I'm off! At 1:45 pm today, I'll board the first of three flights to make my way to Belfast, Northern Ireland. I haven't been in Europe since 2006 when I was teaching English in Italy, fussing with wildlife in Greece, and eating my weight in scones in Wales.
This is the first time I've traveled internationally with a roll-y suitcase, rather than my much-loved backpack. And there are all sorts of smart reasons for this - my backpack is too big for a carry-on, I'm not doing any actual hiking - but I can't help but feel a bit end-of-an-era-y about it. And I obviously gave said backpack a we're-not-breaking-up-we're-just-taking-a-break talking to.
She seems to be okay with it. I think she's got something going on with a cute duffel bag anyway.
I am also disproportionately proud that I've managed to fit six weeks and six countries worth of clothes into one tiny carry-on. You guys, there are three pairs of shoes, a jacket, and jeans in there! Painfully detailed packing how-to post to come. Obviously.
This is also the first time in ages that I've traveled during summer - the height of the social season! (And by 'social season' I mean 'barbeques and theme parties and weekends at friends' cabins with bike ramps that go off the dock') so I am a bit bummed to be missing all of that. I'll just have to take comfort in Swedish cheese and weird Icelandic candy. There will, of course, be lots of skyping and texting and packages of that aforementioned weird candy.
Things will be clipping along as usual here - I'll be doing weekly Notes From The Road posts and there may be a few more guest posters stopping by. And Web Time Wasters will be curated by other bloggers, but otherwise all will continue as planned. Cat videos, interviews, you know.
If you're curious to know how I can afford to travel for such long periods of time, here are a few of my best posts about travel:
How To Travel On The Cheap: Part 1
How To Travel On Your Own Without Getting Attacked, Maimed, Robbed (And Maybe Even Enjoy Yourself)
Thanks for coming along for the ride, friends! I can't wait to share my adventures (and weird Icelandic candy) with you!
Thanks for coming along for the ride, friends! I can't wait to share my adventures (and weird Icelandic candy) with you!
Have a great trip and I look forward to following along. You're visting some places I've just been to this year (Belfast & Malmo) and some old favourites (Berline, Reykjavik). Looking at your suitcase, I'm thinking I might be packign more than you for my next trip and it's for only 3 days.
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic trip! And yes, I need to hear how you achieved that amazing packing feat! I have to go on a trip later this year with just a carry-on and have no idea how I'm going to do that...
ReplyDeleteWow. WOW! Incredible packing job! PLEASE share your strategy... I'm in awe. Hope you have an amazing trip! I really can't wait to hear about just how weird this Icelandic candy is. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://ourdearladyexpatriate.blogspot.com/
You'll be in the same time zone as me - now to me that is exciting lol. You're still the wrong side of the Irish Sea to hang out though :(
ReplyDeletehave so much fun!
ReplyDeletei'm so excited for you!!
I LOVE the new layout/header. So refreshing and it evokes so much of the travel advice you give.
ReplyDeleteLove the travel posts as I am getting ready for a year abroad of study in France!
Have a wonderful time! Can't wait for the packing post...
ReplyDeleteHave a GREAT trip full of safe, stress-free travels and weird candies of many varieties! (And don't skip the Swedish chocolate!)
ReplyDeleteI just got back from 2 countries/1.5 weeks wih a carryon and was a little proud, so you put me to shame! :) have an amazing trip!
ReplyDeleteOooo! That suitcase pic makes me want to go somewhere! I can't wait for all the packing details, I love a good "How I fit a bajillion things in my carry-on" post.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to master-pack, although I've gotten a lot better since I now only use a 55L backpack. I'm going on an extensive 6month+ traveling plan and Im curious to see how I'll make out with my 55L.
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought I was a good packer! Can't wait to see your how to! :) Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteI saw the suitcase, said "but I want to know how she packed it!" and then read the line about detailed packing post to come. You read my mind!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to hearing more about the packing too. Taking 3 pairs of shoes and jeans sounds reassuringly normal. So many people who pack light go on about some super-synthetic high-performance garment that doesn't need washing for 3 weeks or something. I don't own one of those, and I don't want to either!
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous about your trip! Northern Ireland is a beautiful country - I do hope you manage to get out into the countryside a bit. I spent 3 and a half weeks in Ireland and Northern Ireland last summer. Ballycastle in Northern Ireland is especially cute! I wish I would have known and told you about Corrymeela, which I visited one weekend with my fellow students. They are focused on peace and establishing relationships between people who were on different sides during the Troubles. If you ever want to go back, they have volunteer programs there where you can volunteer from as little as a week or two up to I think two years. It's something that I would love to do someday. I love Scandinavia as well - Malmo was so cute!! Definitely go check out the tallest building in Malmo. It's quite a sight! I can't wait to see what you post about your trip! You are quickly becoming one of my favorite bloggers!
ReplyDeleteMoving from backpacking to business class eh?
ReplyDelete:)
Have a great time!
I'm excited for you! Weeeee! Also am looking forward to your packing post. Packing is sooooo difficult for me. Right now I'm in Australia and I have too much stuff in my bursting backpack. I have to get rid of the dead weight... but am emotionally attached! It's boiling hot here but I can't seem to part with my wool dress! Have the best time!!
ReplyDeleteoh mylanta, you must teach me your ways! i just wrapped up a 3 week road trip (inspired by you, no doubt) and by the end of it i had ended up with a deep need for a chiropractor. so excited to see your travels!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time! I am really looking forward to your packing how to- it's one of those life skills I seem to have missed out on and am notorious for overpacking! :-D
ReplyDeleteI have an Osprey Porter -- it is carry-on sized AND a backpack. I also gain a little space by not having wheels. Of course, I then have to carry it everywhere and lose the benefit of getting to wheel it around. Ah, tradeoffs.
ReplyDeleteAlright, seriously? MAJOR props on the packing job. I was raised to be someone who only ever uses carry-on luggage, and I'm STILL impressed by how well you did with that little suitcase of yours.
ReplyDeleteHave so much fun! I am profoundly amazed at your sweet packing skills. If you're in Iceland and Sirkus Island is having a show, you should go and see my friends! They even do a burlesque show there now :)
ReplyDeleteI'm about to travel to Palestine for 3 months to work as a human rights observer and I have no idea what to pack or what the best luggage to take will be? Suitcase or pack? How am I going to keep below the 25kg weight limit for 3 months! with enough room to bring back all the things I will no doubt be given and will buy? any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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