Travel light for one month: the challenge!

My colleague Ruth is SO good at packing light!  I can only dream of being as efficient as she is. You can read about her packing in her blog.  I don't like washing out clothes on a daily basis, and need a bit more space, so I will be taking one carry on suitcase (max. dimensions are 45" for length, height and depth combined), along with one personal item, a messenger bag. I have found that I have plenty of space to account for souvenirs with this system.  You could also consider a larger backpack, messenger bag, or duffel bag for your carry on suitcase, and a smaller backpack or purse as your personal item.  However, you cannot have a purse AND a personal item, so be sure your purse can fit into it!

When we are traveling in small airplanes, my suitcase may be need to be gate-checked (read: probably not lost). Sometimes this is impossible, and it is checked through to the final destination (read: possibly lost).  Therefore, it is imperative that I have one full change of clothes and a toothbrush in my personal item, my messenger bag, just in case.  I learned this one the hard way and spent two days in Philadelphia with only my backpack (no change of clothes, no toothbrush).  I swore that would never happen again, as it was quite uncomfortable.  I put my change of clothes into a Ziploc bag and squeeze the air out so it can slide into my messenger bag easily.  Travel within Europe limits you to one item, and as we will not be in one location long enough for a lost checked bag to find us, plan on taking your personal item as your only bag for the week we spend traveling in Vienna and Prague.  Again, make sure that your purse, if you are taking one, fits into this bag.

Pack only what you really need, then see what can be removed if it doesn't fit in a carry on bag!

Your personal item (fits under the seat in front of you) should include:

• one full change of clothes (pants, shirt, underclothes, socks), compressed in a Ziploc bag or packing envelope.
• toiletries (carry on in 1- qt. plastic bag-no container over 3 oz if liquid)
• any medications you might need
• personal electronics (I advise against a computer.  They are too heavy, fragile and unnecessary.)
• charging cords and adapters, both European  and British.  Note: the voltage in England, Austria and the Czech Republic is the same: AC 230V.  In the US we have AC 110.
• http://www.travel-adaptor.com/countries/travel-adaptor-plugs/Austria.php
• http://www.amazon.com/Adapter-America-Kingdom-Grounded-Polarized/dp/B000BMC5OQ
• Here is an example of an all-in-one adaptor set: http://www.amazon.com/International-Qualcomm-Charger-Interchangeable-Reversible/dp/B01AXP24X2/ref=sr_1_9?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1454595062&sr=8-9&keywords=travel+adaptor+set+europe+uk  
• passport
• wallet
  (Have at least a bit of money in Pounds and Euros.  Use your ATM card to get additional money, but do not forget to notify your bank and all credit card companies or your accounts will be frozen!)
• pen (needed in flight for customs forms, and in class once we get there)
• journal for writing in when we have no access to computers
• smartphone (be sure to speak with your provider to be sure it will work and that you have an appropriate data plan)
• camera, if bringing one (remember, phones can be used as cameras)
• sunglasses/extra glasses/contacts
• scarf (for men and women) for extra warmth in the airplane and on cooler days
• umbrella/waterproof raincoat with hood (One is REQUIRED, both recommended)
• downloaded readings or a print out of them, if you prefer
• SNACKS! Protein (nuts and protein bars), dried fruit, and chocolate travel well and are most satisfying if we have a longer delay.  Taking snacks allows you to avoid exorbitant airport prices for food.
• Collapsible water bottle, which you can fill after you pass through the security checks.  This will allow you to avoid exorbitant airport prices for bottled water.

Your carry-on suitcase (or larger backpack/messenger bag/duffel bag) should include:

• Clothes: No more than 1 week's worth of clothing is needed, and everything should match with everything for maximum flexibility. Be sure to be able to layer for warmer or cooler days. In addition to the clothes you wear, which should be the heaviest/bulkiest:

• 1-2 pants
• 4-6 shirts (mix short and long sleeve)
• 2-4 socks (up to 7 if you have additional space)
• 2-4 underclothes (up to 7 if you have additional space)
• 1 item of sleepwear
• 1 sweater/pullover (to use as light jacket or as a layer for cool days)
• sturdy & comfortable walking shoes
• shower shoes (flip-flops) are a necessity in hostels

• a photocopy of your passport information
• laundry powder in a sandwich/snack bag for sink washing while away from Harlaxton (which has lovely washing facilities)
• lock for backpack locker in hostels
• quick-dry towel/washcloth

Note what is NOT on this list:

• NO electric small appliances (hairdryer, straightener, electric razor, etc.) - They explode, smoke, and melt when used on the different voltage.  If you must have one, then you will need a converter (not adapter), and it will not operate the way you are used to (slower, hotter) and it still might explode.  A converter converts the electricity supply of the country into what the small appliance needs.  Do not confuse an adapter for a converter!


• No large bottles of liquid products (shampoo, body wash, etc.).  They have wonderful drug stores in town, and you can enjoy visiting them.  You will need small containers (no more than 3 oz/100 gr) for travel to Vienna and Prague.


• No knives/sharp objects (see airline restrictions)

If you are interested in the different types of electricity in other countries, and what the markings on devices means, this site gives a good explanation of them, along with a listing of most countries and
what their adapters look like: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/the-ultimate-electricity-guide-for-world-travelers/.