Packing light for 21 days...it can be done!
Let me start by saying that, as an Arizonan who is used to dry summers, packing was one of the most stressful parts of planning for our trip. We were due to arrive in mid-May and leave early June...that is a lot of time for some serious weather shifts during the trip. Not to mention, you try finding a heavier rain jacket in Arizona during April--not an easy task. Needless to say, we figured it all out!
Below is everything we brought. Looking back, there are a few things we wish we had brought. For more information on our weather experience, see the Italy page.
1. Hooded rain jackets--we had a lot of rain the first week or so. Although we bought an umbrella in Amsterdam, sometimes it was hard to use with the wind.
2. Dish gloves--washing clothes in a sink was a new experience for both of us. While it was totally do-able, some gloves would have helped as my hands felt like all the moisture had been sucked out of them after washing clothes.
3. Shorts/skirts--the first few weeks were cold, but by the time we hit Italy and France, we were in a heat wave! I wish I had brought a skirt or pair of shorts for those warm days.
Below is everything we brought. Looking back, there are a few things we wish we had brought. For more information on our weather experience, see the Italy page.
1. Hooded rain jackets--we had a lot of rain the first week or so. Although we bought an umbrella in Amsterdam, sometimes it was hard to use with the wind.
2. Dish gloves--washing clothes in a sink was a new experience for both of us. While it was totally do-able, some gloves would have helped as my hands felt like all the moisture had been sucked out of them after washing clothes.
3. Shorts/skirts--the first few weeks were cold, but by the time we hit Italy and France, we were in a heat wave! I wish I had brought a skirt or pair of shorts for those warm days.
Crystal's Carry-On
Kindle Phone Nikon D3300 with 2 lenses 2 camera batteries and charger Inflatable travel pillow Money belt |
Other Suitcase Items
Toothbrushes/toothpaste Shampoo/conditioner Body wash Razor (electric and regular) Ibuprofen/allergy pills Band-aids/Moleskin (a lifesaver!) Outlet adapters (2) Curling iron Contacts/glasses Rick Steves' clothes wash Ziploc bags (came in handy for snacks) |
David's Carry-On
iPad and charger Phone and charger Kindle and charger Rick Steves' books Money belt |