Greetings! From Erica the Packer

Packing:

And lift! My luggage was going to tip me over before I can even set it onto the scale. 

And lift...don't fall back, Erica! I could hear my back crack and felt my arm muscles grow weak. And finally, plop went my luggage right onto the scale. I collapsed upon it but quickly moved off so the scale can do its work.

...

And then I saw it: 

55 pounds

My luggage was 5 pounds overweight. I didn't know whether I was ready to burst into tears or just chuckle at this ridiculous situation I landed myself in. I was definitely panicking. It was only a day before I was leaving for Baltimore-Washington International, and I really didn't know what to do. I was stuck between the idea of leaving all my pants behind and the idea of leaving all my jackets behind. Unfortunately, I ended up leaving the majority of my jackets behind, deeming my pants and the scrapbook material I have yet to touch much more important than my many shields against the freezing German weather. 

If you are here looking for an expert guide teaching you how to pack, you have come to the wrong person. I am more than a beginner. My packing skills consisted of stuffing my entire closet into a large suitcase and using the system of "picking a number out of a hat" to decide which clothes won't make the cut and which will. 

Now, you're thinking, "Erica, you are most definitely exaggerating." My only reply would be, "My parents did most of my packing work in the end." How we all managed to forget to bring extra jackets is beyond me. 

However, as the now "expert traveller," I do have some tips for packing:

Tip 1: Start early. 

While I did end up procrastinating until the very last day, I was glad I sorted through my entire closet a month before I started my packing. This way you can know what you do need and what you don't need. 

Tip 2: Don't be afraid to spend a little money. 

Especially if you are going to Europe, you can go shopping when you're in Europe. It's no problem to bring just clothes that meet the necessities. Save your luggage space to fill up with exotic European goods that catch your interest during the year. 

Tip 3: Don't ship things over. 

Really, if you need something just buy it in Europe. Part of traveling is experiencing the different culture of the country you travel to. That includes buying local products that you can't buy at home. Plus, shipping is much too expensive!

Pack on :D

Erica the Argonaut