After each trip - thoughts

Yes! We just got back from NYC and I've put a lot of thought into it. We're going to Paris in June, and even though we've been to Europe many times, I keep trying to pack smarter and lighter each time.

I usually add notes at the end of my trip journal -- "What we learned from this trip" which includes things about what not to take on the next trip or what to include next time. When the next trip rolls around, I check my previous journal(s) for any tips I may have forgotten.

You would think we would have this down to an art now! LOL

But at least with these shorter trips you can see the little things that did not work, so a bigger trip might be even easier.

We had an 11 hour delay in Chicago, and I was thanking every RS member who keeps talking up carry on luggage instead of checking it. About halfway into our wait, I spilled a drink and needed to have a change of clothing. Our delay was due to the first flight's captain saying that there was a blown light bulb in the cockpit and that took over an hour to replace! Then we get to Chicago only to find that of course we missed our connection, but this is Spring Break so ALL flights to Washington were booked. So instead of leaving at 8:45 a.m. we ended up leaving at 8:20 P.M. I was not a happy camper.

The other good thing I did was to overpack on my Gluten free foods/snacks so I was not as miserable as in the past. You learn some each trip I guess.

Exactly right Eli, I was thinking the same thing, that I should have the packing down to a science by now! But each trip is different, even though it's Europe. Last trip was 7 wks going to 6 countries, and this next one is 5 wks staying in Paris, seeing lots of friends. Weather and what activities we plan affects what I bring. I guess I'm just always a work in progress!

Your delay sounds miserable, I know what it's like, and it's not fun. Smart of you to pack extra snacks. I always pack extra rx meds, just in case we're delayed getting home.

What's your next trip?

Eli:

Great topic!

I keep fairly detailed journals on our European adventures. On the plane ride home I am in the habit of doing the post-mortem on our journey.

In those notes from four big trips the main theme is "next time - bring less stuff!". I pack very light now and I love it.

Also I make notes about "things to see next time" and review my lodging notes to post raves or pans for the places that deserve them.

Upon our return we have frequently discussed the regret of moving around too much. We now focus on particular regions (Burgundy, Tuscany, etc.). Much less "go go go" travel. More leisure, more dining, more wine - less packing and unpacking.

The lessons learned from each journey really enhance the next one . . .

Jon, that is what we did on our last visit to Europe in December. We spent five days in London, two nights in Paris (been there before), and focused on the longer stay in Brittany. You see so much more, and learn so much by not rushing to see everything.

Susan, where are you going?

Our next trip hopefully is in July to England, and I am trying to figure out if we want to visit Germany, or stay in the UK and visit Wales and Scotland. We have visited these places before, but my daughter was a toddler and now that she is an older teen, she would dearly love to see Wales and Scotland. But my husband's paper hasn't been accepted yet (business trip), so we're waiting before booking flights!

Hi Eli, We're going to Paris and renting an apartment for 5 wks. Last trip was a lot of moving around, so this time I am looking forward to "living" in Paris for a while. Did this in '01 and can't wait to do it again.

I keep a journal too, like others have said, and write down what to do better next trip.

England, Wales and Scotland sound fantastic!

I think I do pack less and less each trip. We learned how little we really needed when our luggage got lost once and we had to buy all new stuff. A couple of pairs of pants and a few shirts is really about it, no matter how long we're staying.

Traveling with kids now is a real lesson each time. Taking a long road trip thinking "we don't need a DVD player, our guys do fine in the car," but not factoring in the siblings-fighting-in-the-back-seat thing was an eye-opener.

We've had a 12 hour delay once here, with one of ours still in diapers. The lesson learned from that was to never fly domestic in the summer again.

It's hard to believe, but I usually pack too lightly and end up buying some article of clothing in Europe. These items are my souvenirs to remind me of that trip--a wool vest, a cotton shirt, running pants, sometimes shoes, and always--new sox. I've learned to empty my wheeled bag completely before packing. I can avoid duplications that way.

Susan,

Where is your apartment? Which rental company did you use? We will be in the Marais for a week 6-13 June) and used VacationinParis after reading good comments about them here. This is our third trip to paris but our first time staying in an apartment; looking forward to shopping for groceries and doing some cooking.Breakfast in my jammies on my time frame rather than a set time at a B&B is sounding very attractive.

I keep an electronic packing list on my computer desktop. Each trip I open it up and put my bag together. The best time to update it is right when I get back from my trip, while everything is fresh in my mind.

Like your daughter, I'm always finding ways to thrive with an ever lighter load.

Hi Cary, We're staying on Ile St. Louis and the rental agency is Paris Attitude. I've read good things about VacationInParis, and staying in the Marais is great. I'm right with you, really looking forward to shopping for food and really feeling like we live there. I can't wait. I hope you have a great time!

I have a travel planning spreadsheet with 3 tabs. One is my clothing plan for 5-6 days (I never pack for more than that, no matter how long the trip.) Next is my 'to do' list....things like call the credit card companies before I leave. Finally, my accessary sheet. This is all the things you can so easily forget-like a couple sizes of zip lock baggies. I update it immediately following each trip with my lessons learned. Perfecting that darn list with hints from this website has become almost a hobby.

I always come home and immediately notice our over-commericialized, frenzied, and materialistic society. I envy the simple, calm, and peacefulness of the European way of life.

Susan,

will check out Paris Attitude in the next few days; have a GREAT trip!

I also have an electronic list and I print it off for each new trip; interesting to see what I've taken previously; how some items disappear and others will probably stay forever.Each trip I have packed less but am still not down to 1 carry on.

Cary, I don't recommend Paris Attitude. It's a long story...