This is Linda, reporting to you from Texas where I just got back from a 66-day trip leading a series of Traveling Professor small group tours. We started on August 14 in Dublin Ireland with a small group tour. We then did 2 Scotland tours and finished up with 3 small ship Croatia cruises. In the middle of that, we did a short rest stop in Manchester, England.
On this trip, like all my trips, I will not check luggage. My suitcase is the eBags MotherLode Carry-On Rolling Duffel. I have used the same, durable bag for about 7 years. The quality is excellent, it packs more than you think it can, and it is versatile. It says something about a suitcase when I have taken it on over 100 trips in the last 7 years. My additional personal item that fits under the seat (and sometimes in the overhead) is so old that they don't make it anymore. But if I had to buy one, I would purchase the Eddie Bauer 30 L backpack. It is attractive, well-designed, rugged, and have a great warranty. I also take a small purse like this one with me.
Before we even get into what I actually pack for such a long trip to Europe, let's review a few things about packing:
- Don’t start packing on the day of departure. Start laying out items a few days ahead of time so you can decide what is important/not important.
- My most important tip: You are not leaving the planet. Purchasing anything needed or forgotten, i.e. clothing, toiletries, etc. isn’t a problem. I only do carry on, which means one overhead bag and one under the seat.
- I pack about 5-7 days worth of clothes. Some clothes I wear more than once before laundering. On the road, I either use the laundry service of the hotel or find a place that will launder my things. There is nothing like fresh clothes while traveling. There is no way I can pack 66 days worth of clothes nor do I want to carry around dirty clothes all over Europe.
Here is my packing list for ladies only:
These Items Go in My eBags MotherLode Carry-On Rolling Duffel:
- 5 pairs of pants: I like these Eddie Bauer pants. They are light. They don't wrinkle. They dry fast. They look good.
- 5 lightweight longsleeve t-shirts or mock turtleneck shirts
- 5 medium-weight longsleeve pullovers in different colors (black, blue, 2 shades of grey, green plaid.
- 1 heavier pullover, almost sweathshirt/sweater weight.
- 3 compression tights for under pants. I like wearing these under my Eddie Bauer pants especially during long flights. They are also good for the longer train rides we take on our trips).
- 8-10 pairs of underwear
- 5 bras.
- 8-10 pairs of socks.
- Sleeping clothes: XLT long sleeve t-shirt from Old Navy.
- 1 comfortable pair of shoes. These skechers are good for city walking and some light hiking we will do in Normandy and Norway. Of course I will wear another pair on the plane.
- Lightweight gloves.
- Bathing suit.
- Raincoat. We're going to be in Ireland, Scotland, Normandy, and Norway. Of course we need a raincoat!
- Colorful scarf. It's the best fashion accessory to bring on a trip.
- Walking stick. I like a lightweight packable walking stick like this one. Make sure it can fit into your bag.
- Cap and Hat.
These Items Go in My Personal Carry-On that Fits Under the Plane Seat or in the Overhead Bin:
What I Wear on the Plane
- Comfortable Shoes. Again, I like skechers.
- Of course I have pants, top, underwear, socks.
- Jacket. Even though we are traveling from Dallas, I will wear my heavier coat, suitable for temps in the 40's through 50's, because it would otherwise take up lots of space in my suitcase.
- Scarf
Packing light is the way to go. We travel to exciting destinations and we are on/off trains, ferries, planes, and busses, We travel with wonderful groups of women (many are solo travelers or have a travel partner) who like to see and do a lot of varied things. We have a wonderful time when we are not lugging tons and tons of luggage all over the place, but let's face it - we like to be comfortable and look good too.
Join me, Linda, on one of our Traveling Professor small group tours. We do wonderful small group tours, usually with about 8-16 travelers to exciting destinations. Solo and accompanied travelers are always on our trips and everyone is welcome.