Most travelers pack too much. As a guideline, your checked bag should be no larger than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and weigh no more than 50 pounds.  Your carry-on bag should not exceed 46 linear inches and weigh no more than 11 pounds. Checking more than one bag generally incurs an additional charge. We recommend contacting your airline directly or visiting their website for specific requirements and baggage allowance restrictions.

Please remember that there is no luggage portage when meeting your VBT representative at the airport and transferring to the first hotel. Therefore, the more you pack, the more you have to carry around. You may also want to leave some room in your bag for souvenirs and gifts.

As a guideline, we recommend packing your carry-on with a full change of clothes; toiletries (please check the TSA website for liquid size restrictions); any prescription drugs; your camera; any breakable items. A money belt is also recommended to keep your passport, credit cards, travel documents, and valuables together and safe. You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item such as a laptop computer, other electronics, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera gear.

We recommend packing all of your clothing and gear in one duffel bag or suitcase, which should not exceed the size allowed by your airlines. Attach luggage tags with your name, address, and contact information.

To reduce the risk of damage to your luggage, please do not lock your bags when checking in for flights. The TSA screens every piece of checked luggage. Baggage- handling agents may require access to the contents of your luggage and will break locks as required. TSA Accepted and Recognized Locks are available. (For details on locks visit: www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/protect.shtm#locks.)

When walking, it is best that you dress in layers that can be put on and taken off during the day as temperatures change. We recommend polypropylene, lightweight wool and similar synthetic fabrics which wick away moisture. A windbreaker or light shell is also useful for cool mornings and days that are a bit chilly. Adequate rain gear is a must! Pants and a jacket made of Gore-tex or similar waterproof, breathable fabric will keep you comfortable and dry if needed.

It’s essential that your footwear be waterproof. Just as important, however, is making sure that your footwear is broken in before you arrive in your destination. The last problem you need to confront is worrying about stiff walking shoes or boots and the blisters they may cause. They will slow you down and cause discomfort. So make sure your footwear is well broken in and comfortable before you leave home. Whether your shoes or boots are low profile or cut above the ankle is up to you. Many walkers favor the support provided by higher cut boots, while others prefer the flexibility of low-profile footwear. If you are unsure about which design is better for you, stop by a shoe store or sports equipment retailer where you can examine a wide variety of options. Ask for a salesperson experienced in walking.

In general, the attire on our trips is functional and casual. For a dinner or a special event a smart-casual outfit is recommended.

WALKING

__ Waterproof or water-resistant walking shoes or boots

__ Wool or synthetic wicking socks for walking

__ Long, lightweight walking pants (zip-off)

__ Walking shorts

__ Moisture wicking long sleeve and short sleeve shirts

__ Lightweight sweater/fleece

__ Windbreaker or light jacket (not to be used as raingear)

__ Waterproof (Gore-tex or similar) rain gear

__ Brimmed hat or cap

__ Sunscreen

__ Water Bottle 

__ Binoculars

__ Daypack to carry small items like camera, water bottle, sunscreen, etc.

__ Casual and dress shorts

__ Casual or collared sports shirts or blouses

__ Casual trousers, khakis and button-up shirt for men

__ Pants or skirt; top or blouse; or dress for women

__ Sleepwear

__ Socks and underwear

__ Swimsuit

__ Sandals or other shoes