After Trip Packing Report (Ireland, Scotland & France)

It turned out to be quite cold in parts of Scotland. I was glad I had my puffer coat, although I probably could have done without it.
I wore the two lightweight sweaters and cardigan sweatshirt all the time and was glad for the variety. I also wore the tights many days, but not the performance wear top.
I didn’t have a good packable raincoat so just sprayed a rain/windbreaker style jacket (thrifted, so wasn’t sure) from Style & Co. It hit just below my rear end and was perfect. We did not typically have terrible rain so I can’t say how it would have held up in bad conditions but worked fine on this trip. I used it quite a bit. It

I loved the Chill River dress from Columbia. They are so nice in warm weather. I had previously bought the Columbia freezer dresses and they are very shapeless. This new style has a much better shape. It was a great multi piece. I wore it as a coverup when going to the thermal spa with my bathing suit as well as a 2nd nightgown when I sent mine to the laundry. I had planned to wear it in France but it was never warm enough for me. It packs so small!

I had 10 long sleeve, short sleeve and sleeveless tops. It was a lot, but they packed pretty small and I was glad for the different styles and variety. When we left Ireland for France I packed just what I needed in a few cubes, so it was easier as we were in and out hotels.

Our friends brought two new games to me: Farkle & Quiddler. I will likely start bringing one or both of these on trips in the future. Especially Farkle since it’s just a few dice.

One “silly” thing I brought were some face hydrating masks, the kind that are a couple of bucks at Target. A couple evenings I wore them before going to bed and they felt so good after a long touring day. Because they’re so flat they took up no space and they will absolutely be on my packing lists in the future, especially on long trips.

I typically take a tote for sightseeing and tried a backpack this trip while sightseeing. I used this 4Monster 32 liter backpack (https://a.co/d/0719TMS3) and I am a convert. It was so lightweight I felt I was carrying nothing and packed up small and hooked on my purse.

I carried a small crossbody purse. It unfortunately isn’t made any more as it was a PacSafe made for eBags. It has safety features but is quite light. It fits under a zipped jacket. It’s a great bag and I wish I could more colors!

One huge realization from the trip: I have been plus sized (22/24 or 2/3x) for the last 20 or more years. It has made me a much more “just in case” traveler, because I didn’t know if I could easily find clothes I could wear if needed. I have lost almost 75 pounds over the last year or so and am wearing generally size large or 14. Yet I still packed as if were that plus sized woman who couldn’t find something in her size. Body dysmorphia is really a thing and I honestly didn’t understand it was impacting me. Maybe that was part of the source of my anxiety for this trip? It was the first big trip in my "new" body and maybe that was unknowingly stressing me out? I hope it’s something that changes naturally but in the meantime I need to be cognizant of that.

In the end, the extra space I had really worked out. I typically don’t buy many souvenirs. I get keychains that I use as ornaments on a small rod iron tree I call my travel tree (I take off the chain and add a ribbon). I also buy postcards and stamps because I send quite a few to a couple specific people (my 99 year old neighbor and my sister among others). Then a couple small food items for my kids and that’s it.

Well, my previous souvenir packing was not at all reflective of this trip!! I purchased an Irish cardigan sweater and a Claddagh ring (planned). I bought a Longchamp crossbody (not available in the US). And the bulky purchase…3 bottles of Scotch not available in the US for our son. I also had $1000 in onboard credit on our ship (we had been “bumped” from one cruise to another due to a charter, so got a ton of onboard credit) and had no need for it, so bought a bunch of Brighton for Xmas gifts for family and friends (2 purses and some jewelry). Not a usual scenario. Additionally, Dh is a golfer and got really nice polos from Holywood Golf course, Royal Portrush and Saint Andrews. We’ve never ever bought this much before. So I’m glad I had the extra space. I don’t regret anything we bought. I ended up repacking and checking my roller and Hynes backpack (although they we packed way lighter than before). I carried on my small underseat tote and my 4Monster backpack with all my purchases (except the larger alcohol bottles of course) on the plane.

What was kind of funny was I realized we went over the allotment allowed when returning to the US. We had 2.2 liters of alcohol ( we're allowed 2 liters in total) and had spent a little over $1900 (being allowed $800 each). Well, I had my list and when we arrived at passport control the agent asked if we had anything to declare. So I told him yes and when he asked, I told him we were over by 200 milliliters for our alcohol limit and spent $1906 so we were over by $300. I swear, he looked like he was trying not to burst into laughter and politely told me that it was okay and we could go. I can only imagine what he told his coworkers at his break!

Anyway, we had a great trip and I am pretty sure I'll pack a iittle less next time (or maybe not...who knows?)

A fun packing report, thank you for sharing it. I so understand your what-if feeling, I too have been varying sizes throughout my life, and that worry about not being able easily to replace clothes in bigger sizes is something I recognise from myself. And it is a hard mindset to change!

Thank you for the packing report. I always find these reports quite interesting. When I first joined this forum I thought I was definitely not a minimalist packer. But I really am more than I knew. I will be referencing your report when I pack for my trip to southern Bavaria in another month. I always check one bag. And I always want room for purchases!

I loved your personal packing report that made me smile so many times. I'd never heard of using keychains for a 'Charlie Brown' tree at xmas. Thanks, I'll keep that in mind

Fun report, thank you for sharing. Congrats on your weight loss! Quiddler is a family favorite, great idea of your friends to bring along.

I've purchased key chains for ornaments for years. I've heard others that do (Kylee Kelce mentioned on her podcast, that years ago, she forgot to get an ornament and found a key chain that they liked. They continue the tradition.) I put mine on my "regular" tree. Great memories. Earlier this year, I purchased a platypus bottle opener in Australia. I just may put a ribbon on that and hang it.

For customs, we've fairly often had more than the allowed wine. We say' "some wine", and they don't pursue. Honestly, its likely that it generally isn't worth their time. We don't buy pricey wine, so should an agent what to charge us, it wouldn't amount to much.

I'm going to Ireland and Scotland soon. Can you speak to the actual weather you experienced? My forecasts pretty much have rain every day of the trip, but if its for a half hour or during the night, it hardly matters.

Great report! loved the read :)
I am convinced I now need the monster backpack. However, I want a color that they only have it in the smaller 16L. Since I've never really brought a backpack along with me before, I would think it is large enough ? Just some extra pairs of glasses and varies mints, first aid, etc. - opinion ?
You mentioned you couldn't get the crossbody purse in the U.S. - where did you end up purchasing ?

And, you mentioned you sprayed your thrift jacket. I am assuming you sprayed it with something to make it a rain jacket ? Can you clarify :)

Thanks!
Mitzi

Who knew that reporting and analyzing what someone packed could be so much fun to read?

Yes, I would not want to go clothes shopping on a trip, especially bra or shoe shopping. It irks me a bit when people say breezily that "you can just go buy what you need" --- it took me literally YEARS to find stuff to wear that fits me and I don't completely hate.

Oh I LOVE packing reports! Thanks so much for the details! Did I miss it or what were your travel dates? You must have missed heat waves in France?

"Yet I still packed as if were that plus sized woman who couldn’t find something in her size. Body dysmorphia is really a thing and I honestly didn’t understand it was impacting me."

Sending you tons of congrats and loving hugs. As a plus sized woman I can completely identify with maybe not being able to find something to wear if your bag doesn't make it or if something goes awry with a piece of clothing. Good for you for identifying this and you will pack differently next trip!

Thanks so much for posting!

Who knew that reporting and analyzing what someone packed could be so much fun to read?

Exactly right, Nancy !!

Thank you Panda Bear for a very fun packing report!

I’m sorry if you’ve included this elsewhere, but what were the dates of this trip? We’re heading to Scotland next year in late spring and that’s earlier than our last few trips. The last few years we’ve had more heat issues than I expect we’ll have in Scotland, so your packing ideas are really helpful.

I'm going to Ireland and Scotland soon. Can you speak to the actual
weather you experienced? My forecasts pretty much have rain every day
of the trip, but if its for a half hour or during the night, it hardly
matters.

We had very little rain although there were days with mists. We had three days where we had some heavier rain and it was colder, and I was glad I had my puffer jacket. But I also get cold easily, so keep that in mind. I’d probably skip the puffer next time, unless we were planning on being outside for much larger periods of time.

The rest of the time, my Chico’s cardigan sweatshirt (like a ponte knit pant fabric) with a lightweight cardigan sweater (this is what I used for reference to weight: Amazon Essentials Women's... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T7M4GF3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) and a lightweight rain/windbreaker was enough.

In fact, there were some warmer days when I just wore the rain/wind jacket.

We did not bring an umbrella, because I had heard it could be so windy they were useless. I’m not sure I agree with that and I’d probably pack one next time. But live and learn.

I would also invest in a really good quality raincoat and zippered fleece (I only wear cardigan style). But for this trip, I essentially thrifted all my clothes (except underwear, socks etc and the Amazon sweaters and Chill River dress). I didn’t want to spend the money for something I might only fit on for one trip before ai change sizes. But when I hit the weight I plan to stop at, I will do so.

So, what were your travel dates?

Great report! loved the read :) I am convinced I now need the monster
backpack. However, I want a color that they only have it in the
smaller 16L. Since I've never really brought a backpack along with me
before, I would think it is large enough ? Just some extra pairs of
glasses and varies mints, first aid, etc. - opinion ? You mentioned
you couldn't get the crossbody purse in the U.S. - where did you end
up purchasing ? And, you mentioned you sprayed your thrift jacket. I
am assuming you sprayed it with something to make it a rain jacket ?
Can you clarify :)

Mitzi, I bought the largest size (32 liters). For reference, they also have a 24 liter and as you mentioned, the 16 liter. However, because of the type of fabric, the actual difference in weight is only .7 ounces (3.7 to 4.4) and even the dimensions aren’t that different (length is just a little under 3 inches longer and width is 2 inches) . I’d consider getting the larger size. Because most days when I used it, I started with just my rain jacket in a packing cube and maybe a protein bar (because I also had my crossbody). It felt like nothing on my back. But when I needed the space, I packed a ton of stuff in there! Initially I planned to use it for taking extra clothes on the plane and this is what it fit:

2 pairs pants (Athleta & Eileen Fisher)
1 jacket (Chico’s golf style, so lightweight)
1 nightgown
4 long sleeved tops
1 bralette
1 scarf
1 fingerless magic gloves
3 underwear
1 yoga sock
1 ankle sock
1 sock liner
1 above ankle sock
1 wool sock
1 pair flats

I know that’s way more than you asked for, but what can I say? I am obsessed with packing!

I terms of spray, yes, I used Scotchguard to spray my jacket and the brand at Target for shoes (don’t remember the brand) . It worked well enough for my purposes but when we had one really strong rain (at Normandy) the jacket did get quite wet, but I will say I didn’t feel wet. And the jacket dried quickly in the car.

I hope this helps.

Thanks, PandaBear! I ordered the 24L.

PandaBear, thanks for the detailed packing report. I would love to hear your impressions of your Windstar cruise.

Has anyone used those hydrating face masks for awhile on a long plane flight? I know it would look strange but if you're sitting next to a family member?

’m sorry if you’ve included this elsewhere, but what were the dates of
this trip? We’re heading to Scotland next year in late spring and
that’s earlier than our last few trips. The last few years we’ve had
more heat issues than I expect we’ll have in Scotland, so your packing
ideas are really helpful

Our trip dates are as follows:
July 28: left that evening
July 30 annd 31 Edinburgh and St. Andrews pre cruise
Aug 1: boarded ship in Dundee
Aug 19: departed ship on Rouen
Aug 19-22 in Normandy area
Aug 23 depart from Paris to home

PandaBear, thanks for the detailed packing report. I would love to
hear your impressions of your Windstar cruise.

This is our second Windstar cruise. We also did 7 days around Iceland. This one was 18 days essentially around Scotland and Ireland.

They are small ships (max is 310 people). Not much at all of “typical” ship entertainment. On this cruise there was trivia every afternoon before dinner and there is music aboard (not like a show, but music in a lounge). They also had enrichment…two people on this cruise who talked about a variety of topics.
One main restaurant and then a cafe type place open during the day (but not for dinner). There is also a grill open up on deck for lunch and dinner and two specialty restaurants that are free. You can’t book until you’re on board to give everyone a chance to book.
There is a small pool and two hot tubs. There is a small spa with 4 ceramic beds and sauna and of course, they offer the typical services. The thermal stuff is free.
We traveled with friends and played cards and games after dinner.
Their cruises tend to be port intensive. This cruise originally had 14 days in port and 2 at sea. They added Dundee at the start but canceled Isle of Man because of weather. Most port days are 8 or 9 to 5 or 6 with some staying there until 9pm.
Kids are allowed but they have to be a certain age. In Iceland the only child was the daughter of an officer visiting who was maybe 10 or 12 and there was a girl of maybe 12 on this cruise with two older teens. While there are some younger couples I’d say the demographic is some people in their 30’s and 40’s with the majority 50-80’s. Many of the older crowd are quite active but there were a few canes and walkers (not many).
I find the food to be quite good. I’d say a step up from the larger mainstream cruise ships (think Princess, Royal, etc).
On the ships (versus sailing style ships) all the rooms are quite large, with a small walk in closet, loveseat with 2 chairs and a decent sized bathroom for a cruise ship.
We are sailing in February in the Caribbean on the sailing type ship. That’s 7 days with 5 days in port and 2 at sea. Those rooms are more traditional sized cabins.
Because they’re small ships, the best prices seem to be when you book quite early.
Please ask me any questions!

Has anyone used those hydrating face masks for awhile on a long plane
flight? I know it would look strange but if you're sitting next to a
family member?

I haven’t, but what a great idea! I’d do it.

PandaBear, thanks so much for the info on Windstar. Smaller ship sailing has been in our sights for a while now. In fact, I recently ordered some brochures from Windstar. Thinking possibly a Panama Canal cruise. I'm sure I'll have questions for you in the future.

We're doing a New England/Canada cruise in October on Azamara. Just under 700 passengers on their ships. I believe Windstar, besides the smaller size, are even more casual than Azamara. We have no problem cruising without casinos and Broadway shows.

Thanks again for the info.

I also appreciate the Windstar cruise information. We are considering one in the South Pacific. I like smaller, port intensive cruises.

Thanks PandaBear, what a fun & interesting packing report! Congrats on the weight loss, wow. And I can relate to packing anxiety and worrying about not bringing the right stuff, especially on an 18-day cruise when you're going to see the same people every day. So many others also commented about not shopping while traveling, thanks everyone. I really dislike shopping, let alone HAVING to go shopping while traveling, no way! So unless I find something I love on the Forum (and it does happen, LOL), I mostly just order the same pants & shirts in different colors & the random blouse I find along the way.