080R95XI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3LUFH2VJGQEOW&coliid=I185LN4ZXMUY0F&psc=1
Some other websites with good tips:
http://www.italylogue.com/
http://www.ricksteves.com/europe/england
http://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy
I also have a Pinterest board full of tips for both London and Rome as well as traveling period.
http://www.pinterest.com/LilStormSpark/travel/
<—- Like this one.
An American Jumps the Pond: A Study Abroad Experience 