As you’ve read in this Blog, I have been traveling for many many years. I know how to pack. I don’t tend to over pack, but at times, I can pack an extra item or two. The airlines help in this regard, as there are weight limits on luggage that is checked (or registered). Most airlines have a 50 pound (23 kilo) limit. In some cases, when flying first class, or on some international flights, that limit stretches to 60 – 70 pounds (27 – 32 kilos).

So let’s look at that a little closer. As I’ve been a Platinum AAdvantage Frequent Flyer member for many years, whenever I’ve gone over 1-3 pounds, they let me go without an extra fee. And I’ve gone over a few times. So, based on the new policy I mentioned above, it appears that the airline has decided that letting some of us go over the weight limit has left money “on the table” (uncollected, as it were). So, I will definitely have to keep this in mind on my future trips.

And that brings me to the title of this Blog. I have an upcoming trip to Europe next month. It’s an organized tour with an American Tour Company. I fly into Madrid and join the tour there. We then board a tour bus and visit 17 cities in 15 days. We end in Barcelona where I will fly back to the USA. Initially, I will fly from Mexico to Dallas where I will board my flight to Spain. That will require a one night stay in Dallas, as the flights to Europe take off in the evening. On the return, I will also stay overnight in Dallas. So that stretches my entire trip to 17 days.

The tour company restricts me to one bag not exceeding 50 pounds (23 kilos). We are not permitted a roll-aboard bag, as there is no where to store it on the bus. We can carry a purse (handbag) and a backpack, which I will do. So that is my conundrum, how do I pack for 17 days in one suitcase. and still have room for the souvenirs I plan to purchase? Most of the overnight stays will be one day (in some cities, it’s 2). So doing laundry really won’t be an option.

This is definitely the trip where I should NOT overpack. I will have to carefully plan my daily (and in some cases, evening) attire. How many pairs of shoes do I really need? Shorts and/or skirts? Dresses? Jeans? (probably not, too hot!) The weather in Spain in July is terribly hot and humid. So it will likely be very similar to the weather here in Mexico. Having the right clothes will not be a challenge, for sure.

I have a 28″ (74 cm) hard-sided red suitcase with 8 wheels. It’s sturdy and the wheels are strong. I’ve used mostly soft-sided (nylon) luggage for years and years. My trusty roll-aboard bag is hardsided and I’ve had it for a few years now. I’m going to miss it on this European trip. I decided to buy this red hard-sided suitcase for it’s roominess and (hopefully) sturdiness. Now about actually packing, I have used packing cubes for quite some time. I can’t imagine traveling without them. It makes packing so much easier and organized. See picture below right:

So pictured above is what I will be using on this upcoming trip. I feel confident that I will be successful in packing “light” and getting everything that I will need into one suitcase. I will be creative by doing “sink laundry” when I can in my hotel room, making certain “underthings” disposable, and rewearing some items several times. Something to keep in mind: I cannot pack the maximum 50 pounds on the way to Europe as I will likely do some shopping while there and will need room for those new items.

The above three items are travel essentials. The Downy Wrinkle Release spray is readily found in the USA, in a drug store in the travel section. This spray also helps refresh clothes. The dryer sheets are found in the USA and Mexico. There are many varieties (brands) and scents in the USA. Place several in a zipper bag (“zip-loc”) and put a new one in your suitcase, your laundry bag, your shoe bag every couple of days. That reminds me, zipper bags (“zip-loc”) are always handy on a trip. Pack a few in different sizes, you’d be surprised how useful they will be. And lastly, a laundry bag is a must have, especially on a long trip. You need to be able to separate your dirty laundry from your clean clothes. Sure you can use any old plastic grocery bag. But for a long trip, I have found that a sturdy bag is necessary. The one pictured above is not too big and has a zipper (easily found on Amazon.com).

In summary, packing for 17 days in one suitcase will take planning and careful garment selection. I might have a favorite dress or blouse, but will it travel well? Will I be able to wear it more than once? More than twice? Shoes can take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I usually wear my bulky shoes on the plane, so they don’t take up space in my suitcase. That’s always a pair of sneakers. Then for this particular trip, I will be doing a lot of sightseeing and walking. So a good pair or two of walking sandals will be imperative. And that’s likely all I will have room for. I am confident and optimistic about packing for my upcoming trip. I will be organized, efficient and smart about packing. I can do it!