Last Days

People always ask us, “How will you pack for that long on the road?” That’s probably the most challenging thing—deciding what clothes to take. Usually, we spend the summer in Europe—so we don’t have to pack for the change of weather. But this time, we need to plan for the frigid Highlands of Scotland, winter in rainy London, and the sunny warmth of Southern Europe and the Middle East. We decided to each take a carry-on and a medium suitcase, plus a large one to share to accommodate all the extra stuff we would need. Since we are traveling on the Queen Mary 2—there is no additional baggage fee, so we are bringing the extra bag with stuff we might need for our five months in London. Think of all the shoes you need for a year and the different types of weather! The good news is that I found a place to store an extra suitcase while we are traveling. Imagine what it is like to take all of the clothes you WANT to take and then decide what you NEED to take. We have a system for clothes and packing. The carry-on will be packed and ready for the first six weeks of travel—Croatia, Italy, Greece, and France. I took a bunch of clothes to a separate bedroom and did my first trial pack. Of course, nothing fit in my two suitcases—especially the carry-on. I finally got it to fit after four trial packs, but my secret to getting it all in—compression bags— is HIBAG. They really work. Each time, I would have to take out one or two pieces to get down to the bare necessities. I’m sure you are wondering what I would take for six weeks: 6 sundresses, one pair of jeans, three shirts, pjs, undies, two swimsuits, one cover-up, two sweaters, hiking clothes and shoes, water shoes, two sandals, walking shoes, makeup. and toiletries, light beach blanket, and a light jacket. This doesn’t include what we need for the eight days on the Queen Mary 2: formal and evening wear. We then return to London for five days to get resituated and change the carry-on summer clothes out for the unpredictable weather of the Scottish Highlands. The Highlands are more complicated since it could be 75 and sunny one minute and 45 and rainy the next. After three weeks in Scotland, we head back to London, pick up the stored large and medium suitcases, and finally settle in for the five months in our rented flat in Marylebone.

We were able to stay in our house the last few nights because we left our bunk beds and all the TVs. But now we’re all packed with an empty house and time to clean and say goodbye to family. After a last dinner at Kalee’s with the grandkids, a very early flight to NYC, and one last brunch with Sarah and her FSU friends, we are finally ready to hit the port and board the ship. (Although we had our first hiccup on the trip— the Queen Mary hit bad weather when returning to NYC, and it was delayed for 4 hours!)

Empty Home

Heading to NY

With Sarah and Friends in NY

Muscat, Oman

Dubai, UAE

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