Getting Ready

(John) In just a week, we are headed to Europe! This will be my partner's second trip, his first being the traditional post high school backpacking tour. It's my first time outside North America.

To say I'm excited would be the ultimate in understatement. I have long wanted to "see the world" and it finally seems this wish is beginning to unfold. For the first time I am leaving North America.

Planning is half the fun of any vacation, and we have been planning and saving for more than two years. We have done copious amounts of reading and research. In that time, I have become a devoted disciple of the Back Door travel style promoted by Rick Steves on PBS. I travel light, actively, and close to the ground. No tour buses or groups for me. Hilton, Hyatt, and Sheraton are not on my list of hotels. We are staying in family run hotels, inns, and B&B's. The trip is 31 days long and covers five nations: England/Wales, Republic of Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany. Some highpoints: London, Bath, Dublin, Kinsale, the Rhein river, Rothenburg, Munich, Berlin, and Amsterdam. We are renting a car in Ireland and Wales. While on the continent, we are traveling exclusively by train - including London - Brussels through the Chunnel on the Eurostar train.

In order to stay mobile, we are limiting ourselves to one carry-on bag weighing 20 pounds or less. That must include all cameras, books, clothing, and other accessories.

Here is my packing list:

CLOTHING
1 pair khaki slacks, no wrinkle
2 pair zipper pants/shorts
2 seersucker short sleeve shirts
1 microfiber short sleeve shirt
1 striped long sleeve shirt
1 colored T shirt
1 Tank top
4 pairs of underwear
2 pairs of color socks
3 pairs of white socks
1 pair black walking shoes
1 pair black/white cross-trainers
1 pair sandals
1 black belt
1 pair workout shorts

TOILETRIES
1 Toothbrush w/cap
1 Small tube of toothpaste
Dr. Bronner's Liquid soap
Small First Aid kit (Band-Aids, ibuprofen, moleskin, etc)
Pepto Bismol tabs
Deodorant
Melatonin
Tiny sewing kit
Lip balm
Electric razor
Earplugs
Comb

ACCESSORIES
Plastic fork/knife & small tablecloth (for picnics)
Small LED flashlight/compass
Electric plug adapters
iPaq Pocket PC w/earphones & charger cord (itinerary, wireless internet, music, E-book, games, etc)
Money belt
International driver permit
Driver's license
Passport
Credit card
ATM card
My own pillowcase
Small daypack
Mini fan
Hotel confirmations
Train tickets
Theatre tickets
Digital movie camcorder w/extra battery and small charger
Select pages from guidebooks
10 Seattle postcards (to give as thank you gifts/notes)
2 tiny packets of SBC Coffee (again, to give as a gift from my hometown)

YES! all of that, including my backpack/rucksack (but excluding 1 outfit which I'll be wearing) weighs just 2o pounds! It's hard to believe I even got the mini-fan, tablecloth, and phrase book into the mix.