Tip #709: Cheap Flights and Carry-On Bags
A good backpack is going to be your best friend on the weekends. One thing I didn’t account for when planning my weekend trips was airline carry-on limitations. If you’re like me, you have one thing on your mind when booking your flights: cost. Luckily, there are plenty of discount airlines in Europe that will make your weekend itineraries a bit more affordable.
Most of these airlines, however, only include one carry-on bag in your ticket that must fit under the seat in front of you. I initially planned to use a small duffle bag with a shoulder strap, but that didn’t last beyond my first trip. Stuffing everything into that one duffle made my luggage very heavy and impractical.
My biggest piece of advice would be to invest in a good travel backpack that’s compact with a high capacity so you can fit everything you need for your weekend without having to pay extra fees for a second carry-on! Samsonite, Baboon to the Moon, and TravelPro have some great options. Trust me, your wallet and shoulders will thank you.
Tip #883 For the Physical, Mental, and Emotional Body
After living in Prague for almost two months, these are my top three packing tips.
DON’T: You really don’t need to bring shampoo, conditioner, styling products, makeup remover, etc. The DM (CVS-like drug store) has everything you’ll need and for cheaper prices than in New York.
DO: I cannot stress this enough, bring Sudafed, NyQuil, and other allergy/flu medicine. I packed some in my bag at the last minute and I’m so glad I did. As college students, we’re bound to get sick. Since I don’t speak Czech or want to test my reactions to certain medicines, it’s so nice to have medicine that I know will work for me.
DO: Oddly enough, bring a bathing suit! I didn’t realize I would have to travel to Palladium (local mall) to buy a swimsuit but I just did this past Tuesday. If you’re considering traveling abroad to places like Budapest, Monaco, or anywhere in Italy, bring one.
Tip #452: Don’t Even Bother Bringing a Hair Dryer
To all the girls, guys, and people out there with long, slow-drying hair: please heed my warning. Don’t even think about bringing your hair dryer with you to Prague. I know it’s tempting. But don’t worry, your brand new Dyson airwrap or Revlon hair brush or whatever you use will be there for you when you get back.
It’s all about the voltage. American hair dryers usually run at a different voltage than European sockets. You don’t need to major in electrical engineering to know that’s a bad combination.
In order to avoid an explosion and an embarrassing conversation with the building manager about blowing a fuse, get a cheap Czech hairdryer when you get here. There are plenty of options available at any DATART electronics store, and they’re pretty cheap, too. And if you’re still too attached to your American one, look into a voltage converter. But don’t blame me if that blows up in your face (pun intended).
Tip #147: Bring an Umbrella!
When I was packing my suitcase I didn’t expect the weather in Prague to be so rainy. I regret not bringing an umbrella with me because I needed it immediately after I arrived. Since it had been raining for 5 days in a row, I now know that having an umbrella is definitely useful in Prague, especially during the fall season.
Tip #209: Leave Your Flats, Heels, and Open-Toed Shoes AT HOME!
If you are like me and consider this study abroad experience your ticket to traveling to a different country every week then listen to me closely. Leave your nice, expensive shoes at home. Don’t even look at them, just set them aside.
Firstly, Prague is full with cobblestone streets meaning that heels and flats are a guaranteed way to sprain your ankle or your knee, like I did the first week of school. The cobblestones can be uneven with weirdly placed dips and it’s extremely hard on the heels of your feet. I have seen my fair share of students slip and fall. You do not want to fall in heels and limp to class.
Plus, the trips hosted by NYU Prague unusually involve a hike up a mountain or a hill, so flats and open-toed shoes are a big no-go. Boots, sneakers, and tennis shoes are the best way to go.
Secondly, are you really going to wear them, honestly? So far, I have traveled to Italy, London, and Paris and not once did I wish I had heels. I honestly walked so much during these trips that in sneakers, with support, I was hurting. Unless you are a Victoria Secret model with years of experience strutting in heels, your feet are going to hurt, badly. Italy has cobblestone streets, and the area around the Eiffel tower has dirt roads which get muddy when it rains. My heels are happily collecting dust in the bottom of my drawer where they will remain.
Tip #317: Bring a Good Pair of Hiking Boots
Even if your definition of hiking is walking any more than thirty minutes through the streets of New York City, consider bringing a pair of hiking boots to Prague. NYU offers a variety of amazing trips around the Czech Republic, but many of them require (or would be much easier with) a solid pair of boots. Consider borrowing some from a friend, a family member, or even investing in a new pair for yourself— you might come to love hiking!
Tip #673: Getting Ready Basics
Don’t worry about towels and sheets, all of it is provided, and they are really good-looking and clean! By the way, you won’t need to buy clothes hangers as well. As for kitchen supplies, you’ll have everything you need and even more (some things I still haven’t tried out). But what I wish I’ve brought or bought here is a small mirror because it is impossible to do makeup in front of the closet door’s mirror.
By NYU Prague Staff