Preparing for a Big Trip
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I did not grow up traveling. We were poor and did not have time or the means for travel. Our vacations were usually a weekend camping trip to a site close enough that our beat-up car could make it there and back.
So in 2018 when my husband told me he had a two month Sabbatical and we were going to take our children out of school and spend it in Italy—I was shocked. Since that Sabbatical, we have done quite a bit more, each time becoming more efficient and streamlined so we can just enjoy the experience, instead of stressing.
Friends often ask me for pointers, so I thought I’d put them all in one place.
My Bag
Two years ago, we went to Paris for Christmas. Because of COVID restrictions, we truly did not know if we were going to get to go until we were on the plane. This was the trip my husband challenged us to only pack one bag. All four members of my family purchased travel packs. We have never looked back.
It has been amazing to not carry tons of stuff from location to location---especially in Europe. You do not want to be the one dragging that rolly bag or two over cobblestone streets. I had a friend who went to Europe for the first time and hated it. I truly think this was because she packed too much and had to move it from hotel to hotel.
It is such a freedom to have carryon only. Especially when you are transferring several flights or going from train to taxi to walking (once we had to walk several miles into town for the bus…never came)
Here are the bags each of my family members have
Packing list
I have a packing list I save on my phone to use each time I travel. Sure, I might add a few things each time but mostly it stays the same.
Here’s my list
2 pants
4 shirts
1 sweater
4 pairs of underwear
4 pairs of socks
Jacket
Brush
Toiletries
Pajamas
Phone
Charger
Passport
Journal
Biteguard
Outlet Adapter for Country you are going to
This is what I pack for a 4-day trip and for a one-month trip. Yep. Seriously.
Thankfully because of Airbnbs I am usually able to do a load or two of laundry, but I have also become very efficient at washing my clothes in the sink of hotels. I bring a small container of liquid laundry detergent in my toiletry bag and a quick YouTube search will show you how.
Rick Steves
Ever since that Sabbatical trip, we have started using Rick Steves’ guides for each trip. They give you a good overview of the cities you want to visit. Each year is up to date. He will even list places to eat when you exit a museum or where to find a bathroom (public bathrooms are hard to find in Europe and they will cost you around 2 euro cash)
These books help you plan connections, which hotels to stay in and what to prioritize to see if you just have one day, two or a week.
I buy an up to date copy each time I go on a trip, then tear out the chapters I am using to place in my purse. This way I am not lugging around a huge book with me and I “don’t look like a tourist.”
Of course, he has these books for every place but I have used
Speaking of PURSES
Women, you will want a crossbody purse. Over the shoulder or hobos are just too easy to steal from. Believe me. My family has been targeted on French and Italian metros. I keep my crossbody purse in front of me and sometimes, even zip my jacket up over the purse.
Here are a few good ones that I have used over the years. You want one that would be difficult to snip off you.
I like this one for I can still carry a small book/journal or even small water bottle inside
This one is for when I want to look a little more fashionable
Here is a cheap and cheerful option
Let me know if you have any more questions. I’ll try to add the answers here or create another post.