Can my backpack count as a Carry on?

Question

If so what can I put in there and what should be in there anyways. First time traveler and I have no idea. Should I put important documents, snacks, etc??????

Answer 1

Yes, your backpack can be your carry-on. Put  snacks, ipod, cd's, digital camera,  a book,  a  puzzle book, a clean t-shirt, a clean pair of undershorts, cell phone, etc.

Yes, you can bring a small tube of toothpaste ands a 3oz bottle of lotion in your carry-on but put them  in a quart- size zip lock bag

Also include your name, address and telephone number (inside your suitcase as well as your backpack.) ; a copy of your flight itinerary(a copy should also go in your suitcase); your hotel information of where you are staying at your final destination.

Do not put anything of value in your checked baggage such as jewelry , put this in your backpack.

Keep all important documents on your person. .. passport, credit cards, flight tickets, itinerary, calling card for emergencies , etc.  Wear a money belt. DO NOT CARRY ALL YOUR MONEY IN ONE PLACE.

Traveling around

It really doesn't matter which city you are in. The best thing to do is be aware of your surrounding, do not carry a lot cash , wear a money belt. If you wear shorts or pants, do not carry your money in your back pocket or if you are wearing those cargo type shorts/pants do not place your money in the pockets.

Be aware on the buses, metro, at the train stations and in crowds.

Put your wallet in a shirt pocket with a button closure or in a pocket with a closure, not the back pocket. You should carry only small amount a cash in your shirt pocket. If you are going to use your credit card or need additional $$ , be aware of your surroundings when you go to retrieve things from your money belt. If you are in a restaurant, go to the bathroom and act as if you need to use the toliet and go inside the stall to get what you need.

When traveling with a back pack wear it in the front and do not put your important documents inside. Put your important documents, credit cards, atm card, etc. in your money belt hidden inside your pants.

Answer 2

as long as it would fit underneath the seat in front of you....or you could put it in the overhead bin

Answer 3

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and is very convenient as a day pack for sightseeing. Medium-size backpacks and larger are usually too big to be used as a carryon bag (rules vary from airline to airline).

Buy an under-the-trousers security belt - available at luggage shops and in the luggage department at large stores. It is basically a rectangular pouch with an elastic strap that goes around your waist under your clothes. Keep your passport and most of your cash & cards in the belt and not in the carryon bag.

Take some things to do or read. Also pack basic toiletries and one change of clothing in the carryon bag. You are allowed to pack "travel size" liquids & gels in your carryon bag, but the items have to go in their own clear plastic bag and scanned separately when you get to security.

Flight suggestions:

Join the frequent flier program for the airline you will use. Joining is free and you can do it online.

Call the airline before your flight date if you want to request a seat. Some airlines don’t do advance seat selection and others charge a fee. The reservations agent will tell you if there are restrictions. Go to www.seatguru.com for info on seating arrangements in airlines. Try to sit in a window or aisle seat - NOT in a middle seat.

Call the airline the day before your flight and the morning before your flight to make sure there are no schedule changes. You can also check flight status online.

Pack almost everything in a suitcase that you will give to the airline to "check". The suitcase has to weigh 50 pounds or less.

All liquids & gels in containers over 3 ounces and anything that might even LOOK like a weapon (nail file, scissors, etc.) should go in your checked bag. Go to www.tsa.gov for more info on prohibited items.

Mark or tag all checked luggage with something that makes them more distinct. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK.

You are allowed two carryon bags, but they have to be not larger than a small backpack. One carryon is better.

Dress in shoes & clothing that are comfortable and not tight, but also not overly casual. Avoid clothing with metal attached (ex. jeans with studs).

Make sure you have your passport, frequent flier number, and ticket (or flight information if it's an e-ticket) on you before leaving home.

Get to the airport two hours before your flight. Really. It is MUCH better to have an hour to wait than to arrive later and have a problem.

Germany suggestions:

Do some research (Internet is OK) on the places you might visit.

Take clothes that you can mix and match, and that can be washed (don't need to be dry-cleaned). Pack enough for a week. - you will be able to wash clothes somewhere, even if it is in a sink using shampoo & conditioner (which reduces wrinkles). "Normal" clothing is OK, but not if it is overly casual. Pack at least one set of "dress" clothing & shoes unless you KNOW you won't need it.

Avoid taking any electrical appliances that require a voltage converter (Germany uses 220v). It is better to buy things like a hair dryer and curling iron after arrival.

You need a pair of broken-in "walking" shoes if you plan to sight-see on foot.

Take a folding umbrella and a light jacket that is at least semi-water resistant (one with a hood is best). You don't say exactly where you plan to go, but summer weather in the mountains of Germany can be cool - even cold at higher altitudes.

Notify the issuers of any credit or debit cards that you plan to use them abroad. That way using the card(s) in France won't trigger an automatic "security hold" that could be inconvenient.

Take your driving license/state ID even if you don't plan to drive. A DL works as daily ID so you don't have to show your passport all the time (and risk losing it).

Take your student ID if you have one. Museums and other attractions usually offer discounts for students.

Send an e-mail message to yourself with the numbers for your passport, ID, and credit/debit cards. An option is to send yourself scanned copies of your passport, etc. That way the info is available from any computer connected to the Internet if something should be lost or stolen.

Unless you are traveling vai a program that includes insurance, check with your home medical insurance to find out if it covers you in Europe AND will pay for “medical evacuation” to home if necessary. If yes, make sure you have proof of insurance (ex. insurance card) with you. If no, buy "trip medical insurance", which is cheap and sold by travel agencies & airlines. DON"T travel without medical insurance.

Try to learn enough German to read a menu & order in restaurants, read schedules, ask directions, tell time & dates, and buy things in shops. For example, learn (it's NOT hard):

Please/thank you

Excuse me

Yes/no

Left/right

Hot/cold

Up/down

North/south/east/west

Yesterday/today/tomorrow

Primary colors

Days of the week/months of the year

Count to 100

Basic food items (chicken, beef, fish, cheese, bread, etc.)

Where is...?

How many...?

How much...?

Hope you have a great trip!

Answer 4

you answered your own question .... yes... and the things you mentioned

Answer 5

yep! that's what i take w/ me! any liquids and othe stuff like tooth paste, deoderant, etc. must be in 3oz bottles and in a plastic ziplock bag. definately pack anything that is important and that youo don't what to lose in you r carry on in case your luggage getes lost. i think you can take snacks as long as they are in sealed packages. hope this helps!

Answer 6

nothing more than three ounces.

Answer 7

yes, you should have passport

id

tickets

all information on were you are going

and no food or drinks they will take them away

and things to occupy your time (nesicary when in an airport)