iForgot

I forgot twenty very important things - an unforgivable act - don't do this...

Packing 101

This is all you need - eliminate what isn't on this list - and pack what applies to you and or remains after elimination

"The" Suitcase

I bought my suitcase from Walmart. I paid $59 bucks for it. I then returned less than a week later and got $10 back because it went on sale for $49. Price comping is a beautiful thing. My suitcase is a 24 inch Traveler's Club 360 rolling hybrid. Hybrid (half plastic) or all plastic cases are all the rage. I could have gotten that particular suitcase anywhere be it online, at an outlet, at Ross - because Traveler's Club is America's cheap yet mass produced suitcase company. Sadly, it ain't American Tourister but it will do. It did do and still does. I originally saw the case in a 20 inch. When I returned to get that one all I found was a 24 inch. There is also a 26 inch and an online exclusive set with all three. I chose this case because it wasn't anything fancy and happened to be the lightest thing I found. I looked. Yes, this suitcase was my first choice but I never stopped looking even up to days before I left for Europe. Why? Because the suitcase is the most important purchase after your home, car and computer. It can totally make or break you. If you don't have one you probably can't get up an go. If your suitcase sucks it may fall apart during your trip. If your suitcase is heavy it can burden you during your trip. If your suitcase is awesome it will fade into the background during your trip. My suitcase was the most reliable thing I had. Even more reliable than human beings and paper money.

Image and Such: Shopping For Travel is a Don't

Early in planning this trip, before I'd even signed on - I'd dreamed of a specific image. Think "Jewel of the Nile" - I saw myself in exquisite playsuits, large emeralds, chic flats and huge designer sun hats. Of course, I had no budget for this travel only wardrobe. I just assumed that with my decision to go I'd need to amass a new look. My friend and I had a lot of discussion involving image and perception as an American in Paris. I personally never saw myself in Paris beyond a few days. There are so many weird and transient crime doers frequenting the city looking for sore thumbs. The friend and I don't look very cookie cutter - however our clothing, phones, bags may have read "dumb American". So the need to shop became a dire way to avoid that.