So, yes, as pathetic as it sounds I practice packed my bags today for our trip NEXT May and June. It was raining out so I figured what the heck. For our last trip, Aug-Oct 2009 I agree that we brought too much stuff, but I just didn't know how much I could leave at home and still bring everything we (I) needed. Well, it turns out I can leave A LOT at home and still brings lots.
I practice packed a 22" carry on each for my husband and myself today for our six week trip. My husband kept checking on me and laughing. I also needed to fill 3 oz bottles etc for our toiletries since last time we checked bags and brought some 4 oz bottles.
So, I can sleep easy tonight knowing I can fit everything I absolutely must have into a 22" carry on and small purse. Everyone else who is doubting themselves, have faith, if I can do it you can surely do it. I am the queen of, "What if I need it and I don't have it" thinking. Well, go buy it I say now. If you have your passport, your atm cards and any meds you need, anything else can be bought.
I've really grown as a person since I started visiting this site four years ago. 
My bags are packed...only 395 days to go!!!
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Good for you! But where are you going?
I am also going to europe with only ONE 22" carry on & rather large purse. (not for six weeks -but still) I have never traveled so light, but am looking forward to not worrying if my luggage is going to get lost. Also not having the hassle of waiting for the luggage after each flight. I am also looking forward to physically managing my luggage without help. Happy travels
cw,
We're starting in Paris (5 days), then over to Normandy(3) and Brittany(3), the Loire(4), The Dordogne(6), Rome(3), Venice(2), Lauterbrunnen(3), Zell am See(3), Hallstatt(2), Vienna(3) and Prague(4).
Our son and girlfriend will be meeting us for the Rome to Vienna section. This will be at a quicker pace than we usually travel, but it will give them a quick taste and we get to show them some of our favorite places. I'm so excited. I finally found out yesterday that we for sure can afford to go, so I guess I was putting off packing until then!
deedeedee,
I agree with all you say. I'm looking forward to managing the luggage with ease. I will just toss it up on to the overhead racks on the train, it will be so light! I wish. It really feels so freeing already.
Michele
Michele_d, I don't know when a title and a thread has given me such a big smile! I got rid of all of my luggage and need to spend some time checking out a check on size bag as I too no longer want to check luggage except, and this is a BIG except, in that I am older I don't think I can lift a 22 inch into the overhead bin. So although I want a small 22 inch bag I guess I will check it and take the great carryon duffel bag that I have that fits under the airline seat in front of me. My thought was when I find the 22 inch bag that I like to make sure I can return it if necessary, buy it, take it home, pack it and see how that works. The smallest bag I had that I got rid of was a 26 inch and I got tired of hauling that around. Anyway, good for you and thanks for the smile!!!
LoveItaly
Michele_d,
Sounds like a great trip. I just love that you tried packing when you knew you could go.
I'm full of admiration.
I woke up this morning like a little kid on Christmas day, because even though we've been planning the trip with a positive attitude that we would be able to go, we still weren't sure. We (our business) got a contract signed over the weekend that guaranteed we would be able to pay for the trip before we go. Yippee!!
And with my packing done, there's nothing to do but wait...