Different sort of question, "I wish I had................"

Thought from first trip...packed too much. Advice to self, pack light on future trips. Advice followed.

Something I packed on a whim for Ireland which turned out to be very useful were wool socks (specifically the Darn Tough brand). They cushioned my feet on days when I did a lot of walking and kept my feet warm and dry on cold/windy/drizzly days. However they weren't hot so I didn't suffer when the weather suddenly shifted and it was sunny and warm.

I didn't take it to Ireland but on past (longer) trips I've taken a power strip so I can charge all my electronics (camera battery, phone, travel charger for phone, etc) overnight. There were times on this trip I had to juggle charging everything via my adapter and didn't get everything charged before I headed out for the day.

I learned from previous trips to throw in a bag to bring home souvenirs - I carry everything on the plane on the way to my destination but on the way back will check my backpack and will carry the souvenir bag on flight since it usually contrains breakable items and is a simple tote.

And of course I agree with the other poster, pack less. I take a backpack and day bag when I travel so I'm decent with packing but even this trip I realized I could've done without a couple pieces of clothing. Also, I neglected to take into consideration I'd buy an Aran sweater half way through my trip so I should've left home an outer layer.

After our first rip to Ireland I really regretted the fact that I didn't do any shopping. Time was tight and I hadn't wanted to waste any. Although we came home with wonderful memories, we had no souvenirs. And the crestfallen look on my sister's face when I told her we hadn't brought anything home had me kicking myself for not thinking ahead to Christmas. Despite not being much of a shopper at heart I made a conscious effort to pick up gifts and souvenirs on our second trip. I was able to make friends and relations very happy and I treasure the scarf, sweater and necklace that I got for myself. I also regret not taking more pictures of people--we met some lovely folks and it would be nice to have photos of them in addition to all the wonderful pictures of scenery that we have.

One thing that we took on our second trip that we hadn't had on our first was a portable battery. It wasn't heavy and was easily recharged. We used it to charge our phones (which we were using for navigation) while driving and as an extra recharging source when outlets were limited (and to charge our fitbits because we worried they might not charge well in the wall outlets).

A tip for space is to take shirts, T-shirts, socks, undies that are a bit aged. They do not make the trip back. This leaves space for things you may of purchased.

Excellent tips and advice! We have a portable battery for our phones and it never dawned on me to pack one! LOL...I am stashing away all underwear that would otherwise be discarded. And I am definitely going to check out the wool socks.

I can't wait to see what others come up with!

Thank you everyone!

That you really can pack too light. Last trip took out my extra pair of lounge or 3rd pair of 'emergency' slacks, sewing kit, and an item I'd need if I had to buy slacks in a hurry, as I never or rarely used these items. Needed all three on my last trip and had taken them out last minute...so stick to your list created from past experiences. And really, how extreme is necessary?

This is more of a "I'm glad I did." I only had a few days in Paris and I decided to ignore typical suggestions and choose what really interested me. I knew (or at least hoped) I would come back another time, so I just picked what I thought I would especially enjoy and didn't worry about not seeing it all. My highlights included riding a bike along the river and the Pasteur Institute. It made for a great time and a good reason to go visit again in the future.

My tips about Scotland - similar climate
1). Leave travel umbrella at home. Never pack anymore.
2). Binoculars were great when I went bird watching. I took binoculars to Italy and never used them. Added weight. I only take binoculars now when I plan to go bird watching. Otherwise, leave them at home!
3). Light weight day hiking boots that are water resistant and smartwool hiking socks - either mid- weight or heavy weight socks. These made a tremendous difference in my trip to Scotland. My feet did not fatigue as easily and did not hurt at end of day. I brought black, sensible casual shoes. Wore them on first day. My feet hurt so much from concrete, hills,and cobblestones that I never wore them again in Scotland. So glad for my day hikers and socks.
4). Fleece zip-up vest and good quality rain coat with a hood. These, too, were Scotland savers.

I wish I had stayed out later in the pubs. That's when things get more interesting. I wish I had paid for more rounds. I wish I had taken it slower and talked to more people. On the long walk from our bnb to the city of Cork, when I stopped to look at the swans in the river Lee, we were told stories of such random wit by passersby that I have wondered how many more I would have heard had I just taken the time. And yes, a raincoat with a hood is a must.

Thank you all for your tips , helpful hints and things you wish you had done or things you are glad you did. After reading all the comments I have added a few things to my packing list and have really thought about why I am visiting some sites. I am not a late night person but I do hope I can manage to take in a few pubs late night :) And I hope I am moved to buy a round of drinks.

The number one thing I was glad that I packed on our trip to Ireland was a lightweight rain jacket with a hood. It was a lifesaver.

Taken a tour to Newgrange that includes tickets or show up first thing in the am. So disappointed after driving that all tours were sold out.

Kate,
I would not bring additional sunglasses as my regular glasses tint with a change in light level. Yes, definitely a waterproof long rain jacket with hood. I was in Ireland during June and July. As I planned to buy an Irish knit sweater I did not need to bring a fleece jacket. I did bring a velvet vest and that was plenty with the rain jacket. Any vest would work.
Another shorter trip,
after hot Eastern Europe, found me freezing in Kinsale and I HAD to buy a wool sweater just to get comfortable.
Always make sure you have cash available for the next day from the ATM so you don't get tied up looking for an ATM. Plan a few late starts for the next morning so you can take in more music the night before.
Have a great trip!
Pam from Bath

A serendipitous moment that happened somewhere on the west coast of Ireland..... We bought fish and chips from some obscure little walk up place. We sat at a picnic table overlooking the sea. We were soon joined by 3 Irish setters begging for a taste. They were big beautiful auburn dogs w at least a few feathers. They were not Strays, but clean looking pets out on a day pass to chat up the tourists.

Glad I'm not the only one that has left old clothing all over Europe. What my wife have been doing the past few years is spending at least 2 nights at locations. That allows for a full day to explore a location. It beats arriving at a location in late afternoon and leaving the next morning without really seeing the location. We also try to limit driving to less than 3 hours a day. If longer, the drive is broken up into smaller segments by stopping to see things along the way.

Also, visit the places that interest you, not what others say you should see. Conduct your own research to find some of those "off the beaten path" places tourists seldom visit.

The best part of Ireland is the Irish. They are the friendliest, most talkative people. Take advantage of that.... We have the best stories about the people we met along the way!

I absolutely agree with Sharon. My best travel memories are of people I've met along the way. Chance encounters, conversations, common or not so common ideas. I'm a planner but that type of stuff you can't plan for!

Thank you all for your replies! It has been interesting reading all of them and I have picked up some very good advice and tips!

If I am heading to Ireland, I take a pair of light gloves and ear warmers (even in the summer). I also like to take a couple of change purses for different currencies and to keep cash divided. A light pair of slippers for suspicious flooring (a light ballerina style) and some soft comfy yoga style pants to wear after a long day of hiking. (I usually buy a cheap pair from Walmart) and old or cheap underwear to throw away if needed. I also use a soft sided pencil pouch with a clear window (you can get in various colors from the Dollar Store). I use it to hold my papers; (I.e., airline and hotel itinerary and tickets). These pouches are easy to find in your bag, take no space, and keep things organized in a cheap way. (I think its the teacher in me that came up with this idea). - I actually have a different colored pouch for each trip I'm taking this year to Europe.

One night on our way back to our B&B near Thomaston from dinner out in another town, we passed by an athletic field with the big lights on. We turned around, went back and found the local kids having hurling practice. We struck up a conversation with one of the moms who was watching the practice, and it turned into a great hour. We got to talk to everyday people and learn about a new sport as well. Those are my favorite kinds of experiences.
Under things I now take when we got to Europe -- a small folding knife for cutting up fruit and cheese with a built-in corkscrew, sturdy small plastic glasses and a big scarf that doubles as a picnic blanket/tablecloth. We love to visit local markets and/or shops to pick up the makings of a picnic and eat along the way, either in a quaint village setting, or along the roadside.
I made a little kit that I take with us in my daybag. It has a tube of superglue, some moleskin, a couple of bandaids, nail clippers, headache medicine, a small pack of tissues, antacids, antiseptic towelettes and about a foot of duct tape that I re-rolled into a tiny little roll. these items have been used several times, weigh next to nothing and take up very little space. I use an Altoids tin for this, except for the pack of tissues, which is separate.

I wish I had... gotten on the road earlier to Newgrange. We missed the last tour of the day but did get to look at the exhibits.

I wish I had... not talked my sister out of Venice... twice. She died a year after our second trip to Italy never having seen Venice which I know she really wanted to do.

Motorgirl,

You have reminded us how short and precious life is. I am sorry for the loss of your sister.

Thank you. I'm sorry if I put a damper on the thread. It wasn't my intention. But you're right that our time on earth is precious. Spend time with our loved ones and spend time making each other happy if we can.

Motorgirl,

Please don't apologize for your post. I thought it was an appropriate post and very heartfelt. The older I get the more I realize how precious life is and how your whole life can be changed forever in a blink of an eye.

On our recent trip to Ireland, Liverpool & Edinburgh - We took binoculars and never used them. Also a selfie stick we never used. Well, maybe we used it once. Same for umbrella. I think I used it twice in the 3 week trip. We took way too many clothes. I also needed a portable travel charger for my phone. I'll buy one before our next trip. My phone was also my camera & it got a good workout every day. Not sure if I would have taken more pictures though. I have over 2,000 on my phone from this trip. I had a list of Foods to Try in both Ireland and Edinburgh. I hit almost every one in Ireland (out of 20) but not Edinburgh. Guess I have to return. LOL Fun topic.

On one trip I needed a ziplock bag to collect sea glass from beach combing. Now that is a must pack. On another trip I was washing my face in the airport restroom and there were no paper towels (only hand dryers) so now I pack a washcloth.

One thing that we have found helpful to take along when traveling is a small power inverter, which plugs into a car charger and converts DC power to AC (I think that's the correct description). Ours has two USB ports and one regular U.S. plug-in port or outlet. While we can charge devices whenever/wherever we are staying overnight, that can involve either taking along lots of plug adapters or being mindful to switch things out as they are fully charged. Thus, it's nice to be able to charge whatever needs a boost as we are driving along the road--a dying camera battery, a laptop, etc. Our inverter does not weigh much (0.6 ounces), and it has come in so handy.

Looking forward to tripping through Ireland, but after a night flight is there any possibility for a three hour nap off the plane?

I wish I had kept a small diary for notes. Too many memories lost to the stars!

You don't need to pack ANYTHING!

There are thousands of thrift shops all over europe! When I unexpectedly found my self in Ireland after a month in "swimsuits and sundresses" Spain, I bought wool sweaters and down vest in a charity shop (thrift shop for charity). When I went to England for horse racing, I popped into a charity shop and got a fantastic hat that cost 4 pounds!

The cool thing about thrift shops here, is they're often clustered together. There are 4 in Dublin on the same block!

This way, you can always "donate back" the clothes when you leave!

(in Killarney I got an "Ireland" zip up fleece that was 6 euros - it was in a shop down the street for 75!!!

Enjoy! Go slow!

Susan
Waterville, Ireland

Susan, yes I always keep a diary on our trips. My daughter got me started doing that on my first trip to Europe with her (Paris with her French class). Its fun reading them even now. Brings back lots of great memories & little things I would have forgotten without it. I am now the proud owner of several trip diaries since that first trip in 2013 (4 Europe trips & 1 Quebec City).

I wish I had spent the money in the past for a private tour at the locations I visited. Local, private tours have been a great find for me, in Ireland and in Italy. The first or second day of my visits (My wife and I most often drive) I hired a local for a guided tour and they have greatly enhanced my visits. Spend the cash and hire a tour, be it 3 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, walking or riding!