Planning: 5 weeks in Southern Europe June/July
Hi all,
I'm (36F) traveling to southern Europe (from US) in second half of June and first half of July. I'm a teacher, so I'm pretty beholden to the hot weather months for any long trips. I'm doing Istanbul, Athens, Pompeii, Rome, Bologna, Venice, Ljubljana, then a road trips in Croatia.
I've done other 5 week, one-ish bag trips before to Europe, but it was before Covid, and a I could handle hostel beds a little better. Now I'm spending a little more money and mostly doing Airbnbs or affordable motel/hotels along the way. I've prioritized booking places that at least appear to have A/C in my room.
This will mostly be city-walking, museums, food, history, beaches, walking, tours, trains, etc. I love hiking, but it's not a big factor in this trip.
The bag: 40L Osprey Backpack and medium crossbody bag.
Factors:
- Plan on buying in Istanbul: a lightweight linen-y scarf to use to cover my shoulders in Italy/Greece. Also a hat? Maybe should be a hat first? In general I'm not a hat girl; I just slather on sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Trying to figure out how to bring a travel-size CPAP machine, but my sleep apnea is mild enough that I could live without for 5 weeks if needed.
- I'm a US size 14, so clothes don't always pack down easily. Also short, so finding replacements of things are sometimes tricky.
- I have difficult feet, so the Hoka's and Vivaia's were chosen after a LOT of trial and error.
- Also bras are not super easy to pick up for me on the fly due to cup/band size.
- I'll be doing sink wash and occasional laundry at the Airbnbs/apartments.
- I've been strength training for the past two years and I'm pretty comfortable with the backpack aspect, but I'm also older than I was before, so I kind of keep going back and forth on taking the backpack or a carryon roller.
- I'm a little nervous about the white clothing, but it's going to be hot and I'm going to try to be good about Tide to Go Sticks.
Questions
Do you see any big red flags? Am I missing something obvious? Too much of something? Any tips for those locations are much appreciated!
Image #1 Description:
Pictures of all clothing: Midi Dress (Linen-blend), Short Dress (Linen-blend), Long Sleeve Button Up (Linen), 2 Tank tops (Linen), 1 White Top (Cotton), 1 Nightgown (Bamboo/viscose), Khaki Pants slightly cropped (Linen), Navy Midi Skirt (Linen), Bike Shorts (under dresses or on their own), 1 Bikini (Panache), 1 Compression Socks, 5 Underwear, 4 Socks, 1 Sports Bra, 2 Regular Bras, 2 Cooling Anti-Chafe shorts, 1 Sneakers (Hoka), 1 Sandals (Vivaia)
Image #2 Description:
Pictures of items along with lists of additional items being packed: iPad, Kindle, Battery pack (with built in cords), 2 adapters/chargers, 1 Apple watch + charger, Mini flat iron, Mini white noise machine, Sunglasses, Hand Fan, Safety Whistle, Shampoo, Conditioner, Face Wash, Moisturizer, Deodorant, Toothpaste Tablets, Toothbrush, Hair comb, Lip balm, Minoxidil, Sunscreen, Mascara, Blush/Lipstick stick ,Prescription Meds, Basic Meds (ibuprofen, pepto bismol, allergies, sore throat), Pimple Patches, Blister Patches, Landry sheets, Clothesline, Eye Mask, Massage (Lacrosse) Ball, Inflatable neck pillow, Tide to Go Stick, 3-4 Compression Packing Cubes, 1 Toiletry Bag, 1 Liquids Bag, 1 Foldable Bag, 1 Crossbody purse, Possible: Mini Cpap Machine