Jun 03 2008
Advice Sought!
Being a procrastinator, it is very odd for me to start thinking about packing my suitcase more than a month in advance of my departure. I typically pack at the last minute, having perfected my method of loading my clothes directly into my suitcase from the dryer. However, I am flying myriad budget airlines in Europe, and due to their luggage requirements, I can only take 20 kg with me! Usually this is not a problem, however my itinerary is a little “scattered.”
Let me set the scenario: four days in Vienna to see our lovely coworker Lydia sing in the opera (nice clothing required). Then off to Dubrovnik, Croatia for four weeks of intensive Croatian language class (swimsuit, dictionary, and trendy sunglasses required). Hopefully some weekend trips to Macedonia, Montenegro and some hiking in Bosnia-Herzegovina (hiking boots would probably be better than my Mary Janes). Then, I have to make my way to Stockholm, Sweden. Thanks to kayak.com I found that the cheapest way from Dubrovnik to Stockholm was via Tallinn on Estonian Air. I couldn’t pass up stopping in Tallinn for a weekend. (I am not really sure what will be required for this jaunt. From what I hear, a strong liver.) Then I am off to Stockholm. (I will probably need a sweater or two.) And finally, I will make my way home to Boston via Iceland. Past trips to Iceland have taught me to go to the Blue Lagoon on the way to catch my flight home. (Previous trips have also taught me to bring some sort of “leave-in-hair-conditioner,” or my hair will have a straw-like texture for about a week. One sample packet of Kiel’s conditioner is also required!)
So, does anyone have any amazing packing tips?? Please let me know! Also, please bear in mind that I tend to bring a lot of guidebooks and maps with me. It’s the nature of the business!
Also has anyone out there traveled from Dubrovnik to Lake Orhid in Macedonia? If so, how did you get there?
Read more: Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Iceland, Travel, Travel Advice, Travel Tips and ResourcesLisa can usually be found staring longingly at the Eastern European shelf at the Globe Corner Bookstore. However, she really wants to go to Colombia.
Lisa, first of all, you don’t need two sweaters, you can start with a very light wind breaker and a light weight fleece – the duo works together or separate for those days where there is “heavy mist” or rain. You should check out REI or Patagonia for some quick dry clothes (inside and out) – color coordinate everything so a one month stay in Europe was done with an overhead compartment bag (18″ in Europe) and a large purse or small bag that you can check because it will have liquids that you are not allowed in the cabin. I took a pair of beige linen pants, a pair of black ones, a jumper (dress) some scarves and some inexpensive fancy jewelry, a fancy pair of silver sandals, my running shoes (which were great for hiking), a pair of tights and a black jacket that went with all the outfits. Dinner in Paris with my parents friends and a trip to the opera – out came the black dress, jacket and jewelry. Hiking around some Roman ruins – out came the tights and running shoes, with the windbreaker because of rain. London was freezing, so I used the fleece and the windbreaker. You just end up washing clothes often – I planned for once every three or four days. For sight seeing, it was easy, all the pieces worked together with a couple of quick dry white blouses – long sleeves, short sleeves, no sleeve. Have fun.