The Travel Thread

[seela]

Five days in Slovakia, two in Vienna.

I made a joke about making a presentation about my trip, this is it now.

Except for the atrocious weather on the mountains the trip has been absolute perfection. The temps have varied from 4C/39F to 31C/88F, so packing was lots of fun!

I still have one more night left in Vienna, going home tomorrow.

 

[Purple_Fronds]

Five days in Slovakia, two in Vienna.

I made a joke about making a presentation about my trip, this is it now.

Except for the atrocious weather on the mountains the trip has been absolute perfection. The temps have varied from 4C/39F to 31C/88F, so packing was lots of fun!

I still have one more night left in Vienna, going home tomorrow.

Did you see any concerts?

 

[seela]

Did you see any concerts?

Nope. I had planned to go to opera in Košice, but the weather up the mountains was so bad that I had to change things around.

I went to Albertina today and it was very good. Matthew Wong, Jenny Saville and Francesca Woodman.

 

[Purple_Fronds]

That’s very cool, it’s been a long time since I was there but I remembered how many free concerts there were, usually put on at these beautiful churches.

 

[BiBunny]

Five days in Slovakia, two in Vienna.

I made a joke about making a presentation about my trip, this is it now.

Except for the atrocious weather on the mountains the trip has been absolute perfection. The temps have varied from 4C/39F to 31C/88F, so packing was lots of fun!

I still have one more night left in Vienna, going home tomorrow.

Gorgeous pics! I'm glad you're enjoying your trip!

 

[Strixaluco]

Five days in Slovakia, two in Vienna.

I made a joke about making a presentation about my trip, this is it now.

Except for the atrocious weather on the mountains the trip has been absolute perfection. The temps have varied from 4C/39F to 31C/88F, so packing was lots of fun!

I still have one more night left in Vienna, going home tomorrow.

Marvellous views you have seen and taken pics of!

I always wonder, when people boast how they always pick carry-on only, that do they never make trips like these? Where you need to prepare for 20°C differences and all kinds of different activities where you even need or at least want different kinds shoes etc?

 

[seela]

Marvellous views you have seen and taken pics of!

I always wonder, when people boast how they always pick carry-on only, that do they never make trips like these? Where you need to prepare for 20°C differences and all kinds of different activities where you even need or at least want different kinds shoes etc?

The biggest problem for me traveling with a carry-on only would have been the liquids. I wouldn’t have been able to bring back all the yummy wine and other drinks that I did, and I wouldn’t have had the space for chocolate and other treats either.

I do like to travel with a carry-on only, though, but it really depends on the type of trip I’m about to take. I’ve gotten pretty good at packing over the years. I use a backpack, small enough to put under the seat in front of me, because I refuse to participate in the overhead locker tetris… Using ziplocks when packing is the key.

 

[Strixaluco]

The biggest problem for me traveling with a carry-on only would have been the liquids. I wouldn’t have been able to bring back all the yummy wine and other drinks that I did, and I wouldn’t have had the space for chocolate and other treats either.

I do like to travel with a carry-on only, though, but it really depends on the type of trip I’m about to take. I’ve gotten pretty good at packing over the years. I use a backpack, small enough to put under the seat in front of me, because I refuse to participate in the overhead locker tetris… Using ziplocks when packing is the key.

Stuff you want to bring back is *definitely* an issue.

I'm not travelling that much apart from 1-2 night visits to my friend, by train. So I both have regular experience in packing and don't have that extensive experience in packing for flights. But when I look at the experts showing how they pack just carry on, I basically go...
"So small cosmetics bag? Even just my compulsory meds take more space!"
*You're only having athleisure? Nope, that's far too informal."
"You think that's packing for winter? That's merely for early autumn in my books."

 

[seela]

Stuff you want to bring back is *definitely* an issue.

I'm not travelling that much apart from 1-2 night visits to my friend, by train. So I both have regular experience in packing and don't have that extensive experience in packing for flights. But when I look at the experts showing how they pack just carry on, I basically go...
"So small cosmetics bag? Even just my compulsory meds take more space!"
*You're only having athleisure? Nope, that's far too informal."
"You think that's packing for winter? That's merely for early autumn in my books."

Yeah, winter is a lot more difficult with just a small carry on bag because the clothes are bulkier, but the rest of the year I don’t usually have trouble with it at all. And naturally the length of the trip, destination, what you’re going to do etc also play a role.

Packing is an interesting topic! What do you (all of you ) typically pack? Do you have some packing tips?

 

[Strixaluco]

Yeah, winter is a lot more difficult with just a small carry on bag because the clothes are bulkier, but the rest of the year I don’t usually have trouble with it at all. And naturally the length of the trip, destination, what you’re going to do etc also play a role.

Also varying activities are a challenge. A 2-night trip might include walking a dog in the forest = 100% practical sports clothes clothes that don't tear easily, and shoes that aren't sensitive to wet and dirt. Also a shopping round = some nice clothes to go to town with. And even a night dancing out = another outfit that is not something I'd wear otherwise, and specific dancing shoes, and all the clothes will be soaking sweaty afterwards...

Packing is an interesting topic! What do you (all of you ) typically pack? Do you have some packing tips?

Tip no. 1: making a packing list. I also save them, so I just make them in a notebook that is just for them. Thus I can peak into what I've packed earlier. I can also add notes to them, about what worked and what didn't.

My packing lists start with the basics, that are no-brainera - medications and underwear.

 

[BiBunny]

I am the literal worst when it comes to packing. I once packed ten bags for a weekend trip (by car) to Florida.

 

[seela]

I am the literal worst when it comes to packing. I once packed ten bags for a weekend trip (by car) to Florida.

That does sound like a lot! What did you pack?


Packing lists are really good and helpful. That way you don’t have to start from scratch every time.

My top tip is using ziplock bags (or similar) to pack your clothes. You can squeeze the air out using them, so the clothes take much less space. That’s how I (not a size 2 wearer) can get all my necessary clothes and an extra pair of shoes fit comfortably in a regular backpack for a week long trip.

Not in winter though, because winter clothes are bulkier. And my trips tend to be city trips with maybe shorter excursions into the nature that usually don’t require any special gear.

Another packing tip is to always bring a nugget of Marseille soap. That way I can easily spot clean my clothes if need be and don’t have to bring a ton of stuff just in case I spill coffee or something.

And no molded bras. They take up so much more space than the thin lacy ones.

 

[BiBunny]

That does sound like a lot! What did you pack?


Packing lists are really good and helpful. That way you don’t have to start from scratch every time.

My top tip is using ziplock bags (or similar) to pack your clothes. You can squeeze the air out using them, so the clothes take much less space. That’s how I (not a size 2 wearer) can get all my necessary clothes and an extra pair of shoes fit comfortably in a regular backpack for a week long trip.

Not in winter though, because winter clothes are bulkier. And my trips tend to be city trips with maybe shorter excursions into the nature that usually don’t require any special gear.

Another packing tip is to always bring a nugget of Marseille soap. That way I can easily spot clean my clothes if need be and don’t have to bring a ton of stuff just in case I spill coffee or something.

And no molded bras. They take up so much more space than the thin lacy ones.

I don't even remember what all there was! But in my defense, some of it was like beach bags with towels and sunscreen and such and also bags of snacks and drinks. So it was not all personal crap. But there WAS a lot of stuff, lol.

Thank you for the packing tips! I'll have to try those next time I travel.

 

[seela]

I don't even remember what all there was! But in my defense, some of it was like beach bags with towels and sunscreen and such and also bags of snacks and drinks. So it was not all personal crap. But there WAS a lot of stuff, lol.

Thank you for the packing tips! I'll have to try those next time I travel.

Yeah, towels are huge, especially beach towels. They easily fill a couple of bags if you’re bringing a few of them.

Also the tips weren’t aimed at you specifically, I hope you didn’t read it that way.

 

[BiBunny]

Yeah, towels are huge, especially beach towels. They easily fill a couple of bags if you’re bringing a few of them.

Also the tips weren’t aimed at you specifically, I hope you didn’t read it that way.

No, I knew what you meant! But I will attempt to use them next time I go somewhere.

 

[IrisAlthea]

Packing lists are really good and helpful. That way you don’t have to start from scratch every time.

My top tip is using ziplock bags (or similar) to pack your clothes. You can squeeze the air out using them, so the clothes take much less space.

I like lists too, especially to make sure I bring everything back when I go home.
That is mostly a problem when staying a bit longer with relatives and doing laundry there, especially when the kids where small an I had to track everybody’s stuff.

I also have kits
Like a toilet bag with small bottles of products I need, mascara, eye pencil and brow pencil, tooth brush and travel sized tooth paste etc, that lives in my gym bag when I’m home and is always ready and stocked to go when travelling; a small bag with pads etc that lives in my work bag and is ready to go when needed ; a small sewing kit and a roll of plastic bags for laundry lives permanently in my carry on - you get the picture.

I use ziplock bags too. I started to do that when we mostly used the motor cycle (try that if you want to get good at minimalist packing) for travel, because those bags weren’t always fully rain proof.
I do have packing cubes that can be compressed with zippers for work travel now, because it helps with wrinkles too.

I always try to pack things that go together, can mix and match and can be layered.

Also varying activities are a challenge. A 2-night trip might include walking a dog in the forest = 100% practical sports clothes clothes that don't tear easily, and shoes that aren't sensitive to wet and dirt. Also a shopping round = some nice clothes to go to town with. And even a night dancing out = another outfit that is not something I'd wear otherwise, and specific dancing shoes, and all the clothes will be soaking sweaty afterwards...

Yes, that comlicates things.
I try to pack things that can multitask if possible, like bathing suit goes party top and a change of shoes that can make a dress go from day to night etc.

some of it was like beach bags with towels and sunscreen

Yes, needing to bring towels and sheets and such makes it difficult.

 

[seela]

I try to pack things that can multitask if possible, like bathing suit goes party top and a change of shoes that can make a dress go from day to night etc.

This is my go-to. I always bring a simple black dress that is easy to dress up. With sneakers it can be a day dress, but with a change of shoes, different pantyhose and some accessories (usually belt and some jewelry) and hair a little more done it becomes dressy enough to go to a concert or theater or a fancy dinner.

I also have a toiletry kit always ready to go. For longer trips, or sometimes even a shorter one if I bring a suitcase that is checked in, I do change to a larger version, though.

 

[Strixaluco]

Yes, that comlicates things.
I try to pack things that can multitask if possible, like bathing suit goes party top and a change of shoes that can make a dress go from day to night etc.

Well, that's possible within contemporary styles, and if dancing means nightclub or something like that. For me it's something totally else.

For me, it means style that needs specific dancing shoes that will only be used on the dance floor - especially not outdoors if it's wet, as the leather sole would be ruined in an instant. Clothes that will all go in the laundry afterwards (4-6h of sweaty excercise tends to cause that), and in winter they are of no use outside of dancing anyway, though might be used in summer during a heat wave. But we don't have that many heat days (25°C +) here in a year. Some years it could be 30 days, this year non yet.

And I've never understood how people can pack less than 1 shirt per day. Because they tend to get sweaty so easily, and antiperspirant in your armpits doesn't solve everything. Even with the "little black dress" - if it's warm enough to wear it during the day, I'd risk to get it sweaty before the evening.

 

[seela]

Even with the "little black dress" - if it's warm enough to wear it during the day, I'd risk to get it sweaty before the evening.

I do it the other way around. I save the dress in pristine condition until I’ve done the dressier thing, after that it’s another day dress in my rotation. Of course if the dressier event is the last evening of my trip, then it’s less useful, but that’s rarely the case for me.

 

[Strixaluco]

I do it the other way around. I save the dress in pristine condition until I’ve done the dressier thing, after that it’s another day dress in my rotation. Of course if the dressier event is the last evening of my trip, then it’s less useful, but that’s rarely the case for me.

Works, if the dressier thing is something like a concert, where you aren't likely to get sweaty.

Sigh. I get sweaty so easily. Body thermostat not working properly, I can even shiver and sweat at the same time and all it takes is an exciting theater play...

 

[EdwardsOtherSide]

I am the literal worst when it comes to packing. I once packed ten bags for a weekend trip (by car) to Florida.

Packing for a 9 day trip now, and I feel your pain.
This is the longest trip I have taken in a decade, and I am out of practice.

Because this will involve planes, buses, and trains, I am packing a rucksack rather than a duffel bag or suit case. I decided against planning a laundry day (I absolutely would have for trip even a few days longer).

OTOH, the last few times I went for more than a week were with the military, and my packing list was a lot more structured. Packing just for a fun trip? This is chaos! In a good way.

I ended up with a biggish rucksack and a modest size messenger bag for the plane & such.

 

[EdwardsOtherSide]

Plane tickets & hotel reservations in hand for a few days of doing the eating tour of New Orleans.
Not an organized tour; just ordering a transit pass (for the street cars), and making a list of restaurants to eat at.
This trip will be a little more somber than previous as the New Years attack on Bourbon Street is on my mind.
One restaurant, Casamento's, has an extraordinary reputation. To get there from where I will be staying, I have to go past houses from Ann Rice's books & movies. This trip, I also intend to get to the Metaire Cemetery to look at sculpture,

I failed to follow up on my trip to New Orleans.
Had a day of torrential rains and one streetcar was undergoing maintenance so there were adjustments to my plans.

I rode the full length of the St. Charles Street streetcar line on the rainy day. The streetcars are slow, so that took a while, but let me see a fair bit without getting soaked.
I got to Arnaud's and Antoine's, a first time visit for both, and their reputations are well earned. The food & the venues were amazing.
I also took the ferry across the Mississippi to Point Algiers and got some great photos looking back at Jackson Square (the heart of the French Quarter).
After taking the returning, the timing was perfect for a spur of the moment lunch time jazz cruise on the riverboat Natchez. That made for a very relaxing and enjoyable few hours. The lunch on the boat; had that been offered to me in Washington, I would have tucked in with relish. Sadly, while objectively very good, it suffered in comparison to the other meals I had in New Orleans. My recommendation; have a robust breakfast before getting on the Natchez, and pass on their lunch (but not their drinks).
Of course, I ate & drank to excess (only a little excess, I didn't get in any trouble), enjoyed art, jazz, & architecture, and fulfilled my need for time in New Orleans for at least a year or two.

I didn't get to Casamento's, but that gives me something for next time, along with Galatoire's.