Ok, folks! I'm off on my big adventure to Paris! Everything is packed and ready (though I'm known to throw an armful of junk in at the last minute-resist!resist!) I try to be thoughtful in my packing - I don't want to lug a bunch of stuff around and I certainly need extra room to bring home souvenirs (lifetime supply of macarons anybody?) Thought you might like a peak into my suitcase - since you can't have a ride in it.
Carry-on: This is a great Vera Bradley bag with lots of pockets.
Clockwise from Left: One novel, noise cancelling headphones (Bose), travel journal, deck of cards, gum, magazines (my favorite travel reading), Emergen-C packets, toiletries, travel wallet, pouch with odds and ends (chapstick, tylenol, etc.) Oh, and I got a pedicure ;).
Suitcase: I'm taking one carry-on size bag. No checked baggage if I can help it!
Clockwise from Left: Guidebook and novel (I've since nixed the novel - one is enough!), underthings, granola bars, electrical stuff (chargers, international cell phone, etc.), PJs, pair of nice shoes for evenings, 2 easy dresses, 4 short sleeved shirts, 2 pairs of comfy-cute jeans (I'll wear one on the plane), walking shoes, toiletry case. Not pictured: black rain coat.
Here's how it all looks packed in. I added long sleeve shirt and a day purse at the last minute. I like to fold bigger pieces or things that get wrinkly and roll the rest.
And here's my travel outfit. I like to wear a jacket so I don't have to pack it. The black lump on the left is a nice corduroy blazer that looks chic with everything. Stretchy jeggings, a tee and my walking shoes make the whole outfit. Oh, and a pair of fuzzy socks I'll change into when it gets cold!
Getting through the airport is never fun but it doesn't have to be a hassle. I keep things like my toiletries and computer on the top or outside pockets so I can hurl those out the minute I get to security. My goal is never to hold up a line in an airport, so if that means taking my belt off and unlacing my shoes 5 minutes early, so be it. And it never hurts to smile at the security folks....
Bon Voyage, all! I'll try to update with some pics while I'm away.
