How to pack for the over-packer

"Honey I'm sorry, your bag is 10 pounds over".. How the heck are you supposed to know what 10 pounds is.. You suddenly panic as you know there are about five people in line behind you that watch you make a scene, while you open up your one suitcase, start pulling out random sweaters, jeans, a pair of boots, hoping to God that it's light enough now. The thought crosses your mind then of where am I supposed to put this stuff I just pulled out.. So what do you do? You throw the two sweaters on over what you're wearing, try to fit one boot in your backpack and decide to hold the other, and the jeans? Oh you can roll the jeans up and fit them in the boot you're holding.. yeah that will work..

How many times does it take for me to actually realize I pack 10 pounds worth of stuff into a 5 pound bag.. Probably the third time?

I got tons of advice from cousins who traveled to Europe, my neighbors, and even that teacher friend who's student's sister traveled, about what to pack, how much, and in what kinds of bags. Did I listen? Only to this one piece of advice. Pack in layers.

When I was landing in Italy, it was warm, I'd say about 50-60 degrees. Pretty warm for January I thought. For the first week it was beautiful, cool breezes but warm enough that all you needed was jeans and a light sweater.

My third week there it snowed for the first time in Florence in 10 years.. 10 FLIPPING YEARS. I heard the weather could be unpredictable in the spring, and luckily brought a winter coat, but I was not ready for the snow.

So.. you’re an over packer too huh? Well focus on solid colors, pieces of clothing that will go with multiple things, rather than a stand out piece. Layers on Layers on Layers. It’s better to bring light weight items that you can throw a couple on, rather than bringing big, puffy sweatshirts and jackets. Shoes. You will be walking every day and mostly on cobble stone so nothing to make your toesies hurt!

Think of it this way, whatever you forget, you can buy the “Italian” version. And who wouldn't want to go shopping in Italy!

with all my love - SB