Who knew?

Who knew there were SO many things one had to think about before packing for a trip like this? Or that there were so many "travel accessories"..... Not me! And... that there are so many online shopping sites that will help you do it, their way!

It's a different world we live in than the one that sent me off on that 2001 adventure with Kerry. Seven weeks after we returned from our love-fest with Ireland, the world turned upside down with the 9/11 incidents. In these last five years, travel has become more strict (and rightly so) and more concentrated. We've gone from not being able to carry anything on a plane to a more relaxed effort today. What we have learned in reading is that airlines are more strict about the size and weight of your luggage and are VERY strict about the size, weight and contents of your carry-ons. And so... the adventure begins!

WARNING: THIS COULD BE A VERY BORDING POST!

Fortunately, the Aer Lingus site has information specific to size and weight of both checked luggage and carry-ons. So, John and I jotted notes and began the search for sturdy, lightweight luggage. We checked stores and websites and finally settled on a couple of TravelPro bags. Initially we thought we'd look into a 26" bag and a 22" inch bag, but after looking at 22" bags (which seemed TINY), we settled on two 26" bags. While this may be more space than we need initially, it does afford us the opportunity to bring stuff home for all our friends and family. (This is not a promise of anything, folks!) TravelPro luggage is quite expensive. You pay for that sturdy lightweight stuff, you know. Thank God for eBay. (What did we do before eBay? I can't remember... .I must have blocked it all as trauma!) Found a great supplier of new, in-box TravelPro luggage and ordered two pieces for a fraction of what they would cost new in a store or an online source. (Thanks, scoobygoodboy!) We're now set with two pieces.... of course, we have to hope and pray that they will BOTH fit into the trunk of the Hertz rental we'll get. (Kerry and I learned last time that large bags take up the bulk of space in those tiny rentals. I had always told myself that two small bags would be better than one large bag on the "next" trip, but now that the next trip is here and I still only have two hands, I can only pull so much luggage... .so, it's two large bags and that's the final say on that!)

I accidently ordered TWO carryons when I was ordering one for John from Sierra Trading Post. (If you haven't shopped there, check it out because they have incredible prices on stuff, many at 70% off other retailers!) So... now we have two large black suitcases and two very nice black (Eagle Creek, no less!) carry-ons. Sounds like things are getting a little "dark" here.... We'll have to do something to distinguish our luggage and carryons from each other's AND from the world at large! I think I'll refrain from the puff-paint squiggles suggestion that I read on some travel website. Just doesn't seem fittin' of our age!

Now... we've got the outside of packing taken care of... Time to tackle the inside. I have discovered the world of Pack-it cubes and pack-it folders. I do like a little something more sturdy and organized than my typical world of everything in zip-loc bags. It does make sense to keep your stuff organized when you'll be living out of a suitcase for 2+ weeks. The prices for those things range all over the place, but I did find good prices on sets at www.magellans.com and www.containerstore.com . Amazingly enough, The Container Store (a favorite of niece Julie) has tons of great stuff for travel. Who knew? So... between those places and Gander Mountain (our local adventure store) we have a nice assortment of things to keep our suitcases organized. I bought a pack-it folder yesterday and am anxious to see how it does with pants and shirts and things one doesn't plan to "roll up".

Now... we also have to deal with the issue of doing laundry on the road. Laundromats are available, but not plentiful, according to what we've read. I am not at all interested in the idea of dropping off my laundry in the morning and picking it up in the late afternoon. Sorry.... i'm picky that way, especially when I'm taking as little as possible and can't afford to have to "buy new" in Ireland or wear stuff that's shrunk beyond reason. (What would that do for American diplomacy to see high water pants roaming the Irish countryside?) So.... we've gotten a few aides (like the stretchy clothesline that doesn't require clothespins) and we've been doing some laundry "practice" to decide what to take. I'm not crazy about these polyester pants, but they dry in a flash and don't wrinkle so it looks like they're going. My jeans are fairly lightweight and dry quickly as well and since we have no idea what the weather will be like (though pleasant and about like here, with little sunshine -- sounds very familiar) so we're planning on layering. Boy, have long johns come a long way!

Weight and space... weight and space... those are the two things that keep running through my mind. I have amazed John by packing all my makeup into a little bag that is 5" x 3" x 2.5". Actually, I've amazed myself! Of course, it's nice to have all those little bags that pile up courtesy of Estee Lauder and Clinique, plus the sample sizes of stuff. Those samples should last a good two weeks!

Who knew you could buy disposable underwear? NOT me! I was amazed when I saw that in the catalogs. And, suffice it to say, we are NOT going that direction. We're sticking with the quick wash / fast dry stuff... taking three pair each. Now, there's a thought... "The Three Pair Ireland Tour" ????? Nah... not catchy enough! Or, maybe a little TOO catchy!

Now, I'm on the hunt for the perfect boots / shoes to wear on this trip. We've been reading a LOT about white sport shoes being the equivalent of giant neon signs that say "TOURIST"! Isn't that the strangest thing? Anyway, I did buy a pair of Reebok walkers, but haven't taken the time to break them in. I love my Cole Haan suede boots, but am not sure whether or not they are waterproof. They are so comfortable and have sturdy soles. I did buy some waterproofing spray on stuff and will most likely try that out. I had originally thought about wearing my hiking boots, but they are so heavy and can really weigh you down after an all day wearing. Besides they are QUITE unattractive.

Are you bored yet? I warned you in the beginning!

I found a great pair of leather, waterproof Cole Haan boots on ebay and got scooped in the last minute of the auction. Grrrrrrr.... Have purchased another pair and hope to see what they're like when they arrive in the mail this week. I bought a pair from Sierra Trading ... a pair of Rocksport, but they're a little big and feel kind of clunky. Who knows, they might be my very first ebay SALE!

And so... the clothing / packing / (and apparently) shopping adventures continue! Stay tuned for whatever amazing things come up next in the "who knew" category!

Slainte!

Dawn

FYI: Slainte (pronounced slawnchuh) is Irish Gaelic for "to your health"