One Backpack and Four Months to Live?!

One Backpack and Four Months to Live?!

By Tyne McConnon

As someone who is not prepared to be have anything to do with the term “fashion victim” and at times has definitely slaved to a trend, contemplating four months of outfits from a suitcase weighing under 20kg was daunting to say the least. Questions like, “what will be the must have for euro summer 11?”, “which ONE handbag should I take?”, “are flats or heels big this summer?” or possibly the most fundamental, “what underwear will I need this season [the black bra is still big in Aus but have the Europeans moved on?!]?”

So after the Kathmandu (a brand I have now learnt to love not loathe) backpack was purchased, the amount of clothing I had to restrict myself to started to set in... I knew it was mostly going to be hot, I knew there was a lot of walking involved, but I couldn't get my mind around how to fit, or at least ration, my wardrobe (the size of which will remain unknown) into 20kg for approximately 122 days!

Here are some of the lessons I've learnt, the things I would change and the things that I can't wait to bring back for our summer ahead!

Do Take Boots

This is an item I have praised myself for bringing nearly every day! I went against the opinion of many and brought my flat pair of ankle boots. They are the best item to have when weather drops to 20˚C or below. They not only dress up jeans, a skirt or funk up a dress, they happen to be the biggest trend this summer in Spain and Italy and are worn with shorts, even in plus 30˚C heat! Not to mention, the way our weather in Australia is around this time of year, you’ll definitely need them for the plane ride over and back!

Scarves: A Girls Best Friend

An absolute must have! It almost goes without saying, but do take two – a black and a neutral colour (light coffee, wheat, light grey, etc) to be able to wear with whites and brights! I lived wrapped in both of mine in France! They make any outfit 20 per cent more chic and coordinated. They are also the best thing to lay over knees or under heads on planes/buses/trains and obviously around necks for that extra warmth in air conditioning!

Take More Than JUST Denim Shorts

How to tell a stereotypical back packer? Denim shorts! Don't get me wrong, I have a pair and wouldn't travel without them, but they have their place! They are great for the beach, walking, running to the shop, chilling at your hostel, but every time you go out? NO! Some places deserve a little more respect than this! The Eiffel tower, Champs Elysées, Notre Dame, Regent Street, Trevi Fountain, just to name a few! Pop on something other than your Havianna's and put in a bit of effort – even if it's in the bottom of your backpack – find it! Remember, you will have these photos forever!

Take One Pair of Heels

Do take one pair of heels! Put away those thongs, they don’t belong in bars or clubs! Take one pair, I'm not saying take five! Take one pair that goes with everything – a black dress, a brightly colored skirt, or even white pants! For me, it was easy – a muted gold pair of stilettos. For others maybe a neutral toned pair of wedges or your classic black pumps. The amount of times I've heard people wish they had brought theirs is unbelievable! Europe is full of very well dressed people and some of the most amazing bars and clubs in the world – you want to feel good and look the part! Mine are worth every inch and gram they take up in my backpack.

Love Everything You Take

Make sure you love every “dressy” item you take, because you wear and wear and wear them. Make sure every piece has the versatility to be dressed down or up – bars by the beach during the day and places like San Sebastian don't call for heels at all.

Only Need So Many Oversized Tees

Yes, I got stuck on a trend. Or maybe it was more of a lifestyle? A couch related trend as I was saving and studying before I got to Europe! It was the oversized tee trend. Look, it has its place – it covers a tummy full of nutella covered ice-cream while watching Dancing with the Stars, but you really don't need eight of them in Europe! How often do you think you will really be chilling comfortably in a hostel with too much food? Yes, I learnt the hard way, it doesn't really happen! I think I've worn one of mine on a bus and that's about it! Unlike me, remember they have washing machines here so you can wash your one and only favourite!

Bring Pyjamas You Are Comfortable Wearing in Front of Strangers

Make sure you’re happy to walk the hall between your bed and the bathroom in the PJs you bring. Another tip, make sure they aren’t too revealing in case you encounter any sleep-watchers. Yes, it's totally creepy, but it's true! There are sleep-watchers out there and hostels are the perfect place for them to reside! Also make sure they aren't too hot so you won’t run the risk of unconsciously stripping them off in the night! Probably my best buy in relation to this is a silk sleeping bag – it allows you to be completely covered from prying eyes!

In conclusion:

-          Take only things you feel good in! Nothing better than being complimented while walking down the street in another language (Aussie tradie wolf whistles really don't compare!)

-          Don't take too much of any one trend (this includes underwear)

-          Take a selection that goes with all styles of dresses/tops

-           Remember you can wash anything you take!

Until my next European update!

Ciao bella's xxxx