The Ultimate Day Pack

I have discovered the secrets to the perfect day pack: Support, Size, and Stow-ability.

Enjoy this terrible mirror selfie (at least there is a world map in the background!)

Support - Get a pack that has a frame with hip and chest support straps. I can't emphasize this enough! For my job I have to carry quite a heavy load of things. I made the mistake in past trips of not investing in a "backpacking backpack." Instead I opted for a cute little leather backpack. While the backpack did mostly hold up, it ended up ripping slightly from the weight AND my shoulders ached horribly.

This trip I invested in a sturdy backpack and it worked like a charm. If at any point my hips got sore, I would unhook my waist latch and let more weight rest on my shoulders and visa versa.

On top of the Blankenberg Castle in Germany

Size - Figure out exactly what you need to carry, then add enough room for a jacket and hat (good rule of thumb even if you are traveling in a warmer climate! It is always good to have a little extra room). In my case I have to carry things like a med kit, iPad, camera among other documents and binders for work. As a result I prefer a larger bag. Now my pack is actually one that was on clearance so I'm not sure of the model (you won't be able to find it at any rate) but I knew it would be too big to count as my "purse-like item" for the plane. 

Stow-ability - I solved this problem by simply packing my day pack inside of my big pack for airplane trips. I unloaded some of the bulkier items into a small sling bag to stow under the seat in front of me on the plane. It was the perfect solution! I could have my big day pack for the duration of the trip but I could still carry all my luggage on the plane and thus avoid checking a bag.

Those tips are what worked for me! If you are traveling with a small enough pack, you will be able to just stow it underneath the seat in front of you for those pesky plane rides.

All the best,

Malena

Last Days in London 4/30-5/1

 4/29

Today we set out to accomplish as much as possible in London. We started out the day by going to Buckingham palace for the. Changing of the guards. It was really neat but very hard to see what was happening because it was so crowded!

Next stop, Harrods! We wandered around and it was HUGE! We had a great time exploring all the departments and I picked up a few things for my nieces. Afterwards we decided to check out the local shops: boots, super drug and Primark. I picked up a sleek blush that you can't get in the US. 

Next we hopped on a bus (did I mention the tube strike was going on so we had to walk or ride buses a lot?!) and made it just in time to go up in the London Eye. It was twilight and just beautiful. Once we got down we walked along the bridge and saw Big Ben by moonlight. 

Then it was time to call it a night. We made our way back to our hostel (did I mention the stop by the hostel was closed because of the strike? Ugh!) 

Malena

4/30

Today was another busy day so we got an early start. We headed out to see the other attractions I had bought tickets for: The Globe Theater and the London Tower. I absolutely loved both of them! Jonas stayed behind for the Globe tour because he had just been there last year so we met up at Starbucks afterwards and grabbed some lunch. We had a great time exploring The London Tower in the afternoon. We saw all the big ticket items like the Crown Jewels and the Wall Walk. We even caught a mini performance by a marching band while we were up on the wall! So cool!

After buying a postcard on the way out e were able to use the tube to get at least much closer to the hostel. It was time to pack up to get ready to go home. 

We rounded out the night by getting some pizza. It was supposed to be while we watches the Chelsea game, but seriously what sports bar doesn't have the channel that shows the game? Fail. The booths were really cool though because they were set into the wall away from the crowds. The whole bar was Shakespeare themed which was pretty neat. However, the waiter wasn't super friendly so we decided to stop at a different pub on the way home for one final beer (ok diet coke) in an English pub. 

Now I am headed home! I walked to the (now running) tube station by the hostel to make my way to the airport. It was raining and my umbrella was packed so I was mighty glad that the nearby station was running today! 

Security was a bit of a hassle (apparently you have to use their ziplock bags for liquids, not just any bag- even if they are the same size).  But overall I had no problems getting on my flight! Only something like 4 more hours until I get picked up at the airport! 

I had a great time and can't wait to travel even more this year :)

Malena