One Backpack + One Purse = Two Weeks in Spain

In my last post I mentioned how I enjoy the planning and packing part of travel, almost as much as the actual trip.  Working at Le Travel Store for a few years in grad school taught me the importance of good travel gear and also packing lightly. Here is what I am taking to Spain.

Aside from my wool pea coat and what I am wearing on the plane, everything I need for two weeks is in these bags. This set up is designed to be completely carry-on, so there is no worry about my bag getting lost, and no wait for luggage when I arrive. It also makes it easy to navigate public transit, stairs and more.


The backpack that I am using is an Eagle Creek Continental Journey. The current version looks to be the Rincon. The backpack straps can tuck away in a zipper compartment and it can be carried from a side handle, so it looks a little more polished than a typical hiking pack. I have had this bag for over 10 years. It has served me well and logged many miles. I use a system of packing cubes and a packing folder to keep things organized and compact inside the bag.

Some people find it hard to believe that we can travel with just a carry-on backpack and day bag each. We travel under the assumption that we will do a little laundry while we travel. Also, go for layering pieces and colors that will work together. When in doubt, leave it out.
On the plane I wear pants, tee, light knit cardigan, light jacket, casual scarf, walking shoes and an inexpensive watch. Here is everything else in the bags.

 Clothing

• 2 pair pants (one nicer, one more casual)
• 3 layering tank tops
• 1 layering tee
• 2 long sleeve tees
• 1 button up shirt
• wool blend sweater
• 5 sets socks/underwear
• Sleep pants/shirt
• Warm scarf
• Warm hat + gloves
• Walking shoes
• Packable slippers (great for plane/train and around the hotel room)
• Wool pea coat (carried separate)

Health/Comfort

• Toiletry kit (Bob and I share most things so he takes half of the stuff and take the other half. All liquids are three ounces or less so we can do carryon)
• Vitamins and EmergenC packets
• Sunscreen + sunglasses
• First aid supplies in small ziplock (band aids, antiseptic wipe, hand sanitizer, Benadryl and pain reliever)
• Noise canceling headphones
• Inflatable neck pillow
• Collapsible water bottle

Other Items

• Journal + pen
• TrekDek (which doubles as playing cards) and six dice
• Bandana
• Two packable nylon shopping bag
• Petzel head lamp
• Compact umbrella
• Empty ziplock bags (2 small, 2 large)
• iPad + charger + adapter plug
• Camera + charger + extra memory stick
• Guide book + map
• Passport, credit cards, travel docs
• Money belt

Substitutions

 If I was traveling in summer, I would :

• Swap out the warm hat for sun hat
• Take sandals instead of extra walking shoes
• Add in swimsuit and sarong

 If it was spring or fall travel, I would add in a long black skirt as well.

So, that's everything. This combination has served me well traveling for one week or for two months. Let me know if you have any questions on my packing approach.