Traveling light

While I’m a firm believer in traveling as light as possible and have my own favorite ways of accomplishing this, I have a few comments regarding Rick Steves’ article in the December 2016 issue.

Rick wrote, “Take one pair of practical shoes.” Depending on the length of the trip, I usually take three pairs.

I wear my sturdiest, heaviest shoes on travel days, so those don’t need to be packed. I take an additional pair of comfortable walking shoes to change off or in case the first pair gets wet or damaged. (I love to shop, but trying to find a replacement pair of shoes in a strange city is not an easy project!) 

I also pack a dressier shoe for occasions that call for something nicer. A comfortable, lightweight flat works fine.

He also wrote, “Rip up your guidebooks.” This seems like such a wasteful practice. I simply copy the specific pages I want and staple them together for convenience. It’s simple and easy and leaves the guidebook intact.

ELAINE L. DIAMOND

Los Angeles, CA