Packing For Europe

It’s 2008 at this exact same time and I’m getting ready to go to Europe for my very first visit.

I’m going to see a new boyfriend I’ve only been dating for about five months, two of which were spent together and three were spent living on two different continents. Crazy, right? For sure.

The crazier part is that my parents encouraged it. Why? Because they were excited their weird daughter finally had her first “real” boyfriend… (I was 20.) Whatever. I say “real” because I obviously had a ton of internet boyfriends I met in chatrooms. I mean I wasn’t a total loser. Obviously. They’ll deny they encouraged the trip but they totally did.

In case you didn’t know, I’m talking about the time I went to visit Chris while he was studying in Spain.

“So what should I pack?” I asked him via Skype while I sat in my little Kappa Alpha Theta sorority room in Lincoln, Nebraska.

“Not much, just a few pairs of jeans, a good jacket, and shoes you can walk in. This is Europe, you don’t want to bring a ton of stuff.”

“Totally,” I responded.

And one week later I got off the plane in Barcelona with two stupidly huge suitcases and one dumb ass grin on my face. To hell with what Chris told me to pack, this was my first time in Europe. I’d seen Passport to Paris, I knew I had to bring my best stuff. i.e. glitter tops and ten pairs of True Religions.

I’ll never forget how angry we both were as we lugged my shit through the small cobblestoned streets of Paris and Barcelona, walking from one hostel to the next. It makes me laugh now, but at the time we were barely speaking.  Turns out sometimes your significant other really does know what he’s talking about. Who knew.

Each time I’ve been to Europe I’ve packed less and less. Even though we’re no longer hostel jumping like we used to as young college lads, I still don’t see the need to pack a ton of unnecessary stuff. I usually end up wearing the same three outfits on vacations anyway. Day one always starts off cute. Day two is semi cute. And by day three I’m over it and ready to wear whatever I don’t feel fat in.

This time around I’m carrying on and just bringing the bare essentials. Jeans, booties, a denim shirt and a hat. Done and done.

I’d also like to note here that I had a wonderful time in the travel-size section at Target last night. I have a real problem with miniature sized things. I basically lose my shit over them. It’s a weird fetish I know, but I can’t help myself.

If only you knew how many jollies this photo gives me.

I know this sounds silly, but I’m also just so excited for the airport drinking that’s about to happen tomorrow night. Airport drinking (like miniature sized toiletries) makes me so happy. It doesn’t take much to please me, let’s just put it that way.

We fly out Friday night and arrive in London Saturday morning. After a few glasses of red wine on an evening flight I’ll be sound asleep with my mouth disgustingly wide open in no time. I can’t wait. See you soon, London and Dublin!

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25 Comments

  1. March 19, 2015 / 10:41 am

    I would LOVE to see a post of what you end up doing in Dublin, because we're headed there in May for our honeymoon! 🙂

    I totally agree with packing as little as possible for Europe. I went with my brother when I was 18 and he told me under no uncertain terms that I would NOT back more than a single backpack.

  2. March 19, 2015 / 10:42 am

    I'm the same way with the mini toiletries. I'll end up picking up 4 of them and I have to stop myself because they're things I've tried before and don't even like! Just want them because they're cute and small.

  3. March 19, 2015 / 10:42 am

    Heels of any kind are terrible on the Dublin cobblestone, no matter how fantastic they look. Also– you'll need an extra jacket. Even if the temps aren't too bad the wind will get you! Mark my words! Regardless- have a fabulous time!

  4. March 19, 2015 / 10:45 am

    When we went to Ireland, I went literal ape shit over the "travel sized" section at Target. A year and a half later, and we are still using those miniature tubes. Yet every time we travel, at the top of my to-do list is a Target trip for more miniature tubes of anything they are selling.

  5. March 19, 2015 / 10:55 am

    oh i have been in a similarly over packed situation but in rome… 14 cities in 13 days and i had to carry a suitcase that was larger than our rental car. WHAT was i thinking? and i had read all about hostels and the appropriateness of backpacks. oh well. sounds like you have it all figured out this time. travel sized items and all the airport drinking in the world makes me happier than a clam. not the bar tab though. never that. safe flight and have a great time!!

  6. March 19, 2015 / 11:00 am

    I missed the news that you are heading out to Europe. Have fun! I will try to keep my jealousy at bay. Also, the fact that "airport drinking" is a thing almost makes me want to start drinking. I hate airports with everything in me and the fact that there is a way to make the whole experience more enjoyable- I've clearly been missing out.

  7. March 19, 2015 / 11:01 am

    Also I want to buy one of your dog shirts. I'm so proud of you for how successful you've been.

  8. March 19, 2015 / 11:24 am

    I'm just really really proud of you for carrying on. I'm gong to pretend that I had something to do with that. can't wait to live vicariously through your posts!

  9. March 19, 2015 / 11:45 am

    You're going to have such an amazing time and I totally agree with your comment on the travel sized items (big things made little are my favorite!)

  10. March 19, 2015 / 12:23 pm

    I did the same thing with the little minis two weeks ago as I was getting ready for the honeymoon! They're so perfect!!

  11. March 19, 2015 / 12:38 pm

    Bahahahha I too am super amused by target's toiletries section, so I feel ya girl! Also "airport drinking" I need to try that next time haha. Have a great time in Europe!!
    xoxo

  12. March 19, 2015 / 12:38 pm

    I'm so jealous! Have fun and have safe travels! I can't wait to hear all about it.

  13. March 19, 2015 / 1:17 pm

    Thank GOD there is someone else in the world who obsesses over miniature things!

  14. March 19, 2015 / 1:27 pm

    Carry on is my plan for our next trip. I honestly don't think i'll be able to do it but I'm sure as hell gonna try!

  15. March 19, 2015 / 9:56 pm

    You are going to have so much fun. Not that if know considering I've never been to Ireland but how our you not? I'm sure you'll come home with great stories I can't wait.

    My first few boyfriends were complements a friend of mine and the telephone. Not sure how she got their numbers because she didn't know them either. But nonetheless our hours of conversation on the phone meant we were in healthy and normal relationships 😉

  16. March 20, 2015 / 5:54 am

    Have a great time over here! You're gonna want to pack a lightweight jacket though, it's still pretty cold…today London is 44F

  17. March 20, 2015 / 4:33 pm

    I'm so jealous. This trip sounds amazing. Have a blast!

  18. March 20, 2015 / 10:50 pm

    The toiletries aisle is always dangerous for me. I just want to try out everything because it's only a dollar. (I seem to forget that adds up quickly.)

  19. March 22, 2015 / 1:12 pm

    Have the best time!! Maybe its because im 4'11 but I love miniature things as well.

  20. October 23, 2015 / 11:34 pm
  21. March 1, 2016 / 3:15 am

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