Let’s talk about packing! (part 1 of 2)

This is part 1 of a 2 part blog on packing.  This first part details my packing strategy for a trip abroad.  I’ll post part 2 in a couple weeks when I am actually packing for Europe with lots of pictures and more details.

Packing for a family trip to Europe can seem daunting.  I have a tendency to over pack.  However, I have learned this is a huge mistake.  Too much stuff weighs you down both physically and metaphorically.  I have found when moving from hotel to apartment to hotel, the stuff becomes really burdensome.   In Europe, you are inevitably going to run into cobblestones and stairs making carrying all that stuff cumbersome.  So, I am committed to one suitcase total for myself and kids, plus one substantial carry-on for myself, plus a small carry-on backpack for each of the kids.  My husband, who doesn’t always travel with us, would have his own small roller bag (small enough to carry-on if he chose to) as well.  Here’s my strategy:

I have one roller suitcase by TravelPro that measures about 25″ x 18″ in the main compartment.   It is small enough that my bag has never been overweight at check in.  I use packing cubes by Dot&Dot.  I chose the Dot&Dot cubes because the dimensions seemed to fit my suitcase the best.  There are TONS of different packing cubes out there.   My advice is to measure your suitcase to determine which ones fit best.  I have a selection of slim and medium sized Dot&Dot cubes color coded by person.  Each of us gets two medium cubes, and two slim cubes.  This leaves some extra space in my suitcase for odds and ends.  The Dot&Dot cubes have a see through mesh compartment which is great because I can never remember what is in each cube.  The cubes make it easy to pull out what you need while keeping organized and allowing for an easy re-pack of the bag.   I always pack a couple empty gallon sized Ziploc bags for packing up wet swimsuits or clothing and a couple kitchen sized trash bags to hold dirty clothes.

 

I allow myself a pretty substantial carry-on.  Flights to and from Europe are long.  My kids typically eat a lot on the flight and like activities to keep busy.  I find they can only watch movies for so long,  and they need more mental stimulation than that.  So, I am using the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L bag as my carry-on.  I love that it can be carried as a backpack, cross body, over the shoulder or loop over my roller suitcase handle.  It has lots of compartments to help me stay organized too.  I try not to pack it too full or heavy.  It includes all our travel documents, a book for me, headphones, battery chargers, camera, sunglasses, inflatable neck pillow, emergency medicine, water bottle, sanitizing wipes and lots and lots of healthy and not so healthy exciting snacks.  Snacks get us through and most of it gets eaten on the flight so my bag ends up lighter and smaller when we land!  I also try to pack one change of clothes for myself and kids in the carry-on just in case we have travel delays or our luggage gets lost.  This change of clothes is super light weight and rolled into the bottom of my carry-on (I might use a packing cube).

My 8 year old uses a Pottery Barn Kids roller suitcase for his carry-on.  My 5 year old does not manage a rolling suitcase very well, so he uses a traditional back pack, again from Pottery Barn Kids.  We have to be extra careful to keep his light or mom ends up having to carry it.    I let the kids pack their own carry-on and then we inspect it together to see what we can get rid of.  Again, trying very hard not to over pack.  The boys share one mini IPad, colored pencils,  markers, a deck of cards,  and uno.  I like to surprise each kid with some fun sticker books, and a new book to read.  Each kids has a journal to sketch and write in throughout the trip.

As far as shoes go, we wear our sturdiest sneakers on the plane and each of us packs a lightweight pair of flip flops, and a lightweight slip on sneaker/shoe.   All fit in the slim outside pocket of my TravelPro roller suitcase.  Recently, I had  been searching for a comfortable, lightweight fashionable sneaker that I could wear with a dress, pants or shorts.  I stumbled upon Plae shoes for adults when I was picking up a pair for my 5 year old.  He loves his Plae sneakers, so I was excited to see they have adult shoes as well.  I got the Prospect shoe in blush and I am loving it.  Super comfy, light, goes with anything and I’ve gotten tons of compliments on them.

In the end toiletries really add a lot of bulk and weight to my roller suitcase.  The kids share a small toiletry bag with toothpaste, toothbrush, and medication.  I have a medium sized toiletry bag.  I limit makeup to the essentials.  I pack one small bottle of shampoo for the family and disposable packets of conditioner that I make last for 3-5 washes.   I pack a travel hairdryer and a travel flat iron along with the necessary plugs and converters.

We leave June 1, so look for part 2 of this packing blog on or around May 31st!