Fourteen days ’til take off.

We bees have begun packing. We have two weeks! Brother Bee and I are getting very excited. However, it’s always very nerve racking trying to pack for a trip in spring, to a place you’ve never been. What do I take? Will I need 6 sweaters (probably not)? Will I need 5 pairs of shoes (probably?!?)? And though all of these questions are incredibly relative to the situation…the most important question I still have to answer is:

Will I be a traveler or a tourist? Yes, there is a difference. Tourists are the people that walk around, looking uncomfortable in clothes they call “vacation clothes,” meanwhile blinding everyone by their obnoxious hibiscus flowers. More over, they are trying to balance their umbrella, map, guidebook, camera and god knows what else in their two sweaty palms. BUT, regardless of all of this, the number one, numero uno, way to spot a TOURIST is their luggage. These folks insisted on taking the train to see fun and backpacky, but they have the LARGEST, HEAVIEST piece of luggage you have ever seen in your life! No, I definitely don’t want to be a tourist. However, I do need to spend more time thinking about this. A savy traveler takes only what they know they will need; only the essentials. So, what is an essential? I already have a huge suitcase…not a backpack. But brother bee and I are going to pack together. To answer the essential question, i went to the world travel gurus~Lonely Planet. Who knows better travel than them and Rick Steves? No one. However, this is what I found: The Ultimate Travel Checklist. Wowza, I had no idea that traveling light meant THAT. Have a look for yourself and then see what you think.

I better get packing.