Step 2: Complete Planning the Trip & Packing
Several people have asked us what we are taking on the trip – well, we are not taking much! To keep us from lugging around lots of weight (and minimize baggage fees!), we are only bringing a backpack and carry on. Our goal was to take no more than 15 total kgs each (~33 lbs). Even this small amount of luggage will require some carry on fees along the way! To keep overall weight down we picked these two bags – let’s hope they hold up 🙂
Our main luggage bag is a Rick Steves bag that is one of the lightest on the market (he is the guy on PBS that goes all over Europe). The bag is a little under three pounds and can be carried, put over the shoulder, or even worn as a backpack. Reducing the weight of the bag itself really helps us stay under 15 kg.
For our backpack we picked a Pacsafe bag we found at REI’s annual sale. The bag has several security features like slash resistance and zippers that latch into loops to slow down pick pockets!
Here is a pict of our entire luggage set – this is it for 87 days!
To further reduce weight we both bought lots of light weight, breathable clothing items. Ryan found some nice Lacoste and Nike shirts that can be washed and air dry in about 2 hours. I found some great Patagonia clothing that converts between form (skirts can become dresses, etc.) that are also washable. We will have to do laundry along the way for sure! We also found that compression bags were critical to compacting our clothes into small areas.
Step 3: Finish Work
We both had very nice last days of work. Several members of Ryan’s team got him a giant card and my group took me out to lunch today. Ryan’s work group had its annual offsite and volunteered at Matthew 25 ministries in Blue Ash sorting products that are sent all over the US/world. It was a fitting way to end as Matthew 25’s work helps some of the same people we will be working with during our Bolivia mission trip in October.
My workgroup made my last day very special as well! My manager got salty carmel cupcakes from The Bon Bonerie that I love, and we had a great lunch out. They also gave me a signed caricature and frame which was really nice. Wow – I work with the best group!!
To finalize our last work day for three months, both of us closed out our remaining projects and got the email inboxes both to 0. Woohoo! 🙂
Time to Go!
We ate all the food (literally!) in our refrigerator for dinner so it is time to go!
Our flight leaves around noon on Saturday!! We hope to update the blog every few days with info and pictures from our stops.
Feel free to leave comments and questions along the way!
Ryan & Emily - The Globetrotters 
Have a great trip. We will be praying for you. Love the blog!
Lance
Thanks, Lance! We hope that you have a great trip this fall!
Bon voyage!
God bless you!!! And may God go with you! You will certainly be remembered in our prayers. Love, Aunt Linda and Uncle Chuck
`Safe Travels! We’ll be watching you! We will be on a trip to the East which will include Hut to Hut hiking along the Presidential Range in NH. No Blog though…wireless coverage is not so good there! We are all hoping that Rebecca’s 58 year old knees hold out.
Paul and Rebecca
Paul – That sounds like an awesome trip! Have a great time!!
Best comment is WOW!!!!!
You both are truly amazing….my other comment….God go with you, keep you safe and store many memories….
Ralph
Sent from my iPad
Thanks, Ralph! Hope you enjoy following the blog 🙂
Hope you have a great time!
Bon Voyoage! We will keep you in our prayers. Cannot wait to read your updates!
Have a great trip! You are right about packing light. We have been to Europe twice and were amazed how light people travel and they wear their clothes a lot of times before washing. When we had a German exchange student she was amazed at how much we take on trips here in the U.S. Chuck wanted to know where you packed your shovel for digging wells in Bolivia?! Have fun and be safe! Linda Watson
Actually our teammates are being super nice and allowed us to ship basic supplies to them for the trip and they will transport stuff for us so we don’t have to haul it for 70 days! Luckily we don’t have to bring shovels 🙂
Have fun…so excited for you guys! Also…thanks for the name of the bakery…looks yummy 🙂
You’re on your way!! Love and prayers for you both on your trip. May God bless you. Aunt Mary Alice
How about shoes? Those are the ones that take the most space. How many pairs are you taking?
3… After debate 😉 Ryan thought 2 was plenty. I have black sandals, black flats, and running shoes (trail runners that will suffice for hiking). Ryan has only 2 pairs. 🙂