I was in Prague and Budapest on a RS tour with 3 extra nights in Prague before the tour and 3 extra nights in Budapest after the tour ended. I then took the train to Vienna for another 7 days solo time.
I had a terrific time; it was my first solo overseas trip since 2019. I did go with my husband to Greece in May of this year only to have it derailed by my husband getting Covid 5 days into our trip. So, first off; yay! made it through healthy. Big relief.
In total I took 2 pairs of pants and 1 skirt. I had 2 ls turtlenecks Lands’ End and 2 ls no iron cotton button shirts, also Lands’ End, 1 cashmere cardigan, 1 lightweight merino crew neck sweater and 1 wool blend cabled v neck vest. Almost every top or sweater went with all 3 bottoms, so lots of mix and match.
I had a sleep shirt and bottoms, 4 pairs undies, 2 bras, 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of tights and 1 half slip for the skirt. Also took 1 sleeveless silk camisole and 1 mid thigh lightweight synthetic long underwear bottom. And 3 scarves and 1 belt.
I took 1 pair of Ariat paddock boots, they’re combat boot height. Also took a pair of knee boots, riding boots style.
For a coat I had an all weather coat that is a longish mid thigh length. It is from Lands End, has a removable liner and a hood. I was very pleased with it. We had 2 days with rain and I discovered it really is waterproof.😉 I was glad for the longer than hip length and the hood. I don’t like toting or using an umbrella. Without the liner it was just right on warmer days. I used the liner towards the end of my Budapest stay and through my week in Vienna and it was just enough to keep me warm.
I used everything I took except the silk cami. I’m a cold person, note the 3 sweaters, so I was worried I’d need one more extra layer but climate change comes through again! My landlady said they were having unusually warm temps in Vienna. It was in the 50s to low 60s for highs. My Texas blood is pretty thin but out and about I was very comfortable.
Both pairs of boots were great. The knee boots have been traveling with me to Europe in fall or winter for 8 years and they are so great on cobblestones and city streets. Very stable and keep my feet happy. Same with my Ariat paddock boots. I’ve had them more than 5 years, I’m on my second pair actually. Stable and all day comfy. The only issue is they are heavy in your carryon. I pack the knee boots and they are 1 1/2 lbs per boot!
I’m a wash in the sink or shower traveler and that worked fine. 99% of everything would be dry in the morning or if not, in 24 hours. I find it very easy. I take 2 collapsible lightweight plastic hangers with me so I can hang stuff in the shower if needed but all 3 places had hangers that worked this trip.
I take a 19 1/2” 2 wheel carryon. It’s 4 lb 3 oz. It’s by Hadaki and is no longer available. I love the lightweight and and the handle seems very sturdy. I’ve had it a couple of years and it’s been on only about 4-5 trips, 80% carry on. But I was disappointed to see the fabric of inner divider is fraying and separating from the inner zipper when I got home. I’m not sure what I can do about it, I’ll take it to a tailor or upholstery shop maybe. It’s not something I’d attempt to fix myself.
New this trip was I used a phone lanyard and I loved it!! Someone on this forum posted about this model, it’s by Hotemia and is available on Amazon. It was the perfect length to slip into my raincoat pocket. Or I could put into my crossbody purse. Really increased phone security and ease of use 1000%. Big thumbs up.
Speaking of security, I’ve used a RS neck wallet for ages and it really works for me. Keeps my passport and debit card and backup credit card under my pants or skirt on the front of my left side. It’s lightweight and also easy to get into to, if necessary, without feeling like you’re getting undressed.
Happy to answer any questions….