-Europe and Back in My Carry On-

I have learned the hard way with luggage. My suitcase got lost getting to Martinique and did not arrive until halfway through the trip (I at least got mine unlike some of my family). 

I have also learned that less is more after my trip to Costa Rica. Dragging a huge piece of luggage through the unpaved rural cooperative grounds was, in retrospect, both unnecessary and kind of offensive. 

Humble is best, especially in areas where there is a lot of poverty. 


I took only carry on to Peru and it worked wonderfully. I fit in far better with at our modest, but beyond welcoming, homestay. 

However, in Europe I knew I would need more than dry fit shirts and jungle attire. I did a lot of research on European clothes so I would not be "pegged" as an American. Not that I am not proud to be an American... I just did not want to look like a tourist. That meant I would need some classic dresses, a light sweater for London, and shoes that are comfortable, yet cute. All my research paid off too! Josh and I were asked for directions in London, our local tour guide said I looked "very Oxford" in my blue midi-skirt, and we were told we we were "dressed smart" in London. 

You may think that it would require a lot a room, but it didn't! My picture above shows all the luggage that I took! Most airlines allow you to bring one suitcase that is 45" combined linear inches (including wheels!), one small personal item that will fit under your seat (my small Lands' End backpack), and you are allowed to keep a pillow, hat, scarf, and jacket out with you. My pillow looks a bit flat in the picture and that's because I took the stuffing out! It has a zipper and it was perfect to stuff a hand towel and extra clothes. 

The below picture shows some of my outfits. 

I brought:

• 1 jacket
• 1 hat and 1 scarf (I wore on the plane)
• 3 shirts (2 long sleeve, 1 short)
• 5-6 dresses
• 2 leggings for under dresses
• 1 skirt 
• 1 pair of dark wash jeans (dark wash are very easy to wear 2-3 times and no one will know)
• 1 pair of boots (I wore on the plane)
• 1 pair of comfort sole Mary Jane heeled shoes 
• 2 cardigans (1 shorter sleeve and 1 long sleeve)
• 1 light sweater (I wore over the black striped dress) 
• 1 pair of pajamas (You really don't need more!)
• Socks, pair of nylons, and intimates
• Toiletries (I kept in my backpack)
• Travel converter
• Camera (Sony A55)
• Journal 

Source

It's not much, but it was perfect for our 8 days. That all fit rolled up in two packing cubes I got off of Amazon. They were a lifesaver for keeping things organized! I had the whole second half of the hard case suitcase for our (limited) souvenirs.