Italy Travels in Photos...Part 1

Hi all and sorry for the length in time between postings!  Blogger, the site I use to write and publish this blog, does not work well on iPads....not even the pro models. I did not take a computer with me to Italy so....it was a total forced relaxation...not even blogging while I was away!

Anywhoo, after resting up, then traveling to Phoenix for work (talk about weather shock!), and processing through the hundreds of photos I took while in Italy, I have come to the conclusion I will need to have several posts about my wanderings in Italy.  This is the first....

And the first post starts with Rome.  I was really excited to go and see the wonders of the ancient worlds.  I am a total fan of historical architecture and museums as much as anything else so Rome was the place for me, or so I thought.

Even being in Rome during what is considered an off-period, the crowds around anything considered "touristy" were crazy!  Little secret about me...I hate crowds. I feel totally overwhelmed in large bodies of people.  This meant in Rome, I could see some of the beautiful and historical architecture but museums were a no-go....

The other thing about Rome that I did not expect is that all these great historical pieces - the Coliseum, the Vatican, etc - are totally surrounded by big-city. Conceptually I knew this but it was disappointing to see how things are built up right to the doorstep of history. Totally not the city of Rome's fault - they gotta have a place to live after all - but ended up not being as excited about Rome as I thought I would.

Bonus?  I thought staying "outside" the city-center was going to be annoying but ended up loving the separation for some quite solitude...something that I much needed!

Anyway, that is enough words.  Onto the pictures to tell the story of what is still an amazing city!

This is the view I woke up to every morning in Rome....seriously.

Obligatory Coliseum photo.  This is also where I accidentally joined a German youth tour group - well, really they joined me in admiring and reporting on this bit of history.

I loved watching people walk their dogs and let the kids run loose on what was the Circus Maximus.  Having a big part of some of the historical city in the background was nice as well.

Beautiful views of the Tiber River....and I see you St. Peter's Cathedral peaking over the Vatican grounds and surrounding parts of Rome!

This is just decoration for a bridge, y'all....seriously.  I call this shot Angel Upon High

Oh, you know...just going fishing in the heart of Rome. NBD

This shot was brought to you after climbing a huge marble staircase up the Capitoline Hill. Totally Worth It!

More of the same ruins that are a part of the Capitoline Museum area. I believe they were a part of the Foro Di Caesaro or Caesar's Forum. 

Literally across the street from Caesar's Forum is the Foro Di Augusto or The Forum of Augustus.  Bellissima!

And finally, one of my favorite places in Rome....Piazza Navona.  Compared to the rest of the city, it was a bit calmer and I could walk around without feeling like I was going to get run over by 
tour groups!

Yes, I visited the Trevi Fountain and most all of the other tourist hotspots but with so many people, the photos were just terrible.  But I have my memories....

Next up and next blog post will be about what has to be one of my favorite cities and general areas on earth....Florence.  LOTS of pictures of the city and some stops around Tuscany so stay tuned.....

How much is in that Carry-on?

last time I talked a bit more about how I prep for the packing process.  This allows me to pack in a hot second when I finally motivate myself to do so.  When I was younger, I would pack weeks in advance and take half of my closet in clothes and shoes - and those that know me well know how much that really is!

But after having lost my checked luggage for two days on a Korea Japan trip, I finally gave up checking luggage unless there is absolutely no other option.  I shared my preference with luggage - but know that some of the other brands - both more and less expensive - make great carry-on luggage.  The goal is to get one that you are comfortable with and that helps you stay organized as you pack.

So how about a small visual story? I am currently sitting in an airport on a layover for my big vacation of the year - 2 weeks in Italy!  I am so excited and this is an opportune time to share with you all my secret, and not so secret method of packing to maximize what I can take and minimize the luggage I have to take.

First, lets talk the trip - 4 days Rome, 4 days Florence, 4 days Venice, and 3 days Milan.  That is a lot of days but if you plan ahead and pack well, you can do it in a carry-on.

So, I started by selecting pants and tops I wanted to take based upon the weather.  Since it will be mid 70s during the day and 60s at night in Rome and Florence and much cooler when I get to Venice and Milan, it is all about packing in layers.

I selected 6 pairs of pants - wearing the bulkiest of them on the plane to save space. Ladies isn’t he audience, I know you are saying “only 6 pairs of pants for a trip that long?”  Well, let me ask you...how many times do you wear jeans before washing? We have to get over the thought that I cannot re-wear clothing before washing them.  I’m just saying...

Pants selected since this was a casual trip are: Jeans, White Jeans, Black Jeans (which can be used for a night out or two), Green Jeans, Navy Slacks, and Grey Slacks.

Okay, weird packing tip....and I don’t even know if it is true...but I iron all clothing before I pack. The clothes lay flatter and seem to take up less space. I know by physics and science this is not true but I still do it. It also saves me time on the other end when I arrive as my clothes are not crazy wrinkled.

Shirts I selected for their thin material, ability to layer, and warmth or coolness for this trip....and I selected 9 of them which is a lot for me.

Reds, blues, steel, wine, stripes, etc. the only rule was that they had to go with a minimum of 4 pairs of the pants I packed for maximum variety.

Pants went into the bag first on the side with the straps (sorry no pick of this step...I was tired). I alternated the waistband starting at each end so the stack of pants does not get lopsided.  Once the pants were in the suitcase, shirts followed.  The pants do not take up the entire width of the space so I always have space on the side for shoes or something else.  In this case, 4 rolled up shirts can fit in with the rest of the 9 being layered in over the pants.  Then it is all topped off with two sweaters and cinched down tight with the straps.

Notice, those handily little zippered pockets on each side of the clothing side of the bag?  Well, they are perfect for things like panties and socks.  In this case, I stuffed them full of panties.

Okay, so the first side of the suitcase is organized and packed...so lets tackle the other side.  This is where shoes, makeup, and all the other travel essentials go!  First, lets talk about shoes.  When I am doing one of these trips where I am going to walk a lot for a couple of weeks, I always take two pair of really good tennis shoes.  I wear one and pack the other as they are bulky and take up a lot of space.  In this case, I am wearing the white ones and the hiking variety get to ride in the bag. I also pack two pair of flats - a black one and a brown one so I am covered whatever I am wearing.  This time the black foldable ones got to come with a cute pair of brown driving shoes.  These will be great to go out to dinner in rather than tennis shoes. 

But before I put all those shoes in my suitcase, I need to add the socks!  I can fit 6 pair of socks into a single pair of tennis shoes buy filling up foot space before putting them in the shoe bag!  Easy, peasy and is another secret to maximizing your packing space. 

Shoes are now in the bag.  Now to layer in all the other essentials including my favorite travel hair dryer from Drybar.  I have short hair that has to be dried and styled so this is my one packing splurge since almost all hotels have hair dryers now.  I just like mine.

Pause.  Let’s talk makeup and jewelry for a minute ladies.  I used to be one of those that had to pack everything because I just did not know what look I might go for on a trip.  No longer.  I streamlined my makeup needs for travel and packed only the jewelry I wanted or needed into a handy travel bag....I love that the makeup goes in the top compartment and the jewelry in the bottom!

I have also streamlined liquids to just what I will need for the time I am going to be gone and I use a face cleansing wipe that takes up little space in a suitcase.  

Makeup essentials - you can see that I use a cheek stain so it is in the liquid pic below with my mascara.

Liquid Essentials

PS, on longer trips such as this, one of my liquid essentials is the small tide sink packs.  They are great for washing socks and panties in the sink and letting them dry in the shower.  You can choose to have a hotel wash them for you but it is just weird getting back your socks and undies on hangars.  You could also find a laundromat but it takes no time to wash and rinse in the room, roll up the wet items in a towel, and squeeze for all your worth to get as much water out before hanging to dry.  Why take up vacation time finding a place to do a chore?

Last item, and ladies this one is important, is a place to stash those bras....well, my bag comes with this handy pocket so in they go.  As we all know, it is not good to wear the same bra back to back so I pack enough that I can rotate and only wear a bra every three days.  That gives time to air out and the elastic to return to shape.

Oh, one of their hint.  If your suitcase has an outside pocket, go ahead and throw your liquids back in it so it is easy to access when you go through security.  I have PreCheck but when I travel internationally, that goes away so it is much easier than having to open your bag and find your liquids!

That is it everyone!  That is how I pack for 2 weeks or more in a carry on.  Well, a carry-on and a backpack.  I have to have somewhere to stash my PJ’s - which I sometimes change into for a while on the plane for long trips - and my computer/IPad, a wrap that can act as a scarf, and a few other things.    This system has worked well for me and I hope it helps you think about simplifying your packing process.  

Happy Travels!

Shelley

Prepping, Yes Prepping, for Carry-On Packing

So, as I anticipate my next trip - this time Vacation! - I have started the prepping part of my packing routine.  Now, make no mistakes, I am not actually packing.  I have found, though, that to make my packing routine smooth and seamless, I need to do a bit of prep-work.

I made a decision a long time ago that barring something crazy, I would only pack in a carry-on for any of my travels by plane.  There is absolutely nothing like having your checked luggage lost in a foreign country on a business trip and no business clothes. For. Two. Days.  That is definitely a situation that will push you to working with a carry-on.

Just deciding, though, to go to using a carry-on is only the first step.  Next, you need to make sure you have the right carry-on!  The bag needs to be the correct size to fit based upon your air carrier as well as any countries you are, or plan, to travel to. You don't have to go super expensive when it comes to luggage but I do recommend you get something that is durable and super mobile.  

I love a carry-on with the spinner wheels as it makes it easier to navigate down the isles of the planes.  I also like a bag that is made with ballistic material for the durability.  I flex between hard and soft-sided as I have both and they have their merits.

Next, I like a bag that - in itself - helps in the organization process.  A bag that has integrated pouches and pockets - as well as a suit hanger and the buckles to snug down clothing is essential in fitting in as much as possible.

Now, I am in no way possible compensated for my opinions here in my blog - and not provided with any freebies - but my favorite bags are Tumi Bags.  My current love is theTumi Continental Expandable Carry-On.  I picked mine up at the Tumi Outlet Store which saved on cost and it was probably a previous season but that honestly does not matter.  It is sized just a hint above EU carry-on standards but from a visual standpoint, would be hard to tell.  Plus it fits in the overhead perfectly.

What do I like about it?  All those pockets, straps, and segments!  This helps me stay as organized as possible and pack smartly.  The side with the straps, that is the clothing side.  The zippered side?  That is for shoes, makeup, and other essentials.  No more clothing that what will fit on the strap side (besides socks and undies - more on those later) get to come on a trip! 

The rest of my prepping time is dedicated to making sure I have enough of things like makeup remover, hair products, socks (they seem to disappear), Tide Sink-washing packs (more on that later as well) and all the other travel essentials!  

Finally, I also make sure that the clothing I want to wear (and, again, more on that later) is clean and pressed so ready to be packed.

Want to see how I pack?  Stay tuned as I will do a whole blog - with pics! - of the process! P

Proper prepping before packing keeps me from forgetting essentials and from over packing, making my life much easier.  Also?  The actual time it takes to pack is quick and stress-free!  

Catch ya'll later!

Shelley

So it is an Introduction....

So, starting a new blog...third in my lifecycle of blogs and this one is totally dedicated to Travel...the industry I love and the wanderlust that lives in my blood.  And not just travel...but single girls travel.  I travel about 90% of the time by myself on planes, trains, and autos.  So many females out there are reticent to travel by themselves for business or personal. 

To this I say DON'T BE AFRAID! You can meet the most interesting people on the road...or not.  That is the beauty of traveling by yourself!  You can do what you want, when you want, wherever you want to do it.

Let me share....a couple of years ago, I was on a business trip to Amsterdam but tacked on London in advance as we have an office in the area.  As I was sitting on the rooftop bar at a hotel in the heart of some of the most interesting portions of London, I met two gentlemen who shared their bottle of red wine with me.  Come to find out, they were some of the original programmers for Atari and they, while goofily drunk, took me back to my youth in the 80's.  So fun and so free wine!

On the other side, recently I had a meeting in the Burgh...Pittsburgh...that is after I had spent the previous 8 days in my hometown of Dallas.  Rather than taking the train, I opted to drive from the DC suburbs - where I live now - and saw the most amazing countryside.  Imagine rolling hills, trees starting to change colors, farmsteads, and all the amazing things about rural America while being blessedly away from all technology - phone calls and emails.  Was only an overnight trip and a 4 1/2 hour drive each way but the alone time is precious.

I have traveled around the world as a single girl by myself or meeting up with a select few friends or colleagues.  What I have learned over 20 years of travel is that every experience is unique and every trip, whether frustrating or fun, is an experience.

What do I do to make the travel experience more tolerable and the destination more fun?  Well, that is what the rest of this blog is for.  Stay tuned to travel experiences, packing tips (because I only carry on - event for two weeks), shopping experiences because I am that kind of girl, and all things fun and unique.  I am hoping to keep up with this blog more than others but if you are also in DIY, come visit me on my Mann on the Move blog for all things home improvement and chaos....

Party on and here is a pic - just for pic sake - from one of my experiences....

Love you all and hope you join me on the experience!

Shelley