Packing, Packers, Pack Rats, Packed

We're big fans of Rick Steves.  His website had a ridiculous amount of information on how to pack for Europe.  It didn't seem at all possible to get by on the scant quantities he recommended and I ignored his suggestions completely in 2011 when we went for 16 days.  I packed all sorts of full outfits, scarves and jewelry, accessorizing completely and thoroughly for every possible occasion, from nightclubs to fine dining.   I filled every square inch of my wheeled suitcase.

I brought sink soap for washing clothes midway, an emergency sewing kit, an emergency medical kit, a European charger and a travel size extension outlet.  I had, zippered into the lining of my suitcase, copies of my passport, all credit card information, an extra prescription in case of theft and a photo copy of my Colorado drivers license.  Yes, I was a girl scout, why do you ask?

And to my credit, I followed one piece of Rick Steves advice.  I brought some older clothes that I could throw away on the trip to make room for souvenirs.  Brilliant suggestion.  Bye bye grey bulky sweater and cream bulky sweater!  Hello Venetian glass beaded jewelry.

Year two rolls around and in 2012 we purchased back packs.  And darned if I didn't get everything into that small bag.  I ditched the emergency kit and brought almost no toiletries.  I pared down to 3 pairs of pants.  And 7 days of socks and undies.  A down coat and a few shirts and we were on our way.  One pair of back up shoes.  And the only thing I regretted was bringing two cashmere sweaters instead of just one and not enough short sleeve shirts.  Wasn't expecting warm weather in November, but it's more apt to have been my personal airspace has a tendency to overheat from time to time.  It does that when you are in your 50's.

As Rick Steve's says, in Europe, you can buy your way out of any emergency.  Turns out they have shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and clothing all over the continent.  It was easy to pick out toiletries in foriegn languages, they look just like they do here.  Even the brands are the same.  And traveling with a backpack is easier in many places with the rough paved cobblestones and small passageways in medieval cities.

On the way home this trip, we bought a ton of Swiss chocolate, Italian leather and silk scarves.  With no place to put it, we bought a new suitcase too.   Rick Steve's was right, it was easy!

I lived in three pairs of pants, a few shirts and a couple of sweaters and it worked out just fine.  We washed out clothes once in our 16 days.  At the end of the trip, I was still able to throw out some things, turned out my new socks already had holes in them.  We walked all over Europe and I even put a serious dent in the brand new shoes I took with me.  Never once did I use the backup shoes by the way, so next time, It'll just be one pair of uber comfortable, kick butt boots for me.

If you're wondering why you didn't get any Italian leather, it's because this year I bought for myself instead of everyone else.  You can go to Italy too you know....