I love packing posts that I read on blogs. I find it helpful to read them even if they're not for the same destination - they give good ideas for packing more efficiently and I always need that!
I've been setting things aside for a few days and have finally narrowed things down (I think) to a reasonable amount. I'm one of those crazy people who has actually had dreams/nightmares that I don't have the right thing to wear. Can anyone relate? I could get all deep and psychological, but I think it stems from insecurity. If I feel good in what I have on - meaning good for the temperature and appropriate for the situation (and cute doesn't hurt) - then I can forget about myself and focus on the people and the work or the adventure at hand. Does that make sense?
Here's the stats: I'll be in Italy for forty-one days at ten different hotels, on and off six trains with my suitcases, in and out of two rental cars, on a few boats, and on six airplanes (and even on a scooter)! The temperatures will range from the 50's to the high 80's or even 90's by the time I return, and I'll be in cities, on a working farm, and up to the top of a mountain where it will likely be very cold. It's quite a challenge to be prepared for all this with one large suitcase and a carry-on!
My trip starts in Rome where I'm teaching this Saturday and then continues there with a group of ladies that are coming from the US and touring Rome, Florence, and Venice with me. Aren't these bags darling that one of the ladies sent me! Thank you, Susan!

I took this photo yesterday of everything I'm taking...

Let me tell you about what's in this photo... I'm taking two pairs of jeans - one cropped and one long pair and two pairs of shorts - one white and one black. In the two packing cubes: one has t-shirts, both short sleeve and sleeveless, and the second one has two black lightweight sweaters - a cardigan and a pullover, and a couple tops to wear with the jeans. I'm still considering bringing lightweight black pants. You can see that I've narrowed it down to a pretty small stack of scarves (for me!) I bring only basic amount of jewelry and it's in the little blue polka dot case. The amount of shoes might be a problem but for this long, I think I need this much. The navy and black Sketchers are lifesavers for me. I can walk all day in them since they have Memory Foam inside. The pink sneakers are just cute, the flip-flops are necessary for a couple situations, and the black sandals are for going out to dinner or something dressier.

I like to travel with dresses, which make up the main part of my wardrobe, on old wire hangers since they weigh so little. It saves so much time to be able to take them right from the suitcase and hang them in the hotel room closet, especially since I'm changing hotels so much. I have seven short sleeve dresses and four sleeveless dresses. They can be dressed up or down with sneakers and the jean jacket.

Since I took the photo above yesterday morning, I got these four packing cubes in the mail from Amazon (I'll put a link to them below.) They were cheap compared to some that I've seen, are great quality, and I like that they are rectangular rather than square to fit into the suitcase better. I've moved the t-shirts into one, tops into another, underwear in another, and scarves in the fourth. I think packing cubes are a huge part of being able to pack efficiently, especially moving from hotel to hotel.

I have three jackets - the black linen one on the hanger, the jean jacket, and another very light navy windbreaker. I guess the only thing I feel like I might be missing is something for much colder weather like a packable light down jacket. AND I guess I'd better squeeze in a bathing suit. Add to the suitcase my toiletries, makeup, etc., it's going to be tight. I'll take one last photo when it's all in there tomorrow. :)
In my carry-on I'll have my class samples, my camera and an extra lens, all charging cords and adapters, my bed pillow, some protein bars, and an umbrella. In my tote that counts as my "personal item" I'll have my tote purse, my computer, a travel pillow, a huge file of all the tickets and confirmations printed out, and my iPad. I also wear a small cross-body purse with my wallet, phone, glasses, passport, kleenex, headphones, and lipgloss in it. If I have to, I can take that off and keep it in my tote bag when boarding the plane. Whew! I know some people love all this information! :)
I've a busy day ahead! I've a couple more Paris posts and then the Italy posts will start! Thanks for following along! I appreciate your prayers for a safe, really good trip! xoxo
So what do you think? Anything I'm forgetting? (Yes, I already have my passport in my purse!)
Here is the link to the packing cubes:
AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set - Large, Green