Packing

Rick and I are going to Europe to eat and drink our way through France and Italy and see the sights.  In preparation, we purchased European sized carry on suitcases.  They are super tiny compared to US luggage. 

From Bonaire it is easiest to fly direct to Amsterdam as there are several daily flights. Schiphol, the main airport in the Netherlands, is one of the busiest airports in Europe and has had the most problems this summer with over crowding. 

We have been reading about he issues at Schiphol in Amsterdam.  Issues include lost luggage, waiting for luggage for 3-4 hours, long lines for check in and security.  They have even cancelled flights and are not booking full flights.  All this has earned them the name "Shithole" which is a play on the pronunciation of Schipol.

We have done several practice packs to assure that we can fit everything into our tiny carry-ons.  I am using the role method and it seems to be a space saver.  We will have laundry service everywhere so we only have to make it a week at a time before we can wash clothes. Mix and match is the key and less shoes.

I think our back packs will be our best friends on this trip.  Its like a second tiny suitcase.  I feel like I am back in college carrying a backpack but it is the most efficient and effective carrier.

This packing method will assure that we can carry on luggage, easily transfer it to trains and cars and make it easier for us to move around.