Packing for Paris...and more

Several years ago my daughter-in-law found this card game - Packing for Paris. It's Go, Fish with a Parisian angle. Many of the things on the cards are NOT being packed for this trip. I'm not taking a feather boa or a fan. I do have some polka dotted socks!

I've been asked how I fit everything for three weeks into one carry on bag. Here's how I do it: 

First of all, I consider my shoes. What we will be doing? Lots of walking? City or country? Shoes HAVE to be comfortable. I'm taking a pair of blue loafers, black ballet flats, and black hiking sandals. They are all broken in. The hiking sandals may look flimsy, but they've been up mountains and down again. I'll wear the ballet flats for city days and/or dressier occasions. The blue loafers are so comfy.

This is a casual vacation. I wear skirts and dresses often, especially in the heat. I'm taking a cotton knit turquoise dress and a black print maxi skirt. Three pairs of pants: one navy knit, one blue cotton "girlfriend" pants from Gap, one of heavier black stretch woven pants for cooler weather.

Since the weather is variable - Wales is enduring monsoon-like rains and the Cotswolds could be drippy, I'm packing three long-sleeved shirts, plus six short-sleeved/sleeveless ones, plus three light knit open tops (cardigans) to layer. One rain shell. A blue jean jacket. Three scarves. A hat. Almost all of the tops go with all of the bottoms. I've not done as well with this as I have for other trips. 

And here is everything you see in the upper photo rolled and/or folded into the carry-on piece, other than what I'll be wearing on the plane. In addition, my flat iron, cosmetic case, and underthings are in the carry-on. I'll likely tuck in a couple of my camera lenses as well. Tim will carry the plug adapters in his case (and maybe my lenses). 

Here is the rain shell - it's in the carry on.

To wear on the plane. Airplanes are often too hot, or too cold. It's best to be prepared for anything. I'll wear a pair of navy knit pants, a sleeveless top, my jean jacket, and a scarf. I'll have socks on, too, especially since shoes often have to be removed at security checks. 

In addition to the carry on, I have a cross over canvas bag that holds my tablet, camera, documents, other miscellany, and liquids for security. This is the first time I'm traveling without printed books. I am taking a journal for writing. 

I've scheduled this to publish late Saturday night, west coast time. We should be over the Atlantic somewhere, almost near London where we'll land and then grab another flight for Paris. 

How do you travel? Lots of luggage or a little?