Thought I might post a thread about this.

Rick Steves is well known for his company "Europe Through the Back Door" which offers tours, tickets, books and other things. Since 1973, Rick has spent 120 days traveling through Europe.

http://www.ricksteves.com/

Some things I took away from his videos and writings:

1. Pack light.

2. Pack for the best case scenario, not the worst. Look forward to running out of things like toothpaste and expect to buy such things at the store. Only bring a basic set of toiletries with you to get past the first few nights.

3. You get one bag for your travels which is a backpack. You have to be able to comfortably walk around with the bag on your back for 1 hour. If you cant walk around with it comfortably for an hour, then its too heavy. The bag cannot be wider then your body.

4. You always have a money belt or neck wallet under your clothes and a throwdown wallet for thieves and pickpockets.

5. Loose fitting khaki pants or shorts are always better in hot areas then jeans.

6. Do you really need this? Look at each item you bring and ask yourself if you really need it. For example, the laptop. Lots of internet cafes out there. Do you really need it?

I could go on. Feel free to add. Also look on youtube for great travel advice.