capsule wardrobe – Retirementally Challenged

When my husband and I made the decision to travel to Europe this spring, we wanted to be away for at least two months. The price for our plane tickets and time spent in the air would be the same whether we traveled for days, weeks, or months, so why not stay longer and see more? Two of the countries we were visiting were new to us so there was a lot we wanted to see.

In planning our trip, it took us a while to settle on the exact dates and travel itinerary. What wasn’t up for debate was our decision to take only carry-on sized luggage. Since we would be traveling primarily by train, wrestling with large baggage between each stop was not appealing at all.

We knew it could be done and there were tons of blogs and videos with tips and tricks that made it sound easy.

“Pack clothes that can be mixed and matched.”

“Loosen up your definition of match.”

“Bring only essential items.”

“That third pair of pants? Not essential.”

“Make up? Not essential.”

“The key is to tightly roll your clothes.”

“No, the secret is to use packing cubes.”

We took bits of wisdom from multiple sources and managed to fit everything we thought we’d need into two 22”x 14”x 9” carry-ons and two backpacks. We knew that we wouldn’t be making any fashion statements with our clothes—except maybe: “You’re wearing that again?”—but that was ok.

Our travels took us to Spain, Portugal, and France (about three weeks in each country). We saw amazing sights, met interesting people, ate delicious food, and had experiences we will remember forever. We will also remember that we really can do fine with a minimal amount of clothes, as long as we have opportunities to do laundry and the time to let it dry.

Mr. and Ms. Hillbilly classing things up.

As we watched other travelers struggle with their large suitcases, we knew we made the right decision. Yes, we might have liked to have more wardrobe choices—pictures of each other taken over the nine weeks look strangely similar—but what we brought worked just fine. Small and easily carried was the way to go.

First up, Spain.

When I travel – especially when it involves airplanes – I try to pack as light as possible. Over the last couple of years, I have slowly put together a travel capsule wardrobe that makes packing easier and gives me a number of mix-and-match outfit choices. My capsule is primarily made up of three colors that work well together and integrate with my clothing at home (most of these clothes are part of my everyday wardrobe, not ones that I only wear when I travel). My chosen travel colors are navy, gray, and purple/raspberry. Others might choose black, white, and red (or some other accent color). Pinterest and certain fashion blogs are a great resource for more information.

One thing I don’t usually carry when I travel is a big purse. I much prefer a small cross-body bag for my cash, a small notebook, and (minimal) personal items. I also carry a smaller cross-body pouch for my iPhone (which I like to keep handy for picture-taking).

Because these “accoutrements” – the two smaller bags in place of one larger purse (plus, whatever else I might have, like a map or my DSLR) – are not what I’m used to carrying, I have to be careful not to misplace anything along the way. After eating a meal in a restaurant or attending an event, I try to be extra-deliberate about gathering everything up before I leave.

I call this mental sweeping process I go through to assure I have everything: “Spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch.”

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this saying, here’s the background (hopefully no one is offended):

A priest and a rabbi are on a plane, when the captain makes an announcement: “We are experiencing engine trouble and have to make an emergency landing. This could be rough.” As they are landing, the turbulence is terrible and the priest notices the rabbi making the sign of the cross.

Fortunately, the plane lands safely and, as they are disembarking, the priest says to the rabbi, “so, when the chips are down, you acknowledge Jesus?” The rabbi looks confused, so the priest says that he saw him making the sign of the cross. “Oh that,” says the rabbi, “I’m just checking my inventory: spectacles, testicles, wallet, and watch.”

Apparently, the line is also found in at least two movies: Nuns on the Run and an Austin Powers film.

Although not anatomically correct for me (nor do I carry a watch), this little ditty runs through my head as I check to make sure I don’t leave any of my items behind.

So far, it has worked every time and has helped to remind me more than once to grab my sunglasses before leaving.

Whatever works.

Tag: capsule wardrobe

9 Weeks, 3 Countries, 2 Carry-Ons

Spectacles, testi…