backpacking...how will it all fit?

On rainy day I am dreaming of vacation, hence today's post.

Scenario: You’re travelling to Europe for a month. To save money you have decided not to check a bag and use only a backpack during your trip. Easy-peasy, right? Not really. In fact, a summery weekend away to Breck wouldn’t even be easy.  Here are some helpful hints. I am not going to highlight everything. Please, you should know to bring travel size shampoo. But here are some tips that are beneficial and actually work. 

-First of all, buy a good backpack. And even if it’s dorky, you may want that sucker to have wheels. (Unless you enjoy back cramps, because let’s face it, that baby’s gonna be full!) Also, purchase a backpack that fully unzips. Stuffing your wardrobe through a hole at the top of your bag will be a nightmare.  Open wide, backpack!

-While you are at it, purchase some packing cubes. You’re going to need organization. Organization = Sanity.

-A versatile sweater, cardigan, or pull over. The weather makes no promises and packing a slew of different options won’t work out in this scenario. Go with something black and simple that will match every outfit you have planned. And research the area you're visiting. Meaning, you are touring England, get a slicker.

-A comfortable and yes, versatileshoe. If you are saving money by bringing only a backpack, something tells me you will be saving money by primarily walking. (Which is awesome, walking is where you see a city!) Having a nice comfortable shoe that you can walk in and wear often will save you SO much space. Again, SO much space.

-Bring dryer sheets. When your clothes start to reek, slip one of those bad boys into your previously purchased packing cubes. Aww, now you smell cotton clean fresh.

-Piggy backing off the last tip, dry detergent will save you in a bind. As in, the only pair of jeans you packed has stretched out to be twice their original size. Throw a little detergent in the sink, scrub those puppies down, hang them out the window to dry, and ta da…They fit again. (And obviously, now they are clean.) This also works super well for underwear which may the only garment you don’t wear five days in a row.

-Think about bringing a quick dry towel. Before you make this purchase, check the accommodations of where you are staying. Maybe they have towels waiting, maybe that still doesn’t make you feel comfortable. Maybe you plan on swimming in the sea. I don’t know your plans. But I do know that these towels ring out easily and dry very quickly. If you think you need it, bring it.

-Umm Advil. Or whatever you plan to do to fight your inevitable hangovers and make it easily accessible. You’re only backpacking for so many days. Don’t waste them laying in a twin bed in Dublin (without air conditioning) fighting off a headache or stomachache or a mixture of the two! Obviously this packing item doesn’t have to just coincide with drinking… pack your necessary meds! It’s not on your itinerary to trek all over town searching for it.

-Bring a black or white t-shirt that you still feel attractive in. This one article of clothing can mix and match all sorts of ensembles. It should be a staple item on your packing list.

-Don’t bring athletic shorts (especially brightly colored ones). You can hike just as easily in jean shorts (wear them multiple times!) and the Europeans won’t give you an up-down while you're sporting them.

That’s it. You got it. Just remember that this trip isn’t a “best dressed” contest, it’s your chance to immerse in a new culture, drink a shit ton of good beer, and of course, see the world! No matter your attire, it will be a great time. Now get there and rock your simple black V-neck tee for two weeks straight!