I didn’t always travel the way I do today. A one week vacation to my parent’s home in Grand Island, NY used to require an overflowing, large suitcase. One week. With my parents. Need I say more?

Four years ago I met my wonderful husband and like any relationship, we’ve learned a lot from one another. Last year when we traveled to Spain, France and Germany, I brought a “normal” backpacker’s bag. The night before we left the States, Greg decided to ditch the “normal” bag for his actual normal bag, the one he carries to and from work and around town every day. I was shocked. I mean, really, really shocked.

Greg’s normal bag worked perfectly. And why shouldn’t it? It’s the bag he knows inside and out because he uses it every day. My bag was big and awkward and I couldn’t make my packing cubes and stuff-sacks fit well.

Greg was on to something and I wanted in. We analyzed what we brought with us on weekend trips and I eventually pared down.

For this trip I ditched the standard backpacker’s bag and after test driving many bags, opted for the Gregory Freia 22.

Here’s what’s inside:

Clothes. I want to look cute, layer to cope with different temperatures and have material that dries quickly. Dryers are not common in Europe.

Toiletries

Travel toothbrush and toothpaste

All in one soap bar that can be used for shampoo as well

Comb

Deodorant

1 Chapstick

Hair tie

A few q-tips

Small synthetic towel

A piece of a laundry bar

Travel contact solution, case and an extra pair of contacts

Eye glasses and case

Tampons (no applicator)

Travel Aveda face lotion

BB lotion and cover up (splurge!)

Medications

Tweezers

Miscellaneous

11" Macbook laptop with a converter so Greg and I could share one charger

iPhone and USB charger

Ear buds

Packing cubes

Small purse/wallet

Nalgene water bottle

Lonely Planet Guide to Turkey

Passport

Driver’s License

Debit/Credit cards and cash

So what wouldn’t I bring with me next time? The bathing suit.