I got back on the 24th from a 3 week trip. It always takes me a few days to readjust to being back in the real world. Nobody laying out a breakfast buffet in the morning, no charting which bus or tram to take to a great museum etc etc. Now it’s running the vacuum, cooking dinner again, and good grief: it’s almost November!
This was a great trip and basically I took many of the same clothes I take on all my travels. I like cool to cold weather travel to have the least crowded conditions. This was the last Best of Germany tour of the year and then we stayed an extra 6 nights in Berlin. At no point did we have hectic crowds or lines anywhere.
Our weather was pretty good throughout. I think we had 2-3 days of light rain but it never got in the way of what we were doing. Our temps ranged from mid 40s overnight lows to 60s for highs.
I am somewhat phobic about being cold so I took 3 pairs of merino wool knee socks, a silk camisole and a thigh length lightweight thermal bottom layer. I wore the extra layer over half of the time. And I was comfortable everyday.
I have a smallish carryon. 19 1/2” high and 4 lbs 3 ounces. It’s not pretty, kind of saggy but it fits what I take very well.
I travel in a pair of Quince Ponte pants and a lightweight Lands End black turtleneck with a medium gray merino cardigan. It’s my standard airplane wear for comfort and keeps me warm on the flight.
This was my #13 RS tour, not counting quite a few solo independent trips. It has somewhat sunk in I am a bit different in my choice of travel clothes. Someone exclaimed: ‘You’re all dressed up!’ to me one morning after breakfast. I think it might have been because I tucked in a shirt maybe? I was a little startled honestly and didn’t respond. But it sort of made me more aware than previously that maybe I’m a little bit outside the box.
Including what I travel in, I take 4 tops and 3 pairs of pants/trousers total. I had 1 long sleeve T shirt, 2 long sleeve no iron cotton button shirts and the turtleneck. When I think about it although I have traveled with people who wear shirts with buttons, it isn’t typical. And I have 2 pairs of pants that are a poly, rayon and wool blend that look sort of menswear and not travel wear with side zippers and tech fabric. These pants I call my bionic pants because they are about 20 years old, come out of the suitcase with no wrinkles, washable, and low key in appearance so they go with everything I pack. They are straight legged and aren’t really in style or out of style I’d say. One pair is a dark charcoal and one a dark navy subtle pinstripe. They were Lands End purchases from back in the day you could order a precise inseam length. I’m tall so that was important to me.
I also had 2 merino or cashmere cardigans and 1 pullover v neck cashmere sweater and 5 different scarves. I wear a pretty boring color palette, black, navy, gray, so scarves are my ‘fun’ thing to bring. Plus since I tend to run on the cold side, a scarf at my neck really helps keep me comfortable.
I had 1 pair Altra sneakers and 1 pair of Ariat black paddock boots. Those boots have been my go to since 2013. I’m on my 3rd pair now. They are terrific for cobblestones and long days in cities and museums. I pretty much alternate each pair every other day. That seems to keep my feet happy. This was a busy tour with a couple of up a hill hikes and long walking tours so I’m always happy to have shoes I can rely on.
I had my Tom Bihn Side Effect for my every day purse and after 3 or 4 trips I still really love carrying something so lightweight. Tom Bihn Daylight Briefcase for my personal item on the plane and the bus bag on the tour worked well, too. Although I’m getting tempted to order one of their Co-Pilot bags for a little bit more room. I’d love to hear from anyone who has one.
Mid thigh hooded rain coat with a light quilted liner worked well for the whole trip. No umbrella needed.
Continued….