Really enjoyed this read, and I’m eager to hear more about your trip soon! I like to think that the only things I really need are my phone, my ID, and my wallet - everything else is just extra. But then on a semester abroad, my purse was stolen. In one fell swoop, I lost my driver’s license (thankfully NOT my passport), my wallet, my phone, and all access to money. The thief chucked my ID on the ground with all the other stuff he didn’t find valuable. A woman found it in the street next to the business card of the man who ran the shelter I volunteered with. She delivered my ID to him and it was back in my hands within days. The people around me stepped forward with financial help, and I was able to make it through the last month of my semester abroad. I got a replacement phone, and had an amazing rest of my trip. So cheesy as it sounds, the thing I can’t travel without is kindness from other people!
Thanks for sharing your story -- traveling does make the world seem smaller, and one reason why is the kindness of people we meet on the journey. You've given me a good reminder to try and help when I can...
Sounds like a wonderful trip. I’ve been trying to pack less and it’s hard because of the “what if…” scenarios. I’d love to hear more about what you packed.
I hear you Deb -- those "what ifs" can quickly fill up the empty space of any suitcase. I try to remember that if I really need something I didn't bring a long -- well, I can purchase it there and it makes for a nice souvenir and memory of the trip. You asked what I packed: in addition to a whole lot of hiking gear, I packed 3 T-shirts, 1 long sleeve shirt, white jeans, blue jeans, 2 dresses, sandals, running shoes, white "court" shoes (which they're wearing with dresses in Europe at the moment), a pair of shorts, bathing suit, a zip-up fleece that I could use as a cardigan, and a long sweater that was a bit dressier. I also use "compression" travel bags to squeeze in a bit more space.
Thanks for the list, it helps. Do you use a backpack or a carryon? If a backpack, how big is it? I want to travel for a few months in Europe and am trying to get an idea of how I can compress my needs.
Sounds like a dreamy trip-I can't wait to hear more. I love the kindness thing, but be easy on yourself-you are very kind to me-and your cousins were probably on their best behavior (though I do think paid vacay and medical probably make it easier to be nice too!). One thing I've been slipping into my bag is a two clothespins-they help me clip the drapes completely closed in hotels. It's a small luxury & doesn't take up too much room in my bag.
I love the idea of two clothespins -- especially because it means you can also hang some of your items out to dry in countries like Italy where using clothes lines is the norm.
First of all, I am glad you are home safely! I am reading your piece while secluded in the mountains of British Columbia in a place Ron and I have never been before. Through all the little (and true first-world) annoyances, like card keys not getting us in where they're supposed to and the neighbor teenager taking a leak right off our back patio, I have tried to bring perspective. Being able to travel is a gift. Being ALIVE is a gift. And thanks for that tip about the battery pack!
Being able to travel is a gift! (And, being able to travel with friends even more so... :) ) I have to ask Shirley -- what is it with you and doors?? :) Also, don't forget those earplugs in case your travel partner snores.
Really enjoyed this read, and I’m eager to hear more about your trip soon! I like to think that the only things I really need are my phone, my ID, and my wallet - everything else is just extra. But then on a semester abroad, my purse was stolen. In one fell swoop, I lost my driver’s license (thankfully NOT my passport), my wallet, my phone, and all access to money. The thief chucked my ID on the ground with all the other stuff he didn’t find valuable. A woman found it in the street next to the business card of the man who ran the shelter I volunteered with. She delivered my ID to him and it was back in my hands within days. The people around me stepped forward with financial help, and I was able to make it through the last month of my semester abroad. I got a replacement phone, and had an amazing rest of my trip. So cheesy as it sounds, the thing I can’t travel without is kindness from other people!
Thanks for sharing your story -- traveling does make the world seem smaller, and one reason why is the kindness of people we meet on the journey. You've given me a good reminder to try and help when I can...
Sounds like a wonderful trip. I’ve been trying to pack less and it’s hard because of the “what if…” scenarios. I’d love to hear more about what you packed.
I hear you Deb -- those "what ifs" can quickly fill up the empty space of any suitcase. I try to remember that if I really need something I didn't bring a long -- well, I can purchase it there and it makes for a nice souvenir and memory of the trip. You asked what I packed: in addition to a whole lot of hiking gear, I packed 3 T-shirts, 1 long sleeve shirt, white jeans, blue jeans, 2 dresses, sandals, running shoes, white "court" shoes (which they're wearing with dresses in Europe at the moment), a pair of shorts, bathing suit, a zip-up fleece that I could use as a cardigan, and a long sweater that was a bit dressier. I also use "compression" travel bags to squeeze in a bit more space.
Thanks for the list, it helps. Do you use a backpack or a carryon? If a backpack, how big is it? I want to travel for a few months in Europe and am trying to get an idea of how I can compress my needs.
Sounds like a dreamy trip-I can't wait to hear more. I love the kindness thing, but be easy on yourself-you are very kind to me-and your cousins were probably on their best behavior (though I do think paid vacay and medical probably make it easier to be nice too!). One thing I've been slipping into my bag is a two clothespins-they help me clip the drapes completely closed in hotels. It's a small luxury & doesn't take up too much room in my bag.
I love the idea of two clothespins -- especially because it means you can also hang some of your items out to dry in countries like Italy where using clothes lines is the norm.
First of all, I am glad you are home safely! I am reading your piece while secluded in the mountains of British Columbia in a place Ron and I have never been before. Through all the little (and true first-world) annoyances, like card keys not getting us in where they're supposed to and the neighbor teenager taking a leak right off our back patio, I have tried to bring perspective. Being able to travel is a gift. Being ALIVE is a gift. And thanks for that tip about the battery pack!
Being able to travel is a gift! (And, being able to travel with friends even more so... :) ) I have to ask Shirley -- what is it with you and doors?? :) Also, don't forget those earplugs in case your travel partner snores.