23 Days ~ 5 Countries ~ 1 Backpack

Packing for my current semester-long study abroad experience at Coventry University in England was difficult enough! In the past I have been known to completely over pack. Yet, I am very proud of myself that I was able to leave for the airport in January with one large checked bag, a backpacking bag as a carry-on, and a normal backpack as my personal item. I have managed extremely well with the items that I brought over. There are very few items that have not been used to their full potential. Furthermore, I am very thankful that my parents were not only able to bring a few summer essentials to Europe on their visit, but they were also able to bring home many winter essentials.

At the end of May, I had to pack for a 23 day backpacking adventure across England, France, Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. 23 days!!! 5 countries!!! 1 backpack!!! This felt impossible at the time considering the various weather conditions I was expecting and planned activities ranging from hiking to fancy dinners. While I accepted the challenge and managed to survive throughout the trip, there are aspects that I would have changed about my packing decisions. Most importantly, I wish I would have condensed what I brought knowing the shopping that was going to occur. On my flight back to England I had to pay an extra 60 euros because my bag was too big to carry onto the plane... oops...

Below is all of the items I managed to fit in the backpacking bag, thanks to the vacuum seal bags!!

1. Deuter Aircontact women's backpacking bag, waterproof backpacking bag cover, tote, satchel, vacuum seal packing bags

2. 2 long sleeve shirts, a quarter length shirt, 3 t-shirts, 4 tank-tops and 2 blouses *should have condensed!!!

3. A dress and 4 cardigans/cover-ups *should have thought to bring thinner layers

4. A pair of jeans, navy blue jeggings, black leggings, maxi-skirt and 2 cotton skirts *should have taken out the black skirt and navy jeggings

5. Cosmetic essentials

6. Workout leggings, shorts, athletic zip-up, 2 t-shirts and 2 tank-tops

7. NorthFace zip-up, rain jacket, and peacoat *Should have left the peacoat, way to bulky!

8. Hat, gloves, 3 scarves, belt, 3 headbands, sunglasses and umbrella *should have taken out warm scarf and hat

9. Ipad, travel pillow, bike lock, chargers and converter, passport, cards and camera with extra battery

Todays Mission: Packing My Life Away

Many of my friends and family have made fun of me over the years for my extreme overpacking of the necessary and very unnecessary items. But hey, at that weeklong summer basketball camp years ago, what if I would have needed those 5 bikinis and a one piece suit for each day of the week because the swimsuits wouldn't dry? Nothings worse than putting on a wet suit!! And you know that dress up box that I have been growing since freshman year has really come in handy at all of the themed parties not only for myself but others as well!! You never know when those weird and unnecessary items will come in handy!! How am I going to pack a semesters worth of clothes and items without overpacking??

So for the past several weeks, the floor in my room has slowly become consumed by all of the items that I will be attempting to bring to Europe. I have gone through my piles over and over. New items have been bought and items have been put back into my closet. My mission today is to think logically and really focus on the necessary items in my life. I only have 1 suitcase, 1 backpacking bag, and a purse for an entire semester in Coventry, England. The checked suitcase has to be under 50lbs. I will attempt to make my backpacking bag a carry-on item meaning it has to be under 22lbs. 

How will I survive!?!?!?!

Wish me luck!!