Packing in Pieces part 1

There are a few things I can prep in advance so that packing isn't overwhelming the night before departure. Packing ahead also means that there is still time to pick something up if needed. Today's prepack is my 'bathroom bag' or toiletry kit. A lot of European hotels don't provide sundries, you'll have to pack your own.

Counter space in European hotels is minimal so I take a bag that has divided sections and has a hook for hanging somewhere - towel rack, closet, shower curtain rod..... It zips shut and has a plastic lining so if anything leaks during the flight everything else in my suitcase stays clean. I've traveled enough to know about how much of everything I need for three weeks. Monique started using a 3 ounce bottle of shampoo this week so she can calculate how much she'll need for the whole trip. Avoid packing a big 24+ ounce bottle of something. It's more than you need, takes up a lot of space and is heavy! Remember that you are limited to no more than 50 pounds in your checked bag.

So, here's what's in my kit: shampoo, conditioner, contact solution, extra contact lenses, lotion, antiperspirant, shower gel, razor, toothbrush & toothpaste, floss, Blistex, nail clippers, tweezers, safety pins, make-up, comb, brush, hair ties/clips and Downy wrinkle release!

Packing

Packing Checklist

PASSPORT!!! – Have it with you!!! Keep it Safe!!!

TRAVELER JOURNAL – your little white binder

CREDIT/ATM CARD, MONEY YOU EXCHANGED

NAME TAGS ON ALL LUGGAGE: make them bright & easy to spot

CARRY ON TO INCLUDE: Anything you can’t live without for a day

TOILETRIES – All liquids 3oz. or less in a small baggie on top…

      soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, hand sanitizer, contact stuff, your beauty stuff

MEDICATIONS/MINI FIRST AID KIT – pain reliever, prescriptions (in original container), allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, antibiotic, etc. 

CAMERA – Extra memory card, charger or batteries, (film?)

STUFF – glasses, sunglasses, MP3, chargers/cords, books, cards (for layovers), etc.

ALL VALUABLES – don’t pack anything in your suitcase that might be stolen – bring it with you! (Cash especially)

ONE CHANGE OF CLOTHES – including underwear (just in case suitcase is delayed or lost)

MUNCHIES – water bottle, snacks, gum…..

       SUITCASE – Label inside and out. Tuck a copy of the itinerary inside.

CLOTHING FOR HOT & COOL WEATHER: long pants (1-2), long sleeved shirt (1), shorts (2), short sleeved shirts (6), jacket (1), umbrella?, (choose lightweight - fast drying!)

COMFORTABLE SHOES: with socks - break in well before we leave!!!

UNDERWEAR: at least 6 pair

ONE DRESSIER OUTFIT: for the theatre (shoes to match?)

BELTS, SWIMMING SUIT, HAT

PERSONALS: shampoo, soap, deodorant, makeup, feminine hygiene, replacement meds
CONVERTER/ADAPTORS & CHARGERS – if you bring any electronics you will need these!

PLASTIC BAG FOR WET ITEMS (or plasticized section in luggage) 

LAUNDRY DETERGENT (close securely), CLOTHES LINE, SINK STOPPER

GUM & SNACKS

FANNY PACK/BACK PACK: purses & wallets are easier to snatch. You could make your carry-on your back pack… just transfer everything to your suitcase once you get to the hotel then put your day items in the pack.

PACK LIGHT! You must carry what you take & leave room for souvenirs!

ON TIME TO THE AIRPORT (Absolutely 2½ - 3 hours prior)

Packing Guidelines

o    MONEY - cards and cash where only you can get at them and on your body all the time

o    ONE - Suitcase, duffel or backpack (24” or smaller)

o    ONE  - Carry on – bring everything you can’t live without in your backpack.  If your luggage is lost you’ll want documents, money/cards, toiletries, personals, medications and one outfit with you.

o    PACK LIGHT – You’ll carry what you bring!  (Pack a few days early then walk around the block a few times.  It will make you want to leave things home!)

o    RETHINK BLOW DRYERS & OTHER HAIR EQUIPMENT – They take up space, can be heavy, and the wattage is often too high even with a converter.

o    BRING small packets of Kleenex to carry with you. Some public toilets don’t have toilet paper and some will charge you for it!

o    DRESS MODESTLY when going to the Vatican & other churches.  You will not be allowed in St. Peter’s or other religious buildings if knees and shoulders are showing.  Wear long pants and shirts with a sleeve. (Girls, you can wear a skirt that goes below the knee.)

o    DRESS INCONSPICUOUSLY – Animosity is a problem in some countries right now.  To avoid problems don’t take fancy, flashy, colorful clothes that stand out as American.  Europeans usually wear dark colors.

o    HEAVY things should be packed in the bottom of your suitcase.  Stuff your shoes (w/socks, underwear, jewelry,…) so they don’t waste space.

o    SUITCASES are scanned and searched at the airport.  Keep your most valuable things with you.  Only TSA locks are allowed on cases during the flights.

o   PACK AND LOCK – everyday before you leave the hotel!!! Housekeeping is notorious for sticky fingers and management is usually not very helpful about it. 

Flights

EF has sent the flight information

REMEMBER YOU MUST BE AT THE AIRPORT 3 HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE!

Itinerary A (38 Traveler(s) - THIS IS THE MAIN GROUP OF TRAVELERS

	Date	Time	City(Airport)	Flight/Transportation	Additional Flight Info			Paper/E-Ticket
Depart
	6/14/2018	1:50 PM	Salt Lake	American Airlines				E
	6/14/2018	5:28 PM	Dallas (DFW)	Flight# 1006
	6/14/2018	7:15 PM	Dallas (DFW)	American Airlines				E
	6/15/2018	10:25 AM	London (Heathrow)	Flight# 0078
	6/29/2018	12:05 PM	Rome	Iberia				E
	6/29/2018	2:40 PM	Madrid	Flight# 3231
Return
	7/2/2018	12:30 PM	Madrid	American Airlines				E
	7/2/2018	3:45 PM	Charlotte	Flight# 0749
	7/2/2018	8:14 PM	Charlotte	American Airlines				E
	7/2/2018	10:40 PM	Salt Lake	Flight# 0509

Additional Confirmation Numbers:

Itinerary B (2 Traveler(s) WENDY AND MONIQUE

	Date	Time	City(Airport)	Flight/Transportation	Additional Flight Info			Paper/E-Ticket
Depart
	6/7/2018	7:00 AM	Salt Lake	American Airlines
	6/7/2018	7:41 AM	Phoenix	Flight# 1065
	6/7/2018	8:48 AM	Phoenix	American Airlines
	6/7/2018	4:34 PM	Philadelphia	Flight# 0854
	6/7/2018	7:05 PM	Philadelphia	American Airlines
	6/8/2018	7:05 AM	Glasgow	Flight# 0024
	6/29/2018	12:05 PM	Rome	Iberia
	6/29/2018	2:40 PM	Madrid	Flight# 3231
Return
	7/2/2018	12:30 PM	Madrid	American Airlines
	7/2/2018	3:45 PM	Charlotte	Flight# 0749
	7/2/2018	8:14 PM	Charlotte	American Airlines
	7/2/2018	10:40 PM	Salt Lake	Flight# 0509

Additional Confirmation Numbers:

Itinerary C (2 Traveler(s) MAX AND OLIVIA

	Date	Time	City(Airport)	Flight/Transportation	Additional Flight Info			Paper/E-Ticket
Depart
	6/14/2018	2:25 PM	Salt Lake	Delta Air Lines
	6/14/2018	8:48 PM	New York (JFK)	Flight# 0802
	6/14/2018	10:00 PM	New York (JFK)	Delta Air Lines	OPERATED BY VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS
	6/15/2018	10:15 AM	London (Heathrow)	Flight# 4359
	6/29/2018	12:05 PM	Rome	Iberia
	6/29/2018	2:40 PM	Madrid	Flight# 3231
Return
	7/6/2018	10:30 AM	Amsterdam	Delta Air Lines
	7/6/2018	12:28 PM	Minneapolis	Flight# 0161
	7/6/2018	2:30 PM	Minneapolis	Delta Air Lines
	7/6/2018	4:15 PM	Salt Lake	Flight# 0829

Additional Confirmation Numbers: 

64 days!

We had a good meeting learning about how to avoid pickpockets and about Madrid but the most important thing was learning how to post for group pictures.

Remember - squish in, get on various levels so we can see everyone (if you can see me, I can see you), and smile!