One backpack to tour Turkey
I didn’t always travel the way I do today. A one week vacation to my parent’s home in Grand Island, NY used to require an overflowing, large suitcase. One week. With my parents. Need I say more?
Four years ago I met my wonderful husband and like any relationship, we’ve learned a lot from one another. Last year when we traveled to Spain, France and Germany, I brought a “normal” backpacker’s bag. The night before we left the States, Greg decided to ditch the “normal” bag for his actual normal bag, the one he carries to and from work and around town every day. I was shocked. I mean, really, really shocked.
Greg’s normal bag worked perfectly. And why shouldn’t it? It’s the bag he knows inside and out because he uses it every day. My bag was big and awkward and I couldn’t make my packing cubes and stuff-sacks fit well.
Greg was on to something and I wanted in. We analyzed what we brought with us on weekend trips and I eventually pared down.
For this trip I ditched the standard backpacker’s bag and after test driving many bags, opted for the Gregory Freia 22.
Here’s what’s inside:
Clothes. I want to look cute, layer to cope with different temperatures and have material that dries quickly. Dryers are not common in Europe.
- 2 synthetic t-shirts
- Long-sleeve shirt and long-sleeve baselayer
- 3 sweaters
- 2 pairs of long underwear (a lighter pair and a heavier pair)
- a pair of jeans (the ONLY piece of cotton that I brought with me)
- Lululemon Studio II Liner Pants
- 2 bras
- 4 pairs of underwear
- 3 socks
- Bathing suit
- Boots
- Lightweight shoes
- Nano Puff jacket
- Torrentshell jacket
- Hat and headband
- Scarf
- Gloves
Toiletries
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- All in one soap bar that can be used for shampoo as well
- Comb
- Deodorant
- 1 Chapstick
- Hair tie
- A few q-tips
- Small synthetic towel
- A piece of a laundry bar
- Travel contact solution, case and an extra pair of contacts
- Eye glasses and case
- Tampons (no applicator)
- Travel Aveda face lotion
- BB lotion and cover up (splurge!)
- Medications
- Tweezers
Miscellaneous
- 11” Macbook laptop with a converter so Greg and I could share one charger
- iPhone and USB charger
- Ear buds
- Packing cubes
- Small purse/wallet
- Nalgene water bottle
- Lonely Planet Guide to Turkey
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- Debit/Credit cards and cash
So what wouldn’t I bring with me next time? The bathing suit.
