First Preparations for the Trip

First day of Christmas break and I can finally let myself get excited about this trip. All semester, it's been my light at the end of the tunnel. I'm pretty sure I told myself "it's okay, you'll be in Italy next semester" every hour on the hour during finals week.

Thanks to the ice storm, I took an extended over night at my aunt's on the drive home from school. I initially was really annoyed that I couldn't get home so soon, but it turned out to be a really good thing. First, the roads were pretty icy this morning and it was a good thing that I was forced to stay off the roads. Second of all, I got to sleep in and relax. I can't tell you the last time that happened. I sat in front of the fire place with a cup of tea and worked on trip plans all day.

First thing on the agenda was finding luggage/bags for the trip. I am planning on taking a backpacking backpack as my main luggage (I'm terrified but determined to do it. I will defy my estrogen levels and learn to pack light!), but I really need to try those on for size/fit before I make that purchase. So instead, I picked out and purchased my purse/day bag that I will be taking with me.

I know it's a bit overboard, but I wanted something with security. Anti-theft purses are a little more pricey, but I felt it would be a nice piece of mind. Requirements for the purse: must be able to fit my necessities (camera, ipod, moneys/documents, phrase book, map, etc) for most outings, but must also be able to accommodate the netbook computer I am

also taking with me (though not simultaneously). Also, it must have a strap long enough to wear across my shoulder, a waterbottle holder

/umbrella holder is a great bonus, and I wanted it in a neutral color. After spending lots of time reading customer reviews, I decided on the PacSafe MetroSafe 200 Shoulder Bag. It has steel cables in the strap to prevent slashing and has special zippers that clasp sh

ut for additional protection. Again, I know I'm a spazz but I'd rather have the piece of mind.

Second purchase was a travel towel. I know we'll be staying in hotels during the Furman portion of the trip that will provide towels, but I wanted to make sure I had something for my travels afterwards. Also it will be helpful in drying out some of my laundry a little more.

I went with the Rick Steve's 50" travel towel. Hopefully it will be worth it.....I'll let you know once I'm on the trip if it was a good purchase or not.

I also started making a packing list for myself....if I'm going to take only a backpack, I'm going to have to stick to a list and not take any random stuff.

Happy Holidays and Ciao!