A Few Words About Packing (37 days to go!)

We only have 37 days before we leave for our grand tour of Europe! In about a week we should be recieving final confirmation of our hotel reservations. Shortly after that I will recieve the final copies of our itinerary, and the reciepts for our tickets (the actual tickets are e-tickets). I know that the trip is still about a month away, but it might be time to start thinking about the details... like packing!

Keep in mind that we are only allowed 43 pounds of luggage on the trip. This includes your main suitcase and ONE carryon bag. There is no porterage on this trip. You will be responsible for carrying your own bags. This means you will be schlepping your bag over cobblestone streets. You will be carrying your bags up the hotel stairs if the lift is too small to accommodate large groups and their oversized suitcases. You will be heaving your baggage into the overhead space on the TGV (high-speed train) to Switzerland. You might even be dragging your bags through the narrow "streets" of Venice, and over a bridge or two.

With all of this lifting and lugging in mind, you can see how important it is to select an appropriately sized suitcase. In this case, bigger is definitely not better. I've seen plenty of people on this trips that bring along a giant 40" suitcase. It is a bit comical to see them try to maneuver those footlockers up and down stairs, and on an off of trains. The ideal bag is one that is comfortable for you to carry, and does not take up half of your hotel room. Depending upon your size, suitcases ranging in size from 22" to 28" are ideal. Anything over 28" tends to get cumbersome to carry around, and can easily cause you to pack way too much.

I will provide you with my essential packing list for Europe at our final meeting. For now, here are a few basic tips. First, bear in mind that you are traveling. The idea is NOT to pack everything in your closet. Be flexible with your wardrobe. Pack things that can easily be mixed and matched. You will have no choice but to wear things a couple of times before a wash. That is why we have our good friend Febreeze. You can also fight suitcase funk by hanging your clothes up in each hotel. This allows them to air out, and fights wrinkles. You might also consider packing a few dryer sheets in your suitcase to aid in fighting the funk.

Cut down the size and weight of your checked bags by leaving the full-sized shampoo, conditioner, and soap bottles at home. You'd be amazed at how long 3 ounces of this stuff will last. If you run out of anything, it's no big deal. We're traveling in Europe, not in the middle of the Gobi Desert. European stores carry everything! Hit up a Coop or the nearest Tesco. Be adventurous and try something different. I usually find something I really like in Europe, and then I'm bummed out when I realize that I can't get it at home.

Okay, that's enough for today. I'll post more tips when we get closer to our departure. :-)