My Travel Gear

Waiting out Hurricane Irene is boring. I figured I would play with my camera and test out uploading blog posts directly from my iPad, just like I will during my trip.




These first few photos are of my luggage. I'm traveling with two pieces of luggage, both intended to be carry-ons for the plane. I REALLY don't want my luggage going to Peru, especially since I'll be moving around so frequently throughout Germany - the luggage would never catch up with me.

I may check a bag on the way back home, especially if I buy too many pairs of lederhosen or too many beer steins.
"Helium Fusion Lite 2.0 25"" Expandable Suiter Upright"

The roller bag is by Delsey - the Helium Fusion Lite 2.0 - and has in-line skate wheels. It has a lightweight fiberglass graphite frame and is covered with ballistic nylon for durability and to resist tears. Its dimensions are 21" long by 8.5" deep (expandable by 2") by 14" wide - meeting carry-on regulations.


I fell in love with the messenger bag / satchel when I saw it in the store. It is fine-grain leather in a rich medium brown. It has two generous clasping outer pockets where I plan to store my electrical chargers and adapters. The inside is fully-lined and has a number of pockets to organize stuff. Also inside is a removable sleeve into which you could put a laptop or a bunch of papers. The reverse of the bag has a slim recessed pocket almost the size of the entire bag - another great place for maps, documents, etcetera. The bag has a sturdy and permanently-attached carry strap that should foil any would-be bag thieves (notice I didn't say man-purse snatchers).

So what's going into these bags? Stuff, of course! I may post another message about clothing, but for now I'll talk accessories. First are toiletries and first aid supplies.




Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, razor, sure. But I've also included tissues, chapstick, Neosporin, bandaids, acetaminophen, earplugs, latex gloves, nailcippers (you can have them in carry-on luggage, I checked) and earplugs. I'll also include ziplock bags of various sizes. Reports indicate that European toilet paper is like fine sandpaper, so I might bring some TP, too, if there's room. I will also add some laundry detergent (I'm going to have to do a least one load by hand while on the road).


I intend to bring technology, which means chargers and adapters. I have a compact 220-240v universal power strip with three sockets, each of which can accept plugs from just about any country. This is particularly useful if the hotel room has only one outlet (which I'm told some do) and you still want the room's desk lamp plugged in while you're also charging your camera battery. To go with the power strip (which is oddly wired with a US plug) I have three plug adapters, though I think I may only bring two of them. Germany and the Netherlands use the same kind of outlets, so no need for two different types. The power strip doesn't transform the voltage to US-standard 110v, but my camera charger and my iPad charger are both dual-voltage rated, so no transformer is needed. Another plus is that my iPad Charger will also charge my iPhone, so no need for a third charger.

Of course I'll also be carrying my travel documents (passport, rail pass, reservation confirmations) and guidebook. One other plus of taking my iPad is that I've already been able to download a bunch of travel information and guides and maps directly to iBooks, most for free!

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