I just returned from a trip to Europe (12 days) and packed everything in a backpack (which could fit under the seat) and a carry on (in the overhead compartment on most planes). Now I have a friend who was going to 2 continents for over 2 months and was doing the same thing so this was not such a feat, but I accepted her challenge and learned some things along the way that I thought I'd share with you.
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| My departure from GSO with luggage in tow |
- 2 dresses and 4 skirts; - Pack cotton skirts which roll up well and are great in hot summer weather. These I wore twice and could have worn 3xs if needed.The dresses could be worn wrinkly ;)
- 1 short; 2 travel pants - For this summer trip I didn't even bring jeans, just 1 pair shorts, dresses and skirts. Look at it as a perk of being a woman in the summer.
- 12 shirts - Solid colored shirts (tank tops mostly) that can go with more than 1 bottom. This way you still have choices once you're traveling and it's more likely you'll actually wear all of what you bring.
- 2 cardigans - 1 left one there at the end of my trip to give myself room for dresses I bought abroad. I also made sure one was accessible on the plane since it gets cold. I picked colors that went with several outfits. I wore them more in Switzerland since it cools off in the evening.
- 6 sets pjs (tshirts and boxers) - I showered before bed so that were cleaner longer.
- 15 undies; 3 bras (1 sports) - didn't want to have to re-wear these.
- 2 teva sandals; 1 TOMS - This was hard to only take 3 shoes, but the 2 sandals were black and I chose outfits that worked with them. These were easy to get through security as well.
- 1 bathing suit and cover up - Despite the temptation to bring 3 to rotate through.
- empty water bottle - which I filled in the airport to avoid paying $5 for water. Also used to stay hydrated as we toured Corinth and to avoid buying drinks always as we were out and about. I left it there when I went to pack, leaving room for more souvenirs (chocolate in my case)
- outlet adapter to charge Ipad; Ipad - I didn't need a converter for an apple product. So I was able to charge my Ipad and Ipod which made traveling better! I also used the Ipad for wi-fi instead of renting a world phone.
- watch - I set it ahead or behind depending on the time change expected in order to try to trick my body and sleep on the plane as needed.
- gum, hand-sanitizer, eye drops and travel size lotion - to fight the dehydration and yuck of airplane air.
- Passport; cash; credit card - Obviously the essentials but I put these items in different places so as not to be completely without if something was misplaced.
- drawstring backpack - rolled up in my carry-on to be used as my purse once I got there. Best solution for the days I was going to hang out at the pool at another hotel. Or when I was going to be gone all day long (it hold souvenirs as you buy them).
- 4 granola bars - mostly for those weird hours in a plane when they aren't serving food.
- 4 books to read - I gave one away and always kept one near me on the plane for those times not connected to an electronic.
- Travel size toiletries including a small brush. Limit the liquids to what can go through carry-on security. You don't need more than 3 ounces of sunscreen even if you're gone for a month.
- 3 necklaces, scarf - can go with more than 1 outfit and don't take up much space.
