UNO: Study Abroad in Writing

I just listened to a story on NPR on How to Pack Everything in One Bag.  Airlines have now limited passengers to one checked item, and one carry on item.  See this NPR article Ode to the Second Checked Bag.  Rules are different for international travel, though, so be sure to check with your particular airline before you go.  I think that some of the tips in this article are good, however, we are going to be away for a full month, which changes things a bit.  I think that it is true, though, that you always want to pack more than you need.  I have been going abroad for the better part of a decade, and  pack less each year.  And I still over pack.  But I know that I over pack.  For the most part, I’m ok with it.  I like having more than three outfits along, and more than one pair of shoes.  But  do think its good to think about what you absolutely HAVE to have, I mean, the bare minimum (keeping in mind that you can do laundry there).  And then add to it what you think you would really like to have.  And then cut that down by half….  I’ll post a list of essentials soon, but in the meantime, I want to introduce you to eBags.

eBags is a website I have been using for a number of years now, in my quest to find the best bag for long haul travel.  For me, I am personally a huge fan of one of eBags own designs, the Mother Lode.  I actually CAN pack a different outfit for 30 days in this bag, which is kind of bad, because then you are really tempted to do that.  Also, fully packed, it will be quite heavy, and right at the weight limit.  However, you won’t need another bag!  I like the rolling duffel because they go down train aisles and bus aisles really well, and if you pack them wisely, you can get so much in them.  And I love the split case feature of the bag, as you can pack shoes and books and such things in the bottom, and don’t have to worry about your shoes - or toiletries - mussing up your clothes.  So anyhow, I am not getting a kickback of any sort from eBags, but I am a fan of the bag (the 25 inch one and the smaller carry on one), so I thought I’d share….

Tags: Brunnenburg, Montpellier, San Miguel //