How Dare He!!!

I mean...the nerve! In Part 2 of the Travel Series, I wanted to share with you the complete shock and awe of having CTD tell me that I would have to pack a CARRY ON for our 16 day trip to Europe. It is with great remorse that I (GULP)have to admit (hair-flip) that HE was (maybe, possibly) right. It was hard for me to know where to start. I am 5’11 and my pair of jeans is bigger than yours and my size 11 shoes take more space! That said, “Challenge Accepted!” 1. Pick a color theme: I chose BLACK for many reasons: the primary one being that it doesn’t show as many potential stains, dirt, wrinkles, etc... 2. Determine your needs: I knew we would have family and friend stops along the way, so I knew I needed a wide variety of outfits, but would also have access to laundry. 3. SHOES: They take space, but are critical...I chose to leave sandals behind and focus on 4 pair: black tennis shoes (that could go with anything), black flats, one pair of nice black shoes (I honestly only wore those once), and I wore black flat ankle boots on the plane (the biggest and heaviest pair saved for my feet!) 4. Enough undergarments for 7 days ( I packed these into a small packing cube)...These come in handy when jamming a bunch of things into a small space. 5. Black jeans, black pants, black skirt, blue jeans (because...color). 6. SEVERAL “tissue weight” tops for layering and color...These lay flat and can easily be rinsed out and hung to dry in a hotel bathroom. I brought a V-Neck black soft light sweater, and a grey one as well. https://www.target.com/p/women-s-long-sleeve-v-neck-pullover-sweater-prologue-153-black-xxl/-/A-53603006?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Women%2BShopping_Brand&adgroup=SC_Women&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=t&location=&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1241788&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkMXmpNyc5QIVmMVkCh2qiw84EAQYASABEgLyafD_BwE 7. Workout clothes: That said, you get plenty of walking in...but they feel good to throw on in the early morning and late at night 8. Jammies (I picked a thin pair that didn’t bulk up my suitcase). 9. A SMALL, flat cross-over purse that could fit minimum important cash, credit card and phone. 10. Most Important: I bought a large bag from Samsonite that fit onto my carry on. It had a back strap to slide over my carry-on handle and fit all of my bathroom stuff, meds, books (most on my iPad), and a purse! It also has a shoulder strap to carry if necessary. Mine was $69.99 at TJ Maxx. https://www.ebags.com/product/samsonite/encompass-womens-convertible-weekend-duffel/373091?productid=10751718&cat=travel-duffels&country=US&currency=USD&ebcpkey=keywords&couponid=94790994&sourceid=ADWPRODUCTH&adtype=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5KKBkN2c5QIVF73sCh0w0AbHEAQYDyABEgKzb_D_BwE Somehow I grew to realize, quite quickly, that CTD couldn’t carry both of our bags through trains, planes, and automobiles. When in Europe, trains happen. There are steps to get inside, and the thought of dragging a large bag on and off the trains would have been a nightmare. It limits the amount of shopping you can do, but honestly, most everything can be shipped. In Italy, there tended to be a bunch of junky trinkets, or high end stores like Prada... I am blessed with an Uncle who owns a leather store, so I usually save up for one really nice thing when we go. Of course, I made CTD jam that into HIS bag!! Happy Trails, CoffeeTalkMom