Did I mention packing for the trip? I think I just about got everything I needed: Umbrella, outer jacket (weatherproof), inner jacket (fleece), long pants, socks, long-sleeved shirts, and one pair of shoes. Someone once asked me how I could travel for two weeks out of a piece of carry-on luggage. The answer is quite simply: necessity and laundramats. My mother will attest to our one trip to the UK carrying oversized American luggage up several flights of stairs, through city traffic, onto subways… it wasn’t a pretty sight. From that point on, it’s been a mission of mine to pack light. I did laundry twice while in the UK – once at Greg’s and once in the Lakes. Neither took much time (and thanks to Greg and Kim/Sarn and Neil for their folding abilities!).
I had originally planned to take the Rick Steve’s backpack/carryon – but after attempting to pack what I’d need and trying it on… I looked a bit like an ant carrying a boulder. And, I’m not as young as I once was – I didn’t want to throw my back out on my trip!
Here are the two things similar to what I ended up taking:
The carry on held five days worth of clothes and my fleece jacket. The shoulder bag carried my outer jacket, books, papers, umbrella, and camera. Here I should note that the carry on is made by Skyway. Mine is a much older version, but it has held up over 3-4 of my overseas trips (and believe me, my bags come back BULGING). It also has a nice option of the horizontal or vertical carry handle. The tote handle pops out easily and has never fouled up on me.
The Eddie Bauer bag – get this – is the best thing I’ve done recently in my travels. It’s actually NOT a travel bag. It’s a diaper bag! Travel bags typically either cost too much or have those skinny notebook computer compartments I have no use for. Diaper bags came with LOTS of room and pockets. And even a baby changing pad if you need one.
It didn’t cost nearly what a luggage bag would have, and I was everso pleased with it. You can get them at Target.
With bags packed, I was dropped off at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA). They must call it international for a reason; however, there are no direct flights to the UK (more’s the pity).