So, this past Friday was my last day in the office before setting off on this epic adventure.  I spent the better part of that afternoon tidying up my desk and handing off my files to my colleagues…and then once I was done, I said goodbye to my colleagues and heading home to finish packing.

That is when reality began to set in…not that I will be traveling for 3 months with my bestie, but that we will both be carrying nothing but one piece of carry on each.  That’s right.  One. Piece. Of. Carry-on.  I had initially set aside a number of clothing items to take with me, various accessories, several pairs of shoes, books, kobo – basically the usual travel suspects.  However, when I attempted to fit everything in my bag, I soon realized that most of these items would have to be left behind.

Now, let’s be clear, there’s nothing wrong with the bag.  It is awesome and I did a ton of research before purchasing it, and I’m quite happy with it.  I chose the Gregory Compass 40 and purchased it at MEC.

http://www.mec.ca/product/5035-883/gregory-compass-40-travel-pack-unisex/

It’s a 40L backpack, sized to meet most carry-on regulations.  The bag has a side opening and opens like a normal suitcase allowing for easy access – no digging through your bag searching for ‘that one pair of shorts’ in a standard top fill backpacks it also features an external compartment for tablets/laptops, an interior zippered organizer pocket, and a very roomy bottom compartment for shoes.  Even with all of this, I did realize that this challenge would require a great deal of discipline on my part, that sacrifices would have to be made.  I’ve made them.

After 4 bloody tries at fitting the things I actually NEED into the backpack, I’m proud to say that my bag is finally packed…yes, it’s bursting at the seams, but everything I need is there.

For a 3 month trip, I’ve packed, a raincoat, a light jacket, a short cardigan, 2 long sleeve tops, 1 pair of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 7 tees/tanks, 1 bathing suit, 1 bathing suit cover-up, 2 pairs of sandals, one pair of sneakers, one belt, underwear and socks.  I’m also bringing along a camera, a chromebook, sunglasses, sunhat, sunglasses, reading glasses, makeup and toiletteries.  I’m actually amazed that everything fit!

You may be wondering why we anyone in their right mind would go away for 3 months and only bring one carry-on bag?  Several reasons really – no baggage fees, no waiting at the luggage carousel for our bags, or waiting for a bag that may have been lost in transit.    We’re traveling to 11 different countries, that’s several flights and a lot of checked bag fees and potential for a lost bag.  Also, we wanted to challenge ourselves, and make do with less.

We will see how it goes, and I’ll be sure to report in throughout our trip to let you know how we’re making out with our small bags and limited wardrobe.  Something tells me that while we’re exploring Europe, the number of t-shirts we’ve packed will be the furthest thing from our minds.