Packing within limits
With all the planning for a 20-day trip, one of the hardest things to plan has been what to pack!
Airline requirements on baggage have become an issue on very short trips, so you can imagine what it must be like for overseas flights! This is another item that can be researched online and we found that United would not charge us extra if we each check a bag no larger than 62 linear inches (measure around the perimeter edges) and weighing no more than 50 pounds. An additional bag would be $50 at airport check-in or $45 if checking in online. Overweight baggage can cost as much as $200, so packing just one 50-pound bag each was our goal.
We researched temperatures in some of the larger ports and came to the conclusion that it will probably be a little cooler than it is here. Of course we know that the weather couldn’t possibly be any more erratic than Oklahoma weather — in the last 48 hours temperatures have ranged 40 degrees with rain, hail, and devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma. We have been warned, however, to be prepared for rain. So here are the basics in my 38-pound bag:
Rain gear: that means rain jacket or poncho and what about an umbrella? Friends who have been there said umbrellas are inexpensive, to save that packing space for other things.
Shoes: good comfortable walking shoes are a must, of course. We shopped for leather shoes with good support and soles. I ended up with a pair that are sandals, and of course, the rain will play havoc with those, so I’ve packed a pair of tennis shoes as well. Because our cruise doesn’t have required formal nights, I’m not taking dressy heels, just some dressier sandals. And of course, a vacation requires flip-flops.
Clothes: pants of preference would be capris and I’ve included several pairs in denim and in cotton. I have also included regular full-length pants in standard colors — black, white, tan. Coordinating colors in shirts and tops will allow them to go with any of the pants. A couple of the tops are dressier for evening dinners, but I was happy to put the dresses away. Adding in lingerie, a cardigan sweater, a jacket, and of course, some jewelry pretty well completes my packing, right?
Unfortunately, the weight in my bag probably comes more from all the other things: cosmetics and haircare products. Travel-size products are a great plan — I can toss the container when empty and have extra space for bringing home those wonderful Italian trinkets. I also made sure to include prescription medications, those that I take daily and a few for just-in-case situations.
Yea! My bag is packed!!
One bag, fully packed for 20 days
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