I'm just one sleep from waving farewell to Louisville at the bus station and starting my long journey to get to my long journey. For anyone just now tuning in, I am spending 90 days traveling around different European countries by myself. I have a very, very basic itinerary, a Euro Railpass, and whatever fits into my backpacker's pack. During my three months traveling around Europe I'll need a variety of clothing options. Chilly days are still a threat even in the middle of summer.
The closest I've come to needing to prepare for a trip of this magnitude was my month adventure around South Africa in 2008. I spent 4 weeks split between road tripping along the Garden Route and studying abroad with a group from my university, learning about local Wildlife Management practices.
Last summer, Rachel and I had the luxury of an entire car's worth of space to cram in everything we could possibly hope to never need and then some. We had an entire bin full of our clothes. Another, even larger, with nearly all the food we'd eat the entire trip. Thanks, Sam's Club! Not to mention, camping gear, computers, our letter writing box, gifts we bought along the way, etc. I honestly think at one point we just walked around my house in New Mexico grabbing whatever we wanted to toss in. SO MUCH SPACE!
Both trips, I surely over packed, but we went everywhere by rental car or vans, so I didn't really have to lug everything around regularly. For this trip everything needs to fit onto my Gregory backpack. I'm unfortunately not sure of the model or even size. I bought it a few years ago at a local shop's sale and did very little research (other than asking the sales man which fit me best). I've used it a few times and had no complaints.
I'll have to report back at the end of my trip on the quality of my packing choices, so by no means is this current list a recommendation of any sorts. I did however check out several other travel bloggers for inspiration: Her Packing List, A Dangerous Business, Travel Fashion Girl. Luckily, since I am so used to packing for research/camping related trips, I am not disappointed by the lack of space for super cute clothes.
Without much further adieu, here is what is coming with me in my Gregory backpack for three months and an unknown number of countries across Europe!
Clothing
Toiletries
The entire time I was organizing and making/moving piles around in my room it seemed like I was packing SO MUCH. But now that I've gotten everything in my big pack and day pack, I have extra space in both! And it'll lighten as I use things and give away a few shirts. I consulted a few trusted friends and you'll notice that several item did NOT make the final cut. Others I just added moments ago.
I'm also bringing the book I'm nearly finished with, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, on the bus so I can get that finished and sent off to Rachel. We started it together last summer during our travels and I've been hogging it! Also an extra envelope and some paper because I owe a letter to one of my pen pals (and previous CouchSurfing host!).
Question of the Day:
What do you think of my packing job? Should I chuck anything out? Did I forget anything? You've got 2 days!
As a sidenote, the majority of my future blog posts will be typed/posted from my iPad. The blogging app has improved lots, but still doesn't lend itself for much in the way of photo arrangement. I'm also not sure if there's a spell check. I'm secretly a horrid speller. Hope you can excuse some less than perfect posts. I'll be going back and prettying them up as I am able. I appreciate you, gentle reader!
 |
| Flight between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. That may or may not be ketchup wrapped in plastic for my scared vegetarian in Africa ways. |
Last summer, Rachel and I had the luxury of an entire car's worth of space to cram in everything we could possibly hope to never need and then some. We had an entire bin full of our clothes. Another, even larger, with nearly all the food we'd eat the entire trip. Thanks, Sam's Club! Not to mention, camping gear, computers, our letter writing box, gifts we bought along the way, etc. I honestly think at one point we just walked around my house in New Mexico grabbing whatever we wanted to toss in. SO MUCH SPACE!
Both trips, I surely over packed, but we went everywhere by rental car or vans, so I didn't really have to lug everything around regularly. For this trip everything needs to fit onto my Gregory backpack. I'm unfortunately not sure of the model or even size. I bought it a few years ago at a local shop's sale and did very little research (other than asking the sales man which fit me best). I've used it a few times and had no complaints.
I'll have to report back at the end of my trip on the quality of my packing choices, so by no means is this current list a recommendation of any sorts. I did however check out several other travel bloggers for inspiration: Her Packing List, A Dangerous Business, Travel Fashion Girl. Luckily, since I am so used to packing for research/camping related trips, I am not disappointed by the lack of space for super cute clothes.
Without much further adieu, here is what is coming with me in my Gregory backpack for three months and an unknown number of countries across Europe!
 |
| I've already removed a pair of shorts from this original selection. What else won't make the cut? |
- 2 bras - black/nude
- 1 sports bra
- 6 undies
- 2 pairs wool socks
- 1 pair jeans
- 1 pair zip-off hiking pants
- 3 shorts (1 for sleeping & hiking)
- 5 tshirts (+3 for passing out to Gold Star Hosts)
- 1 tanktop
- 1 button up flannel (my token Adventure Shirt!)
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 handkerchief
- 1 leggings
- 1 sweatshirt
- 1 monokini
- 1 dress
- 1 cardigan
- 1 pair base layers - leggings and undershirt
- 1 pair gloves and warm hat
Shoes
- hiking shoes
- chacos
- extra shoe laces
 |
| I told myself that makeup was the last thing to go into my toiletries bag IF there was room. There was! This is all I'm taking. Already don't wear makeup daily, but I like options. |
- ipad (and keyboard)
- camera
- water purifier
- chargers
- dry sack
compression sackscamping stovemess kit (full or 1/2?)- pen & sharpie
- money belt (mostly for organization)
- wallet
- nalgene, insert, and cover
- travel tea things
- sleeping bag
- tent
(backpacking style) sleeping pad?- travel towel
- head lamps
- sun glasses
- deck of cards
- lock
- leatherman
- REI green day sack
- First Aid Kit
- Nifty Business Cards
- Plug adapter
- French and German phrasebooks
- headphones
 |
| This is slightly smaller than a TicTac box. All my hair do-dads. Hair ties, bobby pins, and 2 clips. |
- toothbrush
- Dr. Bronners
- diva cup
razor?- make up
- hair things
- wet wipes
- mini hair brush
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Contacts and solution
- Glasses and case
- passport
- flight itinerary
- bank statement
- travel insurance papers
- Railpass
- SCUBA cert papers
- Kentucky for Kentucky and WHY Louisville Stickers (also for Gold Star Hosts/New Friends)
 |
| My two bags all ready to go! |
I'm also bringing the book I'm nearly finished with, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, on the bus so I can get that finished and sent off to Rachel. We started it together last summer during our travels and I've been hogging it! Also an extra envelope and some paper because I owe a letter to one of my pen pals (and previous CouchSurfing host!).
Question of the Day:
What do you think of my packing job? Should I chuck anything out? Did I forget anything? You've got 2 days!
As a sidenote, the majority of my future blog posts will be typed/posted from my iPad. The blogging app has improved lots, but still doesn't lend itself for much in the way of photo arrangement. I'm also not sure if there's a spell check. I'm secretly a horrid speller. Hope you can excuse some less than perfect posts. I'll be going back and prettying them up as I am able. I appreciate you, gentle reader!
No comments:
Post a Comment