Practice Packing Lite

Our trip last week enabled us to try out our packing lite theory for our Europe trip this summer. I brought enough for five days. I used my new carry on luggage size, though too large for an Aer Lingus flight.

I brought too many toiletries. I didn't use half of the lotions/sprays/whatnot I brought. I didn't use the straightener once, opting for my hair up the entire time. While I didn't wear makeup the whole week, as I thought would happen, I still can't bring myself to leave it all home. I've learned to pair it down a bit.

I didn't need too many pairs of socks because I wear sandals most of the trip. I did run out of books by Thursday so three was not enough for a week. I only brought my point and shoot camera, and am wondering if I should either leave lenses at home along with the flash, or try and make it through Europe with only the point and shoot.

Victoria did fine as well. She listened to her IPOD and used her touch a lot. My smart phone did a lot of work for me that I might ordinarily use a laptop for: it was able to get addresses to area attractions, directions, and movie times. I didn't listen to music at all, and I'm wondering if perhaps next trip I'll just bring along the dual plug for Victoria's IPOD. It doesn't seem worth it to bring my Zune when I don't use it.

I think we'll be able to manage two weeks in Europe with carry on sized luggage with a small back pack or tote as well.

Review of Barclay Towers, a timeshare in Virginia Beach

I traded my crappy timeshare for April vacation at the Barclay Towers in Virginia Beach. The timeshare units are all one bedroom and feature a boardwalk/beach view. This means the set up is pretty unique. When you enter the door, the queen size bed is immediately in front of you, set up as a small bedroom unit with a good size closet. Walking down the narrow hallway, you pass the good sized bathroom into the living room with sliding doors out to the balcony overlooking the beach. The kitchen is small, with a full sized refrig, mini dishwasher and small stove and microwave. The units were all in working order and there were plenty of pots and pans.

The furniture was in good condition. Cable television was limited but included 3 HBO channels. The coach opened to a sofa bed, but we never used it. I didn't find the couch very comfortable to sit on but the chair was ok.

The carpets and flooring all appeared to be in near new condition. The air conditioning unit was very loud. I mean very loud. The position of the bedroom, near the door to the hallway, could be a problem if people out there are noisy. We had one morning of some loud folks leaving at 5am, and I welcomed the air conditioning unit kicking on at the right time to drown them out.

The people at the front desk appeared bored and didn't perk up when I asked questions on the first day such as, "where can we grab some milk". The property is sold out for timeshare buyers but do rent out hotel suites to other guests. Continental breakfast was available to hotel guests and timeshare guests were given breakfast on Monday at 9am along with a little presentation on the area happenings. When we checked in, we were given a packet which included area attractions along with direction on how to get there. The check in/check out procedure was clear, and we received instructions two weeks before we were scheduled to arrive.

It was great to see the sunrise each morning from the balcony or, if too chilly, from the living room. It was a great spot to people watch too, as there are all sorts of interesting characters roller blading, biking, walking, running and kite flying right outside of the unit. We were given the second floor, probably not the most desirable floor, but we liked it because we could easily bypass the two elevators easy enough. We had great weather last week, and all days except one were warm enough to lay out on the beach.

The indoor pool was adequate and in good shape. There were plenty of staff to keep up with towels, sweeping and keeping the general areas clean. This is where we found the friendliest staff members. We received trash removal service and fresh towels daily. We received maid service twice during the week which included refreshing the bath & body works toiletries and a vacuum/dust/clean. Typically these services do not come with timeshare stays unless you pay extra.

The location is near 9th Street, right on Atlantic Avenue. Parking is limited in front of the unit, but there is a parking garage right across the street. After the weekend folks cleared out, we had no difficulties finding a spot out front of the building. Plenty of places to eat and snack lined Atlantic Avenue. Lots of little shops and such were all a walk away. Vendors were all over renting family bikes, single bikes, roller blades and such.

This is one of my favorite drive-to vacations we've had, in the six years or so we've been trading for spring breaks. I would definitely return to Virginia Beach, and definitely would stay at this timeshare spot again.

Packing Lite

I'd like to try and pack only one carry on for our Europe trip. I can't imagine taking trains all over Italy and having to take a large suitcase. Who is going to care if I wear the same 4 outfits for two weeks? I'll wash them, promise!

Yet each time I mention wanting to take as little luggage as possible, people seem shocked. My only real concern is taking back treasures we find in Italy. I thought maybe I'd bring a fold up tote bag (Rick Steve's of course) and sending that through luggage to be able to carry on the treasures.

I'd really like to try it!